Testimonials

CONCUSSION AND BINGE EATING: Over the last year our family went through some major changes. My 10 year old son has been very self conscious of his build for most of his life, has been made fun of and called some horrible names. The beginning of summer 2016, he broke his arm which made it hard to be as active as he normally is. Had a cast on all summer and after 9 weeks it was taken off and he was told to be careful as it was still healing. Due to the cast he missed most of his fourth year of football season, he did participate in what he could do in all the practices but could not participate in any contact drills or games. We finally got cleared for him to play, however he still had the mental block and fear of another injury. Second game that he played he suffered a concussion pretty much taking him out for another big chunk of the season. He was so disheartened and frustrated and scared. I decided that it was time to do something to help, we needed something to change for him. I asked him if he would like to start working out and eating healthy. He was so excited and thankful! And So begins the journey...... I did not realize how hard it would be just to find someone that would help us. I called numerous places. Had appointments that were cancelled by trainers. How many people that turned us down because my son was just too young. Maybe I was asking too much? Finally Found someone that said they would help us, only to be cancelled on and after the first consultation and my son getting his hopes up a few weeks later we were told the trainers contract expired and he would not be able to take my son on after all. I was ready to give up. My son was disheartened. (It was a blessing in disguise as my son wasn't a huge fan of the trainer anyway) And then I remembered a friend of mine used a trainer awhile ago..... i figured I would throw out one last Hail Mary and give Carmen a call. Carmen responded very quickly, and was willing to meet us, so we acted fast before she could change her mind. Instantly my son knew this was what he wanted. This was where and with who he wanted to train, his comfort level was instant, Carmen and Matt were willing to begin this journey with us and I was incredibly grateful. That first meeting with Carmen and Matt we did the DNA test, having the knowledge of what food, exercise and how his body responds to injuries and concussions would benefit him sounded like the best place to start to give him the maximum benefits and results. When the results came back we had so much more to work with in regards to the supplements his body needed and what his body didn't need. It even showed that he was an emotional eater (no surprise) but it also made us more aware and helped guide him in the right direction when he did feel that need. Carmen and Matt have given my son the drive and inspiration to keep going, they show him proper and safe workout techniques, not only that but the mental fear of reinjury is also something that is being addressed. That is a huge hurdle that can cripple any athlete and something that needs to be conquered. Carmen is beside him every minute to answer any question, we work with her constantly to help better our knowledge on the right foods. Carmen has been so amazing with my son, showing and teaching and just connecting with him that I don't think we could have found anywhere else. With both of them having sports background and Matt having similar as my son they have a lot to talk about and Matt has so much knowledge in bettering his stamina, speed and different drills that they don't really teach them here that will make him a force to be reckoned with on the field. My son loves going to train with Carmen but as soon as he sees that Matt is there as well he lights right up and gets so much more excited for our session. I feel everything happens for a reason and what we went through to find someone was imperative as Carmen and Matt are the perfect fit for us and what we would like to achieve if we had been accepted by any other trainer we would not have the knowledge or the support that they give us to help us get where we want to be. Yes there are days where we aren't perfect, days when we just don't want to go to the gym, days where my son looks at the scale and gets frustrated, wants to quit, we are always told that it's ok, and then we are guided in the right direction. Then there are the rest of the days...... "mom when do we get to go to Carmen's? Is Matt going to be there?" "How old do I have to be to compete?" He is making the right food choices and not even complaining. Seeing his changes gives him the drive to keep going, to continue these changes in our lives. Carmen is also teaching him things that no other trainer would take the time to even explain to him because of his age. Treats him not like a little kid, but a human that is fully capable of learning just like anyone else. Her support and time is priceless to us. My sons confidence is being built up, not only his build has been changing but his whole mindset. I have had people come up to me and tell me how much he has changed, not just in his body but in his whole persona. I cannot even begin to share how thankful I am for the opportunity to work with Carmen and Matt to build a healthy lifestyle for my kids and myself. This journey has just begun, we will have our bumps I'm sure but with their help, knowledge and support it will be a forever learning and growing one for our whole family. Now that my son and I have been going together, my other kids at home have also asked to join us, something must be going right if my 17 year old and 9 year old want to make these changes with us as well. Now thanks to Carmen and Matt my whole houseful is making a lifetime healthy change, that they see and choose to do for themselves that we would never had gotten anywhere else.