Alive! Whole Life Fitness Studio
Redwood City , California
Phone: 650-641-3586
Fax: 866-309-5660
Contact us to schedule an appointment or to find out more about us.
Testimonials
"As I stood and looked at myself in the mirror last Fall, I noticed great parts of my body seemed to be experiencing Continental Drift. Large masses (and growing) that used to occupy the northern hemisphere of my frame were rapidly moving South. Covering up the mirror worked for awhile, but I still caught glimpses of myself in windows on the street. I looked just as bad there.
I finally got that I needed to do something.
Needless to say, I entered Alive! Fitness Studio with a huge amount of skepticism and an equal amount of fear. I'm easily intimidated by large machines, especially those which I believe will make me look stupid as I weakly try and push them around.
Now the good news: I was surprised.
Working one-on-one with James and staff I felt supported, encouraged, acknowledged and even better -- successful.
I experienced what it was like to really use my muscles (who knew I had any???!) and yet not feel like I was going to collapse the next day. In fact, I felt more Alive! day-by-day.
As weeks went on I got stronger, stronger, STRONGER! And when I walked into the studio, those machines weren't laughing at me anymore. They were saying, "We're ready!" and so was I.
I started flexing my biceps at family functions. Showing off a waist I'd forgotten I had. And feeling the joys of living in a body that is both strong and flexible. Very cool.
If I were you, I'd take up Taru on her offer. It's a good one.
Your body, I promise, will thank you."
- Susan Schwartz
You Who Branding
"I visited the gym Taru and her husband set up for those over 50 years of age to use “slow motion” weight workouts. James claimed that lower weights in slow motion produces a better workout and a quicker muscle mass buildup for this age group.
Being the skeptic, I tried the slow motion workout method to experience it first-hand. Almost immediately, I needed to change to lighter weights. To my great surprise, it was a far better workout!
For those newer to working out in a gym, the slow weight workout provides a methodology for reducing strain and gaining your desired results."
- Elinor Stutz, CEO and Author
Smooth Sale, LLC
(415) 615-6887
"Wow, what a difference a few weeks makes. I have been doing SafeStrength® for about 6 weeks now and I can really tell the difference. It’s not just the weight loss (although combined with Weight Watchers it has helped me lose some pounds – yeah!) but it is the strength and overall wellness that the training has provided me. I carry myself with more confidence and I feel far less aches and pains from simple tasks and activities. I can see real progress on the machines but most important I can feel that I am getting healthier. Thanks for a great program!"
- Denise Brosseau
Original founder of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, www.fweande.org and Co-founder of Invent Your Future Enterprises, www.inventyourfuture.com , a company who supports women executives and entrepreneurs.
"I am competing for the position of “poster girl” for Alive! Fitness Studio. I have been working with James twice a week for two and a half years.
I thought I had made it when after one year I could put my pants on one leg at a time while standing. That was big.
Around the same time, I made a business trip to Finland, passing through Frankfurt airport. Because of weakness in my legs and my painful knees, I traveled with a companion and used a wheelchair for making flight connections via the miles of corridors in the Frankfurt airport. I could not have managed without help.
In June of this year I made a business trip alone to Sweden and felt very lucky that I was not scheduled via Frankfurt. However, due to an airline strike my departure was delayed a few days and I was rerouted through the dreaded Frankfurt airport, where some confusion about my ticket was uncovered. I was sent from pillar to post, one airline counter after another, seemingly miles apart. It all worked out eventually and I was allowed to board my flight.
Sometime during the long return trip my AHA! (and thus prizewinning) moment arose! I had managed with total ease the entire trip and the miles of walking between various airline counters alone...by myself!!
It had not occurred to me before leaving home that I might need a traveling companion or a wheelchair. Voila!!! My legs are strong; I can walk the airport miles, haul my own luggage, lift my carry on bag into the overhead compartment, and stand in long lines with ease and confidence. I no longer experience myself as a handicapped person in need of help at every turn.
My work with James has shown constant and subtle changes in my strength and sense of well-being. Twenty-five minutes twice a week seems like not very much. However, as a result of this small investment in time and money, I am stronger, stand taller, walk better, and feel much younger than my 80 years.
I will move to the East Coast soon and the things I will miss most are my longtime friends, James, my work, James, my home and garden, James, the weather, James, the vastness and variety of California, and James."
- Elaine L. Mayland, Ph.D., and Author Rosen Method: An Approach to Wholeness and Well-being Through the Body
My knees no longer hurt. I find myself more willing to walk and use my exercise DVDs. I feel so much more hopeful that the health benefits I’m gaining will turn into permanent change.”
