Freedom Fitness

Hi Rich,

I have been coming to Freedom Fitness for over a year now and it keeps getting better and better. I can’t thank you enough for running a FIRST CLASS gym.

I lost my son suddenly just before I joined you gym and went into a deep depression. After months of wondering where my life was going, I happen to come in on one of your open house days and that’s when things seemed to turn around for me.

I love the friendly staff, the flexible hours, all the state of the art machines, how clean things are kept, but most of all the awesome classes you have to offer.

My most favorite classes are with your instructor Maryann. She is by far the BEST instructor I have worked out with. When I leave her classes I feel that I have had a great workout. She sure is an asset to your gym and you are very lucky to have her as a staff member. I would also like to request her weekly workout classes be extended from one hour to one hour and fifteen or thirty minutes.

Thanks again for giving me the community a first class gym to attend and #1 instructors.

Keep up the great job,
Bonnie Sisson

Working with Tom has been an experience in itself, having him train me gives me the motivation and knowledge to improve my physical and mental health and it’s something that can’t be taken for granted. Every day I feel even better, tasks become easier, and with every day I see results in the way I move, my mood, and over all quality of life. Training with Tom is a unique experience, and the intensity that I work at gives me the ability to do whatever I want. Before I met Tom my life was boring, and I sat at home all day, or I was in my car, always just doing as little as possible, because it’s all I thought that I could do. Just working with him made me enjoy simple physical activity, made me want to do more, want to get out, try new things, I became energetic, and I like the way I feel, and it’s the way I feel all the time. Life is good thanks to self motivation and a great personal trainer, without him this would have been near impossible.

Mike Steinberg

Tom, aka TP, Superman, Tommy-Tom-Tom's Fit-X Program has been the one and only workout program that has shown real results in my many years of working out! I’ve done years of Pilates, Gyro tonics, Group Classes, etc. Tom’s Fit-X program produced muscle strength and tone, weight and fat loss, and most of all, gave me a feeling of accomplishment and confidence! Tom is tough and encouraging, and makes sure you achieve success! After my 3-month session, I reached the goals Tom and I set together and liked the training so much, I signed up for more! I have never been in this kind of shape!

Marsha Miller

After fracturing my left femur, followed by a left hip replacement when the bones did not knit as expected, I depended on Tom to teach and encourage me to get back my mobility and strength. Just as important, he taught me when to ease off, when I grew impatient at my slow but steady progress he encouraged me to keep plugging away. Since I’m not normally very athletic his sense of humor and steady encouragement keeps me going, at age 85. So I plan to stay active and reach 95 at least!

Mary Hunkeler

I am always greeted with a warm welcome and a bright smile!

Amy Arnett

I am a veteran of 42 years on the P.G.A. and Senior P.G.A. Tour. During those years I have worked with many physical instructors as we have four or five that travel with us each week of the tour. Tom Perrin and I have been working together for three months. He has the knowledge and dedication as one of the finest trainers I have worked with.

Butch Baird

Working with Ramsey Abdin is the best thing I have ever done for my health! Following a couple of years of life changing events, I began to work with Ramsey to improve my general fitness and strength, and to lose the excess weight I had gained. Ramsey has been my personal trainer for the last 5 months. During this time I have lost 15 lbs, my flexibility improved, I began to tone up and I have finally begun to fit into those clothes sitting in my wardrobe that I could never throw out because I would one day hopefully fit into them again. My posture is improving, and I have been getting a huge amount of compliments from friends and co-workers saying they have noticed a huge change in the way I look. Not only that, but they have also noticed how much happier and positive my attitude is. Ramsey has a ‘can-do’ attitude that helps you push yourself to achieve any exercise he gives you. His knowledge on nutrition is awesome, and he does not make ‘eating healthy’ very tough at all. For the first time in 40 years I have actually started to cook ‘real’ oats and have oatmeal in the mornings. I thoroughly enjoy working out with him every week. He is a great motivator and I recommend working with him if you are ready to achieve your fitness goals.

