Success Stories

 

 

I have been working with Ashleigh Gass for over six years now and she is one of the most quality trainers and friends I have in the human performance business.

I play professional Beach Volleyball for Team Canada and Ashleigh has helped guide my career in the most positive way no matter how subtly or directly she has been involved.  She started assisting my training during my college years and was a major positive influence on my strength, fitness, diet, supplement choices and injury rehab/rehabilitation. Further into my career she assisted me with flexibility, high performance nutrition and also introduced me to some leading world specialists in their fields.

Aside from being a very talented fitness model and successful entrepreneur, Ashleigh is continually advancing herself in all areas of human performance and is one of the most well connected people I know.  She is kind, motivated and her energy is contagious; improving the lives of anybody she is in contact with. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to help elevate me to where I am today.

Thanks Ash!!

- Martin Reader, Professional Beach Volleyball Athlete, Entrepreneur.  Victoria BC, Canada.

 As a Division I track and cross-country runner, I was suffering from nagging aches and pains, fatigue, and even serious injuries- all preventing me from training and competing at the level I needed to. I was presented with the option of retiring from my sport.  Realizing quitting what I love to do was not an option, I was ready to make any changes necessary to get healthy and be in top shape again. Ashleigh helped me implement a new nutrition program as well as a lengthy stretching plan to assist in my flexibility. I’ve been working with Ashleigh for only 6 months now and am running close to my best ever again. I have more energy in workouts and my recovery time has been phenomenal. With Ashleigh’s help I have been able to remain consistent in my training and finally have confidence that I can exceed in my sport again. She has taught me how important proper nutrition and recovery are to my overall training plan. Ashleigh’s enthusiasm, support, and encouragement are amazing! I am very fortunate to have her expertise and assistance to help me reach my goals again. I brag about her all the time!

Jenna S - Syracuse, NY.  

 

I had for years babied my right knee after fracturing my tibia. It was sore and felt unstable after three surgeries, including the removal of much of the meniscus. I was resigned to the fact that it would always be uncomfortable and hold my attention when being active. Six months ago, I began training in the gym under Ashleigh's watchful eye. She created a graduated weight and exercise program customized for me and my situation. We worked together 3 days a week for 8 months until I  recently moved from Florida.Yesterday, I repeated a hike which I had done just before I had met Ashleigh. What a difference! It wasn't until after the hike that I had the realization that for the entire hike, over various and rocky terrain, I had not had a single thought about my leg. It was stable, it was strong, and it was NOT on my mind! It wasn't sore, I didn't have to ice, it was normal!  It feels great.Ashleigh, thank you so much for your professional care it has made all the difference!

 - Wade Watkins, DDS.

I feel 500x better than I did when we began working together a few months ago.  Initially I was having problems with back pain and knee pain, and a body that generally just hurt.  My body feels so much healthier, I am sleeping well again, my attitude has improved, and my outlook on life is great.  You have been a blessing in my life Ashleigh!

- Linda S. Clearwater, Florida

Thanks so much for the class this morning.  You're absolutely awesome.  I leave your classes feeling completely excited and ready to take on the challenges and ready to apply the lessons into my life.  You're a great speaker, great listener, and awesome mentor. You, yes you, actually gave me the courage to start weight training.  I've learned so much in the two classes I've attended and look forward to the next one."  

- Paula C. Clearwater, Florida.  Eat Yourself Lean Program Participant, Mind and Body Wellness.  

 Thank you for breaking down nutrition into easily understandable concepts.  In the City of Clearwater Wellness class, you taught us how to make simple changes to our lifestyle which translate to major positive steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

Prior to taking the class, I did not put an emphasis on nutrition and how it impacted my health.  I tended to eat a lot of processed foods; ate fast food 3-4 times per week; drank 4-6 diet sodas daily; and approximately 70 ounces of water daily.  I did not plan out my meals on a weekly basis, nor did I put an emphasis on eating vegetables with each meal.  I would eat 2 or 3 meals per day.  I was overweight and had nagging issues with a post-operative knee.