Bay To Bay Technical Solutions, LLC
www.baytobaytech.com
(650) 703-8238
Coaching sessions with Taru hold so many benefits for me - focus, direction, and expanded possibilities that my life did not hold previously. The most significant difference I’ve seen in my life is the reshaping of my mindset which has allowed me to develop a new and better relationship with my siblings and mother. Her NLP modalities have also allowed me to reframe many other stumbling blocks as I
As I’ll be moving out of state soon, I won’t be able to continue my strength training with James, but I’ll definitely continue my coaching sessions with Taru. I wouldn’t miss them!
I’ve been doing the SafeStrength® training for 4 weeks and I already notice that my entire torso can really support me! After years of pregnancy etc…it sure feels great to have my strength back. I’m even stronger than I was in college. Plus, I’m able to now carry my 4 1⁄2 year old son. You should have seen us! I carried him for 1 1⁄2 blocks last week. He sure was thrilled.”
- Lynn Strand Marks, President
Positive Impact Partner, Inc.
www.positiveimpactpartner.com
My husband has observed changes also. While hugging me last night, he noticed my normally boney back had actually gained muscles, which is something I’ve tried to do for years. Both of us have even noticed my increased fitness while cycling, soon I’ll be able to beat my friend up the hills when we’re doing intervals.
But the best benefit to physically getting stronger is that it makes you mentally stronger also.
If all of this can happen in just 8 weeks, I can’t wait to see what happens the next 6 months! Thanks!”
www.stowedesign.com
"Working with James is fabulous! The workouts feel very safe and I have no fear of referring any of my friends or patients to him, even the more elderly ones. I know he takes exquisite care on a very minute level with all his clients. The SafeStrength® training is a great way to get in shape and stay that way. I have increased my overall body strength, stamina, and gained the ability to do things without so much body pain. These improvements have significantly impacted my life in a positive way. I enjoy a greater sense of well-being – life is just easier when I’m not in pain. It’s been a wonderful experience and I’ll continue using the Alive! program!"
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"James is great to work with! He is very knowledgeable and the weight machines are excellent – better than what is found in a regular gym. I had lost 40 lbs of muscle mass following a motorcycle accident and I feel that I’ve regained all of my muscle tone and more. My atrophied muscles had put more strain on my joints so regaining strength has been well worth the price. After 16 months of measurable and safe progress, I really notice the difference! Previously I could only do 150lb leg presses and now I’m doing 400lbs! I feel 10 years younger and have more confidence in working with various physical issues. I like the measurable progress and want to keep going. It’s obvious to me this program is very effective!"
- Chris Wesselman
"I find James to be a consistent, dependable, and very effective trainer. If I’m having difficulty with an exercise, he determines what is causing the problem and replaces it with an exercise that is more effective in promoting healing.
The regular exercise has increased my stamina and helped me maintain flexibility and mobility. I’m more active, think clearer, generally feel better, which helps me have a positive outlook which extends to others. The friendly environment and excellent support makes training an enjoyable experience."
- Gary Martin
"James is a delightful teacher; kind, caring, and knowledgeable about the equipment. I feel he will always modify an exercise for my specific needs.
I am experiencing increased energy, relief from neck discomfort, more arm strength and more functional fitness for my profession. I feel significantly stronger and more energized. This training allows me to maintain and improve over-all strength, personal independence, and self-care."
- Hazel Horsnell
Owner, Hazel J. Horsnell & Associates, a Massage business in Redwood City and San Mateo that's been around for over 21 years.
"James is a fantastic trainer! He creates a trusting environment and provides me with focus and determination that help me reach my training goals. The one-on-one sessions with a knowledgeable trainer means that the risk of injury is very low.
I work in a very busy restaurant and the SafeStrength® program has helped me increase my energy level, improve my posture, and maintain the stamina I need throughout the day. The exercise is also a great way for me to work off stress and come home with positive energy. I no longer suffer from back pain when I sleep, I am regaining my self-confidence, and I have learned the value of commitment to myself and my coach. The most significant difference I see in my life is the reconnection between mind and body. I feel I am doing as much for my body as I do for my mind.
I am always telling others how great I feel both emotionally and physically after each session. This has inspired my friends to take better care of themselves and to sign up for strength training with James. The safe environment of the Alive! Whole Life Fitness Studio and a trusting relationship with a coach continue to help me meet and set new goals. I tell everyone it’s one of the best investments I could make in myself!"
