Staminac Clients
The following people are just a few of the “staminacs”— people who have limitless energy —Tiffany has coached over the years! You can be a staminac, too! Just contact:
TLC Fitness Consulting (773) 252-6511
The concepts of anti-deprivation, satiety and variety have acted in unison to help me integrate the first positive key life style change in my eating habits. Tiffany is helping me recognize the extent to which I have a “dieter's mentality.” For me, this meant I often failed to sit down and eat a real breakfast or lunch— preferring to graze my way though the kids’ left over frozen waffles and fruit, nibbles on cookies, or a muffin with my coffee, large servings of cheese with the kids’ after school snack, and so on until dinner when, alas, I could finally allow myself to enjoy a meal and eat in abundance. What a miserable way for a food lover to live life! Now I allow myself a real breakfast of a salted sunny side up egg on buttered whole wheat toast or tortilla, or a bowl of cereal with fruit and soy milk... lunch might consist of last night's wild rice soup with beef or whatever else I so desire. In the past, I would have considered those meals perhaps too filling, and would have feared they would lead me down the slippery slope of overeating. Now I realize that they are fulfilling— not too filling. The focus on variety and satiety has driven me to add fresh fruit to everyone's morning breakfast, and believe it or not, kale and swiss chard to our evening's dinner. Because eating has become more fulfilling, I think it is helping to reduce at least one of the causes of my emotional eating and constant foraging. Changing our lifestyles is a PROCESS and it is not going to happen overnight. I appreciate Tiffany's encouragement to stay positive. Now I understand that we must make our own decisions and choices and learn to parent ourselves. Thanks Tiffany!
Ellyn Bank, Educator & Homemaker
Fitness By Phone® has helped me to achieve my fitness goals due to the constant communication with Tiffany. She encourages me to be my best without overwhelming me. Fitness By Phone has helped me to finally understand that exercise is not an all or nothing thing, and that whatever I do helps me. In just 12 weeks, Fitness By Phone has helped me achieve results that I had not been able to accomplish in 20 years of exercising and sporadic dieting! I lost 13 pounds, reduced my body fat by 3%, and have taken 2.75 inches off my waist. I have also reduced my cholesterol reading from 203 to 173. Every week, weekly goals were set which were consistent with the 12 week program goals that we established during our initial telephone session. These call-ins kept me accountable for my workout activities, eating habits, and overall progress. Technology also played an important role in my success with Fitness By Phone. Instead of just “working hard and hoping for the best,” I was able to use the Caltrac to measure exercise and 24-hour calorie burning and the Polar Heart Rate Monitor to measure my heart rate and just how it reacted to certain cardio exercises and intensity levels. Tiffany “tailor made” exercise routines specific to certain cardio equipment. If I had to pick one area where I have improved most because of Fitness By Phone, my eating habits would take the prize. This has also spread to other members of my home. Both my wife and stepdaughter eat healthier and it will only get better. If one is committed to take it seriously, Fitness By Phone provides a focused, interesting and enjoyable path to significant improvements in short term and long term fitness and overall health.
Jim Bodine, 43, Sales Associate, “Kick In The Pants” Grand Prize Winner
Before moving to Chicago three years ago, I was physically fit and taught aerobic classes several times a week. After moving to Chicago, my job required me to travel and work long hours and I eventually stopped working out. After gaining more than 50 pounds and losing the motivation to work out, I met Tiffany at a weight training workshop. Tiffany talked about the principles of weight training, aerobic exercise and nutrition as the keys to losing weight and toning your body. I immediately sensed Tiffany's passion and dedication for working with people to meet their fitness goals. Well, the rest is history! I started working with Tiffany at the end of March and I have lost 32 pounds. I've got more weight to lose and my plan is to continue working with Tiffany until I reach my goals. With all that Tiffany has taught me about exercise and nutrition I KNOW I couldn't have selected a better personal trainer. Tiffany, you're the best!!!! Thank you!!!!
Yolanda, 37, Telecommunications Specialist
The Intuitive Eating class series helped me because I now feel like I have control over when and what I eat. I haven't had to give up the foods I love, and it is empowering for me to be able to decide how much food I want to eat. I feel more connected to my body and enjoy eating more, now that I understand what exactly I need the food for. I do not need food to comfort or to push away my feelings. I need food to help me live a good, enjoyable life!