I have recently made positive changes to my health due in large part to what I have learned from you.  These positive changes entail the following:

-Taking 2 teaspoons of fish oils daily

-Taking nutritional supplements daily

-Planning weekly meals of 5 meals per day

-Eating protein; vegetables (carbs); and healthy fats with each meal

-Decreasing fast food intake from 3-4 times per week to having only eaten fast food 3 times in the past 4 months

-Increasing water intake from 70 ounces prior to class, to now drinking 120-200 ounces of water daily

-Decreasing diet soda intake from 4-6 daily to now drinking 3 per week

- Performing strengthening and flexibility exercises for my knee that you showed me

-Performing more intense weight training sessions 3-4 times per week

These changes have been quite effortless and at the same time tremendously beneficial.  I feel healthier, stronger and have more energy.  My nagging knee issues have pretty much subsided - so much so that I no longer use my prescribed knee brace for physical activity.  So far I have lost over 20 pounds of weight by eating MORE food and never feeling hungry.  The changes to nutritional intake combined with exercise has been easier and more effective to weight loss than any other "diet" I have tried in the past.

These steps to a healthier lifestyle have been easy to undertake because you have provided us with credible information as a basis of what you teach.  Further credence is due to the fact that you live and breathe these concepts...seeing your positive example is very motivating.  Thanks for your guidance, kindness and support.  I sincerely appreciate YOU and the positive impact you have had on my life!!

Karen S. - Clearwater, Florida.  Eat Yourself Lean Program Participant, Mind and Body Wellness.  

 We just had our health fair at City of Clearwater where we can do a Health Risk Assessment each year.  All of my numbers have improved from last year as follows:

Blood Pressure (this year) 118/76, (last year) 128/80 

Total Cholesterol (this year) 158, (last year) 207

HDL (this year) 62, (last year) 57

LDL (this year) 82, (last year) 130

TC/HDL Ratio (this year) 2.5, (last year) 3.6

Triglyceride (this year) 68, (last year) 99

Glucose (this year) 96, (last year) 134

By following the nutrition and exercise program you taught us, it has helped me improve in these areas - SO THANKS :)....I am definitely going to continue doing it and hopefully it will translate into more improvements in the future.

Karen S. - Clearwater, Florida

 

I want you to know that I have a long way to go to attain my health goal.  However, I am so much happier with myself now since attending your classes.  I did not know what to expect when I signed up for your class, but I figured I had nothing to lose (no pun intended).  I have gained so much knowledge about living a healthy life style that I feel like a new person.  Your classes have taught me what foods to eat, how often, and how they affect our bodies.  I also like your 80/20 plan.  This is a common sense approach that ensures anyone can stick to this new way of eating if they choose to.  I am now taking multivitamins, omega 3 oils, calcium, D drops, and purchasing lots of healthier foods from my new favorite store "Natures Food Patch." 

I really appreciate everything you've done for us so far.  I'm not exaggerating when I tell you I'm a changed person and I really love my new way of life.  My only problem is I'm so excited about all this new information that I have to be careful not to push it on my family and friends.  I've learned t that people have to be ready for a lifestyle change and you (I) can't force it on them. 



 Sincerely,

Mary Jo.   Clearwater, Florida.  Eat Yourself Lean Program Participant, Mind and Body Wellness.

 

 Your class was great and you are an AWESOME teacher.  I learned more in your class than in all the books I read on health...thank you.

Joanie M. Pinellas County 12 Weeks to Wellness Program Participant

 

Thank you, Ashleigh, for your on-going support and guidance, that has helped me to make healthy lifestyle changes over the past 14 months.  Your positive nature is very motivating!  I have gained valuable knowledge of proper nutrition, weight training and flexibility exercises - all of which have contributed to decreasing my body fat percentage, weight loss and becoming virtually pain-free from a nagging knee injury.

 Most recently I have benefited from your Exercise for Success class.  Your expertise is evident in your ability to design this class for the benefit of participants of varying fitness levels and experience in weight rooms.  Although I was already comfortable with weight training, I did garner insight on different exercises that I can incorporate into my work-outs; clarification on proper technique in an effort to get maximum benefit from the exercises; as well as flexibility exercises to improve my knee injury.  All of these factors have added variety to my work-outs and prevented me from getting bored in my routines.

By following the easily understandable nutritional concepts you taught me, and by weight training four times per week, I have been able to reduce my body fat percentage which has also translated into losing 52 pounds over the past 14 months!  I appreciate your taking the time to measure my body fat percentage periodically so that I can have a quantifiable method to assess my progress other than using a scale as the only barometer to measure success.  By changing my mindset to focusing on improving my body composition over time, rather than on weighing myself daily, I have become more motivated and disciplined in consistently maintaining my health plan.

 Thank you for your inspiration, kindness and support that has motivated me to make positive changes to my health.  In fact, your positive example has given me the impetus to become a personal trainer myself.  You personify who a personal trainer should be, so I know I will continue to learn from your positive example.  Because of you, I am motivated to continue to work towards my personal fitness goals.  In addition, I am also motivated to positively impact the lives of other people whom I will train in the future.  I appreciate YOU and all you continue to do to assist me in making healthy lifestyle changes!  You are AWESOME! :)

Karen S. - Clearwater, Florida.

