Eischens Yoga | Thank You MBG! | 60-Day Challenge | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | CNT Course

Monkey Bar Gym Success Stories & Testimonials

Still not sure if you'd like to visit a Monkey Bar Gym location in your area? On this page you'll find a collection of letters sent to our staff over the years. These success stories and testimonials were not solicited; they were written by people from multiple backgrounds who wrote to us with their story. For example, you'll read a member's letter explaining how he rid of his chronic back pain through the interactive fitness at MBG. In addition to our success stories, you'll also discover what people had to say about our 60-day fitness challenge and course programs.

Eischens Yoga

"After shoulder surgery, Eischens Yoga (aka High Energy Yoga) was the foundation of my successful comeback to competitive barefoot waterskiing. In September 2006 I had surgery on a torn labrum and rotator cuff in my right shoulder, preventing me from competing in the 2006 World Championships in Adna, Washington. When I was cleared to workout after surgery I began with a series ofone-on-one therapeutic yoga sessions with Ali Dwyer, CNT and Eischens Yoga Instructor at the Monkey Bar Gym. Ali meticulously studied my shoulder, and was tremendously helpful in realigning it with the rest of my body. Eischens Yoga laid the foundation to rebuild my strength through Monkey Bar Gym training. As a result, my shoulder is stronger and more stable than ever! Through Ali's instruction I also gained an awareness of how I distribute my weight across my feet, which enhanced my performance on the water. Thanks to my yoga training with Ali, I quickly returned to competition and won gold in the tricks event at the 2007 National Championships. Eischens Yoga is a central component in my training program as I prepare for the 2009 World Championships in New Zealand."

"Let me start with the general positive changes I've noticed in my body. Of course, the more outwardly obvious is being leaner and stronger, which feels great and is reassuring for long term health. I read in the New York Times that contrary to previous assumptions about loss of muscle mass due to aging, we can maintain and increase our muscle mass as we age as long as we continue to work at it.

Less obvious, but in some ways more significant general body changes that I've noticed are a lower resting heart rate and better breathing. I can clearly feel slow, calm, strong and steady heart rate when my body is at rest. I think my breathing is more efficient because my core muscles are stronger, because we concentrate on breathing in the gym, and because we practice maximizing our endurance. My breaths are fuller and deeper now all the time, not just when I'm working out. My allergies bother me much less. Again, both of these factors are key to long term health.

I've been a bike commuter all my (working) life, and biked everywhere as a kid too. I'm now in my forties, and worked out at other gyms. But in the two years I've been at MBG I am leaner, stronger, with better blood flow and breathing than ever in my life. These things help me to be a better cyclist. I can move faster with more efficiency and do not tire readily. My stronger muscles mean I can sustain proper posture for maximum power while riding. I feel more prepared to manage difficult riding conditions and enjoy my rides more than ever. When my ride is over, I feel energized and relaxed at the same time."

The Monkey Bar Gymnasium Changes Peoples Lives!

First of all I would just like to thank you for starting MBG! Since reading the Outside article that featured MBG last year, I have explored your website and training videos on youtube. I have changed the way I train and the my philosphy for training others. Though I am only a senior at UNC, I have not officially trained anyone. But the influence MBG has had on me will most certainly change the way I train others.

This past Tuesday it was awesome to join a FIT class to truly see how MBG works! The drive from North Carolina to Madison (and back) was well worth it. I was also glad you were there and I could meet the creator of MBG and the guy that's been instructing me through workouts on youtube(prison workout, Xgames workout, etc) for the past few months. I wish I could have stayed in Madison longer. Which is why I hope to come back to Madison in July after I graduate from UNC and take the CNT courses. I have no clue what is in store for me career-wise after graduating but I hope staying in Madison and learning from you and the MBG crew will be a great starting point. I wish you all the best in continuing the revolution!

Changing the Industry

I learned so much in such a short amount of time. Being at the MBG has reignited a fire under my butt to train even harder and I will apply what I learned from this past weekend into my training for years to come.

Thanks again for what you are doing to change this industry. Your example has positively impacted my life, and I in turn hope to pass along what I have learned to the people in my sphere of influence.

