LET'S GET MOVING
ROLLING MEADOWS LOCATION
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Balance Health Fitness
1885 Hicks Rd.
Rolling Meadows IL 60008
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ST, CHARLES LOCATION
Balance Health Fitness
623 Walnut St
St, Charles IL 60174
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Paula Lewinski Owner CES, FNOR, NBC-HWC- FITNESS COACH and PHYSICAL THERAPY
Gretchen Schmalz PT, MHS
Pilates and Oov Instructor, Certified in Gyrotonic®, Gyrokinesis®, and Feldenkrais®
Insurance accepted for Physical Therapy; Blue cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare and Medicare
Certified Functional Medicine Wellness Coach
"WHAT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE TODAY WILL SOON BECOME YOUR WARM-UP"
Paula Lewinski
ABOUT ME
I left the medical field in 1995 to pursue my passion: helping people who are ill or injured to acquire body awareness, improve their health, and live fuller and more productive lives through exercise, physical training, diet, and proper supplementation.
My Certifications include:
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NASM personal training and corrective exercise
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AFAA group fitness, Boot camp, Yoga, Kickboxing, Strength, Piloxing, Barre, group and senior training, water running and exercises and weight loss
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Dragon Door- Kettle bells
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Vivo barefoot -Run coach
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Karma Warriors Empower the Soul Coaching
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MadDog- spin Cycle
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PIA - Pilates mat and reformer instructor
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Peak- Pilates mat and reformer apparatus instructor
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Balance Body-Pilates reformer, MOTR, Bohdi
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Carrick Brain Institute -Functional Neurology orthopedic rehab Training
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Access coaches
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Functional Medicine Wellness Coaching program though FMCA
I want the very best results for my clients and to achieve the highest level of wellness possible. That is why I participate annually in more than 100 hours of fitness workshops (Empower, SCW); 50 hours a year in functional medicine conferences, neurology seminars, Apex, Cyrex, Institute for Brain Potential, and Standard Process; mastering the thyroid, food sensitivity, GI and microbiome, Neuroendocrine immunology, pharmacy in your kitchen, and essential oils. If I do not know something, I will work to learn more or direct them to the proper resources. I partner and network with many functional medicine practitioners such as a holistic dentist, chiropractor, neurologist, massage therapist, acupuncturist, light therapy specialist, detox specialist, naturopath, physical therapist, walk aide specialist, and wellness coaches.
My Passion to Help
My journey in fitness began when I was a personal trainer at Lifetime fitness and worked with people using a number of modalities and programs. I trained and participated in figure training competitions and trained others to compete. When I was assigned to my first MS client, I had no clue what to do or what kind of program to design. I researched the condition and looked at different training methods, but it was my Pilates training that really held the most promise. After working with my first MS client for a couple months he began to cry while doing a hip stretch and I asked what was wrong and he said, “I can feel my hips for the first time in 20 years!" That was a powerful revelation, and it was at that moment that I devoted myself to helping those with MS and other neurological disorders. I am fortunate that many of my neurological patients refer me to people they know, and several neurologists send their patients to me as well.
GRETCHEN SCHMALZ
ABOUT ME
Gretchen Schmalz, PT, MHS, joined re:fit in 2005. She has a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from University of Indianapolis, a Master’s degree in Dance from Mills College, and Bachelor’s degrees in both Physical Therapy and Art Education. Former professional dancer and instructor, Gretchen specializes in PT for patients with spinal injuries, joint replacements and other conditions. Gretchen has many certifications: Power Pilates, Feldenkrais® Method, Gyrokinesis®, and Gyrotonic® (Levels 1, 2 & all equipment). Gretchen uses an individualized approach to treat clients of all ages with orthopedic and neurological issues and believes that everyone can benefit from functional training to become their best physical self. Gretchen is a participating provider of the BCBS network. In her spare time, Gretchen practices martial arts and is a 1st degree Black Belt!
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Specialty with dancers, golfers, and clients with scoliosis
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Assists with functional movement for neurological impairments
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Expertise in joint replacement rehabilitation and spinal pathology
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
-Karen
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I cannot say enough good things about Gretchen. When I started going to see her, I had occasional back pain stemming from an old injury and from bad posture. Gretchen helped me strengthen my back, and the Gyrotonics in particular helped me recognize when I was falling into a bad habit, like hunching up my shoulders while sitting in front of my laptop.
