I have the privilege of continuing to coach great people working out towards great results. With a client base of well over 175 folks, these testimonials are but just a sampling. Thank you everyone for your honest and forthright stories to push beyond your limits to make the ordinary in your lives, extraordinary stories of fitness-success! Never stop, never give up, always hope and always know you can do it! Coach Dan After my annual physical in January 2010 I knew something had to change.  My blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol numbers were trending higher and higher. My doctor was about to write new prescriptions.  The following week I bumped into Coach Dan. I explained my predicament and my willingness to get back into a regular fitness routine. Coach Dan seemed unfazed and put together a plan. Yes, it wouldn't be easy. It would take discipline and effort. And it wasn't just about fitness but would include nutrition and lifestyle changes. I had to move my health into a higher priority and make it a habit not an afterthought.  I would need to make an investment in time and money. But the alternative was costly non-generic medications and the other downsides of artificial chemicals. Coach Dan is very conscious of where you are when you start and gradually introduced each new exercise while dramatically re-establishing healthy eating patterns and foods.  It wasn't more than a week that I could feel the difference. I stuck to the plan, writing down the food I ate and when. My food selection changed and I topped eating out because I couldn't completely control the ingredients/portions. The food savings were making up for the investment I made with Coach Dan.  60 days later the results have been quite astonishing. My body mass index dropped from nearly 30 to 25. My visceral fat went from 13 to 9. I lost 20 pounds, dropped 20 points on my blood pressure and my glucose fell 29 points. My triglycerides collapsed from 300 down to 118. My doctor was so pleased she put away her Rx pad.  Even my posture has improved and I feel good again. I had to buy some new clothes but it was nice to pick out the next size down then the next size up as I had the last 20 years.  I'm not saying this is an easy process but it does become easier when you begin to see progress and Coach Dan does hold you accountable.  If you really want to change and make it a permanent one I recommend Coach Dan's methods. If you have the desire he can steer you on the path to a healthier and happier body. Rich Derfler - April 2010   It’s the experience that keeps me coming back. I walked 5 miles today & used the weights that Coach Dan designed for me! I love the natural high I am on, on a daily basis! I had Chinese herbal healing soup at the gym last Thursday during Coach Dan's free fitness Clinic, along with a mini massage, and great discussion with other members! I started this journey about 3 years ago, where I was mentally looking for a solution to my life. I thought if I worked out, all my problems would go away because I was doing the right thing. That wasn’t so, I was missing something in that equation, the mental and the physical have to be on the same page in order for them to adjoin in harmony. I know it sounds weird but my head wasn’t in the right place when I started out with Coach Dan, I was physically there, but unable to follow the life changes that were necessary to succeed on this journey I now call Life. This time around was different, my head was in the right place, mentally and physically as one. My muscle memory kicked right back in as soon as I started my life changes. I really look forward to going to The Club 4 days a week now, one of which is with Coach Dan! I have made this experience a personal addition to my daily life. I think now about what I put into my body, how it will affect me, and what the outcome will be. I have worked this philosophy into every decision I make, health wise or any other way. I've also quite smoking! The joy I am experiencing at this point in my life surpasses anything else I have done! Maria Mattison - March 2010   Dan, Thanks for helping me put together a program as I prepare for my upcoming kayaking trip. In addition to helping with the specific regimen for the kayaking, I really appreciated the life coaching that you provided as well. I have lost over 13 inches, 25 pounds and my body fat is significantly lower since I started with you as my Coach. I really valued the tips that you gave that helped me maximize the time I devote to fitness. Those 'tricks to the trade' are invaluable and have made all the difference. Thanks again! Gary Allen, Sabrix   Coach Dan has truly been an inspiration in my life. I went to see Coach Dan in October after losing and gaining back 10 pounds over and over. I was so frustrated because I was working out and yet nothing was improving. He sat down with me that first day and I explained how I felt, what I wanted and what kind of schedule I had. He explained his history, theories, and his motivation for being a Coach. He likes to help people. Awe! The first few weeks, were all about learning and how to hold the weights, what to eat, what to cut down on. But the whole time it was about me and what would work for me. I kept a food journal and we discussed how to eat. Dan gives positive constructive advice and does not make you feel bad if you slip up. He just reminds you that you are human and to accept it and move on. What a relief! This is not a free pass, but allows your brain to not give up because of ONE bad day like I normally would. After a few weeks I had a whole body