Take Care
Chris Atkins

Praise from My Chiropractor

I have been going to the same naturopath/chiropractor in Santa Fe for 20 years. His name is Asher Katz. I was there a few days ago and he said: "Your spine is the healthiest I have ever seen in anyone except for a yoga teacher I treat." Music to my ears at 46, since I have had back problems for years

Thank you for the best training I have ever had anywhere!

I met Jon about a week after he opened his gym, I went to find out about what this place was all about after reading a story in the newspaper. I was very interested for a couple of reasons. One, I had been plagued with chronic shoulder pain after a disslocation a year before and two, I had always believed that using your own body as the "weight" to strength train yourself was something that just made sense.

I had many,many doctors tell me that I needed to have surgery on my shoulder to get it back into shape, Jon was simply my last hope. When I arrived that day little did I know I was his first student and that I was going to get some serious one on one training. Within the first 15 minutes of the first workout I knew this was the place for me….by the way I thought I was in shape, in that first 15 minutes I found out that, that was just not the case when my muscles felt like jello.

Fast forward 5 years down the road, Jon has become a good friend of mine, I no longer live in Madison, but I have my own stash of all the Monkey Bar equipment that follows me everywhere (even as I type it's in my work bag). I now live in Colorado where I Mountain Bike, snowboard, hike and trail run, and despite all of that activity, the techniques for keeping my whole body strong are still as valid as ever. From pullups to jumping rope, Jon and the rest of the Monkey Bar staff taught me the value of pure movement, stability, balance and above all FUN.

There is no doubt that once you get what's going on there, you can't go back to the same old routines.

Oh Yeah!, my shoulder(s) are as strong as ever, no surgery, just recovery!!! Thanks Jon.

An open letter to the Monkey Bar Gym:

I would like to thank you, for reminding me that we are all animals by design. Prior to Monkey Bar Gymnasium (MBG), I was an overweight, junk-food-eating, shirt and tie…looking for a way to lose weight, while still eating the crap that is mass marketed to our pocket books.

Looking back, I'm not sure where I lost my way. In 1997, I was discharged from the US Marine Corps at a healthy weight of 212lbs. Some where along the way, I did what the majority of people across the USA do. I took on a lot of debt, and found a regular job that allowed me to sit on my bum for the majority of day. We would have donuts and baked goods for breakfast, team lunches consisting of fast food, and dinner wasn't much better since I was always in a hurry. I got to a hefty 264lbs when I decided I had to do something about my expanding waste line. I decided to join the local YMCA and start swimming laps; only to realize that I could only swim 2 laps before I felt as if my arms were going to fall off. So I decided that I should start running like back in my day in the Marine Corps. I ran a good mile in about 11 minutes compared to the 6 min 30 seconds I used to run 6 years before. This was a slap in the face. I felt I had grown grotesque over the years, but I continued to push forward in my search for my inner me. I kept fumbling forward with the workouts at the YMCA, burning out, activating lower back problems…at one point I blew my back curling so bad, the chiropractor laughed at my x-rays. The muscles in my back had spasms so severe it pulled my spine over 37 degrees towards the right side of my body. Once that was cured, I continued for another year toying with protein shakes, and diets…before someone asked me if I had looked into MBG. The stories I had heard of the workouts were terrifying! Then one day I noticed the "60 Day Challenge" ad in a local paper. This couldn't have happened at a better time! It just so happened that I had planned a trip to Costa Rica to go surfing for one week, which happened to be the week following the completion of the "60 Day Challenge" …So I decided it was either then or never.

My first class was a Wednesday morning class; Body Power, being instructed by Tim Clavette (Tim, thanks for helping me along the way!) During this class, I had to take three separate breaks due to my body and brain trying to black out. Three breaks! Tim's response was simple…"Maybe you're not used to working out in the morning?"…When he said that, I felt frustrated! Not at him, but how I had let finances, work, and stress take over my body. I took two days off after that class just to recover. At that point (Sept. 12th, 2005), I weighed a hefty 249lbs with a body fat percentage of 21.4%. That was a total of 53.3lbs of body fat. Essentially, I was carrying a small child around on a daily basis. From that day on, I decided to take my health more serious. I attended every class my body could handle, stopped eating crap foods, and focused more on healthy balanced meals. At the end of my challenge (60 days later), I had dropped 14.6lbs in body fat, down to a staggering 16.2% body fat. Friends, family, and co-workers thought I was sick and commented on the physical changes in my body. I walked differently, moved quicker, and carried myself stronger; all because of the mental affects the workouts were having on me.