Gretchen starts each session by asking how I'm feeling on that day. Whenever I have a minor issue, like a sore muscle from trying a new exercise, she always has ways to figure out exactly what is causing my pain and she makes recommendations on the spot on how to remedy the pain. I always leave a session feeling better than when I came in. I cannot recommend her highly enough!
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I have been working together with Gretchen on a long term injury and have made big strides towards my goals. Gretchen is very professional, caring and extremely knowledgeable. Gretchen provides an individual focus and attention during our sessions. She listens to what I am saying and experiencing on a weekly basis, and adjusts to any given situation as needed. One of the things I appreciate the most is that she understands everyone's body is different and she always works with that in mind. I highly recommend Gretchen.
List of Services and Program Information
Insurance accepted for Physical Therapy;
Blue cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare and Most Forms of Medicare
Corrective & Adaptive Training
Functional Neurology Orthopedic Rehab
Functional Medicine Wellness Coaching FMCA
Vibration Plate
Ultrasound Therapy
Electrical Stimulation
Infrared Sauna
ACP Pelvic Floor Therapy
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ROLLING MEADOWS LOCATION
Advanced Physical Medicine and Rehab building
1885 Hicks Rd.
Rolling Meadows IL 60008
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ST, CHARLES LOCATION
Balance Health Fitness
623 Walnut St
St, Charles IL 60174
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EQUIPMENT
Omni versa electrical stimulation system
Pilates reformer and chair
Rower, stationary bike, vibration plate, sauna,
Trx, body ropes, weights, bands, bosu, battle ropes, parallel bars, medicine balls, stability balls, anterior tibia machine , various core equipment, bar bells, kettle bells, etc.., Body blades
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PERSONAL ONE ON ONE TRAINING PROCESS
Since we are a personal training and physical therapy service, our first visit with you would be more of an evaluation.
We would discuss your goals, injuries, limitations, commitment, lifestyle and schedule.
I would check your body alignment and Functional movement.
Before the best exercise program is developed we want to ensure to obtain the best proper movement pattern to get stronger, leaner and healthier without injury.
First visit may include releasing any over active muscle groups and some muscle activation techniques.
Evaluation cost available in order to discuss your goals and experience.
Review your history (injuries, etc.). Test areas of strength, Body alignment or Misalignments, Work on Muscle activation, Determine a program and Build body awareness . ( payment options available; cash, check , zelle, credit card)
Insurance would be accepted If there is a medical physical condition and a Doctor referral is provided as well as your Benefit Eligibility verified.
Group sessions can be arranged by scheduling with others you would invite to participate . The cost would be $40 per each person a session.
Depending on your goal, budget and time Sessions could be 1-3 times a week.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
Paula Lewinski is a remarkable personal trainer. She possesses knowledge of and experience with not only physical exercising but also medical and holistic therapies. It has been my pleasure to have been training with Paula for about 10 years. Her guidance with pilates and machine exercise equipment helps me continue to be active. This is critical to me because I have multiple sclerosis. Paula’s personal attention to my physical needs has helped me to recover some abilities that I lost. Most notably, Paula guided me with pilates doing the scooter stretch. After time, my hip flexure returned! Along with that, my balance and stamina increased. You don’t know how good something is when you did not have it previously! Paula has improved my quality of life and outlook on the future. THANK YOU PAULA!! ~Mark Bach
I have been working with Paula for a couple of years now. She is amazing! Paula listens to me and what my goals are, she has set up a program that fits all of my needs including areas of my body I would like to target, time, and ability. During training sessions she pushes me beyond what I thought I could do but not to the point that I can't do something or am in pain. If I do have some pain she works out the "kinks" in the muscles I am having problems with and teaches me the proper way to stretch, lift, and work the "kinks" out myself so that I can continue with the workout. If it's still painful she adjusts the exercise so that I can work up to doing things without pain. She is innovative and thorough with the program she sets up and I couldn't be happier! I have in the past also taken "bootcamp" classes with her and loved them! Again, Paula is on top of her game with the exercises she brings to the table and is VERY attentive to everyone in the room to make sure all are using the right form and getting the most out of the workout. I highly recommend Paula for training or any of her classes, she will set you up to succeed and be more than happy with the results! ~Amy P.
I highly recommend Paula. Paula is a very different kind of trainer. I was referred to her by several of my friends from my MS group. Paula is very knowledgeable about what physical limits someone with a neurological condition has. She knows the limits with also knowing exactly what the body needs. She just looks at your body and can tell what to work on. I have been going to her for a couple of years and will continue. ~ Jeanine P.
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I look forward to continuing pilates with Paula. Who knows what will happen next!