Liz Shulman, English and Foreign Language Teacher
Throughout the past few months I have learned a great deal about myself and how I should be caring for my body. Tiffany was able to open my eyes to the dangerous path that I was heading down and gave me new knowledge that I will carry with me throughout my life. She has been able to create a fitness program for me that was able to provide maximum calorie burn and muscle strengthening without overstraining. Tiffany’s profound knowledge of nutrition also has guided me in food selections and the amounts that I am eating. Having to keep a food journal has allowed me to look back on my choices for food and correct the mistakes that I have been making for such a long period of time. Tiffany has provided a long list of foods that not only are nutritious but also are enjoyable at the same time. Tiffany’s understanding that life sometimes gets in the way was so beneficial to me over the past 12 weeks. Sometimes life did not allow time for a workout or to eat as healthily as you should. It was of great reassurance knowing that Tiffany would understand when situations like these occurred. Writing down my goals in the Fitness Diary gave me greater ability to achieve them throughout each week. Another benefit to the Fitness Diary is knowing that if I did not attain my goals I have set for the day, I would have to address that issue later with Tiffany. Tiffany’s motivation has been the most beneficial to me. She has an upbeat attitude that helps to push you along through those hard days. Tiffany’s positive personality has been a breath of fresh air! Her words of encouragement have helped push me to levels that I never thought I could reach. Her leadership abilities set her apart from so many others in the fitness world and I feel a great privilege that she has been a major part of this experience with me. The past 12 weeks I have worked my body harder than I have ever worked it in my entire life. I leave this experience being more educated, motivated, and in better shape because of Tiffany.
Denise Skocy, 27, Student, “Kick In The Pants” Contest 2nd Place Winner
Intuitive Eating totally changed my way of thinking and feeling about food. I am not eating on an emotional level anymore. This class opened my eyes to many myths about food and I realized things about myself and my relationship with food, even up to the last class.
Monica Witt, Infant Massage Therapy Instructor
Fitness By Phone® is finally something tangible. I feel great! I’m so motivated to do my workouts because the activity monitors tell me exactly how effective my workout was. Plus, I’ve lost 6 inches, 3% body fat, and 10 pounds!
Cathryn, 45, Business Executive
After years of working out and being a healthy eater, I was in a rut. I felt unsure about my routine and although I knew I was healthy, I also knew there were things I should change. I felt trepidation about hiring a personal trainer because I thought I could either teach myself or watch other people in the gym. I was wrong. After speaking with Tiffany in the consultation, I had no doubt that I was making an investment in my own future. After our first training session, my confidence inside the gym grew. Her exact details and information on the human body allowed me to repeat the routines without hesitation. I am now a person who walks into the gym, knows what I am going to do, and does it with an abundance of confidence. Also, Tiffany’s bountiful knowledge on health and the human body educated me more than any book that I have read in years. Tiffany studied my eating habits for three weeks, and did not just point out what I did wrong, but what I did right. She gave me information on health that I am going to continue to use every day.
Tiffany’s positive attitude is infectious. She is always applauding a job well done and always helping me to see that I can push my own limits. Everything about my experience with Tiffany was positive and I would highly recommend her as both a personal trainer and a nutritionist.
Ericka Batla, 24, English Teacher
I’ve worked out independently for 10 years and couldn’t lose excess body fat. Now, after 24 weeks on Tiffany’s Fitness By Phone® Program, I’ve lost 25 pounds! The program has taught me that weight loss is a science, not a hopeful guessing game. Thank you for everything that I've learned under your direction during my 6-month Fitness By Phone journey. It was such a blessing on my "graduation day" to know that starting the next morning, although I would be completely on my own in regard to my fitness discipline, I would be in control! As it turned out, although the weather report predicted that rain would sabotage my "written" commitment to "walk/run" that first day, I still worked out: I simply went to the gym instead! Why? Because you taught me how to be flexible with my fitness plans (Pencil is such a wonderful tool— it allows for alterations!). But I walked/ran today, and it was wonderful. I drove to the hilly portion of my city, parked my car a few blocks away, and enjoyed an hour of hills, flowers, architecture and a cool breeze for which I wore earmuffs(that's right, I said earmuffs— it's May in the Midwest!). I enjoyed comparing which hill gives me the "maximum heart rate" for my efforts. I also appreciated knowing that the nice meal that I would be eating later in the day would be okay, that I had balanced my caloric intake with the exercise (I exercised away 600 calories). What a great feeling! To conclude, Tiffany, I find myself planning for enjoyable exercise and enjoyable meals the way I used to only plan the meals; I just didn't know until I took the Fitness By Phone journey! According to the numbers you've helped me compile, I will have lost my last 9 pounds by mid-August (a fact, not a guess!). In my mind, this will be another "graduation day", but the celebration will be deep in my heart! Thank you, Tiffany…thank you!
