Client Stories
“We want to share a few of our current success stories. The results vary from person to person based on how consistent they are following our recommendations. Most clients who follow our recommendations consistently for a minimum of 3 months reduce their jeans by 1-2 sizes.”
Before I started at Imagine If I was unhappy with my body image, I had no energy, and my self confidence was low. In 12 short months I’ve lost 47 lbs. reduced my body fat by nearly 40% and lost 25.25 Inches. Now I’ve gained confidence, energy, muscle, and self esteem…basically because of Imagine If, I Rock!”
Michelle Dauphinais
BEFORE / AFTER
As a bodyworker and holistic health practitioner I am very selective when it comes to allowing anyone to work on my body. After 2 years of not being able to workout because of physical limitations brought on by illness, I gained over 20 pounds and experience chronic pain in my back, right hip and shoulder. I sought someone that could help me regain strength and stamina and alleviate the pain that I experienced on a daily basis. Aaron Benes of Imagine If has done just that. I no longer have pain in my back, hip or shoulder. And, I lost 18 pounds, 4.5% body fat, and 9 inches in just 12 weeks! I totally trust Aaron. As a strength conditioning coach he knows his “stuff”. I highly recommend Aaron to my clients and anyone else who wants to look and feel better.”
Regina Roland
Structural Integration Practioner
BEFORE / AFTER
Recently in just one evening I got more compliments from both men and women than I can ever remember. Random strangers keep walking up to me and telling me how beautiful I am. People keep asking me my age and then they are shocked when I tell them. I’m hooked for life.
Suzanne Millhollen
BEFORE / AFTER
Since training with Aaron at Imagine if…. I’ve lost a total of 16 lbs, 9% body fat and 15.75 inches.
I feel great, happy and stronger. My goal was to fit into a specific dress, and I do fit in it. Yeah!!!
Other benefits include: I can wear sleeveless shirts in great comfort, I’m sleeping better, have more energy, no headaches with my monthly cycle and at my age I can wear a bikini!!
Carrie Monroe
Imagine that you don’t sleep at night. Imagine that you haven’t felt well in quite some time. What if you are sore or tired or just plain over weight? Does any of this ring a bell? For me, it was a combination of things, the weight, my shoulders hurt and I knew I wasn’t in great shape. After years of procrastinating, I finally decided at the ripe old age of 50 that I needed to do something about it. I could only Imagine what was to come.
I first met Aaron Benes of Imagine If after I heard about him from my friend Mike Randell. I was interested in getting fit, losing weight and making my shoulders feel better. Imagine my surprise (see how I have mixed in the Imagine theme?) when he put me through a series of questions that were meant to see whether I was even a candidate for him. I found out that Aaron is unlike any other fitness professional in the country due to his unique approach and his selectiveness with accepting clients. After we talked I agreed to come back for an “interview” and to see what kind of shape I was in.
I started by asking him about the cost of a program. No sense in going through all the stuff and finding out I didn’t want to spend a dime on my own personal fitness right? Just kidding! But isn’t it true? Most people will spend a weeks salary on junk food and doing things that are not good for them, yet when asked to do something that will benefit them the rest of their lives, will cry all the way to the bank.
Well the “interview” consisted of a series of assessments that allowed him to see where I was at physically. Although I knew I was overweight, I didn’t think I was THAT overweight. And I didn’t think I was THAT out of shape! Imagine my surprise when I couldn’t even do some of the things he asked me to try. The session was tantamount to me being told I couldn’t play golf anymore! After I completed the assessment, sort of anyway, Aaron and I sat down to talk about my goals. My goals were fairly simple. I wanted to 1) Lose 30 pounds; 2) Get rid of the pain I have in my shoulders; 3) Gain flexibility so that my golf game could improve; 4) Get down to less than 20% body fat.
BEFORE / AFTER
Looking Good! Feeling Good!
After I agreed to the Aaron’s terms, lets just say, he expects you to live up to your end of the bargain, AND he took overall body measurements…Waste, chest, legs, hips, etc., he then told me what my body fat % was. Wow, did I say I was overweight? Ok, I was committed for several reasons (see goals above) but knowing that I was considered obese was enough to get me going. I started on a program in July 2009. 3 days of training sessions each week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. And on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays I would walk for an hour in the early morning. Aaron tailored a diet plan, workout plan and an overall life plan to aid in me achieving success and attaining my goals.