The best comment I've had was in an office I visited in Janesville. I walked in and the branch manager looked at me, "Who are you?" she says. Keep in mind; I haven't seen her in a full 12 months. I say to her, "My name is Will, I haven't been in the area for some time"…She stared at me with a blank look on her face for about 2 minutes, which seemed an eternity. She blurts out "holy#$%^…what happened to you?…Your face looks so different!" I told her about my workouts and the gym. Simply put, her NOT recognizing my face was simply the greatest compliment I could've received.
In August ‘06, my body fat count was 15.7%. Since then I have managed to attend two classes per day the majority of time, currently weighing in at 221lbs in September ‘06. That is the lowest I have weighed in this decade so far.

MBG has given me not just my life back, but the inert desire to try harder, faster, and feel like an animal…fit to my environment. All this comes along with bills for tailoring all my suits down to size, and many new clothes since my older things are somewhat too big. A small price to pay for feeling proud of who I have become. I would to thank Jon for providing me with motivation to continue my regimen, Tim for supporting me during my first challenge, and Jessica, Chad, and the rest of the team for their ongoing support, nutritional education, and encouragement.

"Lighter, leaner and more fit than I have at any other point in my life"

I really love the Monkey Bar Gymnasium workouts! Prior to joining the Monkey Bar Gymnasium, I spent many years working out with a typical routine of weight and aerobic machines, spending the entire time with a CD player or iPod strapped to my body, totally isolated from everyone else in the gym.

I was a "workout zombie"!

I believe the "group synergy" aspect of training at the MBG greatly enhances the effectiveness of the workout. I enjoy exercise rather than enduring it.

The feedback and encouragement that is given and received from your workout partner, fellow class members and instructor helps everyone perform the exercises in a safe, beneficial and fun manner.

I feel better both mentally and physically and I can see real, positive changes occurring in my body. I was very pleased to have found that at my mid-challenge checkup, I had reduced my body fat from 29% to 23% and replaced 8 pounds of fat with over 8 pounds of muscle. Awesome!

I'm looking forward to seeing an additional decrease in body fat at my final challenge checkup. I've been able to downsize my jeans from size 12 to size 8 which was very exciting since I have not fit in a size 8 since my college days (some 20 years ago).

The increase in my muscle definition has also been surprising and has not gone unnoticed by my friends and co-workers. I feel lighter, leaner and more fit than I have at any other point in my life. And it's only been three months!

I am planning a trip to Africa this summer to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and I am confident that training at the MBG will play an important role in my physical conditioning and increase my chances of reaching the summit. Thanks to Jon and the MBG staff!

"The least threatening exercise experience I'd ever had"

I have always been a self defeatist. If at first you don't succeed, quit. I feel like my ongoing struggle with both my weight and my self esteem came from years of telling myself I can't.

I'd been told by my doctor, after being diagnosed with Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome, that I would most likely be heavy and unhealthy forever. All my vain efforts to take off the pounds seemed to back that up. I felt stuck, mired down, helpless.

I looked upon joining the Monkey Bar Gymnasium as one last shot. I wasn't convinced it would work, but at least I could say I'd tried. I discovered something the first day of the challenge however. Yes, it was hard, but it wasn't impossible even for me. I found that a week later I was still coming, a miraculous event on its own. More than that I felt stronger.

This was the least threatening exercise experience I'd ever had. I could work at my own pace, and I was always with someone else. I was doing things I hadn't done in years, sit ups, push ups and more, and each time it was getting easier.

Now I've tried low carb diets before, but to be honest I feel like I've tried every diet before, and always with dismal results. I love pasta, bread and especially sugar. With some trepidation, I started the hand plan. For the first week, I felt rather hollow like I hadn't eaten enough. Besides, salad for breakfast?

But by the second week, an amazing thing happened. I had all this energy. I felt lighter, I was sleeping better, and I felt like I could get more accomplished. This had definitely been a challenge. But, maybe for the first time, I have met it.

I have gained a lot over the last 8 weeks at the Monkey Bar Gymnasium. I am two pant sizes smaller, I have more energy and many more things seem possible. I know that I have challenges ahead of me still, but I feel ready for them. I feel like, I can!

