Success Stories
In my first 45 days at Lucky13:
The biggest change, my mindset. While this remains a daily challenge, Coach Michelle is giving me tools to navigate stress and transform my negative belief pattern into something affirming. I do feel like this is work that will never end, but I've made great strides and truly feel more at peace. I also had an unexpected health crisis and when I could not workout and was in a dark mental place, Coach Michelle's mind work exercises were a life raft.
- Patricia Leavy
- I've lost weight and my clothes fit much better.
- I'm on an eating plan that feels right for my body.
- I sleep much better. In fact, my sleeping is totally transformed.
- I have more energy.
- I exercise every day without agonizing over it—it's just a habit now.
The biggest change, my mindset. While this remains a daily challenge, Coach Michelle is giving me tools to navigate stress and transform my negative belief pattern into something affirming. I do feel like this is work that will never end, but I've made great strides and truly feel more at peace. I also had an unexpected health crisis and when I could not workout and was in a dark mental place, Coach Michelle's mind work exercises were a life raft.
- Patricia Leavy
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"I was skeptical at first. I thought I knew what to do when it came to exercise as I have worked out my whole entire life.
Wrong. After having kids & entering my mid 40's, I was experiencing all sorts of pain and aches, plus the stress from negative social phenomena & continuous hate crimes. All in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then Lucky13 found me. Lucky13 has taught me the basic yet most important fundamentals: Exercise, Diet, and MENTAL. I highlighted MENTAL because this is the key role that leads to my good exercise and healthy diet habits. Michelle and her team are kind, flexible, truly understanding of my issues (mental and physical), and provide a safe and supportive community that I can trust. Their exercise programs and weekly coaching calls have given me back the confidence and strengths I lost 2 years ago. The gym is always clean, schedules are flexible (virtually and/or on-site), and the small group environment is super comfortable with other friendly members. It's been 5 months since I joined Lucky13. I am extremely pleased with my progress. I have less back pain/sciatica, I lost 18 lbs, and I can run again! I feel assured that with their continued training and encouragement, I will keep getting my small wins that lead to great results! I cannot thank Michelle, Jen, and Markus enough for all of their hard work and effort. They listen, analyze, and work with me to find the best solutions. They don't stop there... They offer constant communication and reminders to challenge & encourage me every day. They have made such a HUGE difference in my life. I highly recommend Lucky 13 for anyone who is looking for a safe and true support system that can be relied on and trusted for life-lasting results.' - Miwa Schurgot |
"My entire life, even through college, I participated in team sports. Throughout my athletic career, there was a huge focus on being physically fit, but little to no emphasis on what it means to eat right. When you are exercising almost 4 hours a day, you don’t worry so much about what or how much you eat, because it makes little impact on your physical appearance. Upon graduating, I found myself lacking the motivation to work out on my own, while continuing my less than ideal eating habits. I felt uncomfortable in my skin and in my clothes, and while I tried to make positive changes, I was unsure about so many things that it all seemed way out of reach.That is, until I started the Memorial Day Meltdown Program with Lucky13Fitness. Michelle & Markus are outstanding trainers, whose focus is not only to get you physically fit, but mentally as well. They give you all the tools you need to succeed, as well as the motivation to become the best version of yourself. Michelle's program took the guesswork out of meal prep and meal planning, and made healthy living fun and obtainable.
In just 28 days I lost nearly 10 pounds, but more importantly, I became a faster, fitter, and more confident version of myself. For me, this experience has evolved into a lasting lifestyle change, rather than a 28 day program. Huge thank you to Michelle and Lucky13Fitness!" - Caroline F. |
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Carol lost 20lbs, gained incredible strength, achieved new personal bests,
and feels overall more confidence in herself. |
Colleen was able to get out of her rut, lose 7lbs, and feel better
than she has in a long time. |
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Eric Before and After Front
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Eric Before and After Side
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Before becoming a member at Lucky13, I was feeling stuck, unable to mount a consistent effort to improve my health and manage my weight.
I lacked the energy, strength and stamina to do many of the activities I have enjoyed doing in the past. The Coaches at Lucky13 provided me with regularly scheduled training sessions and also provided me with additional exercise routines I could easily do at home. Additionally, Michelle provided me with a nutrition plan that took my preferences into account, and provided an excellent guideline for better eating. Through monthly coaching calls and other interactive means I was consistently encouraged to stay on a track and provided with excellent guidance on my path to better health. So far in my time at Lucky13, I am back at many of the activities I have enjoyed in the past, including 10 mile hikes and 25 mile bike rides. I have more energy for my daily activities and I am sleeping better. Along the way I have also lost 25lbs! - Scott S. |
What motivated me to join Lucky13 was the fact that I am getting married, and had gained about 20 pounds after buying my wedding dress. I was making progress on my own to fit back into it, but way too slowly.