Carol Pepe

Six months ago I started training with Rusty Jeffers because I was getting into a rut with my own workout routine. I started to “cheat” working out by myself, and I also developed some lower back pain by working out incorrectly. I realized that I needed a trainer who could push me to the next level and to give my workout routine a boost. Since I have been working out with Rusty, I have seen great improvements in my endurance and muscle definition. Rusty is an accomplished and dedicated trainer. He changes my workout routine every session which makes it a lot of fun. He is an innovative and intelligent trainer with a solid background in workout routine and I am very happy with my results.

Catherine Chong

The atmosphere at Freedom Fitness speaks for itself. There are friendly, kind employees. I love all the classes, wonderful instructors, and the owner, top notch! I Love Freedom Fitness!

Denine M

Dear Freedom Fitness
I knew it was time to make a change in my life as I turned the golden age of 50. I have been pursuing different methods to getting healthy and getting into shape. I have been struggling for years now from over coming asthma, major allergies which included tons of different medications, Diabetes 2 with its own baggage of medications, and recently recovered from a shoulder injury. I found myself without any energy. I did get to a point when finally I was feeling healthy enough to embark on the next step.

I needed a personal trainer and received a phone call from Ramsey Abdin. He asked if I could come in and sit and chat with him to discuss the possibility of him becoming my trainer. His professionalism, attitude and knowledge of getting fit won me over and I signed up right on the spot! Of course he was willing to work with my sometimes impossible schedule. I must say Ramsey is very patient, flexible and willing to work with his clients to accomplish their goals. Ramsey’s training techniques, along with his nutritional advice are generating very impressive results. I have lost inches and lost some weight too but, what really matters the most to me is my recent medical examination. My doctors were ecstatic with the laboratory results! My glucose range is down considerably, both cholesterol levels are also down and my diabetes is under control. I am finding myself with tons of energy – enough to tell everyone that I feel better now than when I was 40!

I have signed up again with Ramsey for another training session. I strongly believe that by the time that this session is over I will be healthier as well as physically stronger to continue toward my goal.

Thanks Ramsey for encouraging me with your professionalism and your training techniques. I really appreciate you for helping me get healthier. I would recommend Ramsey to anyone that needs a special and caring trainer.

Thank you
Frances Garcia
Growing Healthier and Stronger at 50!

Two things in life of real value are one’s health and time. Freedom Fitness helps me have more of both. State of the art facilities with every piece of equipment you can think of to efficiently and effectively do my workouts. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and trainers to help me chart a robust plan to meet or exceed my healthy training goals. When it’s all said and done, living longer and feeling better is why you go to a health club. That’s what Freedom Fitness is all about.

Fred J. Lewis

I am so thankful for the amazing support I have received at Freedom Fitness. All the staff and so many club members have been my cheerleaders. I also have gals at my church who hold me up in prayer. But most of all, my trainer, Alex Stanisic is the reason why I have been successful in losing 100 pounds. I worked hard and tried almost every weight-loss program but I still could not lose weight. My sleep apnea had been life threatening. It caused me to gain weight and created multiple health problems. Both my dad and brother died of heart attacks at age 55. I was 61 when Alex offered me the opportunity to meet with him for a free nutritional consultation. I had to promise him to follow his instructions and started to lose weight immediately. Between February 25 and November 20, 2008 I lost 100 pounds. Alex started to train me as well in March. Alex has literally saved my life. My body is now stronger and healthier. The health issues I had are either gone or significantly reduced. My doctors are so happy for me. I can also enjoy other activities like horseback riding and hiking.

It has made all the difference having a highly qualified trainer. Wow! Here in Cave Creek I found a world-class trainer who also has a degree in nutrition. He has a track record of helping others lose significant amounts of weight. I feel very blessed that he offered to help me. We are successful because we have well-defined roles. Alex takes the lead as the trainer and I trust him to be able to switch out my exercises or foods to force my body to lose weight. He watches my weight very closely. Alex told me that I needed structure which he gave me and is my biggest encourager. We communicate openly and I know that he will not let me fail.