- Jillian Couture
“James is thorough, conscientious, careful, and adds a touch of humor that makes it worthwhile to attempt the slow strength training. He explains everything and helps me through each phase of the workout. Reminders to push through and breathe help so much as it is easy to forget what one is doing when concentrating on the physical effort. And, he happens to be a very nice man.
I have strengthened my weakened muscles and gained the added bonus of increased energy. Working with James has enabled me to do a little bit more every day and his encouragement to continue other types of exercise has resulted in being able to walk further each week.
As my physical strength improves I find it easier to get my weight under better control without dieting. Healthy eating and good, pure, natural foods are important but the Alive! training helps curb my appetite. I eat what I want but nothing to excess.
My husband and friends say that they have observed a difference, not only in my physical appearance but also in my energy and attitude. Big improvements!
It WORKS! I will be 61 years old this year and have several health issues that have bothered me for a long time. Over the years I have tried many different programs for exercise and self-improvement and usually gave up rather quickly because nothing worked or gave me the encouragement to continue. With ALIVE! it works and I notice results every week.
My thanks for this amazing training. I am impressed with the results and will continue to use this program.
ALIVE makes me feel just that – ALIVE!!!”
- Beth Gerousis
"The WealthyMind™ Program made me think bigger in terms of my business - I started discussions about incorporating the business. I got two new clients the following week, and it gave me more confidence in dealing with all my clients.
It's given me a boost of confidence to take me outside of my business so I can look inside the business. My colleague is also taking me more seriously; she took my idea and ran with it. I wasn't even sure if I was going to continue with my business and now I feel excited it would take off in different directions. My life just feels easier and I'm definitely having more fun!
Taru was able to coax and tease out the information needed for answering the questions, and I felt the phone coaching better helped me get in touch with my unconscious mind. She didn't have expectations of what I should say, but accepted what I said. I felt very comfortable working with Taru and felt I could say anything. I feel like she "gets" me."
- Carol Stephen
Stephen Organizing Services
(650) 283-4726
"I love slow-strength training because it's a concentrated 20 minute work-out that has taken inches off my body and increased my muscle mass as well as my strength. I am getting more toned every week. I plan on reaching my goal of 24-25% fat and will continue the 2x a week work-out to achieve that goal. I realize how important strength training is to build and maintain my muscle mass as I get older (I am 53). Slow strength training is the best because it's simple, effective and only 20 minute sessions! James is a patient, knowledgeable and supportive trainer. I highly recommend him and his program -for everyone."
- Michele Fleury
"I want to thank Taru for literally changing my life, for helping me to recognize my limiting beliefs and empowering me by getting rid of limiting beliefs.
The experience of changing limiting beliefs into empowering beliefs was emotional at times and scary as well. I was astonished to realize what one of my core limiting belief was! I had an "AHA" moment while working with Taru. It was a revelation to see that I could think in an entirely different fashion and change my life as a result of that thinking.
One of the key benefits to me was that I've changed the way I think. I stop myself when negative thoughts come through. I've learned to turn negative thinking into positive thinking. I've also learned to set an intention for whatever I'm going to do, which has proved to be a HUGE benefit to me. I now set intentions for everything I do. If I want it to happen and I "see" it happen and I "intend" for it to happen, it usually does happen!
I'm seeing a positive change in my life and it works. I am a Realtor. As soon as I completed this training, I noticed a definite increase in my business and how clients related to me. I now act in a much more positive manner and clients are drawn to me. At an open house on the first Sunday after my training, three new clients signed up to work with me.
I also had a home listed for sale that was a "challenging" property. It was on the market for almost two months and hadn't received any offers. Soon after I completed this training, I sold the home to a buyer who came to my open house. This resulted in a substantial commission check for me, and a very happy home seller client! This training really works.
I notice I'm much more positive now. I expect good things to come to me and I project a positive image. I believe my friends, clients and others notice I'm definitely a different person and relate to me differently.
I plan to work with Taru on another issue I want to change. I know she'll help me conquer this. She is remarkable. She is very professional yet she made me feel so comfortable. I plan to introduce The WealthyMind™ Training to the Realtor Associates at my office."
- Anne Fleming
Keller Williams Realty
505
(650) 218-6531
www.anne-fleming.com
"Working with James has been great. The set appointments help me keep committed to myself. My body feels great and I am holding myself with more confidence. Thanks."
- Patricia Doody
Owner, Peninsula Window Fashions Gallery
“The WealthyMind™ Program provides a platform to understand what your limiting beliefs are…once they come into focus, you’re ready to make an action plan and empower yourself away from those limitations. As a result, my limitations were more visible, so I was able to separate the drivers of limited beliefs vs. what I wanted to do.