 I began working with Ashleigh for several reasons:

1. I had experienced back pain daily for about 5 years, to the point where leaning over to brush my teeth hurt.  Seeing multiple therapists did not eliminate the pain.

2.  I wanted to develop a training program that would get rid of back pain, while helping me lose body fat and improve my strength and health.

Several months later, my back pain has gone away and I now know how to prevent it from returning.  I brush my teeth without pain!  My training programs are great, I am healthier, stronger, and losing body fat each month.  Thank you Ashleigh!

- Daniel C, Clearwater, Florida

"Both Ashleigh's workout plans and nutrition tips were basic and extremely effective.  I came to visit and live with Ashleigh for one week over spring break and felt that I needed a total overhaul of my life habits.  In one week I went from feeling sluggish and stuck in a fitness routine that wasn't working to losing 6lbs and feeling super energized and ready to attack my next fitness challenge!"

- Shannon Ogilvie - British Columbia, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I thought you'd be happy to know that I worked hard for 5 hours in the garden yesterday and 2 hours this morning (getting ready to have garden waste hauled away) and my back is doing well. I'm so pleased as this is the first time in almost 7 years that I've been able to work hard in the garden for a long stretch.
-Sally Murphy, Victoria, BC, Canada.  Weekend Warrior.

 

“Thank you for your kind words Ashleigh. I am continually intrigued with the young people like you who are so wise beyond their years. I feel honored to work with you. Many blessings of love and joy”.
-Sharon Kimmell, Victoria, BC, Canada.  Weekend Warrior.

 

"Training is going well and I am enjoying the sessions. I have only been out playing a few times in the last little while due to the weather but I am noticing the differences. My back feels great, no more aches and pains. I am more explosive out of the sand and my shoulders are feeling good.
-Devon Parkinson, Victoria, BC, Canada.  Collegiate Indoor and Beach Volleyball Player.

 

"I'm doing well. I'm enjoying my new eating plan & I'm feeling so much better especially during & after night shift. I no longer suffer from the bloating. Those super shakes are the way to go.... and surprisingly keep you feeling full. It's amazing how a fewadjustments can make such a difference. Thanks so much for your guidance & I'll keep you updated on my continued progress.
-Krista Powell, Victoria, BC, Canada.  Full time Nurse, and Triathlete.

 

"Ashleigh and I began working together after I had ACL surgery in March. I wanted the best rehabilitation possible after the surgery, so I hired Ashleigh to assist with this. Because of our work together, my knee is recovering faster than expected, and my strength levels are improving daily. In addition to this, I have a good understanding of what to do on my own to continue getting stronger and more functional. I'm excited to be back on trackand getting fit again!
-Cori Moss, Los Angeles, California.  Weekend Warrior.

 

"I began working with Ashleigh in February 2008 in order to resolve some longstanding pain and muscle tightness I had in my hips. After a couple of weeksI began to improve and was able to exercise without the pain and irritation i'dbeen experiencing for quite some time. Ashleigh was very 'hands on' with me and was able to provide relief from muscle tension as soon as she found it. After learning how to stretch and weight train properly, I am back in full swing, and doing great with my training program. Because of the techniques Ashleigh taught me, I now understand how to prevent injuries and offset anything that comes up.
-Julie Crum, Los Angeles, California.  Long-time amateur athlete, runner.

 

"Ashleigh is thoughtful, practical, and careful in her approach. I first saw her about low back pain. She prepared a plan of action for me based on a detailed assessment, and has constantly tested what works and what doesn't, making adjustments along the way so that I can achieve greater flexibility and strength, as well as turn on muscles that aren't working. I would highly recommend her to anyone with rehab issues."
-Diane Liebenson, Los Angeles, California.  Competitive tennis player.  

 

CORPORATE WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Moving Towards Wellness - 8 Week Nutrition/Corrective Exercise Class.  Tampa, FL . 2010.

“Upon taking this class, my goal was to feel better, have more energy and become less bloated.  Since taking the class I am more conscious of the foods I eat, specifically sugar and processed foods, and I eat cleaner because of it.  Overall I do feel better.   Thank you.” 

 Good Afternoon!