Cynthia, 55, Writer
As a mother of three young children, Fitness By Phone® was a perfect way for me to “meet” with Tiffany. The phone consultations were so personal and motivating that I looked forward to them every week. I was also much more aware of my daily eating habits and my workouts were very beneficial in meeting my weight goal. Tiffany is so encouraging and professional that I look forward to using this method of training very much in the future. I also took Tiffany’s Nutrition Class Series and it was exactly what I needed! She helped me understand my body and how it benefits from the right food. I have learned so much and am using the delicious recipes we practiced making in class. I am so much more knowledgeable now about the food I buy for me and my family and I even made friends in the class!
Sue Cahill, 36, Mother & Artist
A little over a year ago, I came down with bronchial pneumonia. After a couple months of coughing, sheer exhaustion, and lots of medication, I finally recovered. On the tail-end of my illness, Tiffany was telling me that perhaps if I had taken better care of myself, I wouldn’t have gotten so sick in the first place. We swiftly came to the topic of nutrition. Although I have been a vegetarian over the last 12 years, I hadn’t been paying enough attention to consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Simply eating, say, half a grapefruit and half a banana instead of just one of those entire fruits by itself, was a more effective and beneficial way to introduce more fruit nutrients into my diet. Likewise with vegetables, now my salads consist of much more varied ingredients, compared to how I had prepared them in the past. And I continually strive to try new produce in order to have all sorts of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals every day. The result? I have literally not been sick since (16 months!) and my energy level is at an all-time high. Thanks for the invaluable advice, Tiffany! I am indeed reaping the benefits.
Suzanne Massicot, 32, Mother & English Teacher
I have learned more in the last ten months training with Tiffany than I have in the last ten years since I started exercising regularly! Thanks to Tiffany’s extensive knowledge and experience, I now have flexible and balanced workout routines which can be done in an hour (fitting my busy schedule) and deliver the results I was seeking. She’s a great teacher who tailors workouts to fit my “mood,” and keeps me motivated to achieve optimal workouts. Most importantly, I have more energy and have regained the motivation to live a healthy lifestyle.
Joan Skinner, 35, Business Manager
I started working with Tiffany 8 months before my wedding. I was interested in losing weight and building muscle. I have since lost 12 pounds, dropped two dress sizes, and started doing a whole new set of exciting and different exercises! I have really appreciated Tiffany’s ability to explain how to do each of my new workout routines and why, and her passion for good nutrition. I now eat better, feel better, and look better!
Paru Shah, 29, Full-time Student
When my second son was born, I was discouraged at the prospect of losing the 25 pounds I had gained. Tiffany guided me through a whole new regime for me, which included healthy eating habits and an exercise program with strength training. Although I had worked out for years, Tiffany stretched my limits and helped me realize my full potential. Now I have lost the weight and I feel like I’m in better shape than I ever have been! Tiffany even worked with me when I broke my arm and was limited in my physical activity. She educated me about good stretches and strength exercises while rehabbing my arm and I am quickly recovering because of her encouragement and support. I feel like I have connected with Tiffany on many different levels and would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone.
Sue Cahill, 34, Mother of Three
As someone who has had three orthopedic surgeries, I am thrilled to have found a trainer with the exercise physiology background that Tiffany possesses. I am especially pleased with Tiffany’s constant monitoring of my form during workouts, thus preventing undue stress and/or injury. Tiffany carefully guides me through strenuous and challenging workouts. She encourages me to gradually increase my levels of strength and endurance, both of which are far beyond my initial expectations.
Mimi Duginger, 50, Music Teacher
I have worked with Tiffany Crate for over a year. As a personal trainer, Tiffany assessed my abilities and training requirements and developed a program based on that criteria. While working with me during my training routine, she explains why I am doing a particular exercise and the benefits. She also has provided a wealth of information on nutrition and physiology, connecting it to all that I am doing in my training sessions. When working with her, I know that she is focused and committed to my improvement and well-being. She is extremely professional, gentle in her approach in challenging me to the next level, and is a lovely person.
Carole Wood, 58, Sales Person
Tiffany’s expertise and creativity in designing and teaching training programs have kept me committed to strength training and produced excellent results! Since I have been training with Tiffany, my strength and muscle definition have increased dramatically and my cardiovascular performance is at its highest level yet. Aside from the physical benefits, my training sessions with Tiffany always leave me feeling rejuvenated and inspired. If you want motivation and results, you will not find a better trainer.