"The first gym where I feel like I can focus on being strong instead of being skinny"

At this time a year ago, I was in the hospital with Lyme's disease. I probably weighed less than I do now because I hardly ate anything for two months. It took me a long time to completely recover mentally and physically from this illness. By the end of spring, I reached a low point and knew I needed to make some changes and find a ways to get physically healthy again.

I also knew I needed something organized and group focused to keep me motivated. So, I did a lot of research and found the Monkey Bar Gymnasium. The Monkey Bar Gymnasium is in a category of its own.

This is by far the best gym I have ever been to and is the first gym I've ever belonged to where I feel like I can focus on being strong instead of being skinny. What a refreshing change.

I feel great and am stronger and more confident than I've ever been and have finally stopped obsessing about how much I weigh. How Cool. Thanks!

"You are making a HUGE difference in my life"

"Dear Jon and Staff,

I wanted to relate in a genuine way the love I feel toward your school and what it stands for.

I have tapped into a source that has given me more power for living a sacred life than any other fitness/martial arts school I have ever attended, thanks to you and your inspiring teaching and dedication to an excellent standard.

Eating right is a way of living sacred, and you have helped me become more what I always wanted to be. Your school is helping me to live body, mind, and spirit on a daily basis and I feel inspired. For this I am entirely grateful. Upon reflection this morning I have realized I am becoming my fantasy of living!

I hope these words are a source of encouragement to all of you and your staff because you are making a HUGE difference in my life simply by being who you are and your excellent teaching. Believe me this is rare especially in today's society. I wish and pray for you that you have health, happiness and prosperity all your days."

60 Day Challenge Testimonials

SIGN UP NOW!! GET FIT FOR LIFE TODAY!

GENE DELECOURT (WINNER! Challenge 2010)

My experience with the 60 (74 day, really) day challenge was beyond a doubt, the most pleasant experience I have ever had in a gym. I've had memberships at a couple of area health and fitness clubs in the past but I was never able to feel comfortable or accepted in any of them. I know that acceptance shouldn't really factor into the equation. You go to the gym to work out and achieve your own goals and follow your own agenda, I know that. But the truth has always been, at least for me, that if I didn't feel comfortable in my surroundings, I quickly gave up, lost a bunch of money and accepted that as my mistake. 

At the Monkey Bar, even before the challenge started, I noticed that things seemed different. People talked to me and encouraged me during my first few classes (I only discovered the place a week before the challenge started). When the challenge began, Sarah and Jessica were both really knowledgeable and supportive. The first week was pretty instrumental in getting my mindset to a place where I felt I could be successful. The nutrition information that Sarah shared with me and the pages in the packet were very useful and on the recommendation from John to read "The China Study, I decided early on in the challenge to become a vegan. That's pretty crazy, considering what a meat eater I have always been but, I find it hard to dispute Dr. Campbell's arguments. I feel better than I've felt since I was in the Army (some 32 years ago). I feel like I've found a new direction for my life. For the first time in my adult life, I've begun believing that living into old age is a possibility. The men in my family, at least on my Dad's side, tend not to make it much past sixty but, as I've learned from reading The China Study and listening and observing at the Monkey Bar, good nutrition and exercise will trump genetics every time. Thanks so much Monkey Bar people.

PETE ELLENBECKER (Challenge, 2010)

Okay, so here is the skinny. After some prodding and a few bitch sessions with a friend who is a member, I checked out the website for the Monkey Bar. I read numerous stories of how this place has changed lives, bodies and what have you. After a couple of memberships at various places in Madison, all I came out with was a few phone numbers, a stunning "bosc" shape, and a shrinking bank account. This left me very skeptical on any place to workout at, as well as giving me a good excuse not to do much physical activity.

DEE SHEPARD (Challenge, 2010)

"Lost a total of 23 lbs of fat!"

Before beginning the 60 Day Challenge I considered myself to be a healthy, fit 44 year old man. I cross country ski, play baseball, hockey, bike often and workout on a daily basis. I felt I had reached my plateau and thought the challenge would help me lose the 10 lbs I hadn't been able to drop and prepare me for the upcoming cross country ski season.

I thought the hardest part of the challenge would be changing my diet. I have always eaten what I wanted when I wanted. I was worried about eliminating starchy carbs as I thought my energy level would drop. However to my surprise, I was able to maintain my high level of energy. I also found that my cravings for sweets and starches diminished.

