Our clients have something to say. Read frank stories from the people that matter most - you. Everyone at Balans is dedicated to help you reach your goal in a fun and comfortable environment. Read what people are saying and share your own story on facebook.

"I absolutely would love to share my good feelings about Balans — it is a place to go where I feel positive, inspired, motivated,
entertained & included!" — Dawn Gaskill, 2013

“BALANS, changing more than body composition; changing lives” — Karyn Jordan, 2013

Nutrition Got Me There

by JJ Mashburn
June 2012

"I started at Balans in October 2011, and made a commitment to myself to take two classes a week. I loved the classes I was taking. However, in January of 2012, I still was not the weight I wanted to be. I decided to look for a more complete solution so I signed up for three sessions with Nutritionist Caryl White.

What a difference the four months have been! When I first met with Caryl, one of the things she recommended was increasing my exercise. I thought to myself, “I went from nothing to twice a week. Okay I will take her advice.”

Caryl gave me a cutting edge nutritional class covering all aspects of nutritional support. She gave me a clear understanding of WHAT to eat, the importance of WHEN to eat, and WHEN to exercise.

Now, I rarely get hungry and I DO NOT feel guilty when I indulge in the occasional treat. I am now in control. I know how to make the necessary adjustments. Thanks to the support of Balans and their nutritional programs, I have reached my goal weight and have more energy than ever!"

Ultimate Camp Results

by Lindsay Donohue
September 2011

"After my first Balans Ultimate Camp class with Evie, my arms felt like jelly and I could hardly lift my 2 year old son into the car. But I thought, no pain, no gain, right? At the 3rd week fit test I was already seeing good results.

Now, at the end of my second round of Ultimate Camp, I've lost a total of 13 inches! I have only lost 3 pounds, but what I lost has turned into fat burning muscle! I also knocked 2 minutes off my mile, which I hadn't run since my teen years, and am now looking forward to signing up for my first 5k run, not walk, RUN!

Thanks to Balans and Evie, my arms are thinner and my belly isn't so 'fluffy' anymore!!"

Get Inspired

by Julie Boutwell
March 2011

"Not since organized high school sports have I been this dedicated to exercise. Its due in part to the great staff and mix and variety of classes offered in a non-gym atmosphere, as well as convenient location and times.

I have been coming to Balans for four and a half months, since the Studio first opened. I have noticed a great change in my endurance and strength as a result of my class schedule. I can actually see my triceps muscle! Joking aside. Also, I can tell that I have a much stronger core band and feel more balanced.

My motivation to join the Studio? Well It is a “studio” not a gym. The Studio offers a nice compliment that focus on mind, body, and soul. I truly appreciate the small class size and relationships that I have developed with the very knowledgeable professional instructors. I have been taught that it is smart to mix it up and challenge your muscles, so I like to incorporate cardio with the strength classes. TRX® intimidated me initially, but it offers the greatest variety of options for full-body strength training. Recent TRX® classes incorporate Cardio too, so there is no way to ever get bored.

After 4 months I’m amazed at what I now can do with those straps. I was new to yoga but have found that yoga is necessary not only to stretch and relax, but it has taught me to slow down and clear my mind, now I am equally excited about BarWorks. If you want to see different results, you have to be willing to try something different – Give Balans a try!"

"I have really enjoyed the classes!  I like the online reservation site, even though classes fill up fast.
 The studio is great, Jaimis and Silke are wonderful yoga instructors, and Beverlyn is energizing and so welcoming!" – Kristin M

Mind Over Matter = Healthier, Happier, Lifestyle

by Laura Goehring
April 2011

"It was a short 5 months ago when I sheepishly stepped into Balans for the first time. I had decided to try yoga, and a conversation with John convinced me that the yoga trainers would be gentle. Yoga Fundamentals was quite a challenge for a fella who has very little balance. Fortunately, Silke was patient and explained poses so well that I eventually started looking like I knew what I was doing. I attend yoga regularly, and my balance has improved greatly. I have the pictures of me surfing last month to prove it.

After a few weeks, I decided to branch out and try TRX. I was determined to test myself, so I signed up for Evie's TRX Fit / Strength class on a Monday morning that I won't soon forget. I could barely hold a plank, do a curl up or even keep my heels in the straps. If it weren't for the encouragement from several of the 'regulars' at the end of class, I doubt I would have returned. I kept attending several times each week, and I became much more comfortable and confident after about 4 weeks. I also found that I didn't hurt as much after a session with Evie or maybe I was just numb. I have now become one of the regulars, yet I still find each session to be a challenge. With different themes and areas of focus each week, no two sessions are identical nor do they become stale.

After TRX one day, I received a recommendation. If I really wanted to test myself, I should try Amy's Cycle Interval Blast. I learned to ride a bike as a young lad, so I thought I'd see what all of the fuss was about. Well, I was overjoyed to learn that I controlled how much tension was applied to my bike because there was no way I could keep up. At first, I smiled when Amy reminded us to breath. Then, I realized that I had actually forgotten to breath. That was a tough first hour. Subsequent sessions have been equally challenging but not as intimidating.

On a goof, I tried Zumba. Once I got over the fact that I looked a bit foolish, I really enjoyed myself. I recognize that I'll never move as well as Beverlyn, but I have started to get the basic steps down. Sadly, my hips still seem to have a mind of their own. We won't discuss how I performed in 'The Groove Method' since it was agreed upon in advance that the events from that morning would not leave the Studio.

The sum total of my experience at Balans has been positive. Everything is at your own pace and based upon your own abilities and/or desire. While I haven't really dropped much weight in total, I have witnessed a noticeable difference in my conditioning, the way I feel and the way my clothes fit, so I suppose that Balans has helped provide a strategic redistribution of my body mass. Overall, I am stronger, have better balance & endurance, and my dance moves have really come a long way. The key was that no one allowed me to get discouraged. All it took was for me to continue giving myself over to the dedicated staff at Balans one hour at a time. They helped get me through the first few waves of doubt and frustration, and I am better off thanks to them. Next up.....BarWorks!"

Core Strong

by John Williams
June 2011

"Pilates/TRX®, surely you cannot be serious?" This was my original thought, but I was soon to be proven wrong. Throughout my life I have been an athlete: high school track, cross country, triathlons, half-marathons and endurance races. Nonetheless, over the past year I had noticed changes in my performance while swimming, running and cycling. I could not keep the up the high intensity and despite a regimented diet, began developing "love handles." At 5ft 10in, 170lbs and 12% body fat, I felt as though I had failed myself. I asked, "Is it time to hang this up? You are 36." Someone else had a better idea, Donna Parker Jones, an instructor at Balans Studio.

Donna constructed a fitness program for me, combining not only weights, cardio and plyometrics but TRX® and Pilates. She was thinking that my core was not as strong as it should be. I thought, "What is Pilates/TRX®? Sounds like some ladies' class."

I learned that TRX® is a system of suspension straps that utilize your body weight to perform various exercises; Pilates focuses on the core area through small and deliberate movements. This was no "Ladies only class!" After two months of these classes, only going twice a week, I have lost an additional 2% body fat.

But that is not the best part! My Master's swim coach noticed that I am keeping my legs higher in the water, and am getting faster. I am ready for another Tri-Season! The performance that I had been seeking is now coming to fruition. It was all do to a lack of core strength, just like Donna said.

Thank you Donna and Balans for your time, effort, and an awesome class, Pilates/TRX®."

The Right Place

by Mary Griggs
August 2011