Sue Provenzano, 29, Attorney
Based on my personal goals and her years of experience training people in the Chicago area, Tiffany Crate tailored a realistic and challenging weight training and cardio program that was perfect for me. Within 3 months, I lost 12 pounds, became stronger, ran faster, and looked better! After finally implementing her healthy eating instructions (which she had stressed from the beginning!), I lost another 10 pounds and completed my first marathon. Because of Tiffany, leading a healthier life has become a “normal” way of life for me. After 8 months, I trained with Tiffany for another 10 sessions and continue to make progress. All told, it’s been 14 months since I first started working with Tiffany and I’m pleased to say that I’m 20 pounds lighter, stronger, faster, and feel super! TLC Fitness Consulting is one of the best investments I’ve ever made.
Jim Bodine, 38, Sales Account Manager
I am sending this letter of thanks for all the positive changes I have experienced through my training with you. It has been a truly remarkable 9 months. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we began, but I soon learned that you had the skills, focus, and personal approach that melded extremely well with my ambition. You also made it fun! I came to you because I was concerned about general fitness, diet, and the effects of aging on my ability to maintain my strength for work in construction. I found help and success in all three areas through your training program. The resulting improvements in my sense of well-being and appearance motivated me to go further than I would have on my own. I hope to maintain this regimen indefinitely. Thank you for all your help and direction. 1999 will certainly be one of the most pivotal years of my life! Best Wishes Always.
Allen Lungo, 45, The Discerning Handyman
I decided to consult with Tiffany Crate because I was unhappy with the lack of progress I was making on my own, and I had grown bored with my workouts. I chose Tiffany because I enjoyed her friendly and knowledgeable approach to fitness and weight training that she conveyed in her aerobics and body sculpting classes. She has developed a workout program for me that is interesting, fun, and challenging. She has shown me how to modify it to keep it from becoming boring. In three months I already can see and feel results. She also provided me with a wealth of nutritional information and recommendations that have contributed to my healthier lifestyle and enhanced the progress made in my workouts. Tiffany has kept me highly motivated and excited about my new workout program.
Wendy Perla, 28, Art Dealer
Working out with Tiffany is one of the best investments I have made for myself. As a runner, I would do an extra mile rather than a set of sit ups. But during the hour I spend with Tiffany, there is no escape and there are no excuses! She makes me do three sets of every exercise I would never do on my own. She is firm, but always kind, totally attentive, always pleasant, inquisitive, a terrific listener, never condescending, always making sure it is my workout, not hers, helping with aches and pains, as well as joys and sorrows, and just the best trainer you could ever have! Most Sincerely.
Judy Tullman, 54,Homemaker, Former Teacher
Breakfast at Tiffany’s!! A hot-buttered croissant and a cup of coffee? Not! How about 3 sets of lunges and 3 sets of squats on a Smith Press machine, with a smile and lots of lighthearted encouragement? Now that’s the kind of morning wake-me-up that I like!!! And that’s a meal at TLC. Thanks for the great start to a healthy life!
Walter, 42, Flight Attendant
I would like to take this opportunity to express to you how you have affected my life during this last year. It was my 1998 New Year’s resolution to start seeing a personal trainer and at that time I was not aware of how much it would change my life. I had been working out for eight years and never really felt good about my workouts or knew much about weight training nor the correct techniques. Each session that we trained together, I learned new exercises, new weight training tips, new nutritional facts, new stretching exercises, and the correct techniques and uses for certain machines. I never really felt comfortable in a weight room until now. Throughout our year of training I continued to see positive changes in my figure and positive results in my cardiovascular strength as well. Our sessions together were something I looked forward to and hated to miss. It is hard for me to believe that it has been a year and I am grateful to you for the big part you played in my life this past year. I would recommend you to anyone I know and I feel comfortable that they would receive only positive results from working with you, whether it be personal training, nutritional counseling, or more. You have given me something that I could not give myself without you help and it is something that I will continue to learn from and grow from for the rest of my life. Thank you so much, Tiffany, and I have no doubt that you have influenced every one of your clients in some way or another. Thank you for taking the time to genuinely care for my health and me.