During the past 27 years, multiple sclerosis has robbed me of many things I took for granted. Difficulty with balance, loss of sensory feeling, lack of coordination, poor posture and fatigue became common to me. Pavilion Fitness presents an opportunity for me to stop degradation and to regain some of what I have lost. I started working out with Paula Lewinski and she introduced me to pilates. Pilates is challenging. Paula’s encouragement and guidance facilitate doing pilates properly, thereby enabling achievement of my goals. Pilates with Paula helps me recover things that I did not know that I had lost.
When I started Pilates with Paula, I was uncertain. The exercises seemed simple and inconsequential. Paula proved me wrong. She directs me to do the exercise in the proper form. When I start a routine, she corrects my form and I feel the difference. My strength and endurance have increased. Routines that I could not do a few weeks ago, I now can do many times. My balance and self confidence have improved.
Paula introduced me to many routines, and some of those have become my favorites. One is the scooter stretch. Even though I have done this many times, new outcomes are possible. I did the scooter stretch and was shocked. I FELT MY HIP JOINTS!! You do not know how great it is to feel your hip joints until you lose that feeling – and do not have it for years. When the feeling returns, it is like welcoming an old friend. My quality of life improves. ~ Mark B.
I have had a neurological disease for 27 years and have seen 'the best'--RIC, Rush, Alexian Brothers and numerous independent and club affiliated therapists.
Far and above is PAULA LEWINSKI and here are the reasons why:
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always enrolled in seminars to expand her knowledge
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has a plan for you SPECIFICALLY the minute you walk in with everything set up -- zero idle time
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BEFORE beginning however, you are always asked if any new issues exist (pain, weakness, tightness etc etc ). If so, those issues are addressed first
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form is most important and Paula very creatively explains how to execute every move, thereby exercising/training the brain to be in sync with the body ~ZaZa
I have been training with Paula for a few years now. I think she has the right balance of pushing you just enough but yet can modify anything to make sure you don’t injure yourself and accommodate all fitness levels. If one particular movement or exercise isn’t working she seems to have an endless supply of alternatives.
Paula makes working out fun but challenging enough to help you make progress toward meeting your goals.
She has a lot of energy and is always positive. ~Tammy​
That if you are looking for a place to get in shape go to her. She makes it fun. But not hard or easy just right in the middle. And her massages make you feel so so so much better after. Also that she is very very nice and it is affordable. ~ Cole (11 years old)
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I wanted to let you know that Jim and I are very pleased with his improvement. It has been very difficult finding the best person to deal with Jim and his current condition. You are exactly the right kind of personality and have the level of expertise that Jim requires. We feel very fortunate to have found you. He has come a long way since his stroke and has battled his way through some very bad medical missteps that were just plain poor recovery management on the part of so-called experts. During the past two years his complaints are few (mostly neck and hip pain) and managed with ice or heat. I could write a book about the poor state of medical care in hospitals, rehab facilities and care centers. I couldn't wait to get him out of all of those places and deal with all of the issues myself. It has only been a little over a year since he came home and was so weak he could barely speak. Thank you for your skill and care. ~Joanne
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I am a Chiropractor in Arlington Heights and Paula has referred a number of the people she works with to me.
All I know is they LOVE her and can not say enough good things about her and what she has done for them. She has helped them tremendously with body awareness and increasing functional movement. I know they like her better than me. ~Dr. Kyu
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Paula and I were classmates in Functional Neurology Orthopedic Rehab classes through the Carrick Institute.
I do not know anyone who works as hard as she does to get results for her people. Everything to her is a puzzle that she is determined to solve and will look outside the box to find it. We both competed in body building competitions at different times. But she knows her stuff and I enjoy discussions with her on what new things are being discovered ~ Dr. J (Carol Stream)​
I took a 60-minute spinning class taught by Paula right before the holidays. I was a bit nervous because I haven't ridden a bike in years and Paula is in excellent shape! Paula set expectations up front that this would be a fun and challenging experience. She had a motivating playlist of classic rock hits set to each intensity level of the ride. She let us know what to expect every step of the way and made sure we all felt comfortable yet ready to push ourselves. I wish I had a calorie counter on because I was soaking wet 10 minutes into the class. Now I am hooked on spinning, Paula and Classic Rock! :) I would recommend Paula's vast array of services to all levels of athletes from beginners to seasoned pros. ~Annie
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Paula is extremely dedicated, persistent, and determined to help clients reach their goals and help them improve drastically.
