ph: 520-990-5648
wellcoac
"I am a 72 year-old retiree who was referred to Carolyn by another of her satisfied clients 9 months after a total knee replacement and 5 months after public pools closed by COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. I have always been a fan of water exercise, got back into a pool about a month after surgery, and was making slow progress, but that stopped with the shut down. My operated leg was weak and I had serious pain throughout my body, including constant sciatica and knee pain. I had difficulty standing up straight, my leg was weak and my body was out of balance.
Carolyn assessed my abilities and showed me different ways to exercise in the water, helping me build strength and lengthen my spine. She focused on imbalances throughout my body to restore health and balance and had me do some exercises in shallow water and many in the deep end. I have taken many water exercise classes and previously worked with an exercise physiologist after a foot surgery. I thought all I needed was water access, but I was wrong and was delighted to learn many new ways to strengthen my body, soul and stamina.
Carolyn is a remarkable aquatic therapist and I recommend her without hesitation. One of her great strengths is understanding that recovery is not a straight line so we have good and bad days. She was always flexible, pushing me to try new exercises when I was able and staying the course when I was not. I made steady progress in my recovery and at the one year anniversary of my knee replacement I had no more sciatica and 145 degrees of flexibility in my new knee, which delights my surgeon. I thank Carolyn for her flexibility which contributed to my own.
- Sharlene Carlson -
"After experiencing a lifetime of many athletic injuries (knee, neck, ankle), the last one sent me over the edge. I was no longer able to do any weight bearing activities. Desperate to find some way to get moving again I discovered Carolyn. Carolyn's aqua therapy/fitness sessions saved me in more ways that one. Her pool became my sanctuary as she provided continual reinforcement in helping me to learn how to take care of myself. Needing to continually balance my activity level with chronic pain has been challenging, but it is now obtainable thanks to Carolyn. I always look forward to my "pool time" and have found her encouragement vital in my efforts to regain good health. Carolyn is truly invested in helping her clients find success and achieve their goals; I will be forever grateful for the positive impact she has made in my life."
-Lisa Dhollande-
Carolyn is terrific! I can't thank her enough for strengthening my core, giving me more flexibility, overall fitness and stamina....even better balance. She is a treasure for anyone enduring aches and pains and/or wanting to get in shape.
- Mary Peachin-
I have been working with Carolyn for about 18 months (including timeouts for travel, pandemics and surgery). I came to Carolyn because of balance and mobility issues. Both have improved significantly as has my stamina. Core and lower body muscles are noticeably stronger. She always has a plan for each session that builds on the work done previously. Unlike many coaches, she listens and adapts to my capabilities on that day. I tend to push myself very hard; she noted that quickly and works with me. Consistent with her motto, she challenged and I achieved.
-David Bunker-
"I was referred to Carolyn by my attending physician. I was treated successfully for Non-Hodgkin B cell Lymphoma and needed to regain my strength after I completed 5 months of treatment. Working with Carolyn over the last several months has allowed me to regain my strength and flexibility. I find the water program preferable to going to the gym and I enjoy being outside. Carolyn is excellent devising an individual program and expanding it as I go forward. I can highly recommend Carolyn, and in fact my wife Catherine, has joined me in working with Carolyn."
-John Debs-
"Carolyn got me ready for a knee replacement working in warm water in the deep end of the pool. It’s been 7 months now and it was a smooth transition to “normalcy”. Now I’m ready for the other knee.
Carolyn is so great to work with, always so cheerful and encouraging and suggesting just the thing to address what’s ailing you. I’m an advocate of Aquanimity in the deep end with Carolyn!"
-Jan Talbert-
“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-
"Carolyn offers a unique and valuable service that I highly recommend. She is a very talented and well educated professional who works tirelessly to create individual programs for her clients specific needs. I came to Carolyn's pool after suffering a compression fracture in a vertebrae that caused me to lose strength. She demonstrated a thorough understanding of my aging spine and designed a program with appropriate movements to improve my core strength and reduce my pain. As a benefit of her work with me, my posture and endurance has improved.Not only is Carolyn very good at what she does, she is a warm, caring, interesting individual that made our workouts fun."
-Shari Ornstein-
"I have a connective tissue disorder, joint hypermobility, which makes exercise difficult for me. My muscles have to work twice as hard as the average person, just to get through daily tasks. At the same time, however, I'm twice as susceptible to soft tissue damage. At 37, it ain't fun.
