Testimonials, Comments, and Endorsements for Training With Dave and His Fitness Information!
All my life I have been overweight. Over the years I steadily put on more and more pounds by eating all the wrong things and moving very little. I felt pretty good so I didn’t think too much about changing anything. Then about three years ago, when I reached my all time top weight, I started having serious health issues with high blood pressure, cholesterol problems and diabetes. And, I started having dizziness, joint pain, shortness of breath, etc. I knew I had to do something but I was too shy to go to a gym or work with a trainer. I tried a few diets and lost a few pounds but would always gain them back and feel worse. Then a friend recommended I talk to Dave... and that’s when my life changed. He kindly and gently taught me that food choices, rest and exercise ALL play an important part in successfully improving your health. He patiently worked with me as I started exercising.. always taking into consideration my limitations. After a short time, I started feeling better, moving better and my health problems steadily improved until I was able to reduce or eliminate many of my medications. Instead of dreading going to the gym, I started looking forward to it because I knew I would feel so much better all day if I went. I lost over 60 pounds and have kept if off for over two years, thanks to Dave. He became more than a trainer, he became a friend, who I felt, truly cared about my health and he inspired me to WANT to do better.
I am still not thin... and I probably never will be, but I am healthier and feel better than I have in a long time. With Dave’s help I was able to make many important lifestyle changes that have now become easy habits. I don’t know what would have happened if I had not met Dave... it is quite likely I would have had a heart attack or stroke by now. I will always be thankful for having found him.
- K.C. - Age 55 Danville, VA
Since I have been training with Dave for a little over four months now, I have garnered many benefits. I have lost twenty pounds, can wear one to two sizes smaller depending on the style, can ride for many hours in the car without feeling stiff, feel more energy when doing housework, and can run up and down stairs without feeling breathless. My overall health has improved simply by committing to three sessions per week at the gym and by making appropriate food choices.
- Susan Regan, 63 (Train With Dave Danville & Bootcamp Client)
South Boston Fitness has been a life changing experience for me! For many years I have wanted to get in shape. I have tried different diets and just a walking plan. I never really felt a lot better. I am approaching the big "50" and I really had the desire to find the perfect trainer and get in shape. I saw the ad in the Gazette Virginian and decided to just give it a try. Well, I can't say enough great things about Dave, South Boston Fitness and the new friends I have met through my three (3) month journey. I have much more energy (I am not falling asleep at 7:30 p.m.), my clothes fit much better, my self esteem has improved and most of all I have a much better attitude. I would like to encourage anyone to try South Boston Fitness. The small group atmosphere is wonderful. Dave works with each one of us at our own levels of fitness.
I can truly say that I look forward to going two or three times a week. I have a 30 minute drive one way at 5:30 a.m. Because of the difference it has made in my life, I have made this commitment.
- S.F. (South Boston Fitness Client)
I can't say enough about Dave and his team of trainers at South Boston Fitness. The "feel good" results from the strength training sessions are immediate. For years I have dealt with chronic back pain. I was so tired of the doctors and shots they would give me, pills and Bengay patches and chiropractic visits. WOW..who knew that strengthening my back muscles would literally cure my back pain. It's wonderful to get up in the mornings without pain and no more trying to find a comfortable position for my back when I go to bed at night or just sit down. Working out for me has been a cure all not just physically but emotionally as well. The endorphines released after a workout are far better than any little pill a doctor can give you for depression. I know so many women in their 40's who are on medication for depression. THROW THEM AWAY and get to the gym. What I love the most about South Boston Fitness is that I feel 100% comfortable with the small group sessions. It's not like an aerobics class where you are thrown in with a bunch of people who have been working out for ages and you are expected to keep up. Dave and his team will structure a workout that is suitable for you where you are right now, whether you have worked out on the past or never stepped foot in a gym. Everybody there is there for the same reason I am, to stay healthy and feel better about themselves. When I work out I want to eat healthy, it all works hand in hand with each other. I understand so much the fear of getting started, I used to be there. The fear of failure, the attitude I had that there was no hope for me. Anybody, I mean anybody regardless of age or size can get in shape. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired and refused to live another day like that. Life is just too short. Thank you Dave for all that you have done for me to help me stay on track with my weight and my overall health!
Debbie Palmer Owner/Broker/Palmer Properties of VA
Debbie Palmer, Owner and licensed Broker in the State of Virginia
PALMER PROPERTIES OF VA LLC
The Cordura Security Building
554 N Main St
South Boston, VA 24592
434-575-2417
fax 434-575-2416
www.palmerpropertiesofva.com
Since training with Dave I feel so much better, I am stronger, leaner, and my clothes fit better. I have fibromyalgia, and that is under control with regular exercise. I have started wearing shorts again for the first time in many years. My eating habits are better (except for Christmas cookies!!)