After 6 months and countless hours, I can tell you that I have lost the 30 pounds, I am in much better shape, have increased my flexibility, I feel great and the inches have been stripped away around my body. Not to mention that at last check, I was down to 24% body fat. My biggest problem now if finding pants in the closet. My waist is back to pre D 7 days; which is over 16 years ago. My plan worked for me. Aaron tailors a custom program for each person. The food that I eat and what I drink has also provided a much greater benefit. Some of you know that I am an insulin dependent diabetic. I have been taking insulin since 1980. Over the past years, I have struggled with the insulin and weight gain more than anything else in my life. So losing the weight also reduced my insulin intake by as much as 25% each day. When I first saw my doctor for a check up, he looked up upon entering the exam room and wasn’t sure if it was me or not. He wanted to know if I ever did anything half way? He knows that when I am doing something, it is done only one way, ALL the WAY!
6 months ago, I could only Imagine what I could do, how I could feel? The only thing that Aaron can’t help me with is the golf game. He can increase my flexibility, make me stronger, help me lose the weight and much more. But he can’t swing the club for me. That part is up to me. My goals have not changed. I plan on losing more weight, reducing my body fat further, getting stronger AND FEELING BETTER. Aaron was the reason for my success. He could be a willing contributor to your success, if only you can Imagine what it will be like. Imagine If? That’s what I did. Thank you Aaron!”
Joe Daniels
Well it all started about the fall of 2001. In a short 3 months I went through a few traumatizing events. And then I became incredibly depressed and so I began to eat everything I could get my hands on and I stopped doing any form of physical activity. 3 Years later I had ballooned up to 271 pounds, I was incredibly weak, out of shape, even more depressed, and my blood pressure had skyrocketed. So I had finally had enough and decided to change. I went to Aaron for help. He suggested a mild program of walking and a change in my dietary habits; so I did both. After just a short while I started feeling better about myself and my body. The weight just began to melt off. Then after a while Aaron told me that I needed more and different exercises, and even better food choices. So I did both and improved again, loosing more weight and getting stronger. Aaron then opened Imagine If and it just got better, working out at the gym and again improving my nutritional habits. Recently in just 12 weeks I lost 19 lbs, 13 inches and 5% body fat. Before Imagine If I could not do one pushup. Now in just 3 months I can do over 15 and I’ve lost a total of 82 lbs and still counting! Next year I’ll be 60 and I feel it’s important at any age and definitely as you get older to take care of yourself. The best part of Imagine If and working with Aaron is how helpful he is and his passion for the success of all of his clients. Thank you, Aaron for being you, and helping me become a better healthier person!”
Larry Benes
I trained with Imagine If… for four months. I lost 12.5 inches 6.9% body fat and 14 pounds during that time. I am an executive at an Asset Management company, and I am married with two young children. Before I started working out with Aaron I spent my limited workout time on a treadmill or another form of cardio, I counted calories, and I wasn’t choosing the right foods. I was having low energy and little success. Aaron introduced me to strength training and good nutrition. What I learned from Aaron has drastically improved my life. I went from a size 14 to a size 10 in four months. Not only do I look better but I feel better, I have energy for my high stress job, my family and my friends. Instead of looking forward to my next sugar loaded processed food I prepare fresh lean meats and vegetables and I enjoy them! I have changed my bad habits and I am teaching my children how to eat right and feel good about themselves and their bodies. If you are really committed to success I would highly recommend going to Imagine If…”
Linda Johnson
BEFORE / AFTER
I started with Imagine If in November 2006 approximately 1 month before my 50th birthday. The timing as far as I am concerned was perfect, I was feeling sluggish, my nutrition was not bad but because my body was going through changes and my metabolism had slowed down, the way that I was eating and exercising was not right for me anymore. It was a struggle just to not gain weight. With my old exercise routine I was not toning up, getting any stronger, or feeling like I was making any real difference. After I joined Imagine If I was able to understand how each exercise worked and started seeing results. Sure enough, I started feeling better and sleeping better. Also the nutrition program that Aaron put me on helped me to better understand what I should be eating and how much of it. As a result in just under 4 months I have lost 7.5 pounds, 4% body fat, 3 inches and I went from a size 6 to a 4! I feel fantastic and am looking forward to continuing to tone up and get stronger. ”
Thanks Aaron!