She goes above and beyond for her clients. She is very passionate about helping others, and helping them reach a better quality of living. Paula is very knowledgeable of health and wellness covering all areas of living. ~Liz Lewinski-Wenzel
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Paula is an amazing technician-yes technician! She does so much more than do physical therapy or personal training! She uses whatever it takes to address your specific needs. I have specific needs but they still seem to change every appointment. Paula will use everything she has (and her modalities are endless!-essential oils, creams, electric stim, infared sauna, and of course the million ways she can use the reformer to stretch, strengthen and tone. She even has a rowing machine and a vibration plate. She works wonders on my body each and every visit. Love her extensive knowledge of the body and how interconnected everything is. Please do yourself and your body a favor and let her examine and address your concerns. ~JEM
“I’ve been working with Paula since 2012. She is the best trainer I have ever worked with. Paula has an extensive knowledge about how to improve one’s physical well-being. I had a chronicle lower back pain; I had always thought there was something wrong with my lower back, but it turned out, Paula helped me to find that my muscles were tight on my hips, which were pulling on my lower backs. She helped me released the tight muscles, at the same time, we did a lot of strengthen exercises, and she also taught me how to release some of the tight muscles at home. Paula also taught me the right way to walk and run (who thought they would need that lesson again). In addition, Paula cares about her clients, she is not one of those trainers that just train you for one session and forget about you. I am lucky to have her!” ~Miranda Lu
I took my first Pilates Reformer class with Paula because I was having discomfort in my back and legs due to a “shortened leg” that I have. I was hoping that the stretching would help me. It DEFINITELY did help! Paula’s knowledge about the body, the muscles, and how it all worked together was amazing! The first class I took made such a difference, that I signed up for a second class with her. My body and muscles continued to improve with her expert guidance. I now continue with the stretches and exercises she taught me and I feel so much better! Paula’s expertise combined with her gentle encouragement along the way made the sessions fun! ~Birdie
I have been working with Paula for a couple of years now. She is amazing! Paula listens to me and what my goals are, she has set up a program that fits all of my needs including areas of my body I would like to target, time, and ability. During training sessions she pushes me beyond what I thought I could do but not to the point that I can't do something or am in pain. If I do have some pain she works out the "kinks" in the muscles I am having problems with and teaches me the proper way to stretch, lift, and work the "kinks" out myself so that I can continue with the workout. If it's still painful she adjusts the exercise so that I can work up to doing things without pain. She is innovative and thorough with the program she sets up and I couldn't be happier!
I have in the past also taken "bootcamp" classes with her and loved them! Again, Paula is on top of her game with the exercises she brings to the table and is VERY attentive to everyone in the room to make sure all are using the right form and getting the most out of the workout. I highly recommend Paula for training or any of her classes, she will set you up to succeed and be more than happy with the results!
~Amy
I have been working with Paula on personal trainings for about a year now. We met from the physical evaluation the first time. At the time, I wanted to hire a personal trainer to help me to lose weight and gain strength. At first, I doubted Paula, since I had personal trainers from the past at Equinox and XSport Fitness, the experiences weren't very good; however, she definitely proved me wrong.
A year ago, I wasn't able to walk more than 10 minutes and running was definitely out of the question. Throughout the year, Paula started me on a simple cardio plan and we worked through cardio intervals. She taught me the correct way to breathe to increase lung capacity. I have learned from Paula that breathing through the nose is very important; otherwise you are losing half of the air that you breathe through your mouth. She also taught me the correct way of running, which I would not have believed I could be doing wrong. She taught me about being light on my feet and how the feet touch the ground and activates the core. I am now able to run a lot longer. After a year, I am able to run for an hour without any break.
I have had chronic upper and lower back pains since I was young, due to one of the muscle groups being over worked. Paula and I worked through different muscle groups on the upper and lower back. She made me realized that there were so many muscles that were never worked before. It was amazing to learn how to use and activate the muscles around the overworked muscles. I felt like I was an infant feeling one of the muscles the very first time. My chronicle pains on my back is getting much better by strengthen the surrounding muscles to support it. We also worked a lot of legs (not my favorite part of workout), arms, chests and core. By having strong muscles on the legs and the core cardio has becomes a lot easier.
I used to binge on deserts at all times; it was almost seemed impossible that I could ever get rid of the desire for sweets. Paula taught me how to choose the healthier options, such as choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate. She also taught me a couple healthy recipes. One of them I still use very often today—greek yogurt with shredded dark chocolate, fruit, and mix it all together. So yummy! And healthy! Most importantly, it fulfills my desire for deserts. She taught me sometimes if I really crave for some bad choices; it would be ok to have once a while, but just know what you are really having. It finally seems like the first time in my life that I don’t need to binge on anything and take control.