I’ve been able to understand what drives my behavior at a more visible playing field. By being aware of these drivers, I can avoid some pitfalls and situations that make life more difficult. I can now prevent the consequences of those limiting beliefs…just by being aware. It actually reaffirmed for me that I am in control of what I want to be doing. The path I’m on is part of me…and reflects my beliefs.
I’m going to continue with Taru as my Coach for at least 3 months.
Even though the process reaffirmed certain core behavior patterns, I found I go overboard with time commitments I see as part of my overall responsibilities to others and work. The program helped me focus more on behavior I could modify to meet my own personal needs.
Taru has just the right balance of professionalism and warmth. She has a deep understanding of one’s core motivators – and is quick to understand at a deep level what drives people.”
- Mary Kasaris
www.firstrepublic.com
(650) 470-8809
"I love working with someone as well trained in safety as James is. Very important at my age (59). I love how much progress I'm making for a very modest investment of time. And yet, despite the rapid progress, I'm never plagued with soreness. I love the privacy - I don't want to be in with a bunch of spandex - clad 30-somethings and their perhaps equally young trainers (who may not be all that "trained"). A number of my friends have remarked how excited I sound when talking about the afore-mentioned aspects. I look forward to the (not-too-distant) day when I join in on group hikes that include some climbing. I definitely plan to continue!!!"
- Joan Gielow
"Where I see the most change is in my other sports. I'm a cyclist and the slow motion strength training has really helped me with my hill climbing. Whenever I'm going up a really tough, steep hill, I'm extra happy that I do the slow motion strength training. Also, it has helped strengthen my core muscles which have affected my golf game. My abs and lower back have helped me drive the ball further."
- Carol Stephen
Stephen Organizing Services
"Since beginning the training last spring, I've noticed significant change and improvement in my balance, strength and coordination. In particular the new strength in my back and abdomen has reduced my lower back problems and I'm able to squat and stand from low sitting/ kneeling positions with ease and grace. I appreciate your gentle support and ability in the sessions to "push" me, without pressure, to attain levels of strength I would never have reached without your skill and encouragement.
- Janet Freeland
"Slow motion, high intensity strength training has significantly improved my life - I have better posture, fewer aches and pains (especially less back pain). I love the combination of having a great personal trainer (James is wonderful!), an exercise routine that has really improved my body, and a routine that is truly challenging. And the length of the program is just right. Slow motion, high intensity strength training is wonderful."
- Howard Clowes
"As a senior, I was sure slow motion, high intensity strength training would be too difficult for me. But with gentle, caring guidance from James, I got a wonderful start. This is truly good for everyone."
- Jean Lutzker
"Slow motion, high intensity strength training has been a new experience for me. I was not able to increase my strength or tone with other types of exercise, but I have gained strength and tone at Alive! Fitness Studios. James is a good coach and motivator. This training has relieved the chronic neck pain I have suffered for years."
- Elisë Clowes
"I have been with Alive! Fitness since March 2005 and have appreciated the professionalism and James's unique concentration to detail. The atmosphere can be quiet or you can chitchat, James keeps the gym very clean, dust free, and cool (for those of us who feel good after our workout and don't want to drive home sweaty). But this is just the physical aspect of my workouts.
Sometimes I think I will just call in and say I'm tired, but I drag myself to Alive! Fitness and once I begin my routine, I start realizing that this is the best thing I could do for myself and for those around me. After thirty minutes, I feel rejuvenated with energy. James is excellent in keeping his (our) objective and that is to get a safe and beneficial workout. And thank you James for that coaching voice through my workouts, "come on just one more" or "try, try just one more!" And after seven months, I feel great and I feel strong and realize this is NOT just a one or two month commitment, but a lifestyle change of committing to getting good, reliable, and fun exercise through weight training. Yes fun."
- Elaine Robesky
"This is the exercise program I have always been looking for. After only a few weeks I have lost weight, have grown muscle, and feel stronger overall - physically and mentally. On my latest ski trip to Tahoe I really noticed the difference, being able to ski for a full day without muscle aches. James is an excellent trainer, who helps me to stay on track and get to the next level. I would recommend James and his slow motion, high intensity training method to everyone."
- K. R.
"I have worked with a personal trainer in the past, but never had a sense I was increasing my level of overall fitness. Since working with James, I have noticed a significant improvement in muscle strength and general conditioning after just 8 weeks. James keeps meticulous records of each session, and on some of the exercises I have experienced a 10% improvement which makes it very easy to stay motivated. Overall, I am thrilled with his expert coaching and look forward to reaching new goals with two 30 minute sessions a week. I highly recommend this method of training for anyone who wants to gain strength without a huge commitment in time."