routine and practiced every day. All the time Dan was making small adjustments to make the workout work for me. At the beginning of each session we would sit and talk about the previous week for a few minutes. He is such a good listener, I am sure I used him more as a therapist than necessary. As the weeks passed I started to feel more energy throughout the day. A few pounds had come off, but not as much as I had hoped. Apparently MY body was not on MY schedule. We kept working and Coach Dan routinely kept at me to stick with it. He thought that the holidays were keeping weight loss at bay and he knew if I made it to January that things would really change for me. Well Christmas came and went and still the weight hung on. Then, the sun came out, I lost 4 pounds in a week. Since then, I have increased my running to nearly 5 miles, and I work out consistently 5-6 days per week. Activity is now a part of my everyday life. Given this new body, increased stamina, and courage to face my own demons I have decided to really change. I have quit my job, given notice at my apartment and am joining Outward Bound, where after a bit of training hope to be an instructor. This would not be possible without Coach Dan. Thank you Coach Dan!   Jen Carman - March 08   Life is full of surprises. In 2005, I was diagnosed with 4 non-malignant tumors growing on the nerves around my heart, abdomen, hip and spinal column. This necessitated 4 major invasive surgeries. I had been exercising regularly thanks to excellent coaching by Dan and was feeling great. Dan encouraged me to continue working out strenuously right up to the operations, which I did. One of the procedures called for cracking open my rib cage to remove a baseball sized tumor near my heart. Thanks to my good conditioning, I walked out of the hospital after 36 hours. The doctors said they had never seen such a fast recovery and it was entirely a result of my physical fitness. I credit Dan for this and would recommend him to anyone who really cares about their health and wants to be prepared for the surprises of life. R. Scott Smith - Managing Director Wachovia Securities - December 07      In January 2006 I came to the decision it was time to focus on my body and health. I hired Dan for his knowledge and guidance. In our first sessions I learned how to workout safely for my fitness level and also learned the proper way to do each exercise. Over the course of several months I saw great results in weight and inches lost and lowering my body fat count. My body was getting toned as well. Coach Dan makes sure his clients understand the entire process from exercise, nutrition and diet. He never criticizes or badgers, he is always a positive force helping you make fitness a natural part of your life. I now workout on a regular basis and have lost 27 pounds and four pant sizes. I even got my husband started with Dan and he is getting a lot out of it as well. Thanks for the good workout tonight. I left with more energy than I came in with that is for sure. I had to share some great news with you. I got home and had received the results of my blood work from my physical last week. My doctor was not too happy that I took myself off the cholesterol medication all most a year ago. This week, the results came back for LDL-bad cholesterol at 78 (normal is less than 130). My cholesterol reading is 154 (normal  is at less than 200) before I started working out my cholesterol was 253, it's dropped 99 points! My doctor even wrote a note "EXCELLENT! You did it! Keep up the good work!" Dan, I know I did the work , as you always say, but I can't thank you enough for your guidance. As you know I am happy with my weight loss and body composition, but my true goal from the very beginning was to improve my health for a longer and most important healthier life. Thank you, Coach Dan --  August 2007 Judy Volk - Loan Processor, Umpqua Bank - October 07   I Coached at Stephenson Elementary School 2007 & 2008, 9 and 10 year olds. I was the after school Fitness Coach using exercise bands. This picture was taken after the second 8 week series was complete and I took them out along with one of the parents to get some tasty food as a celebration for accomplishing their workouts! I Coached them the fall of 2007 and Spring of 2008! Stephenson Elementary Exercise Class           I just wanted to thank you for helping me “get healthy” this past year. I feel like my progress has been at a snail’s pace and I still could do a lot more, but it’s been a year since I started lifting weights, working out and eating healthier and I really do feel better physically and emotionally. One thing that bothered me last year was that my stomach was like a bowl full of jelly. I was noticing today in my clothes that it’s much flatter and firmer, yeah! Anyway – just thought I’d thank you for your help! Cynthia Easterday - Attorney and Assistant General Counsel, Oregon State Bar - November 07   Coach Dan, Thanks so much for coaching me over the past few years.  It was beyond my expectations.  You were well organized, gave me a written plan, and then stuck with plan.  You always seemed to care about me as an individual, and not just while I was working out with you.  There were numerous phone calls from you on days while we weren't working out, or while I was travelling.  You would ask if I had worked out and how I had eaten that day.  I have always been a long distance runner, and have really enjoyed it.  While working out with you, I cut my marathon time by over 1 minute per mile.  That was totally beyond any expectations I had.  