“As a lifetime gym rat and former bodybuilder, I’ve been watching people attempt to get on the road to fitness by trying whatever fad is of that day. I watch these reality TV fitness trainers and their ridiculous made for TV routines which are copied in gyms and ‘boot camps’ all over. None of them are sustainable. None of the diets are sustainable. The most successful of their students work out for 3-6 months and then go back to the way it was. It’s clear you are teaching people the proper way to migrate toward a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and physical regimen. There aren’t enough of you out there.” -Kim “Soog” Suga
“I was thinking today after our session ended, how talented you are at what you do–a great combo of attentiveness, resolve, knowing when to push on, reading cues, being encouraging. I have also noticed that, when I see you working with other clients (and this is true with me as well), you are so present and tuned-in and not distracted. you give your full attention and energy, which is wonderful. Oh and one more thing–you have a great sense of humor, which is a huge asset! All of this is to say thanks, and that I really enjoy our work together.” Lynne B., Florence, Mass.
“Working with Kelly Coffey has been an experience of transformation well beyond the goals that initially brought me to her. My body – post-50 and post-Lyme disease – was in a sad state of affairs … weak and overweight. My emotional outlook was not much better. What I had left was a sense of determination and a glimmer of hope. The first thing that Kelly did was give me an education in body strengthening and an understanding of what was actually possible. Then she tapped into my determination and put some spark into the hope. And then she hit me with weekly sessions that took me to the edge … and beyond. Kelly’s steadfast passion and competence give me the confidence I need. Her cheerful, caring nature makes every session a pleasure. It’s a win-win combination that makes being coached by Kelly a joy of discovery. My personal success story from working with Kelly is a testimony to how the ‘Strong Coffey way’ is the transformational way to go.” Jensey Graham, Smith College. Northampton, Mass.
“I love the way I feel after workouts now! My muscles are fatigued and a little sore, but not painful, and I am energized rather than exhausted. I think I have gotten over the beginner’s hump…I am reminded that there is a period of adaptation that one must go through before it starts to feel natural and good. I think I have reached that point. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Kathy M., South Hadley, Mass.
“Thanks again for a great session. I’m really starting to love the routine and feel that it is in fact becoming routine.” Liz W., Northampton, Mass.
“I just wanted to thank you for agreeing to work with me, your presence and energy is making such a difference in my journey to get fit. I also wanted to let you know that I was able to do 30 mins yesterday on the treadmill in my target heart rate zone, yeah!” Kathy N., Northampton, Mass.
“I sought you out because I thought with the constant pain in my knees along with an increasing rigidity in my walk, I would pretty soon have to abandon gardening, any thoughts of traveling, and even the upstairs of my home. A year after working with you, while there are days when my legs ache and sometimes my knees join in, it is usually because I have been on my feet all day doing whatever it is I wish to do. I have found my freedom again–and that’s no exaggeration. Pain doesn’t rule my life as it very much did before. I am actually looking forward to this year’s work of growing stronger, steadier, and even more flexible. And I am really looking forward to walking those rolling hills of Ireland next June!” Phyllis M., Northampton, Mass.
“Am feeling yesterday’s work out! Thank you!! I’m really excited about challenging myself more and have felt a difference in my motivation level. I came home and walked/ran 3.2 miles. This morning, I did 1.7 miles and then went up Sugarloaf with friends!” Kristin M., Sunderland, Mass.
“Selfishly, I want to keep your notoriety here in Western Mass until I am fully fledged from your nest and deemed capable of monitoring my own musculature (sorry, correspondence with writers always brings out the alliterator in me). If Oprah were to take you under her wing, we’d never see you east of Chicago, and how sad would that be for us? And you should know that you can list ‘psychic’ as one of your many talents, as you accurately predicted that my calves would behave as if I had been walking around in high heels. This morning they are whining in harmony with my triceps, reminding me with each step that I had a brief but memorable encounter with Harold [a sliding squat machine so charming, I had to give him a name].” Kathy M., South Hadley, Mass.
“When I got home today spousal unit said, ‘You’re really looking great, fantastic. It must be your trainer, you look so healthy.’ I keep telling myself that muscle weighs more. I feel my gut has significantly flattened. He agreed. My size 20 jeans now are getting too droopy. 2 sizes down already?!” Corinne P., Greenfield, Mass.