The things that I enjoy about training with Alex are that he is the first of all very professional and knowledgeable. I feel very safe with him because he knows me, my body and how far he can take me each session. He is always ready to catch a strap or save me from some self-inflicted injury. Alex is very non-judgmental when we have to discuss issues regarding my weight. He also has the greatest sense of humor. He has always gone the extra mile to call me if he senses I need help. He promised me that he would never let me get comfortable in my training sessions. I am very grateful to him for all he has done for me. Keep watching the further transformation! Thank you Freedom Fitness, Alex Stanisic, the wonderful ladies at the desk, other trainers, staff and all the club members who have cheered me on.

With love and gratitude,
Jackie Morris

To me, the “freedom” found at Freedom Fitness is two-fold. For starters, the concept of freedom is exemplified by all of the male and female ex-military personnel who have served our country (e.g. the owner, Rich, and many others) and now operate the gym facilities to give their members the freedom to work out. This regimental influence remains in the gym still today, as evidenced by all of the clocks on the walls set to military time and the degree of professionalism exhibited by the staff. The idea of freedom is also personified by the gym in that its members have the freedom to enjoy and train in the valley’s premier health club. Members have limitless options to choose from during their workout: a plethora of free weights and lifting machines, aerobics, spinning, yoga, Pilates, dance, and even first-rate locker room facilities and child care accommodations. To top it off, at one’s service is an excellent, smiling desk staff (e.g. Jerry, Rene, Sally, Lisa, Dave, Ryan, and others), professional training instructors (e.g. Rusty Jeffers, Lee Priest, Ramsey, Alex, Tracy, Naomi, Paula, Angie, Natalie, Patty, Karen, Tom, Shawn, etc), and an outstanding sales staff (e.g. Dave, Ed) all managed by Rich’s exceptional leadership.

Also included with a membership to Freedom Fitness is a top-notch clientele of interesting, intelligent, and vibrant men, women, boys, and girls who share a common goal and bond—the desire to stay fit. The accessibility of the gym cannot be overlooked, either, as it is open 365 days a year and welcomes its members with plenty of quality, large parking spaces. As if this were not enough, the supreme equipment is kept in remarkable condition and housed in an aesthetic building that is well-maintained from both the inside and outside. In addition, the gym provides fresh hot coffee, fruit, and snacks as well as towels, shaving cream, various locker room essentials, and even information and literature on a variety of health aspects.

Having been fortunate enough to work out in many gyms across the USA and overseas, I have a strong understanding of what defines a successful fitness club, and I can honestly say that Freedom Fitness remains my #1 choice for total value and is the complete package for this proud member.

Joe Graziano

Rich, I have been a member of Freedom Fitness from the time you purchased the facility. You run a class operation with excellent customer service! Have a great new year and many more.

John Logsdon

I’ve never joined a gym before, so Freedom Fitness is my first. I’ve been a member for a year and I really couldn’t be happier. The staff greets me warmly when I come in, and by name. I usually go twice a day, and I’ve never had to wait for a machine. I don’t use a personal trainer, but I see several of them regularly, everyone of them is a true professional. They seem to work with their clients on a very personal and caring level. That’s nice to see. The owner of Freedom Fitness, Rich Draizin, is totally hands-on. He’s always there when I’m working out. It’s great to see his obvious love of the business and his appreciation for his clients’ patronage. Freedom Fitness is tops. You can’t beat the convenience, the caring and the quality of the staff and the variety and availability of equipment and classes. Sitting on the fence? Not sure you want to join? Take it from me. If you sign up, you WON’T regret it.

K. Richmond Temple
Attorney at Law

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to work with several personal trainers and was rewarded with varying levels of success. I enlisted the help of Ramsey Abdin several years ago knowing that I needed the added incentive of accountability, but with no real fitness goal in mind. Working with Ramsey has produced the best results by far through his ability to incorporate a keen understanding of fitness and muscle development along with a diet necessary to achieve the desired outcome. I have lost weight and reshaped my body in a way I would not have thought possible. In fact, I am now entertaining the idea of entering a figure competition as a way to take my fitness to the next level. Because of his patient coaching and encouragement I now look forward to sessions at the gym and healthy eating has become a lifestyle. Ramsey has definitely guided me to be in the “best shape of my life”.