You always seemed to know when to push extra hard.  I felt like I was in better shape while working out with you, than any time in my life (other than when I was on an athletic scholarship in college).  Thank you so much for all you did, and you are an awesome coach! I would absolutely recommend any of my family, friend or colleagues to you! I am sorry I have to move, or I would still be working out with you. Jason Price, 2009             I first contacted Coach Dan in August of 2005.  I was quite heavy, completely out-of-shape, and suffering from a nagging pain in my Achilles tendon (which was clearly related to my weight and lack of strength).  Dan's approach was to understand my goals, understand all the details of my health background, and then build a health/strength program that was designed for me - but designed to produce results.  Within 4 months, I had lost 20 pounds, had gained strength and energy, and the nagging Achilles problem was gone.  A year later I'm down 35 pounds from where we started, and committed to regular exercise and stable nutrition. I plan on and look forward to working more with Dan in future, and recommend his services. Rocky Scales - Vice President Sales & Marketing, Vesta - March 07   I had gotten farther and farther away from a healthy lifestyle, and I  had forgotten how to maintain one. I was overweight and had insomnia. I came to Coach Dan looking for more than just a good workout once a week - rather, my system needed to be re-booted and set on a course for long-term fitness. Dan delivered in spades. Going at a pace that didn't scare me away, he worked with me to design a program that fit  my lifestyle; one of constant travel combined with the stresses of an executive professional position. I'd tried many other programs/trainers in the past, and I feel Dan's success with me personally lies in his unique program design for the individual combined with an intuitive motivational coaching style that gave me the tools to succeed. In short, my weight is on track, I'm sleeping well at night, and I have a long term lifestyle fitness program that is extremely fun and enjoyable. D.A.   Pictured below are Coach Dan and client, Cynthia Dorrell Coach Dan thanks to you and your training ......my cholesterol dropped 65 points....I'm giving you all the credit...you implemented some simple changes in life style and diet and it obviously paid off...I loved your food challenges and your coaching...my daughter Holly and I will look forward to hitting it hard in the fall.  Cynthia Dorrell       Thanks again for pushing me this morning. Being at the club working out was more of a challenge than you know, but thank you for being there and pushing me. I doubt I would have worked as hard without your presence. Consequently, I WILL make the change in my eating habits, because if I am going to work that hard, I want something to show for it, i.e. a healthier body. I just had  a healthy lunch, salmon, rice, asparagus (which I do not like) and a cup of seafood chowder, tomato base. With that kind of lunch, my dinner will be light. Thanks for the input and motivation. Jack Ford - Attorney at Law   I am doing great, I have lost 73 pounds now, and have 12 to go to get to my goal; I am looking at becoming a personal trainer, getting ready to start taking classes at the community college and see where that takes me. We will see, I am so ready to get rid of this desk job stuff. You were my first inspiration to get fit, and you definitely gave me the confidence to know that I could work out in a gym. I am so thankful you were a part of my life, and now a part of my success. Sherri Zaback   Dan's coaching and training have rejuvenated my workouts and has resulted in needed weight loss (30 pounds), increased fitness, energy and good health. He has not only restored a sense of consistency into my workouts, but also has improved my efficiency and intensity of the workouts to keep my training program on track. Moreover, he has made it fun and has given me great information and insight into nutrition and exercise physiology. Dan is a true professional and I have greatly benefited from his vigilant training. I highly recommend his training to all interested in improving their condition, appearance and health.   Bob Yanity - Attorney   Dan, I wanted to thank you for inspiring me to get back in the groove of my workout routine. I had been away for about three months while I was on maternity leave, and you gave me just the boost and motivation I needed.  I'm really enjoying the program you put together for me! I look forward to getting together with you again to refresh my program.      Kristi Sanchez - SWMBCC During the past 36 months I've followed a fitness program arranged for me by coach Dan. I've gained strength in all the main muscle groups, noticed an increase in stamina, and have trimmed inches from my arms, waist, and thighs. Also, my past surgically repaired knee in summer of 2003, is back to normal. What a pleasure to feel great again - thanks Coach Dan!     