- Dell Hawkins (Train With Dave Danville, Virginia Client)
Hi Dave,
You have helped improve my balance, strength and mobility. As you know, I am 82 years old, and am left with just one lung because of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis surgery six years ago. I am now able to engage in all normal activities of a man my age, thanks in part to my regular training with you.
Thanks again. All best wishes!
Joe Stendig (Train With Dave Danville, VA Client)
"My job keeps me in a chair in front a computer for too many hours a day and it really takes its toll. Since training with Dave, I feel energized after my workouts, I'm more focused at work, eating better, burning more calories, and I know I'm going to reach my goals to be a fitter, healthier me. I have worked with my share of personal trainers and hands down, Dave is the BEST. His inspiring story gives me the confidence to push through my resistance and be my best self."
Ben Capozzi (SVHEC) (South Boston Fitness Client)
Hey Dave,
I never thought I would be getting out of bed at 5:45 in the mornings to get ready and go workout before work, I'm not really a morning person, or I wasn't until I started working out with you and your other trainers. I love coming in to workout it gives me energy to start my day and I feel a lot better for doing it. If I have to miss I hate it. It also helps when people see you and they notice. I saw results in my first week. So glad I did this for myself. Oh and forgot one thing, everyone thinks I’m younger than I am. Thanks!
- Cheryl Thompson Licensed Salesperson in the Commonwealth Of VA
Palmer Properties Of Virginia LLC 316 Main St. South Boston, VA 24592 Office 434-575-2417 Fax 434-575-2416434-222-5209 sellyourhousewithcheryl@yahoo.com Cell
"Athletics has always been a big part of my life - biking, hiking, tennis, running, etc. In 2008 I found myself going through pre-menopause and was struggling with my mood swings and weight gain. In January of 2008 I decided to take control over the situation and set attainable weight loss goals for myself. As a result I lost 30 lbs by May 2008 - an average of about 1.5 pounds per week. I accomplished this goal by working out 4-5 days a week and changing my diet to one that mimics a diabetic diet - nothing white but lots of poultry, fish, veggies, fruits and lots of water. Once I got started and wrapped my head around the new plan losing the weight became easier with each passing week. Now comes the hard part - maintaining! I vowed to myself that I would not regain the weight after all of my hard work. This is where Dave comes into my life. So many of my friends train with Dave and had seen tremendous results. I thought I would give it a try and started with the Bootcamp on Saturday mornings. I love this style of training because it takes place outdoors and it is in a group setting. Being a very competitive person, I enjoy the support and ribbing I get from fellow participants. With Dave's help, I have successfully kept the weight off for almost 2 years now. Dave's continual support and his joy of educating his clients about nutrition sets him apart from all of the rest and will keep me coming back for more."
- Anne Moore-Sparks / 44 (Train With Dave Danville/Bootcamp Client)
Dave,
Training with your small group personal training has truly been a blessing to me. I am 84 years old and I have so much more energy now. I am able to mow my lawn, work in my vegetable garden and do my house cleaning. My cholesterol and blood pressure readings are much better. I sleep better and have lost a few inches. I look forward to being in the class on Monday, Wednesday
and Friday.
- Dorothy Milam (Train With Dave Danville Client)
I have been working out at South Boston Fitness since the first of November. This was my first time back in the gym in two years. While I felt I was in general good health, walking daily, low blood pressure, etc. I was suffering from low back pain due to an injury from the mid 1980s. I would awake in the mornings with a stiff back and neck. Since going to South Boston Fitness, I no longer have back pain or stiffness in my neck and shoulders. I have been to gyms from time to time for the past 25 years with personal trainers available to me. An exception of South Boston Fitness is the personalized exercise regiment and variety of strengthening exercises each of us is asked to perform all the while working out in small group training sessions. For me, my regiment is structured to strengthen my core - abs, arms, legs - without placing the stress on my lower back or shoulders and neck. Since going to South Boston Fitness for two months, I do not suffer from low back pain and do not awake with stiffness in my neck or shoulders. I feel much stronger and have also realized either a loss in weight or inches, as I am fitting more comfortably in my clothes. We have three times per day, three days per week that are available for us to work out, and we are free to choose which time works best for us on each of those days. Dave and his team are knowledgeable, very professional in their approach, and dedicated to making me have a stronger and healthier body.