Helen Hamadot
BEFORE / AFTER
In 3 months I went from 136 lbs. to 117 lbs. by faithfully following Aaron’s exercise and nutritional eating programs at Imagine If. I didn’t expect to lose three dress sizes! I have struggled to lose that weight for ten years! I did cardio workouts; TV promoted gadgets, popular diets and pills, weight machines at the gym, and lost a few pounds and gained some back. Nothing gave me that fit look that I wanted and I ended up frustrated and confused by all the conflicting information on how to lose weight. What a waste of time! Aaron’s program of exercise and healthy eating is not a “one size fits all” program, but customized for each individual. Gone are the confusion and “myths of exercise/weight training. The support you receive here at Imagine if really keeps you motivated and the atmosphere is more comfortable than going to a gym.”
This works!!
Susan Rodriguez
BEFORE / AFTER
Coming to Imagine if is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I highly recommend Aaron and the Imagine if program.”
Thank you,
Melanie C
Thanks to Imagine If… and your coaching and guidance I was able to reach goals I never thought possible in such a short amount of time. In the 8 weeks I was there working with you I lost 5.5 inches overall, 4.5% body fat and 6.4 lbs. of fat. Since I never had to watch what I ate in the past and was only trying to lose a few pounds and tone, I knew I needed someone to coach me and teach me how to do it. When I first came in I thought I was in pretty good shape, I felt I had good eating habits and a pretty good exercise regimen; however I was not seeing any results. After meeting with you I quickly realized that I didn’t have the knowledge or tools to properly reach my fitness goals. With your coaching and support I learned proper nutrition and an exercise routine that would work for me. Not only did you provide me the tools and knowledge to achieve my fitness goals, the environment at Imagine If… gave me the motivation and positive reinforcement I needed to reach those goals. Using the skills you have taught me I have the confidence to maintain a healthy lifestyle and set even more goals to reach! I would highly recommend you to anyone who is ready to make a healthy change and reach their fitness goals! Thank you for all you have done for me, the change I see in myself is worth every drop of sweat I shed from the past and to come!”
Sincerely,
Christie Reed
8 Short Weeks
BEFORE / AFTER
The program at Imagine If taught me how to get a leaned toned body based on nutrition and a consistent workout regimen. Before I began the program, I just got out of college and my eating and workout patterns were very inconsistent. I didn’t feel healthy and I wanted to make a change. Imagine If was introduced to me and I found that this method of weight loss/maintenance was a very realistic program that I would fit into my new working lifestyle perfectly.
I found that the main trick to my weight loss was the weight training. Without weight training, I would not have seen the results that occurred after the nine weeks of the program. I used to fall into the category of most people thinking that a lot of intense cardio tends to burn the most fat; but it is proven to be the exact opposite which is that at least 45 min of the right type of weight training three times a week does the magic. It was never hard for me to get all three of the weight training days in, but I found it almost impossible to get in 100% of my cardio days just because of my work schedule. In a perfect world there would be nothing holding me back from the gym and my workout program would be complete!
As far as the nutrition part of the program, I found that changing my eating habits was the second biggest part of my success. Eating 5 small healthy meals a day versus three big ones curved my appetite and sped up my metabolic rate. It really worked for me to spend the extra time at the grocery store and reading labels. Making sure to buy one product over another really makes a difference to weight loss. I found that my whole grocery store shopping list made a whole 180. I would never even think of buying some of the foods that I considered to be “healthier” for me now that I know what good and bad carbs are. I also used to eat nothing but whole wheat bread before I knew that wheat stores fat, whereas now I am addicted to Ezekiel bread and will eat no other type. I feel that everything in moderation is key to living a healthy and well balanced life, but it is very important to make sure that weight training and eating good fats and oils are always taken into consideration. I plan to work on sticking to a lifestyle of eating and working out the way that Imagine If has taught me and hopefully I will be able to always overcome my battle with weight management through this healthy process.”