I've never been a very active person… I always strived to stay healthy but had many ups and downs with my diet, health and physical activity levels. But, one thing always remained a constant: I HATED working out. I belonged to different gyms over the years and always purely dreaded going. It just was never sustainable, and the results were always minimal because I didn't really know what to do for effective exercise. I'm about 6 weeks into being a part of the Lucky13 community and (it feels insane for me to say this) I actually look forward to my workouts. I truly enjoy going. The team, personalizing programs for each person, makes the environment so welcoming and since they make every workout a bit different, it's never boring. Time flies when I'm there. As for the results? I'm SO happy to say that now, my wedding dress fits, with 6 weeks left till my big day. And more importantly, I feel great & I feel strong. And it's all thanks to the team at Lucky13! - Shauna M. |
"Being someone who regularly age-group places at local 5ks, I saw my times plateau . But after training with Michelle for one season, I PR'ed [personal record] 3 times and crushed the goal time I've been unable to achieve on my own the last few years. Michelle's training knowledge may only be surpassed by her innate ability to always listen to, understand and encourage her clients."
- Tom H.
- Tom H.
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Maureen Before and After
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Jean H. started at Lucky13Fitness doing the "Fall Back Into Fitness" 30 Day Transformation Program. Over the 30 days, she lost 10lbs, 7 inches, and improved her health and fitness. Since the end of the program, Jean has chosen to continue on as a Lucky13Fitness member and continues to lose both pounds and inches, while building strength and confidence!
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Ambar C. started with Lucky13Fitness in 2014 by participating in group classes like Bootcamp and Tabata. Over the course of the past few years, she has transformed both her body and her life by exercising regularly, making healthier nutrition choices, and centering her life around fun activities. She's now one of the top players in her Flag Football league! |
Michelle is so much more than a typical personal trainer. Her background in social work and her commitment to nutrition in addition to physical fitness gives her clients an extremely well-rounded approach to getting and staying healthy. She's an incredible motivator and tailors your workouts to meet YOUR goals, rather than helping everyone get to an idealized end-result. I'm certainly not the most motivated when it comes to fitness, but every time I take her class or train with her, I want to be my best because she makes me feel confident and able to achieve my goals.
- Jackie P.
- Jackie P.
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I began working with the fine people at Lucky13 Fitness in December of 2016. I had just gotten back from a trip to London in November and the pictures from the trip weren't terribly flattering. I play hockey, and tore my hip in March of 2016 and it kept me off the ice for a while. Even when I got cleared to play again, it was still painful and it hurt my ability to keep up with my off-ice workouts.
I've been fortunate to work with some great trainers and Markus and Michelle at Lucky13 are certainly at the top of that list. They worked with me to help set up a training plan and unlike several of the other training studios I've dealt with, helped me with a meal plan. I always found it strange that even though nutrition is such an integral part of weight management, many studios either ignore it or only offer a referral to an outside agency. The fact that Lucky13 has it [nutrition guidance & coaching] as part of their offerings was very attractive.
To date I've gone from about 218 lbs - 190 lbs working with Lucky13Fitness. The classes are great, you get to use a lot of equipment that you wouldn't normally in a gym and the support from both the coaches and the other members is outstanding. I'd highly recommend giving them a try!
- Matt A.
I've been fortunate to work with some great trainers and Markus and Michelle at Lucky13 are certainly at the top of that list. They worked with me to help set up a training plan and unlike several of the other training studios I've dealt with, helped me with a meal plan. I always found it strange that even though nutrition is such an integral part of weight management, many studios either ignore it or only offer a referral to an outside agency. The fact that Lucky13 has it [nutrition guidance & coaching] as part of their offerings was very attractive.
To date I've gone from about 218 lbs - 190 lbs working with Lucky13Fitness. The classes are great, you get to use a lot of equipment that you wouldn't normally in a gym and the support from both the coaches and the other members is outstanding. I'd highly recommend giving them a try!
- Matt A.
"Being at Lucky13Fitness has been an awesome experience. Markus understands that we are all individuals. My injuries had limited me for so long (4 years). I was told I would never be in the gym again. I couldn't be any happier and thankful that I found your Summer Slimdown program. I was feeling as if I would never be able to work out again. Your program and semi-private workouts have made me healthier and stronger. When you feel stronger, you feel like you can conquer the world. I went to the orthopedic doctor a week ago who could not believe that I was walking without a limp!"
