Be Well Coaching

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Client Testimonials


"I have suffered with back pain most of my life due to Lumbar Scoliosis. I have tried every imaginable therapy to find pain relief and was recommended to Carolyn by a friend and client of Carolyn's. It took only one session in her warm pool, (in the middle of January), and her incredibly kind and patient personality, for me to want to return as soon as possible. I have never been particularly athletic and do NOT like to "work out". But, I now eagerly look forward to my "pool time" with Carolyn and think of it as a real highlight of my week. I have been so encouraged by the strength and endurance I am gaining throughout my body and the effect it is having on my daily life. Carolyn is a very inspiring instructor and is able to point out the slightest changes needed in form to get the most benefit from her aquatic therapy. I am consistently amazed by her skill as a teacher and therapist, and feel confident that continuing to work with her is the best thing I can do for my health. She is a lovely, positive person who creates a safe and welcoming environment for her clients."

-Elizabeth Nordlinger, Interior Designer & Writer

 "After several years off of athletic competition I needed to lose weight to get back into my sport of cycling. Wanting to do things the right way, I decided a sports nutritionist was the way to go. I contacted Carolyn after researching and I am so happy with the results of her program. She teaches you simple and easy ways to change your diet - no fads, powders, chemicals or strange regimens and you don't feel like you're on a "diet". She is knowledgeable and practical and she really cares about her client's success. I have learned so much and the weight is coming off and my health and energy levels are spectacular! Whether your goal is to become a better athlete or lose a few pounds, Carolyn is the only expert you need."

- Lori Nock, Competitive Cyclist and Teacher

 "Carolyn saved me from indecision and confusion in my quest for better health. She is warm and friendly and at the same time knowledgeable and patient. She is very enthusiastic and believes in people. Carolyn helped me understand a lot of things about nutrition and how important it is to eat a wide variety of foods and how important it is to exercise. She also helped me understand a lot about menopause and how to lessen the symptoms. Before, I tried everything and nothing worked but Carolyn helped me cope with a difficult stage in my life and understand my system and make the right changes to improve my health.  For the first time instead of gaining during the holiday season - I actually lost weight! Carolyn is not only a professional, she is a concerned, caring person and she will do her best to help you believe in yourself again."

- Natalie von Liebig, Menlo Park

"Keen observation, a plethora of knowledge and spot-on guidance - you are guaranteed to attain these from Carolyn Collman, who took genuine interest in helping me meet my goals. I approached Carolyn to help reduce the pain I suffered from lower back disc herniation I experienced while training for a marathon. After trying a variety of pain relief and pain management techniques, I realized I needed personal attention as opposed to working in a group situation and I'm very glad to have found Carolyn. I started my sessions with her in aquatic therapy. I was someone who was uncomfortable in water, unable to swim. Carolyn played a great role in making me comfortable (her warm pool feels great!). She made me exercise and strengthen the correct muscles, adjusting my form and posture. She was quick to identify any aids I needed in the process - whether it was a pain relieving ointment or a pair of of fins. When I wanted to move from aquatic therapy to at-home strength training exercises, she gladly agreed. This is where I appreciate her flexibility to work with a client's request, as well as her confidence and expertise in dealing with a wide variety of fitness techniques. In this session I gained a few powerful yoga stretch and strengthening poses. Thanks to her I practice them every day and observe improvements! Finally I asked her to assist me in swimming. In the veru first session she was able to spot the problem areas and correct them acutely. I followed her advice to the T and my strokes, breathing and kicks all improved over time. Today I can proudly say I'm a swimmer! Now I live almost pain-free, continue to strengthen and swim regularly and manage my pain well. Carolyn was part of these positive changes and I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking coaching to improve physical fitness."

-Anusha Ragunathan, Software Developer-  

"Our daughter is a high-level, competitive gymnast. Due to an injury and inactivity she had gained a few pounds that had affected her ability to realize her high potential. With great care and sensitivity, Carolyn jumped in and built a bond of trust and understanding, explaining to her, in a non-judgmental way, the reasons for changing her diet. Within the first week our daughter was eating salads and vegetables that we couldn't get her to eat for 15 years! Carolyn worked with my wife and I to design menus that were both healthy and appetizing. Carolyn engineered detailed eating plans for "game day" that ensured our daughter had the peak of nutrition and energy when she needed it most. As a result, she had very successful State, Regional and National meets. It was our pleasure to have Carolyn Collman as part of our team. I would not hesitate to recommend her."

-John Costa, Parent-

"I was referred to Carolyn by a friend after suffering through a series of running injuries while training for the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.  She worked with me in the pool using a series of drills to try to increase my flexibility and range-of-motion while at the same time allowing me to workout without the incessant pounding.  I was able to find relief - both in terms of injury and frustration - and eventually went on to achieve my goal of finishing the race.  I found her patient and cheerful to work with, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her services."

-Steve Reagan, Engineer and Ultramarathoner-

When I began sessions with Carolyn, just getting into the water was a much-needed relief from back and knee pain. Very soon, her expertise, patience and ability to tailor the sessions to my particular needs resulted in decreased pain, more strength and, best of all, a sense of hope and lifted spirits. Carolyn is gentle, yet her sessions were the first exercise I have found, since having such severe pain, that gave me adequate cardiovascular challenge. Her warmth and caring are, in addition, important positive forces toward healing. I continued to improve during the first months and then, only a few weeks after increasing my sessions to twice per week, I found myself being able to do things that had been important in my life, but had fallen by the wayside because of pain - such as shopping, visiting art galleries and museums, attending social functions and just walking. I realized how much my quality of life had been lost and was now found again thanks to continuing with Carolyn. Not only the exercise routines, but also her advice and suggestions on ways to reduce pain were part of the positive results. I look forward to every session:  the exercise, being outdoors, and just sharing time with Carolyn. The decision to start therapy with Carolyn was a tremendously important part of my life."

