I'm not sure if you remember me but you trained me in a small group w/ Viv and sometimes Beth at CH&F last year. After you left CH&F I did not return to any trainers or join a traditional gym ( I converted my basement into one instead ) but instead continued on my fitness journey alone and cannot thank you enough for being the foundation to what I have become today.
Since December of 2007 I have lost 17 pounds and 4 pants sizes by following your eat clean philosophy ( coupled with weight watchers ) and keeping up my fitness routine of 3-4 times a week workouts. I have been on a fitness/weight rollercoaster almost all of my life and never truly believed I would ever actually like to work out or eat healthy until I met you.
I just wanted to send you a sincere thank you because had I never met and trained with you I don't think I would be where I am today, and where I am today is pushing myself in every way daily and looking forward to not what the scale shows each week but how much further I can run, faster I can do a mile, and stronger I become. I still login to your website every day for inspiration.
Congratulations on your new studio and thanks again for being such an inspiration to me and all that work with you at some point in our lives; you have no idea how much your influence helps transform not only the body but also the mind.
Take Care.
Sincerely,
Sarah Baldo
With 3 ½ weeks to go, before my ironman race I threw something completely different into my routine. This story actually started April 29th. I went to the Shoreline Shark Triathlon meeting (www.shorelinesharks.com) at The Underground to learn about Cross Fit training. Jason and Ben gave us a talk and then 6 minute workout. I couldn’t move for four days afterwards. I literally could not lift a glass of water I was so sore. I was definitely interested but not before an IM. That would be crazy even by my standards. I missed several workouts simply because I couldn’t move. There was no way I would inflict that upon myself again before an Ironman. Never say never!
· On May 29th I started working with Ben from Cross Fit Performance in Fairfield (crossfitperformance.com and crossfit.com). In three weeks I have pushed, pulled, jumped, squatted, lifted, and run at an intensity level I didn’t think I could handle. I’ve even done handstand pushups! Ben has certainly challenged my traditional approach to training and I can’t believe how far I’ve come. I am already faster, stronger, and overall, better fit. I’m hooked and will continue once I recover from my IM. I highly recommend that you give it a try. My only recommendation…don’t think that just because you run around the corner you can slack.
· There’s one thing I don’t need to worry about as I wind down during this last week…and that’s being over trained! I’m feeling strong and I’m ready to go though.
· As I write this, the long term forecast for Coeur d’Alene on race day is low 70’s with rain. The water temperature is expected to be around 55 degrees. Not ideal conditions for a long day on the road. Every athlete has a mantra. Mine is, “Stay in the moment because the moment will change”.
Lida Letowt
I've known Ben for about 5 years now and trained with him throughout the years on and off so when he first told me about "Booty Camp" I was psyched to be part of this team oriented challenge!!! I love to train with others mostly because I'm very competitive and like most, need a little motivation. Little did I know that it was going to be at 5:30 am!!! Now I'm 6 weeks in and I absolutely love it!! I'm not a morning person whatsoever so getting up at first was difficult but you feel so good afterwards and its all worth it at the end of the day.
I did have some challenges with the nutrition part of it but with Ben's suggestions and help I can actually feel how certain food affect your overall quality of life. Not only am I becoming healthier, I really have more energy from eating the right foods and from the intense Cross-fit training.
I'm proud to say that I have dropped body fat, and went down in my pant size! I definitely feel my waist, arms, and legs getting tighter and leaner. It's definitely worth it and it's one of the best decisions for a leaner you! Bring on bikini weather!
Thanks Ben for your help and always being there for me,
Jill Wagner
Jill Wagner
A few months ago I joined a local gym in order to participate in fitness classes. At every gym I have ever belonged to I always really enjoyed classes because of the variety each different class offered. I tend to get easily bored exercising and with fitness classes that wasn't the case. However, at the last gym I joined I found that the classes were not that challenging and as a result I was not motivated to get to the gym. That's when I started looking on the internet for other fitness class options and I came across The Underground2 and B.E.N. Inc., "booty camp." The class has proved to be quite challenging but has pushed me to work-out beyond what I thought I could do and consequently, I have seen results and feel great! I can truly say I have never worked out to this intensity before but I have thoroughly enjoyed it. While it's a big commitment it has been worth it and I believe that anyone who follows the program will see results, whatever your personal goals may be. I have noticed a big difference in my strength and endurance and if you told me I could do the work-outs before I started I would not have believed it. In addition, the program also integrates proper nutrition and mental preparedness and without all three it's hard to succeed at any fitness goal. While I found the nutritional aspect to be extremely challenging I went from a sugar addict to really not craving sugar at all, which is huge for me. Booty camp has been the challenge I was looking for and the experience by far was worth the investment!!
Virginia Veneziano
Virginia Veneziano
Whew!! Ben pushes me and makes me work out harder than anyone else. But, it is his encouragement and belief in my continuing potential that motivates me to work stronger and believe in myself to increase my skill level. It's a wonderful love/hate relationship on my part. His knowledge and expertise are amazing and I am secure in the fact that Ben designs the programs to fit each person's individual needs.
