“Before I began working with Elizabeth, working out was not part of my life at all—not because I didn't want it to be but because I didn't really understand how to make it happen. Elizabeth taught me how to implement and execute exercise into my lifestyle and turned it into something I look forward to. Weights and exercise equipment are no longer overwhelming and mysterious to me -- I understand how to use them and how to attain good form. Elizabeth takes the time to make sure you're getting it while enjoying it at the same time—I think that’s hard to find.”
—Sima, age 33

*****

To start working out after the age of 50 is to discover that one can become stronger and younger than before the age of 50. When you start working out: 8lbs. is a real chore. 3 years later 15 lbs is totally manageable and easier to lift than 8lbs. The reason you need to lift 15 lbs weight is because kitty litter weighs 14lbs, the lawn mower weighs 25lbs, and groceries weigh 20lbs.

Life is all of a sudden is easier. Everything becomes easier, all day long. Without a fitness trainer I would not have known I needed to replace my hip. By replacing my hip I could then perform exercise that I could not have tolerated for the 15 years before.

No one has the self discipline to work out and build muscle that you can only get with a personal trainer. Nobody can make that big of a difference on their own. This is because no one knows the different muscles groups in their body and how they work together as a whole. I’m strong in parts of my body that I didn’t know I even owned, muscles I never knew about before.
—Carol Oliver, age 59

*****

Before Julie’s Wedding…
Working with Elizabeth has changed the way I work out forever! I have always gone through phases of fitness and this year I'm 'on.' I had been working out on my own with minimal results and then I started training with Elizabeth who gave me tips and techniques that totally altered my workout style to be more effective.”

"With Elizabeth's guidance, I am getting stronger, have better posture, focus on my breathing and I'm even starting to see a little muscle definition in my abs and arms! I've got big goals for my upcoming wedding and Elizabeth is helping me towards being a buff bride.”

"I used to have 'tight hip flexors' which would cause me dull and sometimes sharp pains. But since I've gotten into my new routine, I've had no adverse effects at all - the pain is gone!”

"My self-esteem is great and days that I go to the gym are my favorite days of the week. I'm super-motivated and really look forward to the times I see Elizabeth because I know she'll fix things I'm doing wrong, show me exercises to help me towards my goal and boost my spirits about how I'm doing.”

"She's been a dream to work with - motivating, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and fun!”

Julie’s Review after the Wedding!
In the months leading up to my wedding, I was in the best shape of my life. Elizabeth continued to hone and tweak to get me looking and feeling better than ever. I bought a heart rate monitor and my fitness level was off the charts. I took up Scuba diving and I was commended for being an efficient breather - no doubt because of my healthy heart. At the wedding, I felt like a million bucks and looking through the pictures, I like to spot ones where you can see my muscles! On our honeymoon I ate and ate and ate and didn't gain a pound because my metabolism is so high right now. I will always be grateful to Erzsi for the gift of self-confidence and my husband is grateful for his "hot wife."

My original goal was to look my best at the wedding. Now that I know how amazing it feels to be in good shape, I want to continue working out to maintain my figure. I was never fat, but I love not feeling self-conscious or flabby and knowing that I'm tight and toned.
—Julie Sontag, Business Owner, One Smart Puppy

*****

"Elizabeth has helped me gain so much from our sessions after over 4 1/2 years, that it will be hard to discuss it all. One of the most important things is a feeling of accomplishment when I master something new.

"To see a smaller waistline that could only have come from better eating and a million abdominal exercises, gives me a feeling of good power and a sense of faith. I will always want to be better: stronger, more graceful, and to have more endurance and speed. But for now, I can live in the present and say "I am doing it". I still stumble and trip but I can catch myself in order to keep from falling a lot more.

"There is something about doing the hard work of body sculpture that gives a sense of reality. With the adventure of being close to age 64, comes the less than happy reality that aging is what it is to the body. There is little one can do after working out, eating well, being mentally active, and loving others. That harsh reality being accepted, I get to look at myself and say, "Not bad for your age.

"I've started listening to my body, so that I can respond to my own needs appropriately. Letting my body have its say encourages a feeling of self-acceptance, I realize that since I'm not an athlete in competition, I should treat myself gently.

"The process of working out makes it possible to be so much more adventurous than I have ever felt before. There is no way that my husband and I could have restored our house without it.

"I feel healthier than I've ever been since I was a child. Yesterday, I noted that my legs are so much better defined than ever before. My abs are still getting stronger. I naturally stand straighter, smile, and feel happier most of the time.”
—Barbara, age 64

*****

I've been working with Elizabeth for nearly a year and I can't recommend her too highly. I have arthritis of the spine and was always nervous about being injured during physical activity. Elizabeth is so knowledgeable and careful about the body, I never even think about being injured. In fact I feel stronger each time I see her and am thrilled by my newfound strength and range of motion.
—Maggie C., age 64, Park Slope, Brooklyn

*****

"Since training with Elizabeth, my posture has noticeably improved as we’ve worked together to strengthen my back and shoulder muscles. I’ve found I can sit and stand for longer periods of time without suffering from aches and pains. Now that I’m 41, I plan to continue to work with Elizabeth to ensure I continue to develop healthy physical habits.