Jessica Riela
Thank you for everything you have ever done for me. You have no idea how you have impacted my life. You have taught me things that will and have changed my life forever. I know how to live a healthy lifestyle. I know how to eat for best performance, health, and energy. I know the difference between a good workout and a “not-as-efficient” workout. I know that you are always rooting for me and are always there for me if I need encouragement, help, or just need to talk. That really means a lot to me. It’s great knowing you have someone always on your side with only good and encouraging words for you! THANK YOU!”
Jenny Pluma
BEFORE / AFTER
The Slim and Sexy program is amazing! I’ve learned not only how to exercise but also what to eat for a healthier and sexier body. My body has never felt or looked so good! In just a short 12 weeks following the simple program I lost 11 lbs, 6 ½ inches and 6% body fat. And as a result my confidence has skyrocketed. Out of all the diets, trainers, and gyms that I’ve tried this program definitely works the best! Thanks Aaron for putting together such an awesome program!”
Connie Thomson
I am twenty-two and have known Aaron since I was eight years old and have trained with him before in soccer and track when I was much younger. In high school I was a CIF swimmer and swam for Irvine High which was Nationally Ranked number one in the nation my junior and senior year of high school. After high school I worked out for a while but then I moved from my home in Orange County to Sacramento and starting working full time. Working as a server and a hair stylist, I was tired and out of breathe easily especially when I was at work blow drying hair. I was mostly embarrassedby my thighs and stomach. I would try on my nice seven jeans and couldn’t even get them on. My thighs had never touched before and now they did. For me it was very devastating going from a swimmer with no body image issues to not even wanting to go to the pool. After I moved back home from Sacramento I started serving tables again where I worked before and everyone noticed my weight gain. I served for about six months and lost about 15 pounds that I had gained but I still felt uncomfortable about my body. I had no strength in my upper body and still felt fat. I finally talked to Aaron and told him about my situation during an evaluation and was shocked from my results. As I called it I was a “skinny fat girl” with body fat at an outstanding 31.5%. Just getting started I felt better after only 3 weeks! It was amazing because my energy went up and everyone started complementing my body. Imagine if created a weight, cardio and nutrition program to help me get the lean toned body I desired. Aaron knew about my capabilities as a swimmer and knew he could push me which he did. I took full advantage of Aaron’s knowledge asking him to help me with my nututrion plan and he came up with a plan that worked for me! After only 12 weeks I lost an amazing 13.5% body fat and 3.5 inches! I love to work out now and have only missed two workouts in the four months that I have been training at Imagine If. My body fat is now 17.5% and I have lost a total of 4.5 inches. My legs look great and my thighs no longer touch! My stomach has a two pack and now I am shooting for a four pack! With Aaron’s knowledge and strong motivation I feel like I can achieve anything personally and physically!”
Megan Bailey
BEFORE / AFTER
I wanted to personally thank you for working with me for the past year. As you know my goal was not weight loss but to get into the best shape possible so I was physically able to sail large sailboats offshore once again. My wife Janice and I had talked about finding a trainer to help me and fortunately she met you at the Center for New Medicine when you spoke to her class nutrition class about the importance of muscle and exercise. After my first session with you I knew that working with you one of the best decisions I have ever made! Now a year later and a year older at 63, Janice says I am in the best shape I have been in a long time. She noticed results rather quickly and it is great to have your wife admire your physique at my age! In my first 6 weeks I gained 1 inch on my chest, ½ inch on my arms and ¼ inch on my quads; in addition I had lost 1.5 lbs of pure fat. Your program started by building my core muscles, many of which I didn’t know existed. The routines were varied and not only produced the desired results, but kept thingsfun and interesting. Additional benefits of working with you have been a definite reduction in my stress, awareness of and information on the proper nutrition for maintaining my muscle and the confidence that I am now physically capable of sailing large yachts.
Aaron, your help has been invaluable. Thanks again!”
