Thrive Success Stories and Testimonials

Mike W - former Thrive trainer, Entrepreneur - Ashrock Fitness

I first met, Amir Rad, in 2014 after returning to Michigan to finish up graduate school. A mutual friend took me to his gym, and Amir would often join us during our workouts, over time we became good friends. I started to realize that Amir has a vast knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise programming and he loved what he was doing. So I wanted in, after talking with Amir he urged me to become  certified and that afterwards I could work with him, so that's what I did.

The two years I was working at, Thrive Martial Arts and Fitness, are some of the best memories I have. Not only is Amir an excellent coach, businessman,  and dog lover, he’s a great friend. He continually pushes his clients and fellow coaches to become more, mentally and physically. I believe the secret to his success is he cares about the success of others more. So if you need a coach, business consultant or motivator, Amir is your guy.

Eric T - Jackson County SWAT Team 

Having served in the Marine Corps, I was always mentally and physically prepared for any challenge I faced. Upon exiting the Marine Corps, I chose law enforcement as my career. As the years passed I found myself losing my mental toughness as well as my physical well being. Added to that, I had injuries that required surgery for both of my shoulders as well as my lower back. The recovery from my lower back surgery was the most physically and mentally challenging thing I have ever faced. I continued to fight for my recovery but showed very little progress throughout the years. 

My confidence in my ability to perform my job was broken further when a 911 call went wrong. I was responding to a home invasion. The suspect was a veteran suffering from PTSD. He was attempting to break into a residence while the resident was home with her children. Arriving on scene, I confronted this individual and my taser failed twice. I resorted to a physical struggle, however my injuries, poor physical conditioning, and the mental state of this veteran made for a fight that was not in my favor. I was exhausted, almost to the point that I could not recall the tactics I have been trained in. Finally I was able to cuff him, with his hands in front of him. That’s when I discovered he was armed with a switchblade. Thankfully, I was not cut and just held him down until my partners arrived. 

I knew then something had to change. I could not continue in law enforcement in this physical condition. Days later I met with Amir at Thrive. My first impression of Amir was that he is in phenomenal shape. I was pleased to see a trainer that applies his teachings on himself. In conversation, Amir was very respectful and compassionate as I expressed my concerns. I was thirty pounds overweight, ran a 12-minute mile pace, and lacked self-defense skills. I remember telling Amir how I wanted to learn the footwork associated with boxing. His immediate response was, “I’d love to teach you the footwork in boxing,” not, “we’ll get to it.” From that moment, I was in.

After one year of training, I had improved my running pace, despite the back injury. I got stronger and passed the Special Response Team test, after previously failing it twice. Training with Amir has returned me back to me. He restored the Marine I once was -- the man able to face any challenge. He restored my confidence to perform my job well. I’m now able to do my job with no worry of “what if this happens?” Hell! Let it happen, I’ll take it on. 

I can remember being nervous just thinking about the workouts Amir was going to throw at me. I have a 40 minute drive to Thrive. That’s a long time to be nervous and a long time to resist coming up with some BS excuse why I can’t make my training session. That’s the part of this whole Thrive experience I’ve enjoyed -- my mental toughness has been restored, I’m no longer nervous driving to Thrive. I look forward to each and every training session.

Andrea C - Owner, Planet Rock

I started working out at Thrive almost two years ago when I injured my hamstring and had to take a break from running. My hamstring has healed up nicely, but I love training at Thrive and I can’t imagine stopping. I’ve been a rock climber for over 25 years and had chronic wrist pain for the past five years. While my wrist isn’t perfect, it never hurts while I am climbing anymore. I attribute that to the strength I have gained through the variety of ways I use my wrists at every Thrive training session. As a climber, I thought I had decent upper body strength, but apparently I didn’t, as my pull-ups increased from around 8 to 22. Most importantly, I feel that my general fitness and robustness has increased significantly; I feel better, I look better and I have the strength to work intensively at a number of sports without worrying about injury.  

I was so impressed with Amir and his facility that we collaborated to form a boot camp tailored specifically toward full body conditioning for the Planet Rock youth competitive climbing team, which I coach. Not only is there a noticeable difference in the strength and fitness of the climbers, but they also benefit from the injury prevention aspect of the training. The kids respond super well to Amir, who has motivated them to work at a new level of intensity.

Lynn B - Radiologist

I Just found Thrive and I am loving it so far. Amir is very knowledgeable and works on proper technique to prevent injury and gain strength and stamina. A must for runners!! Workouts are a variety of cardio and strength training. Also lots of stretching!!

Eric I - State Police Trooper

If you are looking for an experienced, knowledgable, and encouraging trainer who wants nothing more than you to succeed at your goals, then I HIGHLY recommend working with Amir at Thrive Fitness. I had a very specific goal when I went in to meet him and he created a fitness program to not only meet those goals, but to crush them! I've lost a ton of weight and am in the best shape of my life, mentally and physically stronger then I have ever been before, because of the dedication and time Amir has put in with me. But, Thrive is only as good as the work you are willing to put in yourself. If you give Amir 100%, you WILL grow and see results! I highly recommend Amir and Thrive Fitness to anyone who wants to get into the best shape of their lives! 6 stars, because 5 just doesn't seem like enough.