-- Linda, Age 59 (South Boston Fitness Client)
I have been doing a Small Group Training with Dave in his South Boston Fitness business for eight weeks. I am enjoying the way I feel and what I am able to do since I started. I would recommend Dave's training to anyone. I am a 65 year old woman who is overweight and I have had knee replacement in both knees. This is the best thing I have done for myself.
- Effie – 65 and Retired (South Boston Fitness Client)
I was thrilled to see a personal training place open in South Boston. I had shattered my ankle in Sept. of 08 and was grossly out of shape. I had gained about fifty pounds over my normal weight and was morose about ever getting back in shape. So much of what I tried to do hurt my ankle and I was fearful to try much on my own so Dave and the small group were a Godsend. I could barely do my fifteen minutes on the treadmill to warm up. Dave was encouraging and the small group was fun. No great need to look my best when I came (love that part). After a month I left for St. Louis to help my mother recuperate from knee surgery. Dave kept up my email workout routines and I immediately joined a gym here. Without the start I got in S.B. I know I would never have pursued a healthy routine here. I work out every day. I can do 60min. on the treadmill at an incline of 9.5 and speed of 3.7. I work out with weights every other day. I call Dave and check-in. I have lost 15lbs. 5in.off my hips and 3in. off my waist. I am in a size med. comfortably and even can wear some smalls I left at my mom's two years ago. I encourage my friends here to eat healthier and am only rarely sorry I can't eat all the junk food they do. I feel so much better and cannot begin to say how grateful I am to Dave for my start. Unfortunately my mother fell and broke her arm requiring surgery and I will be staying another month but I know I can stay on track here with Dave's support. I joined Gold's gym for another month today and plan on going back to working out tomorrow.
Merry Christmas to all.
- Gail F. (South Boston Fitness Client)
Working with Dave the past few months has been awesome. Dave focuses on physical training, diet and overall healthy lifestyle. Dave is knowledgeable, dependable and dedicated to his profession. Staying healthy and fit takes commitment and Dave has been by my side the whole time to make sure I stay on track. Thanks Dave!
- Hampton Wilkins – (Train With Dave Danville Client)
www.WilkinsandCo.com
At 72, I commenced to experience substantive issues of diminished flexibility and equilibrium. The exercise program devised by David Gluhareff addressed these issues and helped to maintain/restore both flexibility and equilibrium. I also witnessed enhanced muscle tone. All of this attests to David's capabilities.
- James Harper (Train With Dave Danville Client)
P. O. Box 2160
Danville, VA 24541
The real proof of value to the fitness training perhaps lies within someone like me who cannot afford it at the present time but nonetheless still sees incorporated into life the "new" way of looking at food, exercise, and rest. Maybe not "Training with Dave" like I would prefer but "Thinking with Dave" just the same.
- R.B. - 57 years old – Danville, Virginia & Pittsylvania County, Virginia
I am a 40 year old professional without much time for working out but a strong desire to compete in a variety of sports (soccer, ultimate, basketball). Dave structured my workouts to focus on my personal goals. After working out with Dave for 2 months, I got my first comment about how much better I was playing. Working out with Dave allowed me to meet a personal lifetime goal: being selected for a National-Level Ultimate Frisbee tournament team!
Three years later I continue to see improvements based on his focus and mentoring. Dave, I could not have done it without you!
- Brian H. – Danville, Virginia / Washington D.C. (Very Busy Professional)
As of 12/09 I have worked out with Dave 550 sessions. People ask me why I do not work out by myself. I do not know what to do, I would hurt myself. I do not know how to stretch after the exercise. I find working out with Dave is a form of therapy. It is stress relief for me.
- DM (Train With Dave Danville Client)
-Since working with Dave I am able to run upstairs if i need to; in the process of running upstairs, I am not feeling the jiggle of back fat anymore!
-A
-"I started working with David when our newborn grandson arrived and I found myself taking a major part in his care. My knees and back began to ache from picking him up and holding him so much, so I went to David for strength training. After just three months of resistance and cardiovascular workouts two to three times a week, the pain disappeared. I could lift and carry the baby as much as I wanted without any discomfort!"
Fondly,
-K
-Working with Dave for several years at a difficult time in my life made me feel better about my self-image. I lost about 8 pounds that had resisted removal for a decade. My arms and legs became stronger, which improved my skiing ability. Having great muscle-tone and more energy, my entire life was improved. Finally, I could wear some of my favorite clothes again!
-S
-As the result of training with David, I feel stronger and am better able to lift objects around the house, including file boxes.
-J
Dear David:
Thank you for giving Charlene and I the desire to work out on a regular basis. We looked forward to training with you two days a week. You gave us a schedule and we stuck to it week after week. Now that we are living in a different location we still use your workouts each week.