Shannon McGoun, 27, Human Resources Consultant
I have always had ‘being in shape’ as one of my top goals. In order to achieve this, I have tried many methods. These included what I now know as ‘quick fix’ techniques. I have dieted, invested in equipment, and purchased a variety of tapes. I have poured over fitness articles and drank enough diet drinks to make a sizable difference in Slim Fast stock. Then it occurred to me: Hey-- I could possibly benefit by investing in a personal trainer; someone who is a professional in the area of fitness. After all, I would not presume that anyone off the street could do my job. Therefore, why not utilize the skills of a professional? Well, I can happily say that when I secured Tiffany Crate’s services, I got THE BEST! Tiffany assessed my level of fitness and worked out a plan of exercises that was tailored-fit for my body. Moreover, she was not intimidating (admittedly, one of my apprehensions). Working out suddenly became pleasant. I actually looked forward to exercising. Tiffany was motivating, encouraging, and at all times maintained a high degree of professionalism. Perhaps the best part of my entire experience with Tiffany has been the nutritional counseling. Tiffany taught me that eating nutritional foods need not be boring or depriving. I have learned to view foods as more than the caloric or fat content. I am eating quality foods and I am not hungry. I only wish someone had taught me to eat like this years ago! In summary, I came to Tiffany because I just wanted to look better in a swim suit. To date, I have lost a total of 6.5 inches from my chest, waist, hips, arms, and thighs, my clothes fit better, I am more defined, and it must be noticeable because my coworkers continue to let me know how great I look. The best part is: I am doing all of this in a healthy and safe manner. Tiffany Crate has made the difference for me. I think she is an outstanding trainer. I wholeheartedly recommend Tiffany Crate to anyone who really wants to see what a good, professional trainer can accomplish.
Catherine Bradley, 38, Speech Pathologist
Tiffany’s academic credentials and field experience convinced me she was the right personal trainer for me. But the qualities I feel set her apart from many other personal trainers is her patience, sincerity and unwavering commitment to helping me reach my fitness goals. I look forward to my workouts with Tiffany!
Melinda, 30, Controller
There are lots of personal trainers out there; why even hire someone in the first place? Why would I recommend Tiffany? When I first started working out with Tiffany, I had planned to only work with her a few times, and then continue on my own, but I saw that my workouts with her were better than those by myself, so I continued. She’s reliable; she shows up right on time. She takes care of business. She knows her stuff, being a trained Exercise Physiologist. I felt safe and cared for with her... she watched every move I made. The results-- improved body tone and definition -- were obvious to me in a few weeks. Finally, she inspired me to work out on my own and I continue to do so.
Jack, 45, Ultrasonographer
I had been thinking about working with a personal trainer for several weeks and had talked with other trainers before making my decision to work with Tiffany. I chose to begin working with Tiffany after attending a body sculpting class that she taught. In the class, I found her to be not only knowledgeable about strength training, but also about total health. This characteristic has transferred to our one-on-one training sessions. During sessions, Tiffany is consistent about articulating exactly what is happening physiologically as each muscle group is worked. I feel as though I’m learning the practical side of strength training as well as the “medical” side. She views strength training as a part of a whole in personal health-- as conscious of maintaining correct form and technique as of remembering goals and personal enjoyment. I’ll continue working with Tiffany because she is both passionate and knowledgeable about her profession-- a combination that is invaluable to her clients.
Melinda, 28, Publisher
After a year of back pain, and a diagnosis of mild arthritis, I began working with Tiffany, concentrating on the abs and back. No more pain! Tiffany really understands the body-- unlike other trainers, she doesn’t just use big Latin words for muscles to impress the client. Her patience, sense of humor, and enthusiasm make her unique and I always look forward to our sessions.
Tina, 58, Writer
I have been a member at a club for the past five years. The facility has every piece of equipment to keep the public healthy. I found the best way for me to keep in shape would be to have a personal trainer. I chose a person whom I felt was very professional and took a personal interest in my needs, physically and mentally. Tiffany, as far as I am concerned, stood out from the rest of the trainers at the club. She was different. Her client was the most important person she had to deal with and each client had a structured workout schedule for their individual needs. I would highly recommend Tiffany.
Barbara, 59, Administrative Assistant
I first met Tiffany Crate during an evening low-impact aerobics class. There was a buzz around the club that her class was really fun and the place to be if you could make it. Tiffany’s class was exceptional. I was delighted when she was able to fit me into her hectic schedule as my personal trainer. That was two years ago. Tiffany’s expertise as a personal trainer lies in her ability to design an individual personal workout regime that compliments her clients’ needs and schedule. Our sessions also helped me build my self confidence and my self-esteem. After three personal training sessions, I started to see results and feel better about myself and my personal goals.
Mary Ann, 43, Foreign Language Teacher
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