Rick M - Vice President of Ewie, auto suppliers

Started June of 2016. Was already working out on my own but didn't put much focus on nutrition or lifestyle. After my assessment Amir sat down with me and reviewed what I eat, what my lifestyle is like and reviewed what are quick changes and what are going to be longer term changes. With traveling a lot for work it was tough to get a diet that fit my needs for a lifestyle I can Thrive in.

Within the first 90 days I noticed huge changes in strength. Being 150 lbs and constantly setting PRs (personal records) in the gym felt great. Utilizing a nutritional plan that set myself up for success inside and outside the gym. I was able to crush my assessment number of 55 push ups and set a Thrive record of 110. 

After a year I started suffering from some hip, back and shoulder pain. Amir worked with me to improve mobility, strength and mitigate pain. We are now focusing on a nutritional plan to reduce inflammation within my body. Amir's knowledge of increasing mobility & strength as well as nutritional understanding to cater to his clients needs is exceptional. I would highly recommend him to any individual regardless of age or ability. He can tailor the perfect program for anyone who has a willingness to Thrive. 

Sarah S- Nurse Practioner

Amir Rad has been my personal trainer for almost 4 years now and he has helped me completely change my life.  I met him back in 2011 when I was extremely overweight and out of shape. Because I was so overweight, I was very intimidated to join a gym and workout, but Amir never made me feel bad about myself or judged me.  From the first day working out with Amir, he has been nothing but encouraging, motivating, and positive about helping me achieve my goals of losing weight, eating right, and being healthy. Over the first year, I was able to lose over 75lbs and have been able to keep the weight off with the continued help and support of Amir.

Amir focuses on form and tailors the workout to your ability as well as your goals. He is always positive, encouraging, tough but fair, and works on what you CAN do and NOT what you can’t do. Amir was knowledgeable and had the expertise to help me get the results that I wanted.  Furthermore, Amir was invested in my success and helped me achieve my goals and so much more. I started off being barely able to run a minute, but now I have run a few 5Ks and 10Ks! I was unable to do a pushup or a few sit-ups, but now I am strong and able to lift all kinds of weights and even kettlebells.  Furthermore, now am not afraid to try new exercise classes and have tried everything from yoga to TRX to spinning. I am able to do all these physical activities because of Amir encouraging me as well as challenging me.

I am happy with my results and continue to workout and love how I am never bored when training with Amir.  Just when I think I have mastered an exercise, Amir will change it up and make it just a little harder to push me even more.  Amir makes the workouts fun and as well as efficient and effective. Training with Amir has completely changed my life for the better: I am happier, healthier, have more energy and a new found confidence.  I highly recommend Amir to anyone looking for an outstanding and expert personal trainer.

Rebecca S - Owner, Out of Sight Designs - graphic design

"I've been training at Thrive for over 2 years and while I've gained muscle and lost some weight, the biggest improvement has been to my mental health. During my workouts I don't think about anything else but the goal I'm trying to reach whether it's 8 dead lifts, a 2 minute plank, or a 360 lb sled push! I always leave the gym in a better mood then when I got there and I always feel like I've accomplished something even if I didn't reach my goal. I know I'll keep working on it with my trainers and get there! My success at Thrive has given me the confidence to compete in four sprint triathlons this year and I'm already thinking about my fitness goals for next season."

Jason S

I committed to training with Master Trainer and Owner of Thrive Fitness; Amir Rad on 4/13/18. Through Amir’s training leadership and proven ability to create success, I was able to “Thrive” under our joint commitment and strong work ethics. I started my assessment & training sessions with acute left shoulder pain, lower back, and left hip pain, in addition to underdeveloped flexibility and mobility. I was also on medication for high blood pressure. After 3 months of training with Amir - 2 days a week, and following his recommended eating, stretching, and training schedule on my own time, the results are clearly proven, and speak for themselves: Shoulder, hip, and back pain are gone, flexibility is at an all time high for me, and I have not needed chiropractic care since I began Amir’s stretching regiment. I reduced my body fat by -10%, and lost 26 lbs. of body weight. I was able to gain over +4 lbs. of lean muscle, and am proud to say that I am completely off the high blood pressure medicine. I highly recommend Thrive Fitness to anyone looking to improve quality of life, overall health, and total fitness.

Drew P - Enrepreneur, Commercial Realtor

The ABSOLUTE best training in Ann Arbor! Amir has a solid foundation to help you reach any of your fitness goals. My flexibility, strength, and mental toughness have never been better. I could not recommend Amir and his staff high enough!

Amir has been instrumental in helping to improve my strength and mental toughness by setting small but reachable goals over time. I now do this small thing in my business. He is the real deal. He has helped me and he can help you.

Austin R

I initially decided to seek out a personal training gym as an alternative to martial arts, after failing to find a local school that I felt was a good fit for me and my admittedly quirky personality. After my first session with Amir at Thrive, I knew I had found the perfect place for me.