Carol Kaufman
Ben was highly recommended to me by a doctor I was treating with for a neck injury. He helped rehabilitate and strengthen the area, and then moved me through overall strengthening and conditioning. It has been 6 months, and I am feeling physically better and stronger than I have ever been. I really benefited from his holistic approach to health and training (emphasis on exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep). His feedback is always direct, thorough, and effective. The sessions are incredibly motivating and never boring. Thanks Ben!
Lisa Santoro
I first met Ben, at CH+F where I began my quest for a healthier, slimmer me. I was then an ex-all American who allowed a complacent, beer drinking, 55+, hr work week lifestyle take over my once healthy-fit life. At 40+,5' 4', my whopping 230 pounds w body fat of 35% was a little more than I could manage or look in the mirror at.
Over the course of time Ben quickly refreshed my memory about hard work and dedication AND the idea that some sacrifices must be made to achieve the goals I had. He also consistently and gently reinforced the idea that 'healthy and fit' not only involves hard work and dedication but most often long term lifestyle changes.
He created for me a plan in his mind to get me on the right track. It consisted of 'Green Faces'/ eat clean stay lean ,which I now have incorporated into my every day eating regime, multiple different types of workouts, which I recreate when we are not together working out AND best of all, provided enough encouragement and support for an army of people. We went out of my comfort zone more frequently than not. I’ve cussed him under my breath a lot. I wondered why I pay this crazy guy to stand over me and push me.
Today, I tipped the scale this am at 179.4, last body fat of just under 25% and clothes fitting 3 sizes smaller. I bought myself a swim suit for the first time in 5 years, very painlessly I might add. Though I still have work to do, my many thanks to Ben for helping me reshape my attitude which led to the fitness success I have achieved. I have tasted no food that that is as good as skinny and healthy feels.
Ben Kelly is a physical testament to a healthy lifestyle. His efforts to stay on top of the latest fitness theories and practices show daily in his clients many successes. He has a remarkable ability to modify his basic premises for his clients of all shapes, ages and sizes to achieve their goals. His efforts on behalf of all his clients are genuine and real. I recommend Ben to anyone who is ready, willing and able to make a conscious effort and commitment towards being healthy and fit. I caution all - Be ready for the challenge of your life!!!!!
Ginny Adler
I was introduced to Tom Follo back in August 2007 just before the start of the 3rd Biggest Loser (I truly dislike that name, lets call him the Leanest Winner!!) that I directed at Creative Health and Fitness. Along with wife Laura they were sedentary and in need of a fitness makeover. At the completion of the 8 week program Tom had dropped major poundage and was eating like an athlete. Tom has continued to train with me diligently getting up before the crack of dawn 3 times a week.
I can only describe the discipline needed to get up at 4 bells throughout the height of winter as MASSIVE! The pictures below tell the story of how far Tom has come...congratulations mate…6pack is just around the corner! -BK
Profile Questions and Answers
When did you start exercising?
I used to work out now and then. Laura pushed me to participate in the Weight loss challenge last September. It was one of the best things I have ever done.
What weight where you?
When I started exercising, I weighed 245lbs (6'2"). This was the heaviest I've have ever been in my life. My waist size was 38"+, meaning some of my size 38" pants were tight on me.
What is your goal?
My goal was to lose about 25lbs and get back to a size 36" waist. I also needed to reduce my blood pressure & eliminate my acid reflux disease.
How often do you work out?
I currently work out with Ben 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday & Friday). On the off days I try to get some cardio in on our new treadmill by doing intervals (Ben taught us) and some abdominal work.
How has the training changed from Creative to Crossfit Milford when we first started together?
The training has been more tailored to my specific needs. I play a lot of golf. Ben has me working to strengthen my lower back, and even has me swinging a weighted golf club on a Bosu Ball. There are less people that I train with. I've had several one-on-one sessions with Ben. Man, is that tough! All the focus is on me, he doesn't let me slack at all!! Also, the exercising is more intense and more difficult. As your body gets stronger, you need to push it harder. Recently our workouts have been extremely difficult (but that's a good thing!).
What do you eat?
My diet has changed significantly since we started the weight loss challenge back in September. I eat high quality proteins, mixing in good starches only in the morning and mid day. No starches at dinner. I have not had a glass of milk since I started the challenge. First thing in the morning prior to working out, I have a protein shake with some fresh raspberries or strawberries. I use 100% Whey Protein with Banana Cream flavoring. I bought this because the store was out of vanilla, I fell in love with it! Sometimes you need to try different things, you may be pleasantly surprised.
How many times daily?
During the challenge I was eating 6 times a day. Currently I eat (including protein drinks) about 5 times a day.
How has exercising changed your life?
