success stories

Hear how Brian Calkins at HealthStyle Fitness has helped so many others achieve their health and fitness goals!

“I met with Brian Calkins for a health & fitness assessment in April 2001. I was so impressed with Brian’s knowledge of the benefits of exercise for people with Osteoarthritis, that I began training with him twice a week. I am thrilled with my progress, especially with my ability to lead a normal life…

…I feel that I have regained control over my physical condition and I am absolutely delighted with Brian’s program and its impact on my health.”

-Dr. Patricia O’Reilly - University of Cincinnati

"I've known Brian Calkins for several years and really enjoy his style of fitness training.  He provides an excellent balance of fitness knowledge with a relaxed and enjoyable training atmosphere.

Brian pays careful attention to individual needs and fitness goals. Under his direction I'm motivated to push myself a little harder and am always surprised when our time is up!  I'm impressed by the thoroughness and accessibility of Brian's recently completed book "Burn Body Fat the Right Way."  

In selecting Brian as my fitness trainer, my husband and I have found an engaging and enthusiastic partner in fitness - we're having the time of our lives!"

-Dr. Claudia E. Harsh, M.D. - Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine

“Because of Brian's 1-on-1 personal training I have more muscle, & look and feel better now at age 45 than I did at age 30...and I had done a lot of working out on my own back then.

Brian cares a lot about his clients and takes a personal interest in them. He gets a natural high with the improvements his clients make.”

-Michael Flannery, Cincinnati OH

Hey Brian— 

I just want to let you know how fortunate I feel to be training with you. Since I’ve been working out with you—it’s more than two years now—I feel stronger and healthier and I’m sure I have more stamina. I’ve also noticed that my posture is better and my muscles are solid, which is a very good thing in us middle-aged folk. Beyond all this, you’ve certainly inspired me to participate in more exercise on my own, which I enjoy very much. Encouraging people to develop better habits is a gentle skill you have mastered. 

In a very concrete way, I especially appreciate the targeted training you developed for me after my knee surgery; all that effort surely paid off as my knee slowly returned to normal. When I play golf or hike in the Colorado Rockies, I know that I owe a lot of my stability and strength to you, Brian. 

You’re a font of excellent information and your enthusiasm is totally contagious. Even the lunges don’t seem too awful when we’re consumed in some interesting conversation. I’m not eager to become a senior citizen, but when I am one I still expect to be working out with you. (You’ll be older too, you know.)

“I would highly recommend the personal training and exercise programs offered by Brian Calkins at HealthStyle Fitness.

 Brian has been working in our community since 1999, offering both group exercise classes and  one on one personal training in our Health Club. Both of these classes are always well attended by a large number of participants. 

One of Brian’s best assets is his ability to work so well with a varying degree of physical conditions, in a way that benefits so many participants.

 In short, Brian Calkins has been a wonderful addition to our Wellness Programs!”

-Karen Corso, Cottingham

"I began working with Brian in mid January, 2001. His compassion, for his work and helping others improve their life, worked as excellent motivation for me. Brain developed a program that helped me to strengthen my entire muscular and cardiovascular systems. In doing so, I was provided with enhancements to my physical and physiological being.

After a long battle with my condition, I was back to doing the things I had dreamed about that I thought I would never be able to do again. The walk through the park up and down hills for four miles. That first walk was a celebration.  I am very grateful for the improvements in my golf game this year. I have four golf trips scheduled for this year. I feel like a new person with a new lease on life.

Should you give Brain a try? Do you want to improve the quality of your life? Do you want to feel young again? Do you want to lose unnecessary body fat? Do you want to do some of the physical activities you haven't done in years? Do you want to have more energy? Do you just want to feel better about yourself? THEN DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY !!"

-Donna J. Russelburg, USPS Executive

I have had the unique opportunity to train with Brian Calkins for two full years now.  In working with Brian in both one-on-one sessions and group settings, I find him to be innovative and knowledgeable.   Unlike other experiences I have had in the past, I am never intimidated in training with Brian and the workout always seems fresh.  Brian is always actively engaged with me and continues to teach me new exercises and approaches to a healthy lifestyle.   

Over the course of time I have been working with Brian, I have increased both my strength and stamina.  I truly enjoy looking back in Brian’s records at the progress I have made!  Brian has helped me manage through two injuries giving me alternative exercises when necessary and working to re-build the strength once on the mend. 

I have successfully recommended Brian to many of my friends and a group of us are growing and getting healthy together.  We realize through Brian that fitness is about maintaining a healthy lifestyle forever. His guidance & training gives you strength, energy and enthusiasm.  Brian Calkins has helped improve my quality of life.

-Carolyn Armstrong, The Andrews Jergens Co.

“This is to commend Brian Calkins for the work he is doing. He leads clients through a program of exercise that promotes the wellness of each participant, workouts that stress range of motion and flexibility. If you are considering a wellness or exercise program, I heartily recommend that you consider Brian. I am certain you will benefit from his skills and person.”

-Joe Hatchett, Mt. Healthy Christian Home

"I had not exercised in years because I never felt I had the time. Deciding to make the time and work with Brian was one of the best decisions I made all year. It was my first big step to a healthier & leaner me... and best of all, most of the time, it's fun!"

-Mari Opatz-Muni, Opera Singer and Professor

"Brian has helped me build muscle and gain strength in the areas needed, so that now, after almost ten years of low back problems, I can honestly say, my back no longer gets in the way of living life to the fullest. I also have more energy, and take better care of myself due to all the useful information Brian has given me during our training sessions."

Jean Berger,  Heart To Heart Co-Founder

"I’m writing this to anyone who is serious about becoming more physically fit and improving their overall health.  I am a forty year old man.  I exercise fairly often and I know quite a bit about nutrition.  I must tell you that I am also 75 pounds overweight, have high blood pressure, and have not felt good for many years. 

I met Brian Calkins nine months ago at a seminar that we were both attending.  I listened to him talk about his programs and his vision on several occasions and I was very impressed with what he had to say.  I purchased Brian’s book “Burn Body Fat the Right Way” and after reading it I knew that he could help me.  I went to Brian and told him that I wanted to hire him to train me.  I explained that I had tried diets and exercise programs in the past and had not experienced much long term success.  He listened while I told him my story and took notes.  I told Brian that I wanted to lose body fat, gain muscle mass, and just simply feel better overall. Brian customized a training program for me based on what I said.  We also had a very frank discussion about nutrition and he told me that I wouldn’t get the maximum benefit from my efforts unless I made some major changes of my eating habits.  He could not have been more right. 

My training regimen would consist of a combination of both strength training and cardiovascular work outs.  He also gave me a journal to log my daily exercise and nutritional intake.  The journal also has some great suggestions for meals.  I began working with him about four months ago. After my first month on the program I had lost twelve pounds and four percent of body fat!!!  I was lifting significantly more weight.  My sessions on the tread mill were getting easier and easier.  The biggest difference for me was in the way I felt.  I felt stronger & I had much more energy.  I had a self confidence that spilled over into other parts of my life. I have continued to make improvements since that first month. 

Brian is a complete professional in every sense of the word and has a genuine passion for what he does.  I would strongly recommend him to anyone who is serious about becoming more physically and spiritually fit."

-Jim Wohl - Restaurant Entrepreneur