The workouts at the Monkey Bar Gymnasium are fun, diverse and challenging as opposed to the monotony of a regular gym. The personal attention was important and a real plus. I had never experienced this before. When I was only 3 weeks into the challenge my friends were noticing the changes in my body. I also noticed that I was improving my strength and stamina.

I now have leaner, longer muscles, quicker reflexes and where I had hoped to lose 5 to 10 pounds, I was delighted to have lost a total of 23 lbs of fat!

"I really feel like I can do anything" When I signed up for the Monkey Bar Gymnasium Fitness Challenge, my goal was simply to make it through 60 days. I didn't want to expect any major physical changes, because I assumed that I would only disappoint myself. I merely hoped to stick to the program for the duration and establish new healthier habits for myself in the process.

I truly had no idea what I was in for. I didn't expect to feel so comfortable and welcome here despite the fact that I have never been an athlete. I didn't expect to enjoy the classes so much that I looked forward to them every day, instead of dragging myself in to the gym because I "had" to. I didn't expect the dramatic changes in my appearance, and didn't believe them either, despite the compliments of friends, until I went to the store and found out that I really did drop two sizes in two months!

I certainly didn't expect to feel so much pride and accomplishment in being able to do a push up. The feeling of pride is the greatest thing that the challenge has done for me. Instead of comparing myself to others and being discouraged, I think about how much stronger I am today than I was yesterday and it makes me feel so good. Then I think about how much stronger I can be tomorrow and I really feel like I can do anything!

"I am having fun and anticipate my workouts every day"

This challenge allowed me to focus on myself in a comprehensive way that I had not taken the time to effort to do before. In many ways this has allowed me to rediscover myself. I now understand more about what makes my body tick, and can thus set more effective goals that reflect that understanding. This understanding keeps evolving as I learn new variations (food or exercise)…

I have been continually inspired and encouraged to work as hard as I can, yet I am having fun and anticipate my workouts every day. I am pushing myself more all around, allowing my body to dictate what I can do. My bike is no longer just a mode of transportation. I have rediscovered how much I missed working out hard. And according to multiple people this semester, my smile has returned.

"I can't believe working out can be so much fun"

I can't believe working out can be so much fun. I had been so resistant to work out because I did not want to take the time away from my kids. My husband convinced me to "just do the Fitness Challenge" for the summer. I loved coming to the gym.

I am actually a better mom for going rather than staying home. I feel better about me, I have peace of mind, and my body feels so much stronger. I can't believe that I saw such results in only 60 days and had so much fun at the same time. My perspective about exercise has changed.

I see how much time I wasted at other gyms and how the physical and mental are so connected for me. Than you Jon for helping me feel great this summer and for making working out so positive and fun.

"I learned even more how to engage in positive energy with my peers"

I came to the Monkey Bar Gymnasium with expectations that it was going to be tough. I was ready for the challenge because I was looking for one, not only physically but mentally. I wasn't completely prepared for what this course entailed but am completely happy with the end results.

After joining the Monkey Bar Gymasium 60 Day Challenge this is what I have come to discover: I am a strong person. But I am much stronger than I believed I could be. I am one to push myself but this challenge made me mentally able to accomplish tasks I didn't think I could. Not only in class but in work and life.

I know myself well. I tend to be a shy person with great listening skills. This challenge forced me to be a student of other people. I usually work well with others and can pick up on how individual people work and like to be treated. I learned even more how to listen, focus on others, encourage and engage in positive energy with my peers. I love that. Thank you Monkey Bar!

"My energy throughout the day is more sustained and my overall outlook is brighter"

As a public relations professional, my workday is focused on mental challenges and the pursuit of eloquence. The Monkey Bar Gymasium 60 Day Challenge has brought balance to my day by teaching me physical eloquence as well. Just as sentence structure is important in my "work life", the form and structure of my body and movements are important in my "real life".

The 60 Day Challenge provided me with a structure and a necessary discipline with which I have made changes in my life. As expected, I have seen physical changes as my body has become stronger and more toned. But there have also been other, more subtle changes – my energy throughout the day is more sustained, my immune system is stronger, and my overall outlook is brighter.

The 60 Day Challenge has been an exercise in strength building, both physically and mentally, that has encouraged me to make lasting changes in the way I live my life.

