Paulo Mendes Testimonials

Having been constantly frustrated with weight issues all my life, and equally frustrated trying to develop an exercise program by myself, a good friend recommended that I contact Paulo for advice. Little did I know the day I first met Paulo that I had found an mentor who would selflessly provide an achievable approach to a healthier way of living. Paulo is much more than a 'trainer.' Paulo is a fountain of knowledge with health matters, a coach who helps me to build my training plan, a confidant after a brutal day at work, a friend who shares my hopes.
With Paulo's expert knowledge, friendly enthusiasm, and 'can do' spirit, I've been able to lose weight and to gain muscle mass, but more importantly, to gain confidence that I can achieve goals never before considered - like running a 10K race in 20 degree weather in little over an hour - not bad for a 50 year old who had never run more than the distance from the sofa to the refrigerator during commercial breaks.

Mike, IT specialist


I’ve had a nearly 20 year association with Paulo Mendes. He has continually and consistently kept abreast of changes, improvements, and innovations in the health fitness arena. He is a committed individual with very good business sense. I trust him with my body; what more is there to say!

Sharon, 50-something model


I have been working out with Paulo Mendes four days a week for nine years. Beginning in May 1993, I suffered chronic lower back pain diagnosed as degenerative disk disease. The radiologist said that I had the back of a 75-year old man. I was 42. Motrin became part of my daily regimen. Options presented were immediate surgery or try exercise. I tried to exercise on my own and then tried a personal trainer, but I still had discomfort.
When my trainer recommended that I try Paulo, we spent most of my first session talking about my goals, physical limitations, etc. He then designed my workouts with the primary goal of alleviating back pain by strengthening other muscle groups to compensate. It worked. Within six months, my back felt better than it had in three years! I have not had to take any pain relievers for lower back pain since 1996.
Like personal training, Paulo excels at massage. I have tried several other massage therapists, but Paulo is the best. He has also coached me with nutrition, and as a result, I have reduced my overall body fat index significantly. He has taught me stretching exercise, and I am more limber and flexible today than ever before.

Brian, 50-something federal administrator


Paulo has been my trainer for the past seven years. During that time, I have moved from body-builder to power lifter to long-distance cyclist to triathlete. He supported each new goal, modified my existing workout to achieve whatever I want to accomplish, and pushed me beyond what I thought possible. With his encouragement and expertise, I am in better shape now (38) than I was in my early 20s, can outsprint my husband during leg training, and know that, with proper preparation, IronMan Hawaii is possible.

Dana, Economics professor


I began training with Paulo Mendes in 1998, about six months after I attained age 60. My previous participation in physical activity had been minimal, and I had the body to prove it. I reluctantly started training with Paulo after much pushing by my partner. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed the first training session. So I went back again and again, and I have continued going back at 6:00 am three days a week for almost seven years.
As for my reasons for going back, I’ll make a long story short by telling you about a question that a much younger body-builder type gentleman asked me on an elevator a couple of years ago. He asked me, “do you lift weights?”

Ron, 60-something federal manager


Having trained with Paulo for 10 years, I have come to truly appreciate his relentless focus on proper form and technique. In addition, his creativity is limitless. Whether preparing me for a week of intense windsurfing or rehabbing from my shoulder surgery, Paulo has taken the time and effort to structure very sport-specific training to prepare me as well as possible to achieve my goals.”

Tom, 30-something management consultant


I have been a client of Paulo’s for two years. During this time, Paulo has helped me to lose 30lbs and become healthier. Paulo always has his clients’ best interests in mind and works with them to achieve their goals. Paulo is concerned with the whole person, making sure that his clients are not only training properly, but that they are also getting proper nutrition. Paulo is a demanding, knowledgeable trainer and one of the best I have had the pleasure of working with.

Erica, 20-something teacher


During the few years I’ve been working out with Paulo, I’ve watched my body change into the physique I’ve always wanted. My time is limited, and Paulo takes that limited time and maximizes the results. As a physically active landscape designer, being in shape is essential, and Paulo has really helped me achieve that goal. Plus, his massage skills work out all of the kinks from my stressed and worn-out body when I need it. I simply will not go to anyone else for personal training and massage.

Jeff, 40-something landscape designer


I have been Paulo Mendes’ client for about 15 years. I have changed health clubs twice so that I could continue to have him as a trainer. I work out with him three times a week. His careful and knowledgeable attention and skill have kept me injury-free and fit from my early 30’s to my late 40’s. I am extremely happy with the results of what we have achieved together over the years. I have several friends who have also become Paulo’s clients, and I know that they share my enthusiasm.

Bill, 40-something attorney


Stephanie Mendes Testimonials

I had wanted to train with Stephanie because I've seen her work and I knew that Stephanie could take my fitness to a higher level. She practices what she preaches and has one of the best fitness levels and in-shape bodies in this area. Her knowledge crosses over into nutrition, injury management, mental discipline, and lifestyle balance. I have always worked-out and competed in local races, but Stephanie pushes me harder than I thought I was capable of.
She is intuitive about what my body can do, and she is brilliant about how to improve my athletic performance and achieve my goals. My running is faster, I have more strength than I've ever had, and any pain I felt from not working my total body is gone. In the first 6 months of working with her, I went from 25% body fat to 14% body fat. I look forward to an hour of totally focused training with Stephanie every week.

Goli, 30-something CPA


Stephanie Mendes is the consummate trainer. She is the whole package, the real deal. She knows nutrition, strength-training, and cardiovascular workouts. Perhaps more importantly, however, is that Stephanie is creative and persuasive enough to have helped me develop a framework for long-term physical health that fits in with the other demands on my time and energy. Through training with Stephanie, I have learned that physical fitness is not something one does casually. It is not something you squeeze in when the rest of your life allows. With Stephanie by my side, I have lost 30 pounds and have maintained that weight loss for close to five years. Through injury, illness and the calamities of child-rearing, I have, with her help, stayed healthy and strong.

Beth, 50 something Minister


Training under Stephanie Miller Mendes these past two and a half years had a substantial impact on my life. She is the consummate professional, combining just the right mix of technical and interpersonal skills to assure that I am doing all that I can to maintain an optimal level of fitness. Her regimen, which addresses diet, nutrition, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health, is individually tailored to meet my own needs and capabilities. She is a great motivator, both positive and encouraging, at that makes the time that I train with her both challenging and fun.

Theresa, 50 something Public School Worker


I started working out with Stephanie Miller-Mendes in December 1996, I was 45 and had just quit a 26 year, 2-and-a-half pack a day cigarette habit. I was gaining weight, eating too few calories and my only aerobic exercise up to that point was flicking a lighter. Stephanie came up with a weight training program, introduced me to Spinning and talked nutrition until she was blue in the face. Eight years later; I still strength train with Stephanie, I teach Spinning and Ab classes and I’m strong, healthy, fit and wearing the same size I wore 10 years ago. Working with Stephanie has been a life changing experience: physically, emotionally and professionally.

Marcy, 50 something fitness instructor