- Sharon D.
- Sharon D.
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Michelle was willing to help me get stronger in a way that worked for me. It was all about accountability for me, as I am an exercise procrastinator. She got me going and regaining my strength. Her multi-faceted background made her heads and shoulders abover any other trainer I have ever worked with before. Plus, her space is fantastic and un-gym-like."
- Joanne D.
- Joanne D.
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“Since being at Lucky13Fitness, things are only getting better and better. My energy is off the hook, I am sleeping better, I have lost 10 lbs., and I can comfortably wear every single thing in my closet now! Today is 50 days since I started the food plan we were given for the Summer Slimdown. It doesn't feel like a plan or diet anymore. I have stuck with the guiding principles of the plan, the clean eating concept because I really like the food I am preparing, eating better now than I ever have, but at the same time, if I want something, like a slice of pizza or a plate of pasta, I am going to indulge. I have not made anything "forbidden" or off limits. I am not dieting, just enjoying my life, and food is an essential and enjoyable part of that. It is no longer an enemy, only took me 50 years and 5 months to figure that one out!”
- Karen P.
- Karen P.
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The biggest benefit to joining L13F has been learning what REAL food is, and having a great team to support me with my fitness and nutrition goals. I loved being held accountable by having in-studio workout sessions as well as the monthly coaching call.
Before joining, I thought I was eating healthy and exercising, but I was wrong! I made mostly good choices but was following a structured weight loss program that encouraged using low fat or sugar free products, which come to find out are basically just chemicals and fake food. I worked out in the gym but not to the best of my potential and I can tell you for certain now having worked out with Markus, I was hurting myself which is never a good thing. I was essentially just spinning my wheels and getting very little traction in every aspect of my nutrition and fitness journey.
My other gym experiences have been horrible! I've been lost, had no guidance and honestly didn't know where to begin and 99% of the time I have ended up "donating" my monthly membership to the gym because I didn't use it! With Lucky 13 Fitness I had someone not only personally designing my workout plan to fit me and my needs, but standing right beside me (literally!) to make sure I achieved it. The small group classes were perfect for me because I got the individualized attention I needed but didn't have the audience I always felt like I had in a large gym. Plus, no fancy equipment or guess work, I learned to work out at home with my own body and very little equipment. It's amazing!
If you're considering joining Lucky13, don't wait! Make the investment in yourself and learn how to be healthy and happy without a ton of guess work. You will see results and you will NOT be sorry!
- Talia
Before joining, I thought I was eating healthy and exercising, but I was wrong! I made mostly good choices but was following a structured weight loss program that encouraged using low fat or sugar free products, which come to find out are basically just chemicals and fake food. I worked out in the gym but not to the best of my potential and I can tell you for certain now having worked out with Markus, I was hurting myself which is never a good thing. I was essentially just spinning my wheels and getting very little traction in every aspect of my nutrition and fitness journey.
My other gym experiences have been horrible! I've been lost, had no guidance and honestly didn't know where to begin and 99% of the time I have ended up "donating" my monthly membership to the gym because I didn't use it! With Lucky 13 Fitness I had someone not only personally designing my workout plan to fit me and my needs, but standing right beside me (literally!) to make sure I achieved it. The small group classes were perfect for me because I got the individualized attention I needed but didn't have the audience I always felt like I had in a large gym. Plus, no fancy equipment or guess work, I learned to work out at home with my own body and very little equipment. It's amazing!
If you're considering joining Lucky13, don't wait! Make the investment in yourself and learn how to be healthy and happy without a ton of guess work. You will see results and you will NOT be sorry!
- Talia
The thing that sets Michelle at Lucky13Fitness apart from others is that she actually listened to my goals and created a CUSTOM plan to get me there. I have felt in the past that other trainers look at you and in their heads they note your age/sex and already have a regime planned out regardless of what I actually said. Michelle started out with a fitness assessment that was more focused on how I move rather than how long I can do cardio before passing out. We then spoke about realistic goals and timelines. Michelle flat out told me that in order to achieve my goals I would have to do a combination of "the sexy stuff and the unsexy stuff," with the latter being what we would focus on in the beginning. I thought it was a really honest experience. I also think that the coaching sessions are a helpful time to continually assess where you are in terms of your goals and things that might be holding you back from reaching them. If you are realistic about your goals and timelines, I really think that Michelle and Lucky13Fitness can help you get there!"