Very truly yours,
Rich Johnson
BEFORE / AFTER
I came to Aaron in Early March 2007. At 5’9 my weight was 170lbs and I had been suffering from lower back pain for the previous five years. Before I met Aaron I was one of those typical athletes who knows’ it all. But I came to the conclusion that I must not know all that much because I was fat, in chronic pain, and I had no energy to deal with my everyday life activities. After one year working with Aaron my life has completely changed! My weight is down to 150lbs, my energy levels are as high if not higher than when I was eighteen (I’m 32), my sex drive has gone up considerably and best of all my lower back problems have gone away completely. With Aaron’s help I have learned how to properly eat, rest, and simply take care of myself to feel and look better than I ever have. From an athletic standpoint I am now quicker, faster, stronger, and I can jump as high as I could during my senior year in high school. The past year has been incredible, and I can say with all sincerity that Aaron and Imagine If have completely changed my life forever!”
Rod Higginbotham
BEFORE / AFTER
I wanted to write you to thank you for helping me attain to what I feel are some amazing accomplishment in only 6 weeks. My weight has dropped from 236 lbs. to 212 lbs. I had to order new work pants because I’ve gone from a size 40′ to 36′ waist. Though I’m not advising others to do this, I’ve taken myself off the high blood pressure medication, “Benicar”. My pressure is regularly between 120/112 over 83/70. Before starting the program, my pressure would be above 150 without medication. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a year ago, my wife has said I snore less and not as loud. The jury is still out but I believe because of my new eating habits a toe nail with fungus, appears to be beginning to grow out looking clear. Of course I feel better and I’m not as weary as I used to be after a hard day at work. As important as these accomplishments, I have gained a hopeful, positive outlook concerning my future physical abilities. I am looking forward to a much more physically active lifestyle…biking, hiking, skiing etc…
The amazing thing to me is that with the accountability, encouragement and especially the support of my lovely wife, it has not been hard. It mostly took a willingness to change. I know I’ve only begun this journey, but “What a great start!”
Thank You Again!
Steve Nielsen
In the past, I trained with many trainers, but I’ve never met anyone like you. I was skeptical because now in my late 40’s, I assumed my body and skin tone was that of an aging person. Within 6 months, I got back in shape and feel and look much better. I have lost 6% body fat, gained muscle and I have a more toned figure. I gained my confidence back and feel and look like I did when I was on the cover of Muscle and Fitness magazine many years ago. Thank you!”
Sincerely,
Lori Leonelli
I am so happy with the results I’ve received at Imagine if. I was going to a commercial gym on my own for a few months, but I just didn’t seem to be progressing. I started working out longer without seeing any results; which can be very frustrating. In Dec of 07 I ran into a friend, Suzan Rodriguez, who was a client of Imagine If. I could see what great results she had with your facility so I thought I’d give it a try.
I’ve learned how to do the exercises correctly that will give me the results I want. I’m now working out less than I did on my own and now I feel so much better. I look forward to my workouts now and I have more energy.
It’s great to have everything all set up the facility and ready to go when my workout time is scheduled. Also seeing the results of others as time goes by is really encouraging. I didn’t think I’d ever have the muscle tone I have now. I feel more fit in my 40”s than I was in my 20’s!
I really like training with you. I also appreciate your flexibility in working around your clients busy schedules. With your instruction and knowledge plus a client’s dedication, one is sure to achieve their fitness goals. I would definitely recommend Imagine If to anyone who is serious about improving and changing their health and well-being.”
Sincerely,
Laurie Ichikawa
Aaron had to talk me into taking the time and spending the money to participate in his twice monthly personal coaching sessions. I felt “flawed” in some way because I gave the impression in our first meeting that I needed personal coaching in addition to trying to gain ground against osteoporosis, rising blood sugar and menopausal weight gain. Those physical challenges alone seemed daunting. Did I really want to address the emotional component of my health too? Reluctantly, I signed up.
I had been on antidepressants for 10 years. In my case, the depression was triggered by hormones combined with life circumstances all arriving at my doorstep within a year’s time. I felt I needed therapy and medication to cope. I felt better and was able to achieve a reasonable outlook on life. Until I met with Aaron. Trepidation notwithstanding, I showed up for my first session. What would I talk to this young man about? How could he address my 60 year old life experience and give any type of relevant insight into how I functioned emotionally?