"Even people I see all the time have noticed the changes"

About 8 years ago I experienced a mild bout of depression of which the consequence was I gained over 20 pounds. 2 or 3 years later, I saw a photo my mother had taken at that time. It took me a few seconds to realize that it was a photo of me…I looked horrible!

Why is this story relevant to my Monkey Bar Gymnasium experience? That photo destroyed my body image / self esteem. I exercised, weight trained, dieted, and even fasted, but nothing restored confidence in my self image.

Nothing that is, until I started the fitness challenge. As I sit here writing this essay, I'm wearing shorts that are barely held up by a belt. Two weeks ago, I went to Noah's Ark and didn't think twice about walking around shirtless all day. Something I wouldn't of considered 3 months ago.

Over the 4th of July weekend I biked 220 miles in 2 days! Averaging 16 mph…Prior to that I hadn't biked more than 100 miles in a week. Every time I run into someone I haven't seen in a while, they ask if I've lost weight. I'm so excited by the process, that I not only say Yes, but I launch into an explanation of How.

Even people I see all the time have noticed the changes, both physically and mentally (in self confidence). Thank you Monkey Bar Gymnasium!!!

"Working out can make me feel energetic and happy"

The Monkey Bar Gymasium Fitness Challenge and how it affected me and those around me…

Until recently the only "muscle" I exercised was my brain. Every time friends talked me into going to the gym, I truly hated it and found it to be a chore. I think what appealed to me abut working out at the Monkey Bar Gymasium is the word "challenge," and the fact that Jon not only emphasized weight loss or body building, but also a more holistic approach to fitness, including group work and eating habits.

As much as it is fulfilling to see the measurements go down, it is more exciting to be able to pull myself up or do scorpion push-ups, and to cheer my partner on to do the same. Through my participation in the 8-week challenge, I convinced myself that working out can be fun and it can make me feel energetic and happy.

And for those around me? I believe a positive attitude is always contagious. I would like to thank everyone at the Monkey Bar Gymasium for being a part of the fun experience and I will see you at the workouts.

"A playful team spirit pervades every workout at the Monkey Bar"

The Challenge taught me to grow, resist, push, balance, teach, learn, fail, and succeed both mentally and physically. Now, I am stronger, stand taller, push harder, and am more at peace with myself.

I may have only lost 5 pounds on the scale but I nearly reached my goal of losing 20 pounds of fat. In 12 weeks (84 days) I worked out 77 of those days, and felt strong enough at the end of my program to do double workouts mixing in running on days when I did a strength workout at the gym.

I feel great. In recent years I focused on my career and chose work over workouts. In addition, I ate to quell the stress that came with the job. My body suffered from the sedentary lifestyle that I'd adopted.

I tried riding to work, running on the weekend, joining health clubs, but none of that was fun. My body movements weren't as smooth as it was when I was an athlete in high school and college. I was out of synch with my body – my extra weight flopped around me as I plodded along and I endured the workout rather than enjoying it.

The environment at the Monkey Bar Gymasium is more akin to my days playing team sports than my days as an adult working out in health clubs. There is a playful team spirit and the anticipation of doing great things that pervades every workout at the Monkey Bar Gymasium that is lost amidst the mirrors, head-phones, and gym equipment in a health club.

We laugh together, work together, and play together. I've enjoyed the successes of other: watching Kira do her first chin-up, Nancy crank out minute-plus thinkers, Kate's first real pushup. They inspire me to keep trying hard to make my own milestones.

Thank you for helping me get to where I am today.

"The workouts are like play"

I never thought I would want to go workout, until I joined the Monkey Bar Gymasium!

I was a kid who hated gym class, was the last one picked for team sports, and always felt inept. I hated being pushed to do exercises till it hurt, and felt humiliated when I couldn't keep up. But 25 years later, as an adult woman, I could not stand being overweight and horribly out of shape!

I took a big leap of faith when I joined the Monkey Bar Gymasium for the fitness challenge. What an incredible experience it has been! It was so hard to keep up the first week, bus as I huffed and puffed Jon or Monica would say, "If it hurts, stop or slow down…don't push yourself to injury".

For the first time in a fitness environment, it was OK to go at my own pace. No macho stuff, no "you wimpy ass" looks, just compassion and professionalism.