Thanks again!
Ed and Charlene Clay
Hi David,
I am so excited about your new book! When I worked with you originally I had been suffering with back pain for 6+ months, I really believe that training with you saved me from surgery. The other really great thing that happened was at Disney ...after the night parade and crowd, we were trying to get out of the masses and I was easily able to put D on my sholders and carry him all the way through to the parking lot....without weight training I could never have done that. Thank you. I gave A your first book ...I think he's yet to read it. He's 6', but over 200 and it's hurt him in sports and socially. I cried when I read the book because it reminded me of him. He feels like we're on him about weight, although we try not to be. I've been trying your "Three Weeks to Lean" from the article at Bodybuilding.com. I think it's great..I am never hungry...Alex says he wants to start this as soon as school is out...he thinks he can't eat healthy at school. No point in arguing with him. I'm looking foward to your new book!
You and yours are in my prayers,
C. B.
Dear Skeptic Reader,
Stories like Dave’s of losing 100 lbs, the training system, the lifestyle changes, etc. all on the surface have the makings for a great novel or perhaps a grand movie wherein the fat person after losing weight gets the super sexy member of the opposite sex, wins the lottery, and buys an island in the Caribbean. After all it only happens in a book, or a movie, or in this case of one in a million with Dave himself. But unlike fantasies, this is entirely true.
I have been training with Dave since February of 2006. I have lost weight, regained weight, and lost weight again. My strength and stamina have increased along with admittedly some aches and pains. These ups and downs have a term…. called life. The normal pursuits in life, both compliment and conflict at times with the training. The KEY is the entire approach to dealing with all of this. THEREIN is the success for his efforts. I have learned to become focused not upon appearing on the cover of a magazine but instead being focused on delaying my appearance in the obituary column.
Most people, Dave included, do not gain excess weight. over a few months. It usually takes years of improper eating habits, lack of strength training, little if any cardio training, and sleeping only when the TV is void of something to watch. Reversing all this takes time as well. Dave gives his clients the knowledge, teaches, them the patience, and develops within them the perseverance to get back up when “falling off the wagon”.
It is NOT about the numbers on the scale, nor how much weight one can push, nor counting calories, nor following a regiment. It is ENTIRELY about how one approaches life from many aspects as far as health is concerned and at the same time recognizing that it is a long and continuous journey, a journey which might begin as in my case with feeble baby steps but soon get bigger. Anybody can pile weights on a machine or hop on a treadmill but without knowing what TO do and what NOT to do, the results MAY be different than the objectives. . This is very much like someone trying to fix their own car engine with only a slight clue about fuel injection.
I used to hate guacamole thinking it was Mexico ’s revenge at America for sending them rap music. Dave and his wife served me guacamole once at their home and it was delicious. It was the same ingredients but this time prepared by someone who really knew what she was doing in the kitchen.
Dave knows what he is doing, in the same manner, at the gym. Do whatever you do best and leave the fixing of guacamole to his wife, and leave fixing your health to Dave who knows what he is doing. Lawyers have a saying that goes” one who represents himself in court, has a fool for a client.” You have tried it YOUR way without success for YEARS. Isn’t doing the same thing over and over expecting different results sort of the definition of insanity?
Richard N. Bailey
- I was reading your article on bodybuilding.com and then went to your website and what an influence you are. I just think that’s an amazing transformation.
-John
- I recently finished my ISSA fitness trainer certification and I got an article that you wrote for new trainers on how to market. It was a great article and I learned a lot of good information.
- Hi Dave! I came across your site while surfing thru protraineronline.com. I am working on my personal trainer certification via ISSA now, as well as working on my own physique (end goal is to lose 55 pounds). I love your website. You are living proof that it can be done. Thank
you for inspiring me.
Best,
T. G.
- Hi, you have really inspired me with your weight loss. I have always been overweight. Not at a point that I was unhappy but I knew I could look better than what I do. Not until I had my daughter in March of 2002 did I start becoming depressed about my weight. First of all, I gained too much weight with my pregnancy. I weighed 215 when I got pregnant and when I gave birth I weighed 272. One year after the birth of my baby I decided I had to do something about my weight. I started going to Weight Watchers. It worked good for awhile. I lost 32 pounds on the plan. But after a while I got bored with counting the points. I weigh 208 now. I have started working out at the gym. I have been working out for about 4 weeks and I can already see a difference. The flab I had from giving birth is starting to diminish, plus the time I have at the gym is my time to relax and get away from the stress of being a mother and wife. You have been a great inspiration to me. Thank you, keep up the great work and please e-mail me back.