After decades of trying to work with trainers who just didn't get it, who weren't willing to work "with" me, I found Carolyn. She has an unbelievable knowledge of how the body is supposed to function, and how it is all connected. In every session with her, I feel so trusting of her because she is so present and engaged with every move I make. It's a true delight for me to have someone working with me who doesn't view my situation as a hindrance but rather a challenge.
Carolyn's ability to train someone in the water is truly amazing. I still don't get how she is able to see the slightest of movements that are taking me away from the path to lasting core strength, especially when I'm in the water and she's on deck. Now that is a skill learned only by decades of experience. And she knows exactly how to correct any postural issues, in and out of the water.
I'm also thrilled to be working with someone who is so able to modify what we are working on, depending on the level of my pain flare ups. She comes prepared to every session with thorough notes on what she will do with a client, based on all the input she collects. Plus, she remembers each client's unique story and needs, is always respectful, caring and kind. She's a real find. If you have the opportunity to work with her, land or water, consider yourself truly lucky. And whatever you do, follow her every word. You will not be disappointed."
-Sharon Fendrich-
"At 87, I may be one of the oldest persons Carolyn works with, so my challenges are unusual: increasing age with attendant limitations and decreasing memory. As the years pass, we focus a lot on balance, which has progressed. Carolyn is wonderfully non-judgemental and adaptive. The work continues to be challenging: as Carolyn says "if it were easy, we wouldn't be doing it". Carolyn continues to offer unfailing support, keeps me at it, concentrating on the details of movement and balance. I really enjoy my sessions, look forward to them, and anticipate the wisdom and variety of the work. I also anticipate continuing challenge, but that's what I signed up for! To sum up what Carolyn provides: patient application to differing needs, professional competence in addressing individual disabilities, and making rehab fun!"
- Dorothea Hamilton-
"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-
"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-
“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-
"I have been working out with Carolyn in aquatic core training twice a week for almost two years. Working regularly with Carolyn has helped to significantly reduce my knee pain from arthritis. I used to experience the pain frequently and now it rarely bothers me. She helps me through back pain as well. This is the longest I have followed an exercise regimen since college because Carolyn both tailors the session to my needs and pushes me to higher achievement. I am so much stronger and have much more endurance than I did before working with Carolyn. Her training helped me to keep up with daily hiking and snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands last year, and really get the most out of a trip I had wanted to make for most of my life. Carolyn is terrific!"
-Margalynne Armstrong-
"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-
"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-
"Carolyn really helped me realize that there are ways to maintain my energy level without feeling hungry all the time. She is enthusiastic and motivating, and showed me that there really is a way to eat food that is healthy and delicious at the same time! I really appreciate all her guidance towards eating specific foods that help keep up my energy for gymnastics, and I plan to continue following her helpful tips!"
-Alea McFarlane-
"I have been working with Carolyn in the pool and 'on land' for about six months and am very glad I finally made the call!" Carolyn has helped me manage my chronic body conditions with pain-busting stretching, yoga and strengthening routines that are challenging yet custom-made for my personal preferences and needs. She is an impressive coach and truly knows her stuff! I like to think of her as my "body whisperer!"
-Andrea Braun, DDS
"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-
"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-
"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-
"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-
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-
"Carolyn is a Gem. She's not only a highly-qualified Aquatic Therapist, she's also a highly-skilled 'motivationalist' as well. She seeks feeback on how specific exercises work for you, adapting and suggesting alternatives benefitting your physical well being. I highly recommend Carolyn because she cares about YOU!"
-Donna Maytham-
"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-
“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-
"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-
“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-
“Carolyn's artful and knowledgeable instruction was key in my managementof chronic back pain. The aqua therapy program she devised was carefully planned to strengthen and stretch my muscles. I typically arrived at our aquatic sessions feeling like an old jalopy and left feeling like a jaguar :-)...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-
“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-
“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-
"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-
I was introduced to Carolyn by the internet so comes full circle that I’m writing her a recommendation to be used on her website. I had taken water classes at destination spas and loved the concept of exercising in the water. I was motivated to find someone close to home who could help me build up my muscle tone, stamina, balance and confidence, as well as help me keep my weight in check. I hit the jackpot when Carolyn’s name appeared in my search. She is knowledgeable, a positive motivator and produces great results. I have been working with her weekly ever since, which is over 4 years. She is a ten and a pleasure to work with.
-Diane Talbert-
"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-
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ph: 520-990-5648
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