Kristy L

Ramsey has been instrumental at incorporating my goals into my workout program. He structures variety into my workouts and exercises that target my problem areas. Ramsey monitors my diet, and routinely asks about my energy level, sleep, and overall condition. He insists upon strict form when working out and closely monitors every movement. I not only receive a workout with Ramsey, but also an education. I am learning new exercises, lifting techniques and fitness concepts. Ramsey is authentically concerned about my well being, past injuries, and how each exercise affects me. I find that Ramsey is personable, professional, and knowledgeable. I am pleased to be working with him.

Sincerely,
Monique Rider, President
Body Life Dynamics, LLC

Dear Rich,
Your suggestion was to gather testimonials from our clients. Instead, at this time, I’ve decided to write a testimonial of my own.

After twenty five years of managing a business I have seen and experienced more situations than many can imagine with pressures quite often beyond my control. Though it’s only been a few months since leaving my brother’s business, I feel that my decision to work with Freedom Fitness is one of the best choices I could have made. In addition to the quality of the facility, I am surrounded by some of the nicest people that I’ve ever been acquainted with. From the front desk and back to the accounting department, the people that work for Freedom make it a top notch experience. When members enter the door they are greeted and made to feel welcome. The sales staff is always professional and shows confidence in the product they sell. The accounting department juggles paperwork and programs training sessions with efficiency and much appreciated patience. I’ve been exposed to coaches, trainers, physical therapists, etc. for most of my life but have never seen a team of trainers with the knowledge and experience of those assembled at Freedom. I am really proud to be a part of it.

Rich, I want to thank you again for giving me the opportunity and intend to do whatever is needed to be an asset to the team.

Best wishes for the New Year,
Ramsey Abdin

I start each day with a great workout at Freedom Fitness. The members are like family and the staff is always so helpful. It is a wonderful gym only to get better!

Shelly Benedetto

As a former division one college football player, I have worked out with numerous trainers and strength coaches and feel that I am educated on exercise science. After regularly working out with Ramsey for the last three months I have re-evaluated how much I know. Ramsey has taught me about exercise movements and range of motion techniques that I had not used or heard in all my years of training. He has also helped me with my diet. I travel a lot and he has also helped me find better options while on the road. The best part about training with Ramsey is the workout itself. The intensity of the training is great! He is focused on me the entire time and doesn’t get distracted when he is with me. I am feeling better, seeing results and having some of the best workouts I have ever had. I would recommend Ramsey to everyone. As a matter of fact, I recommended that my wife train with him as well. Now, she hates every male trainer that she has had in the past and would only workout with women trainers. But, she gave him a try, and with no surprise after working out for six sessions with Ramsey she changed her perception of male trainers. She said to me that Ramsey is better than any trainer that she has had male or female. Needless to say she is training with him multiple times per week.

Thanks again.
Steve Fournier

I have loved coming to Freedom Fitness. It has helped me feel good about myself. The people who work here are wonderful and helpful. I recommend this place to everyone.

Thank you
Virginia Gurney

Just a quick note of thanks to everyone at Freedom Fitness for the “Fit & Fine in ‘09” challenge, it was just what I needed to get motivated. Two years ago this June I was up to 252 pounds and felt terrible, now I am less than 10 pounds from my goal of 190. Winning this competition was a great rush, especially when you were counting those $100 dollar bills out! I hope any member who needs to loose a few pounds and wants to get into shape will take advantage of the up-coming challenges.

Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Dean Hoppes

I've only been a member for 3 weeks but just wanted you to know I love your gym. It's so clean and well run and the instructors are wonderful.

Special thanks to Angie, Maryann and Geri!
Lana