- Your before and after pics are really inspiring!!!
- David, I read your article - very inspiring.
- Hey Dave. Over the past couple of months I have been dieting and have recently, about a month ago, started to work out and exercise regularly. I have read all of your articles that I could find on the Internet and also checked out your web page. You truly are an inspiration. I remember the "big Dave" and you look great now! I am trying to do like you did and varying my workouts to keep my body guessing but one thing that I have been doing each morning is walking/jogging a couple of miles. This really makes me feel good. I really like the compliments that I get when people notice that I have lost 30 lbs. I finally got the ultimate compliment when I saw someone I went to high school with and she said that I look like I have been working out since my shoulders were so much bigger than the last time she saw me. Anyway, you probably hear stuff like this all the time so I won't bore you with a lot more. I just want to say thanks for what you unknowingly did for me.
- Dear David,
I liked your story about how you didn't eat properly and didn't use any weights and were therefore overweight. I had the same problems throughout high school and thankfully figured out how and when to eat properly in college, as well as started resistance training with free weights.
- David,
Thanks so much for the article I read about how you lost weight. My story is similar to yours.
- Hi Dave,
I came across your article about personal training in a small town at bodybuilding.com. I myself am very interested in being a personal trainer and was looking online about certifications and such.
- Annette told me about your selection as trainer of the month so I visited the website. Congratulations!
- Dave, I just read the article. It was great. Very personal, helpful and insightful.
- Congrats Dave that is awesome, I am so proud of you!!
- We are happy about Dave's recognition and proud of his accomplishments. What a great article.
- Dave:
What a great article about your successes. I'm sure that your Mom is thrilled that you credited her with her efforts, too.
- Dave, just read the essay. It was wonderful and thank you for all you said about your Mother! I love you so much and am so proud of you. I know those were very painful years for you, but your strength and perseverance paid off in a wonderful way.
-Mom
- That's great Dave. Great story.
- Hi Dave,
Congratulations on your feature article and on being able to share your life story. I just finished reading it and did already know most of your story but was very touched by the small details you shared.
- I would appreciate any advice you may have.
And congratulations on your own amazing transformation!! Sincerely, Jennifer
- Question –
HELLO, MY NAME IS T. AND I BELIEVE IT WAS MEANT FOR ME TO SURF THE WEB THIS MORNING! MAN, I TO USED TO WEIGH A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF WEIGHT (384lbs.) IN FALL 2000. I HAD BEEN DECIDING FOR A LONG TIME THAT IT WAS TIME FOR ME TO GET UP AND DO SOMETHING BECAUSE I HAD NEVER BEEN THIS BIG (56" WAIST LINE/ 5X SHIRT SIZE ALSO) I CURRENT LY WEIGH 200LBS. AND HAVE BEEEN HOLDING THIS STEADFAST AT THIS WEIGHT FOR OVER 2YRS ALMOST. ALSO I HAVE BEGUN TAKING TWO DISTANCE LERANING CLASSES TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATION IN FITNESS TRAINING BECAUSE I'M VERY DISPLEASED WITH THE WORK I'VE DONE OVER THE YEARS "CERTAIN CAREERS I STARTED" TEEL ME DAVID WITH THESE FEELINGS AND TRUE CAREER ASPIRATINS SETTING FORTH FOR MYSELF AND READING YOUR ARTICLE HERE COULD YOU GIVE ME YOUR MINDSET AT WHAT EXACTLY YOU WHERE LOOKING FOR AND HOW THIS SUCESS HAS TREATED YOU IN WHAT YOU DO NOW !!!!!!! I KNOW ALSO I'VE GOT TO KEEP DOING WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING TO GET TO THIS PATH FOR MY LIFE. THANKS
Answer - Good morning T! Congratulations on all your efforts! Never give up! I went through almost the same situation as you. I wanted to change jobs to help people do what I did. I wanted my clients to feel as great as I did and do. My personal training career has been so very rewarding and the company I was certified with almost eight years ago ISSA - International Sports Sciences Association has been with me every step of the way. I love what I do and I am rewarded financially as well as emotionally. Working for myself has been wonderful. Never forget what it was like to be so big! Channel those old frustrations into making your positive work environment now. Let those old feelings motivate you now to help others achieve a healthy lifestyle. Also, from a marketing standpoint, use your story to build your business and motivate others. Thanks and good luck!
-Dave Gluhareff
- Hi Dave,
Congratulations on your feature article and on being able to share your life story. I just finished reading it and did already know most of your story but was very touched by the small details you shared.