Being a working mother, I had previously found it nearly impossible to find the time to lose weight and work out regularly. However, my goals became obtainable once I started working with Jenny Routheau. She not only customized personal training sessions at my home that fit with my schedule, but she also worked with me to evaluate my eating habits. For the first 6 months, we worked together, I established a regular workout regimen with her and learned to incorporate strength training back into my normal routine. She constantly challenged me and created new ways to work different muscle groups so that I was never bored. She worked with me on my eating habits, and once I incorporated her suggestions into my diet, I was able to lose 14 pounds and five inches off my waist and hips in 14 weeks. The best part of it all is that this does not feel like just another temporary weight loss or exercise spurt - I have learned to incorporate her tips into my daily life which has resulted in a permanent lifestyle change for me. It has been such a pleasure working with Jenny to obtain my goals and we have had so much fun during the whole process. Thank you so much, Jenny!
Sheau-ming Ross
Chicago, IL
Being a 45-year old woman who has a highly intense, stressful job that includes traveling, I clearly understand the need to keep in shape, feel good, and find energy. Working out is very important to my physical and mental well-being.
Karen is first committed to what she does and clearly she shows a vested interested in her clients. She holds you also accountable so that together you are able to reach your goals -- like for me calling me when I am traveling to make sure I did my workout or keeping a record of your food and activity (She knows I hate this but honestly, when you read it later it matters.) And yes, I have to eat something healthy before I work out at 6:30 am .!! Fuel for the body as she says...And she is right. She always knows when I skip meals.
Her routines are the BEST!!! Challenging and fun!! She makes the workout go by fast, she pushes when she knows you can do it and doesn't when she knows you need to rest. Her enthusiasm allows you to do one more rep. For me, it is about having someone to push me and insure that I am working all the right muscles and keeping me dedicated to the process and form.
Karen truly is a professional who cares about her clients, knows her stuff, and fits to their needs. She understands lifestyle, health, image, and works with her clients to achieve results. She now has become a part of my weekly routine.
Carla Cooper
Chicago, IL
P.S. A happy client!!
Taking private yoga classes with Karen over the past four years has been a wonderful addition to my life. It has helped me maintain physical and mental vibrancy while helping me reduce and manage stress. After years doing typical health club workouts involving weights and machines, I was ready for something different. Karen's home-based, personalized yoga sessions have turned out to be an invigorating new challenge. Two to three sessions per week have provided me with a surprisingly complete and rigorous strength, endurance, and flexibility workout. Karen is an excellent motivator and her knowledge and creativity keeps the sessions challenging and interesting.
Jeffrey Smith,
Chicago, IL
I have had many trainers...but no one like you! We are going on 5yrs of working out. As you know, I whine, would not go, and look for any excuse not to work out and yet with you, I show up, have fun, and still whine. I will never love exercise like you do, but at least your love of it gets me to try.
Robbin Carrol
Chicago, IL
Dear Marla, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for assisting me with my weight loss. With your guidance I was able to lose a total of twenty pounds in two months. I really appreciated your great attitude and positive reinforcement. Thank you for making yourself available any time there was a question about a meal, restaurant or just assistance in making a grocery list. Not only do I have a great dietician; I have made a friend. I now realize it is the small things like choosing a diet soda or getting that turkey sandwich with a salad instead of fries. Thanks again for everything!
Jina H.
Downers Grove, IL
Karen has been a very motivating trainer for us, not only in our workouts, but in our life. While recently vacationing in Italy , we often referred to our workouts being instrumental in our abilities to hike up and down the steep hills. She reminds us of the importance of proper nutrition and hydration... sometimes too much... but we appreciate her persistence. Our workouts are specifically geared toward our goals, incorporating exercises recommended by our physical therapists from previous injuries. Our flexibility, strength, and balance are improving each day. She takes a realistic approach to incorporating a healthy lifestyle, so we can have fun while living healthy. Woo Hoo!
Russ & Diana Iacono
Chicago, IL
I have known Karen over four years and have found her a delight and a highly knowledgeable exercise physiologist wrapped in to a package of fun and determination. If she can motivate and make me exercise (the ultimate slug who needs to understand the reason for all medically related activities -- med school side effect), she can help anyone.
Eugene Lipov M.D
Director Pain Research
Alexian Brothers Hospital System
Having just completed a training session with Grace this afternoon, I thought it would be a good time to take a moment to tell you what a pleasure it is to work with her. She's been my 'personal trainer' for nearly a year, and I continue to find her sessions both fun and (most importantly) challenging. Grace's personal style enhances the training; she is always warm and friendly yet never forgets the purpose at hand. It's rare that I don't go away amazed at what we've accomplished. Her follow up with routines that I can do between sessions is an added bonus, and I especially appreciate her flexibility in scheduling, given the unpredictability of my own calendar. I'm especially pleased to have found Grace!
Ruthellyn Musil
Senior Vice President/Corporate Relations
Tribune Company
In my early 20's, I devoted most of my time to atheltic pursuits and maintaining good health. I ran marathons. Ate a vegetarian diet. Went to bed early. Relaxed doing yoga on the weekends. I took pride in my healthy, active lifestyle.
Life got busier in my 30's. I found a career I loved, however after several years of rigorous business travel, my once healthy habits had deteroriated. I live a life packed with business dinners and airport delays. Drained after a day on the road, room service replaced running. I had packed on 15 pounds and was seeing a chiropractor to cope with chronic back pain. I knew I needed guidance to develop new eating habits and workout regiman that fit my road-warrior lifestyle. That's when I met Jenny Routheau.
In January 2006, I started strength training with Jenny twice a week. Jenny did all the math: measured where I was, and developed a plan to get me where I wanted to go. She consistently changed my workout to keep my body guessing. She gave me advice on making small changes to my diet that made a huge difference in my outward appearance, as well as my overall health and well-being. She calculated how fast, far and long I needed run, and with a heart-rate monitor, my running improved. The changes were apparent, and the results kept me motivated. More importantly, it was fun. Working out with Jenny was a bright spot in my crazy schedule.
Almost one year later, I'm 12 pounds lighter and my back pain disappeared months ago. I have experienced physical, and perhaps more importantly, mental strength gains that have helped keep me focused, balanced and happy. I continue to work with Jenny on my ongoing journey to improve my health.
Kim Becka
Chicago , IL
What does one say to someone who has changed their life so drastically? Thank you hardly seems like enough. Before I started seeing Lori for nurtritional consultations, so much about my healthy looking body was not. I now have a fixed schedule, an eating and exercise plan, and a fuller happier life. Life is amazing again! Thanks Lori,because I really can't say enough about how you've change my life, my way of thinking about food, exercise and health. I admire you and your committment to helping those of us who just didn't get it, eating healthy and exercise really does change lives.
Sharon Lewis
Chicago, IL
Lori Rowell has been my family's dietitian for over a year, and we feel so lucky! Exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and generous, Lori does whatever it takes to make sure we understand and feel comfortable with her recommendations. Her heart is in her work. Lori's enthusiasm and great personality make our appointments with her fun too!
Hilde Waldschmidt
Libertyville, IL
