Skip to main content

Success Stories

Every Woman Here Started Somewhere Hard

A walker. A back injury. A treadmill she couldn’t last three minutes on. These are real clients, in their own words, and here’s what happened when they decided to put themselves first.

Jan in 2019, before she started training with Nikki
2019
Jan today, standing in her kitchen with her hands on her hips
Today

Jan’s Story

From a Walker to Walking Independently

Jan came to me in 2019, at age 62, using a walker. A wheelchair was in her foreseeable future. We started exactly where she was (slow, careful, and consistent), and within a year she’d lost over 50 pounds and 13 inches.

Today, Jan walks into stores and restaurants without any help, gets on and off the floor by herself, and trains for strength and balance four times a week.

  • Lost 50+ pounds and 13 inches in a year
  • Walks independently, no walker needed
  • Trains for strength and balance four times a week
A woman with a long braid running along a country road, seen from behind

Renee’s Story

From Panic Attacks to Top Marks

Renee was an Army servicewoman in her forties with a back injury, exercise-induced panic attacks, and a hard deadline: pass the Army Combat Fitness Test in under three months. We strengthened the muscles around her spine, and we used breathwork and imagery to manage the anxiety.

She passed with top marks. Along the way, she lost body fat, gained confidence, and proved to herself that she could overcome anything.

  • Passed the Army Combat Fitness Test with top marks
  • Managed exercise-induced anxiety with breathwork and imagery
  • Gained strength and confidence, lost body fat

In Their Own Words

Training with Nikki has been life changing for me. Her small group training sessions are a wonderful way to build muscle and increase cardio strength. Her workouts are innovative and attainable. She has a positive way to motivate and inspire you. I wouldn’t work out with anyone other than Nikki.

Beth Lowell

I was in such terrible shape and overweight I couldn’t even do 3 minutes on a treadmill. I was so depressed and angry with myself. I knew I needed to make some changes. I had seen Nikki training another girl and was impressed with her progress. So when my husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas I said a personal trainer. So my journey began. It was the best gift I have ever received. Working with Nikki, I always say saved my life. I still workout with Nikki and through her continued knowledge and motivation I am in excellent physical and mental condition.

Gena Jones

I cannot recommend anyone as highly as Nikki Van Culin as a personal trainer. She has an incredible knowledgeable base and is able to personalize that knowledge to the specific needs of each and every individual, whether one‑on‑one or within a class setting. She motivates with her encouraging words, engages with her vibrant magnetism, and continually inspires to reach set goals. Although I consider myself a 'fit' person, Nikki always brings me to that next level and leaves me longing for more.

Vicki Verkaik

I have taken Nikki’s Small Group Training class several times a week for 5 years now. No matter whether she has 1 or several attendees, she knows and understands that some need to modify an exercise. During the class she will let those students know alternative exercises, but will get the same result. Given the challenges of 2020, I have mostly been attending Nikki’s classes remotely via Zoom. This has been a life saver! While working out with Nikki in person is the most desirable approach, her remote classes are a great alternative. No matter whether you attend her classes in person, or via Zoom, she makes it fun!

Judy

Nikki rocks. Her upbeat mood, expert instructions and modifications make her workouts fun, safe and challenging. I just want to keep coming back for more!

Molly Punzo

Nikki is an excellent fitness coach. She has a wonderful personality and is superbly trained to instruct and lead. She quickly learns what each client is capable of and gently pushes them to be their best. She also is aware of their physical limitations (troublesome joints, etc), and takes care to offer modifications that still target the muscles of interest. I look forward to my classes with Nikki, even though I often feel the sore muscles for a couple days after training with her. She is great with clients of all ages.

Sherry Chester

Nikki is a very positive influence, especially when I am in a negative frame of mind. She helps me overcome my self-doubts. Her online classes have been such a benefit for me. She helps me stay on track with my health and fitness goals, no matter where I am. After some recent knee surgery, she was able to adapt my fitness routine to meet my limited mobility. She is a great trainer!

Frank Muller

Nikki has been my personal and small group trainer for 10 years! Her classes are FUN!! Whether it be to get in shape or lose weight, she always motivates her clients to challenge themselves to achieve their personal goals through healthy diet and exercise. Nikki tailors and modifies her work out sessions to the individual client allowing them to participate in various activities and classes with other clients despite their physical limitations or injuries. Nikki creates a camaraderie among her clients that not only builds confidence and 'muscle' but also builds friendships. Nikki is not just a trainer/instructor but truly the definition of a personal health coach!

Eleanor Davina

When you talk about results it means Nikki. Her training pushes you regardless of your fitness level. She is able to simultaneously train a beginner with an advanced and both are equally challenged. Above all her courteous and personable style makes it a pleasant experience. All this makes her workout an event in my week that I look forward to.

Kathy Perkins

I have taken three (soon to be 4) sessions of boot camp with Nikki, and I have also attended her Muscle Conditioning class and Bosu Burn class. I can’t say enough good things about my experiences with Nikki. I am normally very unmotivated to work out, but...she is motivating and positive. I struggle with many of the exercises and if Nikki isn’t telling me I CAN DO IT (and she is usually right, I can) then she is showing me how to adjust the exercise to fit my level of fitness. I never feel awkward or uncomfortable when I’m in a class with Nikki. She pushes me to do more and helps me realize I can be better. And I am better, since day one I am much stronger and I feel better too. On a more personal level, Nikki is so very sweet and kind and she keeps me coming back...every day.

Charlene deGroot

I have worked with Nikki for over 10 years. She has helped me through pregnancy, post baby, foot surgery and all in between. She is a great motivator and teacher, ensuring her workouts work for me, while still pushing me to be better and stronger. I have done group and one‑on‑one and enjoyed them both. I can’t recommend her enough if you want to find your best self.

Lynn McCullough

I had been suffering from a debilitating head, neck, and shoulder injury for two years before working out with Nikki. Within three months, she helped me safely decrease muscle tension, and drastically improve my posture and mobility!

Jen Ross

You’ve Spent Years Taking Care of Everyone Else. It’s Your Turn.

Let’s find a path to feeling stronger, more confident, and in control of your health, together.