As a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders and an author of eight books on weight management and behavioral health issues, Joyce was already very aware of the benefits of exercise when she started training at AXIS in 1999.

“Though I’d been working out for 20 years, I needed help reducing back pain and improving my balance.”

Since starting her program, Joyce has lost 30 pounds. She’s also bounced back from several surgeries with the help of her trainer, Tien Tran. “Most recently, I had knee surgery. As soon as I knew the surgery was coming, Tien and I worked to strengthen my VMO so that I would have a better recovery,” she says. “It worked; according to my doctor, I’ve had the most rapid recovery he’s ever seen.”

Her new goal is to get in shape for horseback riding as she recently started taking lessons. “I’ll be able to hold on to the horse better if I strengthen my legs,” she notes. “One exercise Tien has shown me is how to work my inner thighs by squeezing the smaller swiss ball.”

Joyce’s husband, Morgan , joined AXIS in 2001. Though his wife was a devotee of AXIS, he had some initial skepticism. “Before he started coming to AXIS, he definitely questioned my need for a personal trainer,” Joyce recalls. “I remember telling him that I’d sooner quit the cleaning lady than quit AXIS!”

Morgan laughs at the story. “I think that statement might have been what convinced me to sign up for myself,” he says. “I realized that if AXIS meant that much to her, it was worth checking out.”

A life-long runner, Morgan uses his sessions with trainer Crystal Wellman to get in shape for skiing and golfing, two of his favorite activities. “To prepare for ski season, we work more on leg strength, and for golf we work on rotation and balance. The trainers here at AXIS are very creative at inventing exercises that help you reach goals,” he says.

Mary Jean H. has been a familiar face around AXIS twice a week for the past two years. "My son-in-law first convinced me to come," she says. "At first I didn't like it, but I certainly wouldn't miss it now. I am more stable and balanced now, "she says.

Mary Jean's trainer is Courtnie Steeves. "We do a lot of stretching, especially on the half-dowel, which helps her stretch out her pecs and improve her posture," Courtnie says. "As people get older, they tend to hunch over, which contributes to imbalance. We also work on taking bigger steps while walking, and staying steady on curbs and stairs."

Training at AXIS has helped Mary Jean stay motivated to lose weight. She's lost over 15 pounds in the two years since she started training, and is feeling better as a result. "I am eating much better," she says. "I don't eat very much sugar, and I follow a low-fat diet."

But by far the most important life change Mary Jean has experienced from training at AXIS is the improved strength and balance she has in daily life.

"I'm going to be 81 next month and I've had Parkinson's for 17 years. Getting exercise has helped me stay a little big ahead of the progression of the disease," she says. "I think everyone who has Parkinson's should have a prescription for exercise."