The workouts are like play and teaming up with a partner creates a support system and camaraderie that makes you want to push yourself! I found that pushed myself where I could, and didn't where it hurt.

Even not going "all-out" I lost weight and really firmed up. I like my body so much more than I have in a long time. I am even OK with still being overweight, because if I'm muscular that extra fat doesn't look or feel that bad.

I think the Monkey Bar Gymasium is a cutting edge revolution in fitness training that is leagues above any other program for motivation and success. Oh yeah, one more thing, the people there are really nice! Thanks!

"I feel like my body has been given back to me"

When I started the challenge, I was bored, depressed, out of shape, and my self confidence was low. I'd started to believe I'd never be able to do some things again – running, pushups, or just "playing" like a little kid.

I was too overwhelmed to walk into another big, impersonal gym filled with TV's. mirrors, and rows of treadmills.

Instead, the Challenge has graced me with the experience, knowledge, motivation, and kindness of all the instructors and members involved. It is a gift to greet each workout with other folks who are looking to have fun, make friends, and work out safely.

Working with others has enabled me to push myself further – and I had fun! The bottom line is, I feel like my body has been given back to me. In the last 12 weeks, I've learned that my strength (physical, emotional, and mental) is always inside of me, it's something I can't lose. But I can celebrate it, each and every day.

"The Monkey Bar Gymnasium is not just a gym – It's a wonderful culture, and it's a blast"

I did the Fitness Challenge to help my lower back pain and so that I could play my electric guitar standing up – I was that weak. People around me are impressed by the dramatic changes in my body.

More important is when I say I'm having a blast, and that the shape change is only a side effect of fun!

It's got nothing to do with mainstream fat-hatred, deprivation, dieting, or willpower. It's that I love coming here! The MBG celebrates diversity of people, body types, abilities, and activities – mixing fun with work and individualized challenges with helping each other. It's just full of sweet, happy energy.

That, plus the yoga insight and the kids' play (tossing balls, skipping, crawling, jumping rope, playing tag), and eating healthy food are all life affirming and healing and feel great. The Monkey Bar Gymasium is not just a gym – It's a wonderful culture, and it's a blast!

"It's been great having people notice the difference"

Thanks, MBG! I like MBG's integrated exercise and dietary philosophies, so starting was easy but the Challenge was quite a challenge!

Thanks for giving me a measurable sense of progress both from my log book and checkins during the challenge! The final check-in report shocked me and I am still very happy with my body composition results! It's been great having people notice the difference – and when they ask I get to tell them about the MBG and it's lead to good conversations about healthy living.

Thanks for helping me find the healthier me!

"I'm never bored or find myself looking at the clock"

The biggest change for me since I started the Fitness Challenge is that exercising daily has become routine.

Every day I truly look forward to coming here. OK, sometimes I want to go straight home after work and put my pajamas on and watch TV, but I don't. And when I have those days (which were very rare in the last 2 months) I feel much better after working out and wonder why I thought about not coming in.

The hardest part about exercising can be just getting yourself to the gym, but there is so much positive energy here that I haven't had a problem with that. I love the encouraging interaction between not only the staff, but also the other members.

Collective Power works!!

Also, the workouts fly by very quickly. I'm never bored or find myself looking at the clock. The variety has been key to help me keep up my interest level and I haven't over-stressed one area of my body (like my knees or ankles hurt when I do a lot of aerobics).

Lastly, I have developed better self confidence and a more positive attitude about myself. I've realized that Jon is right about there being no such thing as "I can't". Anything is possible and I have been holding myself back in my mind. I am capable of achieving more than I have let myself in the past.

Before, I thought that if I exercised two to three times a week, that was enough and that I needed a day off in between workouts to rest. With the challenge, I have proved to myself that I can work out 5 times a week and still have fun.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the Luiz Claudio Competition Team at the Monkey Bar Gym has been a great experience. In typical Monkey Bar fashion, the Jiu Jitsu classes are no cakewalk yet are tailored in a fashion that allows people of all shapes, sizes, sexes, ages and athletic abilities to learn and apply the techniques taught in class while getting a great workout to boot. I am thoroughly impressed with the non-ego driven attitudes of the students and instructor which make it a very un-intimidating class to join.