- Ona Andre
" I've worked with several different personal trainers over the last few years, and James is the best. I really like the detailed records he keeps of every exercise session. This way I can track my progress and try to beat my last weight or time. With James, I have been able to lift more weight than I ever have done before when working out on my own or with other trainers."
-Therese Guittard
"James has really helped me strengthen my knee and lower back. With his strength training methods I have increased flexibility and I can enjoy various activities again - walking, gardening and holding my grandbaby! James has given me the best care in a comfortable, positive environment. I'm impressed with his caring, warm manner and commitment to help me feel my best. I definitely recommend James' and this strength training method."
- Patti McGinnis
"I've done resistance training on and off for years, but James and this strength training method have given me better results than any spa or gym. I appreciate James' gentle, positive, knowledgeable manner and this strength training method's efficiency. The private atmosphere at Alive! Fitness Studio, Inc. lets me concentrate on my workout - just two half-hour sessions a week is all I need to get great benefits. I sleep better, feel better and have more vitality. It really is "The Intelligent Workout!"
- Steven Guy Young
"As a triathelete, I really need to have a strong core. I am stronger after every workout - especially in my legs. I feel this particular strength training protocol is definitely the key to keeping my strength and improving on my performance in the triathlons I enter. James is a great one-on-one trainer; he knows just the right way to push me to get the most out of each workout, and I always have a great time with him."
- Tony Aquino
"Taru, thank you for your wonderful coaching. It has given me real-life insights that have helped me to find a happier inner-self. I feel like I have started a new journey in my life. The encouragement I have felt from you has given me the courage to take a drawing/art class. I have always been interested in art and wanted to do it. Now that I'm a caretaker for my 87 year old Mom, I am realizing how important it is to take care of myself first. You have helped me to realize this even more. I also realize I have to strive for better health and you have encouraged me to lose the weight to succeed at this.
Also, with your coaching, I'm beginning to feel proud of myself for the accomplishments I have achieved. Thanks to you, I feel happier inside ... which shows on the outside. Sometimes it's very hard to do difficult tasks, but I am now willing to try.
Thank you again for all the homework ... and your caring and encouraging way."
- Patti McGinnis
“My recent retirement and upcoming move had me confused and anxious. With your coaching, I’ve been able to identify and focus on my priorities and relax about the new direction I’ve chosen for my life. Even better, you’ve helped me rediscover a major goal/passion in my life, which has me more excited and motivated than I’ve been in a long time. Last but not least, after several years of “trying” to lose some weight, I’m now actually losing it.”
- Janet Freeland
“I was referred to Alive! Fitness Studio, which uses the SafeStrength®; training method, by a client of mine who heard me complain about "no time to work out." When I heard that I can gain strength (which would also protect me from bone loss, common for a 50 year old woman whose family suffers from osteoporosis), and that I can do this in 20-30 minute sessions using the SafeStrength™; method, I joined the Alive! Fitness Studio program. I found I could reach new strength levels that I had never attained before, and I'm only six months into the program. I now find that I look forward to my work-outs (which are only 2 times each week for 30 minutes each session), not only because I recognize it is the best thing I am doing for myself, but because I am happily amazed that I am getting very strong, I can fit it into my busy executives' schedule, and I really enjoy James Bell's professionalism, knowledge, and true caring about my well being.”
- Mary Kasaris
“I have always believed that more reps and faster reps is better. So I was skeptical that SafeStrength® training would be effective. But I have experienced noticeable strength improvements after a year of training with James. Now I am a believer, as well as an advocate of SafeStrength™ training.”
- Herb
“The greatest benefit of completing the WealthyMind™ Program was determining the limiting belief that I needed to “be perfect. I now know “I don’t have to be perfect. I’m happier with the people who come to the door of my business…
I used to be afraid to answer the phone. I never knew what I would get into. I let the answering machine pick up most of the calls. Now I answer the phone, because I know I don’t have to be perfect and I will be able to prevail or explain why not to the customer.
I can network now…I can go to chamber of commerce events and hand out cards like crazy.
The most significant effect of completing the WealthyMind™ Program is how I feel. I’m less fearful of displeasing customers and less fearful of the unknown.
I really enjoyed working with Taru. She accomplished in a short time, what would normally have taken a lot longer. The program cuts right to the point.”
-Ken Gielow
PC Help 4 You
(650) 279-4221