TRUE Health and Wholeness

Kat Zajac has been absolutely the major driver behind a recent 30 lb weight loss. As the owner of Swet Ride in Del Ray, I met Kat, and became a RABID fan of her spin technique in December of 2015. I began taking 3 – 5 Spin Classes a week and lost 11 lbs. Then in March, my weight loss stopped. Literally. I doubled my cardio to 2 two hour sessions a day, and cut my calories back to 1400 a day, and it still took me 9 long weeks to lose 5 lbs. I was so frustrated, I was minutes away from just giving up. I went to Kat and asked for her advice. Lucky me, Kat had just launched her personal training program at True Health, and I became a client immediately.
What makes Kat different from other trainers, is the whole life approach she took to my training, We talked about the food, the workouts, my work schedule, my personal challenges, my personal goals, and then we did a metabolic weigh in, which I’ve only ever seen done at True Health. Kat revamped my ENTIRE program based on what she was seeing in my current food, types of workouts, and metabolic results. She personalized a new work out routine, determined what foods I needed to add and which ones I needed to take away, and committed to me that, if I followed the plans, I would see results. I weighed in after my first 30 days, I lost 3% body fat! I went from the obese category to a normal category, and my metabolic age dropped almost 10 years. The impacts Kat made were life changing for me.
Working out with Kat is a special experience. She pays very close attention, she pushes me, but not too hard, and most importantly, shes right there with me. She cares about me as a person, and her commitment to me is humbling. She inspires me to work harder, be more disciplined, and BRING IT. to all of my workouts. This week marks 60 days with Kat, and I’m down 30 Lbs. I feel stronger, and more in control than I have in years. If you are willing to be focused, disciplined and do the work, Kat will get you there. She is game changer… genuinely.

This review is for the infrared sauna which I’m sitting in right now. A claustrophobic vertical coffin with no room to stretch out, and various staffers who don’t really know how to use it, so it has turned off automatically several times, leaving me in darkness. Save your money, if you want to sweat, go to Spaworld or one of the Korean spas in Annandale, which are a much better value and a MUCH more pleasurable experience.

«The reason fat men are good natured is they can neither fight nor run.»
― Theodore Roosevelt
I’m young in spirit, I’m young in mind, but I guess my days of being a spring chicken are technically behind me… but why should I stop there?
A man in his 30’s begins to experience several reality checks: sex drive declines, strength and stamina dwindles, flexibility begins to sink, your metabolism is doomed, the testosterone slips away and father time has no sympathy for those aches and pains that you can no longer shake off. If you’re under 30, earmuffs…
I did it and I am to blame. One injury here, one health issue there, a extra slice of pie over here and an extra medication to solve another problem over there. That’s where I was when I came to see Christian.
I’m still on my journey and I haven’t met all my personal goals yet, but I see a light at then end of the tunnel– except this journey isn’t going to end. Since starting, my bad leg is now my bad ass leg, my bad back isn’t Breaking Bad as much and I’ve convinced my doc to drop one of my meds. Okay… I’ve also been checking out my biceps in mirror throughout the day.
Christian is the right balance of cheerleader, motivator, educator and role model. I’ve worked with several trainers over the years and he’s at the top of his profession and number one on my list. He safely pushes me to my breaking point, is patient with my individual deficits, provides education on multiple health-​related topics and is someone who practices what they preach. He’s also a good person, easy to talk to and easy to get along with. Christian is excited about health and being around him makes me want to strive to achieve a better level of health in my own life. Oh, did I mention that this is physical therapist assistant (that would be me) approved?
TRUE Health and Wholeness is worth every penny and so am I; It’s changing my life one session at a time. You can’t put a value on being in less pain, on feeling better about yourself, on overcoming obstacles or turning back the hands of time. I’ve already gained more than I bargained for.
Back to the Future reference coming your way (obligatory for men of a certain age)…
TO BE CONTINUED…

I attended a 30 minute GRIT workout and it was the most intense strength training I’ve ever experienced. Two coaches worked with and supported a small group throughout the session. I happened to be 2 feet from Nina so I had more interaction with her than with the other coach Megan… they were both great. Really, really great. Nina knew exactly what to say to motivate me. She totally pinned me and said all the right things at all the right times. Megan was super helpful and nice too, and assisted with form several times. Both coaches were encouraging and inspiring, which I think is absolutely essential for this type of workout.
The studio is bright and CLEAN!
I was too tired to lift anything except my water-​bottle after the GRIT class, but they have a bunch of very yummy looking and I’m sure quite nutritious food.
Anyone that is looking to step up their current fitness routine should try GRIT. If you want to be faster, stronger, leaner… that class will do it! And you’ll be surrounded by supportive and encouraging coaches and teammates too.
Highly recommended!

Friendly staff and competent trainers. That’s my review after 2 sessions. I’ll update when I have more experience.

This place is the best you can get in Arlington!!! The trainers are top notch, they really know their business, and they take the time to get to know you personally. Christian has helped me reach every fitness goal that I’ve set… And I’ve had the opportunity to address a few non-​fitness related goals along the way! I’ve always joked that paying for a personal trainer is cheaper than therapy! I truly do believe that when it comes to Health and Wholeness though. They have helped me work on my fitness more than I ever thought possible. As a result, I’m a much healthier and happier person for it. I definitely recommend the studio for all Arlington and South Arlington residents. Any money spent there is money well spent.
The one minor negative thing I can think of is that H&W is beginning to grow… and with growth, comes change… and with change, I feel that H&W is loosing the personalized small-​town kind of feel that drew me in more than two years ago. Crossing my fingers that they don’t outgrow their britches… time will tell.