Exercising has significantly changed my life. I just turned 50 late last year, and I'm in the best shape of my life. Exercise has taught me that it you really set your mind to something, you can achieve it. I also feel that I'm mentally at the top of my game. It also has given me tremendous will power when it comes to my diet. Working so hard and getting great results makes it easy to resist poor food choices, I don't want to screw it up. I also love all the positive feedback I get from others. They definitely notice the change, and are very interested in how I did it. My doctor couldn't believe it when he saw me. My blood pressure is perfect, no more acid reflux, and I'm down close to 40lbs since I started exercising! One other thing, my waist size went from 38"+ to 34". I haven't been a size 34" since high school. I had to buy all new clothes, I didn't like spending the money, but I loved cleaning out the closet and getting some new clothes.
What do you like to do for fun?
I recently had my first golf lesson with Tom Rossotti from Great River Golf Club. My strength and flexibility has greatly improved! Better body turn, straight left arm on the back swing. It must have been all the hip flexor and rotator stretches and exercises. A lot stronger and more powerful swing. I can't wait to get out on the course!
I do a lot of woodworking in the winter months and play golf when the warm weather gets here. I'm a member a Great River Golf Club. I can't wait to start playing with my new body!
Give it to me straight...how do you like the workouts?
I love my workouts. Ben has taught me some unbelievable techniques. He also knows how to push you. One of the biggest things is how Ben constantly watches your form. When he corrects you, you really feel the difference. This creates tremendous exercise efficiency. Without the proper guidance and instruction, you're pretty much wasting your time. I love working my ass off in the morning, then I have a large healthy breakfast! A six egg white omelet with all the veggies! It sets me up for the rest of the day.
President for a day…what would you change?
If I were president for a day, I would eliminate everyone's taxes and appoint Ben Kelly "Secretary of Exercise & Fitness"
Tom Follo - before
I met Ben when I joined Creative Fitness in October of 2005. I was not looking to lose a lot of weight or lift weights - I just wanted a place to jog on the treadmill when the weather got cold. I used to jog in the spring and summer and do nothing in the fall and winter. My weight fluctuated, along with my self-esteem, throughout each year. My new membership package came with a few training sessions, and that was all it took for me to become completely hooked on Ben's enthusiasm and expertise.
I have been under Ben's instruction for almost two years - even when I'm not an official client he stops by to correct my form or bump the incline up on the treadmill. We have become good mates and have seen each other through very similar broken toe injuries!
I have lost at least 8% body fat while maintaining my healthy weight. I don't know the exact numbers because I finally live free of weigh-ins and measurements. I am happier when I shave seconds off of my sprints, add 10 lbs to my bench presses and complete a few unassisted chin-ups! That mental shift has changed my life. I love working out because there are so many little accomplishments built into every day!
I have learned more than I could ever say about myself, health and fitness from the time I have spent with Ben, and I'm still learning. If I could give new clients one bit of advice, it would be this: When Ben challenges you to increase your weights, reps, or speed, that is the ultimate compliment, because he knows you can do it. It is a vote of confidence. He will never set you up to fail! Trust your trainer!
~ Melissa Mulligan
Melissa Mulligan
Dear Ben,
I started training with Ben in November of 2005. Since then I've lost a total of 52 lbs. It took discipline and hard work in my part to get to where I am, but I could not have done it without the help of Ben.
Ben has taught me to eat clean and work hard to keep lean.
If getting fit is your goal, Ben is your man!
Cary Neri
Cary Neri
I started working with Ben in January 2007 during the Biggest Loser contest. As part of the “Aussies” team I began the “green faces” eating plan and trained with Ben 3 days per week for 8 weeks. On this program I was very successful and was able to lose a lot of weight…as was the entire team. Ben continues to work with us by providing us with an exercise program, and instructing us on how to perform the exercises properly.
Ben’s not afraid to let you know if he thinks you can work harder and he’s a stickler for good “form” to avoid injury…but he’s also just as quick to comment when you’re working hard. He’s a great leader and motivator because he’s passionate about what he teaches. It’s not uncommon to see Ben stretched out on the floor along side a client as he watches to be sure they’re exercising good “form”.
Since January I have lost 50 lbs and I feel stronger and healthier than I have for many years. I consider Ben a friend and I will be forever grateful to him for all his help and caring.
Lori Bozza
Dear Ben,
You have given me my life back thanks to your spirit and drive. Words can’t describe the passion you have helped put back in my life to achieve my life goals. Now I can use the tools you have taught me not just in the gym, but in life. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth all the hard work. For now, I will get to see my son grow up. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for being my friend. I can never repay you for all of the knowledge and strength you have given me. I am your biggest fan. I would recommend your services to anyone who is looking or results.
Your friend, Ed Moran
Ed Moran
“You have given me new hope and dreams just because of the great training I received from you!
I would like to thank you for a special time in my life, that you really helped me move forward in so many ways I can't explain. You gave me the greatest advice and kindness that only a true gentlemen athlete that one could be! I will continue to come to the gym and never stop again in my life because this is what the human body needs ... and people like you!!!
Again ....THANK YOU.....and may our future be brighter, stronger and friends grow closer!!!!”
- Your friend (mate), Al Stefanacci
Team Aussie member, "Milford's Biggest Loser" Competition