- Nick B.
- Nick B.
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Michelle is a dedicated and focused trainer. She doesn't cut corners or offer unrealistic results. Instead, she allows you to build a foundation of mobility, strength and fitness for the long-term. Her combination of fitness sessions and sit-down coaching sessions is truly unique. These coaching sessions are a great opportunity to discuss the roadblocks that are holding me back, and they make a huge difference in keeping me on track to meet my goals. Her commitment to her clients is genuine, which is extremely hard to find. I love that I never feel rushed or unheard. She asks for my feedback in every session and she truly cares about my input. She tailors ever workout and coaching session to my needs and goals and adapts my program whenever needed. I never feel like I'm getting a cookie-cutter experience with Michelle. When you work with Michelle, you get more than just a set of exercises; you get a coach who invests in every aspect of your fitness and well-being.
- Jill M. My two employees and I did a 3-month group training with Michelle. We all lost weight, revamped our entire diet and exercise routines (both at home and at work) and all three of us feel so much better! Michelle is patient, very motivating, and inspired us to be healthier, eat more healthfully and exercise regularly. She really made a big change in my (and my co-workers') overall well-being!
- Shannon G. Michelle and her staff at Lucky13Fitnes are by far the most complete trainers I have worked with. They have helped me reach my physical goals as well as educated me on living a healthier lifestyle. They have also pushed me to physical limits I never thought I could reach. For these reasons, I am a loyal customer to Lucky13Fitness because they give results!
- Ambar C. |
I couldn't imagine having a better personal trainer than Michelle. Like other trainers, she listened to my goals and needs and created a plan to help me reach them. However, there's a major difference between Michelle and other trainers - she cares about the WHOLE person; not just the physical aspects of the individual. I'm very turned off by trainers who simply bark orders to get their clients to do what they want. The relationship that Michelle builds with each client is one of trust, honesty and compassion - this made her the best possible trainer for me. I felt motivated every session (even if my body wasn't) because I wanted to reach the goal that she knew I could reach if I pushed myself. I never laughed or smiled during workouts until working with Michelle, and it made all the difference!
- Caitlin B.
- Caitlin B.
"Lucky13 has been beyond valuable…I spent the last 4 years feeling hopeless in a lot of ways. In a handful of sessions, we made more progress than I have in the prior 100 sessions [before coming to Lucky13]. Before these sessions, I felt invisible. Now I feel hopeful and excited about life again. As for what I've learned about myself, I think the biggest one is that I have more strength than I knew. I had been thinking of myself as weak and unable to handle all these changes in the last few years. I was living like I was just surviving each day. Now, I realize that I'm a fighter and I always have been. And I'm pretty proud of myself for that. Lucky13 gave me back the hope that I didn't know I had lost."
- Jill M.
- Jill M.
“I enjoy the variety that is brought to each Bootcamp class allowing me to get a full body workout and working muscles that I do not normally work on my own. I have actually taken some of the exercises we have done in Bootcamp and used them in my personal workouts. In addition, it is always helpful to workout with a trainer and get feedback on your exercise form as well as the additional motivation given by Michelle to constantly push yourself and establish new limits.”
- Michael M.
Mike is a member of Middlesex Barbarians Rugby Club (recently ranked 7th in the nation - Congrats Mike!)
- Michael M.
Mike is a member of Middlesex Barbarians Rugby Club (recently ranked 7th in the nation - Congrats Mike!)
Bootcamp challenged me to push myself past what I thought I could do. If I was doing exercises on a DVD at home I would have stopped when I was tired, but hearing Michelle say “You can do this - this is why you are here” kept me going.
I’ve been in group classes before but this was different. I felt encouraged by others and we congratulated each other when we finished. I liked that each week was different and I kept going to see what the next challenge would be.
Side note: I hated the agility rope the first week - it killed me! But a few weeks ago when we did it, I didn’t hate it as much!
- Marie B.
I’ve been in group classes before but this was different. I felt encouraged by others and we congratulated each other when we finished. I liked that each week was different and I kept going to see what the next challenge would be.
Side note: I hated the agility rope the first week - it killed me! But a few weeks ago when we did it, I didn’t hate it as much!
- Marie B.
I’ve been training with Michelle for just about 2 years now and without her I don’t think I would be doing the events I do [half marathon, triathlon]. She has given me the confidence I need in order to believe I can accomplish my goals when I put my mind to it.
- Brittney A.
