Our names are Grant and Myrna Pitcher. We are both 74 years of age. We have six children, 24 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. We just celebrated our 52nd wedding anniversary and enjoy a great zest for life.

I am a Geologist by profession with my own Co. (although presently am fully employed by a small Exploration Co.) and my wife is a professional domestic engineer and home-maker that devotes much of her time in serving the needs of others. We are both active in the LDS Church and are presently teaching young adults the joys of marriage.

We have been committed to this program of exercise 3 times a week for the past four and a half years. Crystal and Steve have been our trainers and mentors the entire time. 

This has been one of the only commitments of this nature that I have been able to stick with and I do believe that it has not only allowed me to have a date with my wife 3 times a week but it has kept me out of a wheelchair.  

Grant ant Myrna Pitcher 

I met Crystal at the 2003 Fall Women's Show and took advantage of their "introduction to personal training" package.  I had been looking for something to get me motivated to get back into shape after recovering from a surgery two years ago.    From previous experience with gym memberships, I knew that the notion of "if I pay for it, I'm going to use it" doesn't always work, however Crystal’s introductory program made it very easy to try something new.  I quickly realized that the accountability of having an appointment with someone was extremely motivating.  Crystal is very easy to work with and she makes going to the gym a fun and successful experience.

Laura Hansen Somers, CHRP

JoDee Schmidt (Linda, Jodee, Myself and Karrie, back stage at the WNSO prories contest in Calgary)

Testimonial by Jodee 
Sales Trainer 
Calgary, AB

It’s been such motivating/interesting  journey this past year,  I had to take a few minutes to review where I was not so long ago and talk about the impact that Crystal has had on my life as the “Fit” person I thought I was, and as a person overall.

I never expected the “return” so to speak, the ROI, as much as I have.  Throughout my life I have always tried to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.  Mom often telling the story of  my Jane Fonda workouts in the basement, and onto choosing the gym membership options after University.  As career’s and lives get so busy, say bye bye to organized sports. 

I really wasn’t sure where I would fit  a “trainer” into my life.  I travel extensively and considered myself to be knowledgeable in the fitness arena.  As my passion for fitness and nutrition developed and continues to develop over the years, Crystal was recommended to me at the right place and the right time.  When looking back at my journals, it was evident, it was time to take what I knew and thought I knew  a step further.  To not only write down certain goals, but follow through with actionable plans.  My self talk  continued,  “still not sure where this was going”?.  Since I wasn’t even sure on my specific goals I wanted to achieve,  how was someone else going to help me out, we met at the coffee house and started the journey.

I always left our sessions with wanting more, more of Crystal’s knowledge and enthusiasm, as our time always seems to “wiz” by.  My energy levels grew, my soreness levels from sessions and other workouts  decreased.  Crystal always emphasized this importance of supporting your body for the level of energy expenditure.  She ensured “rest” was put into my plan,  I found this hard to do without a guilty complex, but benefited in the long run.  Crystal ensured that my nutritional  needs are/were to support the workouts.  She often, if not always asked, “what I had eaten today or yesterday and at what times?”  How does she know, and who cares, let’s get this hour started (my self talk).  Later noted, our workouts were to accommodate the food or lack of into that workout for optimization (who knew).  I didn’t always get that, and questioned the amount of food she ensured was in my plan and to get my “FATS” in……”are you crazy lady, I don’t want to eat more fats to loose fat”?  Crystal’s patience is paramount as she always took the time to ensure I understood how this process worked.

The next challenge was asked……Fitness Contest?  I love the Oxygen magazines, the fitness level of the competitors, and the educational aspect of the competitions, so I thought let’s go for it.  So off we went, Crystal taking me through yet another journey.  The people I met, the tears of having to eat more food,  the posing and workouts?  Crystal’s energy was very uplifting and inspiriational.

So I have to say, the difference between the place I am now, and where I’ve been, even as what I called myself a ‘Fit’ person, is hard to explain.  I continue to strive for wellness, for knowledge, for the next challenge and feel I have the tools to do it.   Crystal is always there as one to lean on and ask  more ‘crazy questions’

I do know what it feels like to be an unhealthy person, to have to sit out in gym class during some of the activities, to go through more heart surgeries not sure if this is the one that will work…………and it did!!,

So the question or life motto for me always has been “to just do it”.  What I realized after many years, was the importance of having someone on your team for the overall person you are now and are becoming.  It’s not just the physique,  it’s not the just “I want to fit in my skinny jeans in 10 days”.  It truly is a journey for me, and not the destination….it was Crystal, her energy, her knowledge, her philosophies and her true passion that  has helped bring me here  The rest is gravy,  (so to speak). 

So is it on to the next Fitness contest? Or  staying healthy, entertaining with healthy meals as has come to be expected from my friends?, not sure but my  energy is there to take it on……I hope I too can pass it on………..Thank you Crystal !!

My advice;  keep a journal,  keep your goals in check, and let others be there for the ride…it truly is up to you, so share it with others.

Thanks Crystal