Jane Perneel, BEFORE

“When asked to write this testimonial I was delighted to have to chance to sing Maria’s praises, and then, once I started to write it, I stalled. How was I to convey to others the impact Maria had on me? The best way I can describe it is that Maria had faith in my ability when I didn’t. She saw my potential when I had forgotten and failed to do so. All I can say is look at the before and after pictures. The only difference between those two photos is Maria. And her amazing ability to get people up and moving and seeing the results. I would never have achieved that without her. It wasn’t easy, but it was nearly always fun and it was and still is so well worth it. Maria changed my life, and I am a walking testimonial, a happy confident one, to her skill, dedication and perseverance as a trainer and as a friend.” — Jane Perneel, IRELAND

Jane Perneel, AFTER

“Working out with Maria changed my life.  I’m fitter and happier than I’ve ever been.  Maria is more than a personal trainer, she is a lifestyle coach.  She provided me the tools I needed to achieve and maintain a healthy balance between fitness, good nutrition and overall well being.” ~ Stacey Suntken, Boston MA

“When I worked out with Maria at Fitcorp in Boston through 2008 I went from a size 8 to a size 4.  The workouts were fun, very challenging, and always different.  I’d like to thank her for introducing kettle bells to my life, I love working out with them!  I’d never had a personal trainer who was so educated, devoted, and enthusiastic about each work out and my personal progress.  ~ Amy Gallagher, Boston MA

“What I observed when Maria was training my two children, Jane and Neil, was her absolute commitment not only to their work-outs but also to their general well-being. I noticed she was able to keep them both motivated even though they have very different personalities. I have never observed such an impact on either of them. The most noticeable to me was that the change was so lasting. I saw the self-confidence of both of them rising, and they were able to make permanent diet changes.”  ~ Marlene ffrench Mullen, IRELAND

Alexis, BEFORE

“…My favorite thing about Maria’s approach to fitness is the stress she puts on physical ability and health, rather than appearance and a number on the scale. She truly wants her clients to learn to love their bodies, not just for the aesthetic improvements they can see, but also for the love and enjoyment of being inside a body that is fitter, freer and more physically capable than before. Since beginning my training with Maria, I have lost over 60lbs and five dress sizes, but what I find to be even more rewarding is my gained ability to run, hike, jump, do boy push-ups and live an active life without feeling tired and downtrodden all the time. Before, I felt trapped in a body that always seemed to work against me. I now love being inside a body that enables me to live the life I want, and a body that gives me energy and strength everyday…” – Alexis Fleckenstein, Woburn MA (see Alexis’ full testimonial)

Alexis, AFTER

“After 20 years of going to the gym, I needed a change in my routine and decided, for the first time to work with a personal trainer.  After meeting with Maria, I decided to sign up for 20 session, which I think initially surprised her.  While I didn’t have any defined goals, Maria worked with me to develop a plan.  After my first training session, I wondered if I had done the right thing, but as the weeks went by I realized I had.  The routines were always varied and I always wondered what new exercises I’d be doing.  After my personal training ended with Maria, I joined the group training (T1 and T2) and continued my work with her.  It was great to see the buzz and energy that she brought to a relatively small gym and when she left for her European adventure, she was certainly missed.  Should she ever find her way back to the Boston area as a personal trainer, I would certainly be one of the first to sign up to work with her.”  — Perry Jalbert, Boson MA

“After years of not taking care of my body, I decided enough was enough.  With Maria’s help, I was able to revamp my diet and get into shape.  I burned fat and lost weight.  She made working out anything but dull.  Her exercise routines were always different, which helps if you’ve ever been stuck in an exercise rut!  Anyone who works out with her will not be disappointed.”  — Abby Nguyen, Boston MA

“It’s been over two years since I’ve seen or worked out with Maria.  To this day I am constantly saying how I miss her motivation, workouts, and encouragement.  She has such passion for what she does, and it comes across when she’s training you.  She works you hard, and if you like being pushed to your ultimate limit, she’s the right trainer for you.  I have kept all the workouts and exercises which she provided (many pages worth) and still refer to them every day.  When I trained with her, I was in the best physical shape of my life.  I felt stronger and stronger each time.  If only she hadn’t left.  I miss her.  But I try to keep the things she taught me  and use that as a guide.  I’m grateful for her passion, her spirit, and her true love of what she does.” — Daisy DaSilva, Boston MA

“Maria’s commitment to producing results, motivating her clients, and innovative ideas put her ahead of her peers.  Her energy and passion about her work has a rippling effect.  She engaged me to think about my total wellness.  I truly enjoyed working with Maria, and I hope our paths cross again.”  — Tracey Esperanza, Boston MA

“Within a week, I had decided that boxes were the worst. Even a six-inch box was impossible with my fear of heights and falling. Instead of letting me veto the exercise, Maria set up stacked weights and had me jump onto progressively higher stacks. She literally held my hand until I was leaping into and out of tires with a grin of accomplishment shining through the sweat on my face. Don’t get me wrong; I’m still terrified of heights. However, I have overcome one part of that fear. Maria’s ability to work me up to that level and build my confidence applied in all aspects of my training.  Maria revamped my eating habits from Snickers to super foods. Because of her detailed workout emails, I came in 4 or 5 times a week. I responded with feedback and she and I emailed back and forth about my nutrition, expectations, exercises, emotions….everything that is central to being a functional athlete…The big moment, however, came two weeks ago: I went clothes shopping for the first time in 6 months. I stood in front of the mirror with tears in my eyes when I saw that I had gone from a size 10 to a size 6. I was below 25% body fat and I felt strong and self-assured. I texted Maria that minute and said I could not thank her enough for her faith in me. I’m continuing on my path and I hope that others can benefit from Maria’s expert guidance like I did.” –Rebecca Gross, San Francisco, CA