He sensed I was going through the motions of life and that he could help lift burdens I didn’t realize I still carried, which, I came to realize, hampered my potential.
After 8 months of meeting twice monthly, I now have less anxiety about each day. I am no longer taking the anti depressant medication and my familial relationships have an emotionally healthier reality. I have a heightened awareness of personal growth opportunities when they arise in my life and am enjoying an enhanced self-confidence.
Thank you Aaron. It’s not magic. Challenges still exist and it takes work with a few tears. However, Aaron’s insightful guidance with the Destination Coaching Method has resulted in “waking up” to imagining a fuller, healthier life. On the way, I lost body fat, dropped 30 points in my cholesterol, learned about nutrition, and, overall, “shaped up.”
Wanda
In 4 short weeks, I lost 4% body fat, 2 lbs and 2 inches!
I wanted to try a real workout after my husband had such great results and I thought I would like to try this also to get more tones and back in shape. I got stronger, more fit and much more energetic overall. I am also much more aware of what I am eating during the day and as a result, I try to avoid foods that are not good for me and my body. I love how I can feel my muscles again more, but also feel muscles I didn’t even know you could actually train them specifically. I haven’t really worked out like this ever before, but I must say, now that I got a taste of it, I really like it! It had such an overall positive effect on me, my body, my endurance during the day. I feel more fit in body and mind! Working with Imagine if… – it is one of the things I always wanted to try and hardly went for it. In retrospect one of the best things I did for myself and wished I had discovered it much earlier. Aaron put a great program for me together that targeted exactly the ones I needed to work on and the results show it.
This has been a WONDERFUL experience!”
Cornelia Fuertes
I truly miss you. I miss the training. I miss the sweat and laughter. Imagine If became part of my family. I miss the workouts and the friendships that I’d built.
Your training methods are effective, challenging and result driven. I am extremely pleased with my results! The devices and equipment used are unique – “The Tred Sled” every household should have one. Thank you for assisting me in becoming a healthier and happier me.
Your newsletter this month was very informative about the result from eating more veggies. It inspired me to eat more veggies. Thank you”.
Have a great day!
Donna Nidis
Since training at Imagine if, I have more strength in my arms. Before training, I couldn’t do a facial without my hands, wrists and arms killing me the next day. However, just yesterday, I did four (4) facials and had no pain today. Amazing!
Also, my clothing size has gone from a 10/12 down to a size 6.
I feel better than I’ve ever felt in my life!”
Thank you,
Jena Nielsen
I am a 57 years old female and I have worked out in the gym since I was 19 and was in good health until two years ago when I was diagnosed with asthma and immune deficiency. Unable to workout for those two years, I gained approximately 15 pounds and was quite depressed over my situation. Then I heard about Aaron at Imagine If from my friend who encouraged me to trust him because of his experience in strength and conditioning. I was quite weak when I began my program with Aaron at Imagine If. Due to Aaron’s expertise, not only has he helped me feel stronger, but, in the past 12 weeks I have lost 11.5 pounds, 5.5 inches and 7% body fat. Even more importantly, during my last doctor check-up my lungs have gained a 1% increase in breathing capacity.”
I cannot thank you enough, Aaron!
Kathleen Lamb
I wanted to see if I could take my overall fitness to a higher level and I knew that Aaron was highly trained and knowledgeable as a coach so I decided to try it out.
The most impressive result was my 2.7% decrease in body fat in just 4 weeks. S a lifelong athlete and former collegiate water polo player, I have experienced many types of training and different coaches and I was skeptical that I could achieve so much in 4 weeks. I was also impressed with the core strength and glute strength I have gained. Overall I feel more energized and leaner than before.
Imagine if is far superior to any normal run-of-the-mill trainer I have ever worked with simply due to Aaron’s extensive knowledge and experience. He is highly trained as a fitness coach, but also carries a great deal of nutritional expertise, which he shares in a friendly, easily digestible manner. Imagine if is the full package—you will get everything you need to meet your fitness goals here.
If you are serious about your fitness goals and want to achieve them in a fun, inspiring and pleasant place, come to Imagine if. DO IT!”
Megan Wallis