My experience has been nothing short of great. She is the best personal trainer that I have ever met. Paula is not only able to train my body, but also teaches you a lot of other things in life. She always has such light and positive spirit, after training with her, you always believe you can achieve your goal and feeling very positive.
-Miranda
Paula Lewinski is the most remarkable trainer you can ever imagine. First of all, she is very knowledgeable about the body and what causes one problem or another. Her treatments are like no other I have ever experienced. She starts by asking what you are feeling that doesn't seem right, and uses a variety of techniques to correct the problem. She has a seemingly ever-increasing quantity of items to use, and all seem to me to work. She uses her hands and elbows and is right there to be sure I am doing the exercises correctly. She is one in a million to me.
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-Sharie Freudenberger
Paula has been working with me for 2 years. The results I achieved to date are largely due to Paula's perfect combination of diverse training methods, individualized and challenging yet achievable goal setting with my MS. Her professionalism , extensive knowledge of MS, and enthusiastic commitment to her work and ultimately her clients, provide me with goals and the ability to set foundations to remain mobile.
~Trish
Paula’s knowledge of how the body was designed to function, combined with her positive attitude to engage clients trying to become their best self is what makes her a top-notch personal trainer.
- Jennifer
After a hip replacement and foot surgery my body mechanics were badly in need of re-education, and because of discomfort in walking and simply moving, my weight climbed high enough to warrant a warning by my doctor to 'lose that weight!' I have worked with Paula for about 4 years, and a little over a year ago I started a serious diet to shed more than 60 lbs. As my weight declined Paula encouraged, guided, and pushed me to do more, and do things I refused to try before - like a plank or the stairclimber. While being mindful and careful of what I ate helped me drop pounds, Paula helped me build muscle mass at the same time. I dropped 5 dress sizes and l feel 20 years younger (I'm in my late 60s). My energy level is high and so is my enthusiasm for activity of any kind. Simply, Paula helped me reverse course on aging...when Paula works with me, or anyone, she is 100% focused on how I am moving to assure that my form is exactly what it should be. I could not have achieved my fitness and weight loss goals without her support and extraordinary dedication to helping me. I am very grateful that I found her and I have referred others who are becoming Paula-believers!
- Mary Dolan
I began working with Paula in January to get my body prepared for a major abdominal surgery in May. I have lipedema (an adipose tissue disorder) and I needed a tummy tuck and my gall bladder removed. I’ve had a very rough couple of years and my body was unable to sweat and release toxins properly. I see Paula twice a week and with her knowledge and skill, I’m losing weight, I’m stronger than I’ve been in many years, and my body does not swell up because it has re-learned how to sweat! Paula has also been able to relieve some of my Trigeminal Neuralgia pain and numbness.
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I am 57 and in July I spent two weeks walking all over Europe. I had no pain and my endurance in the heat was great—I was not uncomfortable like I have been on previous trips.
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I’m so thankful I made the decision to prioritize my health this year and that I have access to my “Body Mechanic” Paula! I have referred four friends with different physical issues and they all love working with her and are benefiting from their sessions.
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- Barbara Rendall
I begPaula is an excellent personal trainer. I am 63 with numerous broken bones and diagnosed with poly-arthritis. She starts each session asking "What hurts today?". The first part of the session will focus on whatever it is (ankle, knee, shoulder,etc) that needs attention. After the session I am better from the exercises she had me do. During each exercise she monitors and corrects my execution. She has even provided advice on supplements which have successfully treated muscular problems I have. The results from Paula's training can be seen in the mirror as well as my ability to perform exercises that initially I failed at. Paula make each training session fun and challenging. Paula is the 4th Personal Trainer I have used, is by far the best and I strongly recommend Paula as a Personal Trainer.
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- Mickey (Elk Grove IL)
I beg Paula to say “you don’t get it, until you get it” is something all of us with MS can relate to. It can be a struggle to try to explain the strange symptoms and sensations that occur so oftentimes, even with the help of the most knowledgeable and well-meaning trainer/therapist, the problem goes unresolved.
Paula is different. She seems to have an innate ability to understand the issue and know how to treat it.
I have been to many physical therapists and trainers in the past 23 years of dealing with MS, and none have come close to Paula. She is by far the best.
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- Eileen Hushion