 -Susan Wexler, Artist-

 "My first session with Carolyn for was for aquatic training and it opened up a whole new world of exercise and whole-body wellness for me. (Your body, especially your back, will thank you!) Plus, the level of training and toning is incredible - all from a no-impact activity! Carolyn then integrated exercises I could practice at home or at the gym, tailored to my specific needs and developed a nutrition plan that I could easily integrate into my daily routine. Her thoughtfulness and followup are exceptional. For example, she noticed small things in my posture and my routine that were easy to change. These small changes made a major positive difference in my overall wellness. Carolyn's whole-person approach, her professionalism and her warm and caring personality are a rare find. I highly recommend Carolyn and Be Well Coaching."

-Meri Gruber, marketing consultant-


"I started aquatic therapy with Carolyn several months after having extensive back surgery followed by physical therapy. I'd tried to continue re-hab on my own, but was not very successful. Very soon after working with Carolyn two-to-three times per week in the pool, I had noticeable improvements in core strength and stamina and a significant reduction in pain. I recently went on a safari involving many hours of sitting on airplanes and in Land Rovers (on very bad roads!) and would never have survived either nearly pain-free without those pool workouts. I was also able to climb over 1,000 ft and keep up with the rest of family much to their surprise and delight. Carolyn has a breadth of knowledge allowing a discussion on everything to do with health and fitness.....(and old movies!).  Plus, she's fun to work with!"

-Cathy Dellor, Layout Engineer and Manager-

“I’ve had great results working with Carolyn.  She initially helped me stay in
shape through a forced layoff when I developed a stress fracture training
for the Boston Marathon. Since then, she’s not only coached me in
running, but developed a strength training program for me and has taught
me that eating healthfully can be fast, easy and still taste great.”
 -Lisa Laastch, Competitive Marathon Runner-

"Having been an athletic person in my younger years, the thought of having to exercise was totally abhorrent to me. But as back pain, shoulder pain and sagging stomach muscles became a part of my everyday life, something needed to change. With some trepidation, I started a program with Carolyn. Her full knowledge of the workings of the body, nutrition, and her excellent teaching skills have allowed her to "zero" in my needs. Indeed, after five months, my strength, energy level and well-being are so much better and my pain is greatly reduced. Perhaps the ultimate irony is that I look forward to every session."

-Anne Vosti, Retired Teacher-

“I initially began working with Carolyn as a result of chronic bilateral
tibial stress fractures, but was amazed at the intensity of my
“therapeutic” workouts. I’m now a firm believer in aquatic athletic
conditioning and I’m working to include it at all of our 19
properties as result of my experience.”
 -David Freshwater, CEO, the Fountains

“Carolyn's artful and knowledgeable instruction was key in my recovery
from chronic back pain. The aqua therapy program she devised was carefully
planned to strengthen and stretch my muscles.  Carolyn exudes a calm,
caring, positive aura that makes working with her a pleasure.  She also developed a wellness program for me which has improved my eating habits and given me new energy.  She is a true professional and a gracious,
motivating coach...she is just the best!”
 -Janet Smith, real estate agent-
 
“Due to back surgery, chronic pain and left-side weakness I needed a
highly specialized therapeutic rehabilitation plan. Carolyn’s individualized
therapeutic and body-conditioning programs have been perfect for me. Each
week, I lift a little more weight, run a few more laps in the water or learn a
new yoga technique. I only wish I had known Carolyn before having two
spinal surgeries, but, at 52, I am healthier, fitter and stronger than ever.”
 -Jan Galvin, The Galvin Group- 

“I worked (and I mean worked!) with Carolyn for over 6 months
when I sustained multiple rib and pelvic fractures resulting from a
ski accident. Thanks to Carolyn’s therapy, I returned to work one
month after the accident. I recommend Carolyn to patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatic arthritis, or any other musculoskeletal problems or to anyone who just wants to tone up and lose weight.”
 -Lori Mackstaller, MD-

"I found Carolyn's knowledge on nutrition and movement therapy coupled
with her wonderful enthusiasm to be beneficial in jump-starting my healthy
lifestyle, which had suffered from stress and injuries."
 -Sophia Lewis Robinson, Artist and Ultra Marathoner-
 
“Carolyn Collman is in every way a high qualified and dedicated
professional who guided me through pre-op and post-op hip replacements.
Thanks to her continuing management, I’ve been able to increase my
activities and resume my career full time.”
 -Susan Conaway, Artist-

“Carolyn made me sit down and take notice at the things I eat, the
exercises I do, and how I was using my core. Carolyn also helped
restore my confidence that I would get better and my health did improve.
Her knowledge of foods and what they can do for certain problems amazed
me. Her follow-ups were excellent and really appreciated.”
-Jere Schaefer, Retired Teacher-
 
"Carolyn thinks about the whole you - not just the part that hurts.
She never gives me more than I can handle. She is so skilled and a
natural at coaching and she is so professional. I would recommend her
to anyone wanting to get accurate suggestions and
motivational body therapy "
-Janice Parsons, owner of The Bead Shop-

  • "It's hard for me to express just how much Carolyn has helped me - but the results are clear. Every part of me is stronger - in fact my husband even says 'you're so strong now, Joyce'. After a year of working with Carolyn I can now carry packages without any help and I am able to do housework without resulting back and joint pain. In fact, I feel improvement in everything I do. Carolyn has also checked my diet and supplements to be sure they are in balance. I highly recommend Carolyn and Be Well Coaching."

     -Joyce Reynolds, retired homemaker-