Thales Blaso, instructor, adds to the positive experience through his skill, patience, work ethic and sense of humor. Thales is an extremely motivated and skillful instructor who is very good at identifying details beginning students tend to look over, correct them and explain the proper technique in such a way that it sticks. He is very accessible, trusting and cultivates a team attitude for both students planning to compete and those interested in learning Jiu Jistu for other reasons. This is exemplified by the additional classes he offers and the activities (movie outings, watching UFC) he organizes outside of class which develops friendships amongst students and creates a more cohesive team.

I can't say enough about the Monkey Bar, Thales and the Luiz Claudio Competition Team. The experience as a whole has been wonderful and I look forward to future training sessions and gatherings.

I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu last year, about this time, and from that moment on, I was taught exclusively from Thales Blaso. He is an extremely knowledgeable and patient instructor. He answers any and all questions, makes sure all in class completely understand the lesson, and can perform the position/move effectively before moving onto the next lesson. What struck me most about him, though, is his inviting personality. From day 1, he treated me like an old friend. That ability to make folks feel welcome, and at ease, really helps the student learn more quickly, and absorb the lesson more completely, without fear or embarrassment of making a mistake. While he encourages the student to compete, he gives those who choose to compete, as well as those who don't, the same one on one attention. The classes he teaches are both challenging to all physical levels, and relevant to all stages of Martial Art experience. So, take it from me, stop by and introduce yourself, watch a class, or jump right in a class, you will be impressed with both Thales' teaching style, and his knowledge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!!!

CNT Course

I just wanted to say thank you for the best fitness seminar I've been to. I've participated in many different sports, martial arts, and fitness regimens, but the way the MBG puts it all together is amazing. It's like the "lights went on" in my head this past weekend. Also, I'd had some nagging pain in my neck and inner thigh for some time (old injuries), but I did the Eshens yoga sequence on the DVD and the pain has subsided. I feel much limber and looser, too. Thanks so much. You all rock!!

Wow! I am mentally and physically drained. My ego is shattered. However, I am relishng all of this. No education, certification I have ever taken comes close to this. From graduate school to NASM. I really feel I had to earn the distinction of CNT. Unreal in terms of practical and applicable knowledge. The staff was firm but fair. All in all, it was an enlightening experience.

Great course. I really liked this course. It had the perfect balance between demonstration , participation and explanation. The instructors were very knowledgable and approachable, and they expected the best from each participant. I liked that the material was well organized and progressive, it made referring to the manual very effective. I hope to be able to implement what I have learned in both my classes and with my clients, and I hope to take the CNT 2 course in the future.

The training was an incredible experience for someone like me who does not consider myself an athlete and never has. I grew and my body became so much stronger over a matter of one weekend. The self-confidence that comes with it is nothing to scoff at. This is very powerful stuff. Life changing!!!

"It is one of the best experiences I have had in my journey in the wellness field. I loved it! How Jon taught the information on queing alignment and exercises was simple but yet extremely powerful. I HIGHLY recommend this course!

"Fantastic! Life changing! I feel so fortunate to be able to understand these concepts now and be able to use them on my clients and myself!

"Amazing course teaching you how to progress from beginner to advanced with the most diverse exercises using your own bodyweight. The Monkey Bar Gymnasium is the future of fitness and what a functional training facility should look like. Truly teaching people how to become REALLY physically fit!!"

"I loved it!! It was a new way of training that makes sense!! I am so grateful for all the knowledge - it is truly revolutionary. This course is AWESOME!!

"For me the CNT course was an awakening. A re-introduction to fitness the way it should be taught. I absolutely recommend the CNT course. Anyone doing anything fitness related should be exposed to Jon's teachings!"

"An excellent course! Jon's CNT course was humbling physically with simple bodyweight alignments and powerful in its progressions for athletes and all others. I absolutely recommend the CNT course!!

"Wonderful experience…great balance of physical activity & classroom knowledge. Great hands on & visual displays of movement, correction and application! Great presentation, great staff, keep up the energy and spread the good news!! "

"Encouraging, informative, empowering! I learned how much we deceive ourselves by compensating, because I realize if we do things correctly, we will perform better and feel better. I definitely recommend this course!!!!

"Fantastic, very humbling! Jon has a great philosophy, emphasizing helping others and always building towards more & more athletic exercises…Excellent course!!"