"Working with Elizabeth has also improved my physical appearance. By developing my back and shoulders, my proportions look better balanced. Elizabeth also emphasizes a total body workout so that my lower body also becomes stronger and healthier-looking. Beyond just strengthening my muscles, working out under Elizabeth’s guidance has helped my balance and coordination."
—Daniel, age 42

*****

"I’ve lost fat and put on muscle in my back, shoulders, chest, arms, and legs. Before I started working with Elizabeth, I was experiencing regular knee and hip pain. That has gone away almost entirely. Elizabeth put me in touch with my core muscle group which was sadly wasting away. Now I’m strong and regularly do exercises that strengthen my core and give stability to all the other muscle groups. I’ve gone down a waist size and feel better than I have in a long time. When I wanted to give up after just a few weeks, Elizabeth was exactly the kind of gentle coach I need: firm, but kind, and understanding. She knows what it’s like to change your lifestyle, and Elizabeth continually reinforces the idea that this is a lifelong journey you’re embarking on, not a weight loss fad.

"Since I’ve been training with Elizabeth, I’ve been sleeping better, eating healthier, and feeling better than I have in years. Thanks Elizabeth!"
—Ben, age 33

*****

"Before I began training with Elizabeth, I rarely stretched when I exercised. Elizabeth has shown me the importance of incorporating stretching into my workout. As a result, I am noticeably more limber. I used to have knee and heel pains, but these have resolved now that I am more flexible.

"The quality of my workouts has improved under Elizabeth’s guidance. I used to think that I could master exercises, including using weights, on my own. I now realize that a lot of my effort was counterproductive as an incorrect form led to my working different muscles from what I had intended. Elizabeth’s feedback on proper form and technique has become crucial to my exercising effectively and safely. I now understand the importance of integrating my core muscles into my workout, even when I am exercising peripheral muscles. The quality of my workouts has markedly improved under Elizabeth’s supervision.

"My abs are tighter and my posture has improved with Elizabeth’s guidance. These are things I definitely notice."
—Robert, age 53

*****

"This is a testimonial for Elizabeth Pongó. I have to say that when I started working with Elizabeth I had very little energy. I was a weakling and very out of shape. I had constant neck and shoulder pains and knee pains. Now all of those problems are resolved.

"I really love working with Elizabeth because she has shown me how to feel better about my body and how to use it in an appropriate way. I have tons of energy.

"My body has really gotten into shape. I have muscles that I never knew I had. My legs and thighs that I had never had any shape to, in my whole life, now have beautiful shape. My waist has gotten smaller and pants fit me now. I don’t feel any of the pains.

"I would also have to say that I am addicted to doing this and I wouldn’t give it up for anything. It really has made a difference in my life. Thank you!"
—Shelley Benezra

*****

"Elizabeth has been able to motivate me and keep me pushing myself to the limit in a warm, supportive and encouraging manner. She is great to work with."
—Larry L

*****

"When I first started training with Elizabeth I expressed that I wanted her to design a workout for me that was centered around my health needs. I wanted to train wisely and safely since I am in my mid-fifties and I am very afraid of injury. Elizabeth listened to me carefully and understood I wasn't there to pump up for the benefit of admiring my muscle definition, but rather my goal was a healthy and fit lifestyle. I also understood that having a personal trainer would help me achieve this goal. Elizabeth planned a workout that is right for me, and has helped to give me a program designed for my maximum benefit. Elizabeth also incorporates her vast knowledge of the body by teaching me and showing me pictures of the muscles we are working on. There is no denying my training with Elizabeth has added to my physical and psychological well-being. On a personal note Elizabeth has a smile that lights up the room. Her warm personality and infectious laugh makes her a pleasure to be around."
—Dolores Phelan

*****

"I started training with Elizabeth about eight months ago. My son has just came for a visit and told me that it is truly amazing how much progress I have made! A year ago I was extremely heavy and out of shape, just recuperating from a debilitating operation, and the effects of a high-stress career in the financial area. Worse than that, all that inactivity had made my joints stiff, and thrown me off balance. I began physical therapy, and when strong enough began to work with Elizabeth at the local club. My results have been amazing! My son said, 'Now you look like the mother I remember!' Elizabeth carefully structured each session to build my strength and mobility, and I'm proud to say I have now begun agility training.

"Elizabeth has been a complete trainer for me, clearly studying and advancing her expertise in anything I needed to improve, often giving me materials to read on my own. It is a pleasure and great fun working with Elizabeth, and the results are undeniable!"
—Belinda Dumont

*****

"Meeting Elizabeth is the best thing that happened to me. For 42 years, I have been overweight, lethargic, and out of touch with my body. 'Exercise' was a foreign word that had no place in my vocabulary or in my life. But Elizabeth has changed that by helping me discover the pleasure of becoming fit. I will never go back to ignoring my body."
—Ghada Captan

*****

"Elizabeth's enthusiasm is contagious. She helps me stay focused on my goals and push myself just enough. I feel good about the progress I'm making and Elizabeth helps to keep me from getting discouraged, because it doesn't happen overnight like I'd like it to."
—Sunnie