- Brittney A.
I’ve always identified myself as an active individual who loves fitness. After some nasty overuse injuries provided me with a much-needed wake-up call, I was forced into an extended period of rest and rehabilitation. Like anyone with an injury who wants to be active, yet is frustrated by slow progress levels, I became increasingly anxious that I wouldn’t regain my previous level of fitness or former sense-of-self.
And then Michelle and Lucky13Fitness changed everything.
Since November of 2012, Michelle has been on my side, patiently guiding me through the empowering, yet humbling process of busting through the mental and physical doors that lead to strength. Before training with Michelle, I used to think of the “macros” as key signifiers of success: how long can I spin for, how heavy can I lift, how long can I hold this plank? But now, Michelle is teaching me about the “micros” of the fitness world: the proper execution of form and maintenance work required to heal and prevent further injury, nutrition, and body-awareness. She’s turned fitness into a mindfully-executed art for me, and I now consider any exercise session, be it high or low impact, successful because I know I’ve completed it to the best of my ability while being respectful toward my body.
Keeping the above in mind, I’m both proud and humbled to say that with Michelle’s encouragement, I’ve become a Lucky13Fitness bootcamper– something I wouldn’t have thought possible a few months ago. She’s designed a supportive program that is welcoming to all fitness levels. All she asks is that you bring your best (using proper form, of course!) while being mindful and respectful of your body’s limits. I leave each and every Lucky13 bootcamp session feeling accomplished, energized, and most important, stronger than I think I am.
- Leaura L.
And then Michelle and Lucky13Fitness changed everything.
Since November of 2012, Michelle has been on my side, patiently guiding me through the empowering, yet humbling process of busting through the mental and physical doors that lead to strength. Before training with Michelle, I used to think of the “macros” as key signifiers of success: how long can I spin for, how heavy can I lift, how long can I hold this plank? But now, Michelle is teaching me about the “micros” of the fitness world: the proper execution of form and maintenance work required to heal and prevent further injury, nutrition, and body-awareness. She’s turned fitness into a mindfully-executed art for me, and I now consider any exercise session, be it high or low impact, successful because I know I’ve completed it to the best of my ability while being respectful toward my body.
Keeping the above in mind, I’m both proud and humbled to say that with Michelle’s encouragement, I’ve become a Lucky13Fitness bootcamper– something I wouldn’t have thought possible a few months ago. She’s designed a supportive program that is welcoming to all fitness levels. All she asks is that you bring your best (using proper form, of course!) while being mindful and respectful of your body’s limits. I leave each and every Lucky13 bootcamp session feeling accomplished, energized, and most important, stronger than I think I am.
- Leaura L.
“ Trainer, coach, teacher, leader – these are all words that come to mind when I’m asked to describe Michelle and Lucky13Fitness. Since I began work with Lucky13Fitness, I’ve lost 20 pounds, made going to the gym a regular part of my busy schedule, improved my nutrition and eating habits, and continue to see benefits of positive mental health and well-being. I’m more aware of the connection between body, mind, and spirit.
- Sibyl K.
- Sibyl K.
I have been working weekly with Lucky13 Fitness since July 2011 and I can say that for the first time in my life, I feel like the strong, athletic person I’ve always wanted to be. Michelle pushes me hard, calls me on my self-sabotaging behaviors and most importantly, gives her 100% to help me reach my goals, even when I’m not giving mine. She inspires me to want to push harder, be stronger, and follow through on the goals we have set together as a team. I look forward to a continued partnership with Lucky13Fitness to help me reach my fitness and wellness goals!
- Alexandra M.
- Alexandra M.
Michelle took a “whole body” approach to personal training. She was not just concerned with the physical, but also the mental block that often leads to discouragement. As a competitive athlete herself, she had the perfect balance to keep me motivated and challenge me when my confidence drops. The mantra that I adopted from Lucky13Fitness is . Since training with Michelle, so far I have lost a combined total of 26 pounds and have increased my endurance. I am happy to have found my way back to being fit and feeling healthy.
- Scune C.
- Scune C.
Working with Lucky13Fitness, my physical strength has improved by miles. Michelle was able to figure out what my actual problems were and hit those issues on the head with exercise plans suited for me and not the masses. Michelle not only thinks about her clients when they’re in front of her but researches issues and checks in with her clients off the clock. She pushes me to give 150% all the time and keeps me wanting to come back. If it wasn’t for her I may never have been able to find my core strength, gain confidence and realize that I too can be strong.
- Nicole C.
- Nicole C.