I took several of your classes thru the City of Clearwater and just wanted to let you know that I really have put into action many of your teachings!  I hope you are still working with others and teaching them how to eat properly and how to fuel their bodies!  As a masters endurance triathlete, I really appreciate the things you taught me on fueling for my workouts!  I recently completed the Augusta 70.3 Ironman and qualified for the World Championships 70.3 November 13th !!!!  I’m sure people don’t follow up and tell you “thanks” enough….but wanted you to hear it from me!

Thanks again,

Terry R.

City of Clearwater Countryside Recreation Center

  “The program made me become more aware of hidden things in foods that might be stopping me from losing weight.  Since my goal was to lose weight and become healthier, this information was exactly what I needed.”

 “I learned a lot from this class.  I am using the information given to make better healthy choices in my life.  Thank you.” – Yvonne E.

 “I have started putting proteins, carbs and veggies together at every meal.  I have also started eating organic meat, milk, cheese and eggs.  I am working toward organic veggies too.  My goal was to learn how to eat better and now since the class, I am accomplishing this goal.” – Michelle W.

“I have gained better understanding of some basic nutritional information.  It is eye opening in terms of how much of an impact food has on our overall health.  Great program!”  - Laura F.

“I am definitely eating a lot more protein and vegetables as well as drinking more water.  I truly learned more in this program than I thought was possible.”

“Thanks to the Moving Toward Wellness program, have improved my awareness regarding the need for more protein and vegetables as well as proper exercise form.” – Kathy P.

“Implementing the techniques in the program I was able to lose 10 lbs!”

“I was able to lose weight during the program without excessive exercise.  Rather, I did it by incorporating the healthy eating techniques I learned.  I am more encouraged to get up and move.  This class was very informative.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

City of Clearwater: Exercise For Success. 2010.

 

Ashleigh Gass and the Exercise 4 Success class have given me the skills and encouragement to finally begin exercising and eating right! There is so much information out there regarding working out, that people like me get overwhelmed and they don’t do anything at all. When you don’t know what you’re doing, you just don’t know where to start. I expected someone with Ashleigh’s credentials to be judgemental and intimidating, but she is quite the opposite. Ashleigh is knowledgeable and inspiring! Her class has taught me where to start, how to increase the level of training, how to design my own workout and how not to injure myself in the process! My muscles are actually beginning to feel like muscles, my range of motion steadily increases and I feel stronger every day. Thank you for making clay pots out of clay!

Kim Feeney/City of Clearwater.

I totally have a different attitude about exercising now, thanks to Ashleigh and Exercise 4 Success classes! Due to medical issues I recently changed my eating habits, and adding exercise was just the last piece of the puzzle that I needed to do. The fear factor of stepping into a gym again, after a 25 year absence, is gone and I am working out 5 days a week.  The benefits in 6 weeks have been great: my stamina has increased, my lower back and shoulders don’t ache anymore, and even my posture has improved! 

Thanks Ashleigh for being such a great instructor and motivator.

Vickie - City of Clearwater 

 Ashleigh,

I would like to say a huge thank you for your personal attentiveness to each individual in your classes. I know I have not been to the past two session due to work conflicts, but I have taken other courses you have offered. What is easily realized in your courses is that you are an expert in the fields of fitness and nutrition and I appreciate all that I have learned from you.

Laura - City of Clearwater

 Ashleigh,

I love Exercise 4 Success, I wish it was longer so I could learn more. I like that you realize we are not all at the same fitness level and showed us exercises that anyone can do.  Now I feel more confident and excited to go to the gym because I can make up my own routine and feel like I belong there.  My body definitely feels different even in this short time, my knees ache less and I feel stronger.  Thanks Ashleigh!

Flo - City of Clearwater

 This was a very good class.  I was going to the gym two or more times/week, and saw no results.  Now I have gained strength and toned up!  I will continue to work out.  

This has been the best exercise class I've ever had.  It was fun and I wanted to keep going!!

This was the BEST wellness class so far.  Ashleigh's knowledge of working out and stretching increased my desire to work out!

One of the best well at work classes that I've taken so far.  Ashleigh is a great instructor who assists you to be your best.

Ashleigh is wonderful.  Bring her back and pay her lots!  She is so knowledgeable, helpful, and approachable.  Awesome person. 

 

Kate and I on the last day of class.  Kate hated the gym at the start of week 1.  At week 6, having shown up for every class, she likes the gym, and knows what to do once there.  Kate - you inspire me!!

FULLY SUPPORTED DISTANCE CLIENTS

 

Ashleigh and I met at University some 10 years ago and she trained me then.  Now she has been the only trainer that I have had and she continues to offer the best physical and nutritional advice that gets results!

Brian K. Yellowknife, NWT, Canada