This review is for bootcamp!
I have been attending bootcamp with Elizabeth Ventura for a little over a month now. The class is fantastic! It was definitely an adjustment going from zero exercise to full-​blown exercise Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6 a.m., but it has definitely been worth it. It’s a great combo of cardio, strength, abs, and fun!
Things I love:
— It works for anyone of any fitness level/​experience. I am a novice to fitness, and I let Elizabeth know. She is great at explaining all the workouts we’re doing, and she is sure to correct your form to make sure you’re doing it right. A lot of the things we do can be modified for beginners or experts, so anyone can participate.
— There’s a good group of people that attends. It’s a smallish group that attends (anywhere from 4 to 11 people in my experience), and most the people are «regulars.» It’s really nice to see familiar faces and feel like even though you’re working on your own fitness, you’re all working together at the same goal.
— Elizabeth! She is the friendliest, most positive, most encouraging person I may have met in my entire life. Like I’ve said, I had zero experience in this type of class. I was really worried that I would feel discouraged and that the instructor would think I was ridiculous for even showing up – and even though the first day was a rough kick in the butt, Elizabeth was so supportive! I think she found me on e-​mail and Facebook to encourage me to come back. Having someone care enough to tell you to keep trying was really great for me. I needed that «hey, you can do this!”-push, and Elizabeth gives it to you 110% every class… and after class! She also makes class fun by adding games (tag, races, even rock, paper, scissors!). Every class is different, and I always look forward to seeing what we’re going to do that day.
— I have had really bad knee pain after breaking my knee in two places 7 years ago. I was really worried this would inhibit me from participating in class, but the opposite has happened. I’ve been building such great strength that my knee pain has actually decreased. This is so exciting and so unexpected, but it’s really shown me how true it is that exercise can be great medicine!
I can’t recommend bootcamp enough to someone looking for a challenge. This class has been the perfect combination of things to get me motivated – close to home, fun, challenging, fabulous instructor, and great fellow bootcampers!

I have been working out with Elizabeth Ventura for almost two months and have met several of the other trainers, including Christian and Nina, in the gym. I have used personal trainers at various gyms previously and I will say that there is a huge difference. I feel like Elizabeth is genuinely helping me achieve my fitness goals, vice selling me more sessions or running through the same work out they did with their 15 other clients. The Health and Wholeness environment is also very welcoming and inclusive, an atmosphere that is usually lacking at larger gyms. I have seen all fitness levels and ages working with trainers. I would say if you are looking for an excellent and personalized workout then Health and Wholeness is the place to go — definitely worth every penny :)

I have worked both with Nina and Christian and they are AMAZING! They will for sure get you into shape. Most recently though I had a massage with Deb. I had a baby 6 months ago and have been feeling a lot of pain as recovery has been tough. Deb worked wonders on me in only one massage. I almost feel like myself again which is amazing. AND my pain level has already decreased. I will be continuing massages as a way to fully recover from pregnancy and birth. I totally recommend a massage for anyone that is experiencing pain. Thank you Health and Wholeness! :O)
Erin

I have had personal training and wellness guidance from Janet Witucki-​Hudson, a practicing Pilates teacher, physical therapist and Life Coach. AND I just had the most therapeutic massage from Deb Millander, CMT, NCBTMB. I was able to work out without the kinks in my shoulders, soreness in my quads and tight muscles all over. You won’t get the individual attention, entire fitness and wellness programs at a gym chain. While gyms have been a part of my fitness programs, Health and Wholeness really gives me the extra help necessary for body, mind and soul. Love the place!

Last week I went to their website and submitted my information to be contacted about setting up a free 60 minute consultation. Christian emailed me back quickly and we set up a time on the following Monday. He spent at least the 60 minutes if not longer with me helping to sort out what I needed to get where I want to be. His suggestions were a trainer, a nutrition consultation w/​diet coaching and perhaps also some wellness coaching. I decided to start with a trainer 2x a week and diet coaching. Christian suggested Glory Billman, so we set up an appt for the following day.
I arrived for my appt, met Glory, and we sat down to start with the nutrition consultation (didn’t want it to be too long after the workout before I was able to eat). She went over what I should be eating, the numbers I should shoot for in my macronutrients, and what supplements I should be taking. Once finished, we got into the workout. It was great! She helped me to feel confident in what I was doing while pushing me to go that little extra. By the end of the hour, I felt exhausted but excited too. Today was my second training appt. It was a little harder since I was still a bit sore from the previous time but I was ready to do my best. Glory helped me to do movements I really didn’t think I could do. She is a fantastic motivator and as an RN, figure competitor, and personal trainer she really knows her field. I look forward to next week when I get to go again!
Edit:
I’ve now been working out with Glory as my personal trainer for around 3 months. I have lost a huge amount of weight (IMO) and can do things I never though possible. I feel fantastic and so much healthier even though I still have a long way to go.
I’ve also experienced a Swi-​Thai massage which was fantastic as well! The experience left me feeling relaxed and glowing!

I was very impressed with Heather for Pilates training. I bought an online deal for a couple sessions and was overall very happy and impressed– I can’t wait to be able to go back.

Christian and Nina are truly the dynamic duo of personal trainers. I had the pleasure of working out with both of them over the course of a little over a year. No two workouts were ever the same and it was never boring. I won’t lie and say I didn’t leave with a good pain each time or that I «wanted: to do everything they had in store for me but it was well worth every minute. Every workout was a challenge and it was time and money well spent. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Christian and his crew are as good as it gets. I was never bored and never repeated a workout. I was consistently challenged and left feeling fantastic. The additional nutritional and lifestyle advice was as helpful as the workouts. I did several MAT sessions with Jeremy due to a bum shoulder. It was fantastic! I left with my shoulder feeling fantastic and with techniques to deal with future issues.
Health and Wholeness is an absolute must if you are looking to get in shape, learn about your body, and change your lifestyle.