September, 2003: 56 years old, 241 pounds Present: 57 years old, 141 pounds Weight loss so far: 100 pounds

One might think that would say it all, but it’s only part of the story of Merlin’s role in my mid-life rejuvenation. Add to overweight (putting it mildly), bad knees and bad back that have plagued me increasingly over the years, plus shallow breathing, and it’s no wonder that I was thinking something had to be done. I mean, it was all starting to interfere with my life, for goodness’ sake. An avid gardener, I was able to work less and less for shorter periods of time and with increasing pain in most joints. A painter, my painting arm was objecting to hours before a canvas. My two-story house meant hubby had to do most of the list and carrying from floor to floor. You get the idea.

After a year of healthy eating (thanks to a nutritionist and Merlin) and disciplined, rigorous exercise (Merlin’s contribution), am I cured? No, but now I don’t care. I can move again, work again, and am in better shape than any time since my late twenties.

A personal trainer seemed a luxury. We only hired Merlin because my husband had never worked out in a gym environment, and we had just bought a home gym. An old member of the former Chicago Health club, now bally’s, I thought I “got it.” Then Merlin came along with his programs and personal attention to every muscular detail, and friendly-but-persistent encouragement, and I discovered lots of questions along with my increasing strength and confidence, Now, I actually like exercise.

Once we got started with Merlin, the first thing I noticed in addition to weight loss was that after about a month, going down the stairs hurt less, and going up didn’t even wind me. I could paint for longer periods of time and now knew good stretched to keep me going. By spring, I could garden till time for dinner, stopping for water and just to enjoy the results. I still have to accommodate for permanently damaged knees, but even that requires less effort. Recently, I actually kneeled to weed for a short time-something I had given up a few years ago. And this week, I have worked on a commissioned painting for mega hours at a time, breaking for stretches, ice, and exercise, and then going back to it. I’m a new women.

Not only would we do this again, but also we would definitely work with Merlin and plan to for a long time to come. I have seen results I couldn’t have dreamed of a year ago and have come to rely on his coaching, professionalism, and advice. Something else I have appreciated deeply are Merlin’s credentials: an academic degree backed by sound knowledge of the body’s systems and structure and his keeping up to date with new knowledge and trends in his field. He also can adapt what he knows to the individual’s restrictions, condition, and needs and can communicate his knowledge so that we can actually understand.

And going from a size 3X to a 10-12 doesn’t hurt either.

September 2003: 56 years old, 195 pounds Present: 58 years old, 155 pounds Weight loss so far: 40 pounds

Over a year ago I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, which required diet and exercise changes. So I consulted a diabetes nutritionist and purchased a home gym from Chicago Home Fitness, through which we were introduced to Merlin Hahn. In the year that followed we have been greatly impressed by Merlin’s dedication, in-depth knowledge of training and nutrition, flexibility, and patience. At 59 years of age I have never done much weight or aerobic training, but Merlin’s expertise made the workouts beneficial, challenging and enjoyable-clearly teaching an old dog new tricks. The results speak for themselves.

My cholesterol-related numbers are one example. My total cholesterol dropped 33%--from 243 to 162, HDL (good) cholesterol rose from 30 to 50 and the LDL (bad) cholesterol dropped from 164 to a safer 98. My triglycerides were cut drastically-by three-quarters-from 255 to 70. Most importantly, my glucose level remained firmly in the pre-diabetic range.

Weight-wise I dropped over 20%--from somewhere in the 190’s down to 150. My trouser size went from a tight 38 to a loose 34. Aerobically, I can sustain a heart rate in the mid 130’s for a long time, and recovery is rapid: I can be down to below 100 in a matter of minutes. All these have added a great deal to my stamina. Recently Merlin tested my progress on the weights, and on all the exercised I was able to lift at least 30% and as much as 50% more weight than I could when I started.

Most importantly, though, I can feel the difference in my life. Stairs and chores don’t tire me nearly as much. I spread over 30 cubic yards of mulch with little strain, and when I helped my son move into a new house, I was able to keep up with, and sometimes outdo, his twenty-something friends. I am now in the best shape of my life since high school.

While we have done the watching our diet and keeping the workouts, the core of our success is the guidance of Merlin. We are very grateful to be his clients.