Sharon Berg - Nutrition Department Fred Meyer   In August 2002, I realized that my focus on fitness had severely declined. I weighed 171 pounds, ate poorly and my day-to-day energy was low. In September 2002, Coach Dan asked how I was doing with my fitness? I said I was disgusted with my fitness level and that I lacked focus. Dan was sincerely concerned and suggested that we meet up to map out a fitness program. Coach was able to show me effective ways to utilize a one-hour workout, get me to understand my eating habits and begin living a balanced life of nutrition and structured exercise. We met once weekly for thirteen weeks, while I did homework workouts a few other days per week. Within six months of our coach-client relationship I was down to 159 pounds. My cholesterol was way down; and I’d gained significant strength and felt highly energized and motivated – still do! It’s sad that even though I have been ‘athletic’ all my life, it wasn’t until I met Dan that I came to understand the proper way to eat and exercise for optimum quality of life. Craig Fossati - GMAC     Dan has helped me to define and achieve fitness goals, he is knowledgeable, and motivational. I particularly appreciate his follow-up. He consistently disseminates the latest information available in nutrition and other aspects of total health to his clients, both during training sessions and after they have ended through e-mail. He has helped me eat better, exercise better, and progress in the direction I want to go. Thanks Dan.   Marlin Harker - Greenpoint     I hired Dan as my fitness coach in March of 2003 to help me get more from my strength training. I was impressed with his discipline and caring nature. He understood and took time to listen to my needs. I found a difference in Dan’s fitness focus, he really liked seeing me improve and enjoyed any success in the gym. When I didn’t measure up, he wouldn’t judge me, he’d simply encourage me more. He also has a clear understanding on eating behavior and learning better times to eat meals during a day. I also had high blood pressure. I told Dan about it and he suggested I try biofeedback to ease stress. I researched and decided to purchase a biofeedback machine. It helped me understand breathing to reduce stress and my blood pressure began going down to normal levels within a week. I no longer use medications for my blood pressure issues and feel better than ever.   Daniel Harkavy - Building Champions Founder & CEO Thanks for your encouragement and commitment to my workouts. I always look forward to trudging across the street from work, and I always feel great when we're done! Frankly, the 'working out' part of our appointments is simply a bi-product of what I truly enjoy which is spending time with a good friend. Joby Easton   As a client of Dan's over the past year I have seen the advantage of having a fitness coach. Dan knew I would be somewhat difficult to mold with a degree in Phys. Ed., and being a past college athlete. I had much to overcome mentally to break through some barriers physically. It was very gratifying to accomplish both of those goals and see the results of new disciplines in the area of strength training, via phone coaching. I now have a "fitness for life plan" and encourage my clients to do the same!   Tammy London - Building Champions   I had been inactive for several years and came to Dan looking to improve my fitness level.  I needed direction on where to start.  Since working with Dan, I have gained stamina, strength & decreased my overall body fat.  My strength in many muscle groups has increased by as much as 100%.  Dan’s energy and enthusiasm has motivated me to make fitness an integral part of my life.  Thanks coach Dan!   Robert Burks - First Horizon Mortgage   When I first got to know Dan, I picked his brain about fitness and nutrition, and straight away I knew he was the real deal. He was passionate and incredibly knowledgeable about all facets of fitness so I hired him to coach me via, telephone. I gave Dan a challenge for me to reach a new place in fitness: have six-pack abdominals, stay strong and keep my muscle mass. I’d been hovering around 175 pounds, and feeling heavy around the mid-section. I needed to lose the fat on my waist and mid section in order to ‘see’ the six-pack, but I didn’t know if it were possible. I told Dan I wanted to get down to 165 pounds. He got my way of thinking to change, and the limits I had placed on myself are gone. My fitness focus had been wrong, but he gave me an exercise and diet plan to help me breakthrough barriers. I am now at 150 pounds, and have retained my muscle with much more definition, less body fat and my overall conscientiousness has increased! The results with Dan blew me away! I have a lot more energy and feel great about my level of fitness. Dan has been instrumental in getting me to the next level. Greg Harkavy - Building Champions   Dan has been my fitness coach for over one year now and has made a huge difference in my life. I had not lifted weights for over twenty five years; I was at least fifteen pounds over weight due to horrible eating habits and lack of exercise, and felt sluggish. I realized that the only way I would commit to a consistent routine was to hire a fitness coach. Dan has been great! We started slow because I didn’t even know how the equipment worked. He changed my eating habits in the first two weeks. After ten weeks I had lost 15 pounds and felt great lifting weights three days and doing aerobic exercise the other three days a week. Without a coach, I would not have done it! Today, I can’t imagine not working out on a regular basis. Dan can help you to improve your health and I recommend him highly! Clayton Scott Thank you so much for supporting me through my fitness journey.  You should be happy to know that I have lost a total of 30 pounds and my body fat went from 29 to 17 percent! I'm a size three versus a size twelve!  I am even more dedicated than ever! I really feel like I have found me...I love my new body and my healthy lifestyle!  Dan, I cannot express how much I appreciate your support and expertise, you have really helped me become who I am today, thank you, thank you! La Donna Cortez