My desire to begin a physical fitness regimen wasn't centrally focused on weight loss or changing my body, but more so as a means to release frustrations in a healthy and productive way, as well as learn to manage anxiety that had become a serious damper on my overall well-being. Nothing else had worked for me when it came to stress management, so I made the decision to seriously devote myself to my training and put my faith in Amir as my instructor.

Now, nearly 7 years after starting my journey at Thrive, I can say that I'm a much more relaxed, balanced person. I have more energy, more focus in every facet of my life, and I feel more capable when it comes to facing day-to-day challenges that would have previously sent me into an anxiety spiral. I firmly believe that sticking to a fitness routine and increasing my physical strength has made a dramatic difference in helping me to feel stronger emotionally and maintain better control of such things, which was something I had almost given up on prior to beginning my training. Physical fitness has become one of the most fundamental parts of my life thanks to my time at Thrive, and has given me the type of confidence that I believe only comes from watching your own hard work translate to success. I wouldn't be the person I am today without Thrive.

Tony H

For most of my adult life, I've been pretty much a regular in the fitness community.  It started even asa kid, when I first began playing sports, and has continued throughout my adult life.  To me, getting in some form of rigorous physical activity every day is as important as my career and family.  It provides me much satisfaction and sense of accomplishment - the one thing I do to myself that's entirely for myself.  However, some things had to change as I got a little older.  A shift in focus was needed. Always going for heavier weights and personal bests was great in my 20s and 30s.  It wasn't bad even well into my 40s. But, like the miles you put on your car, there's a cost.  Tires wear out. Brakes need replaced. For me, it was hip and back surgeries that finally got the point across.  I always worked out hard, but I didn't always work out smart. Amir's instruction on functional strength training and cardio-resistance techniques has completely changed the way I exercise.  No more piles of weights and rows of weight machines.  Now most of my training is done with straps, ropes, balls, boxes, dumbbells, kettle bells, and other creative movements using just the weight of my own body.  No less intense and far less injurious.  And I'm in as good of shape today as I was 20 years ago. So I'd just like to say I'm very thankful for Amir's friendship as well as his dedication to improving the lives of others.  He's not only a great trainer, but an excellent mentor for how to be successful in all aspects of one's life.

Travis B - Owner, Warrior Design and Construction 

I really didn't have a plan or thought I need one. I was ok with what I had become and so was my wife. A buddy of mine asked me if I wanted to work out with him. I use to work out in high school and college but hadn't in a while. It started that simply and improvement was there but mild. Then my friend quit working out with me after about 2 years from when we started. I spent 6 months working out on my own, but no one to push me. Then my wife introduced me to Amir Rad. I only met with him once a week, but he would give me "homework" to do between sessions. The next thing I knew I was addicted. He was pushing and shaping me like never before. I wanted to improve not only because he wanted me to, but because I wanted to. What else could I improve? I wanted to change my career next. Since then I have regularly set goals and smashed them, inside and outside of the gym. I now own my own construction company, dropped two pants sizes, and have never been stronger in my life. Mentally, physically, and spiritually. Investing time with Amir is investing time in yourself. Wait until you see what you can really become! He will find and bring it out of you. Trust the process.

Gabi A

I had a training session with Amir for the first time today, and he is beyond amazing. He is insanely knowledgable and motivational, not to mention very kind and fun to work with! He knows what he's doing, as do all of the other trainers, and Thrive is definitely the best place to go if you want to be in a better physical and mental state. I highly recommend this gym to anyone, no matter your fitness level or age. You might (will) get sore, but you won't regret coming here.

Sarah O - FBI Special Agent

Did the measurements we performed on you at Thrive help continuously motivate you to set new goals and achieve them? Did measuring your progress help keep you on track?Checking in w/ my body fat percentage put a clear number to my starting point and helped put where I wanted to go in a clear perspective. Has your overall quality of life improved? If so, how? Physical image? Mental health? Did you get rid of any bad habits? Have your energy levels improved?Amir's dieting advice to me was en pointe! I am someone who needs structure, so having clear caloric restrictions, feeding times and general guidelines for macros really helped me.Have you become better at setting goals and achieving them? Do you rarely use excuses when it comes to reaching your goals?I am someone who has worked out or done sports almost her entire life and I get bored very easily. Amir's consultation helped me change up my routine and get me out of a rut of the same exercises. I've seen my strength increase and my body fat go down, after changing up the way I workout and eat. Additional Comments:I think the best thing about Amir's training is that it is practical, in that you can do it almost anywhere, it is easy to understand, but man, it is TOUGH. If you are bored with workouts, then stop by Thrive and get back to progress! I think one of the things for me at Thrive is that it always challenges me. If I don't get challenged by a workout, then what's the point?

Renee B - Director of Finance

My return to being more fit came after college, two c-sections, and many years of a desk job. My original goal was to be fit enough to carry a third pregnancy, have more energy to chase the kids, and fit into some of those old clothes. I had several co-workers going to Thrive for boot camp with Amir and they invited me along. Amir and the trainers at Thrive have been able to help me drop weight, tone, and build confidence I was lacking. I have been able to achieve things in the gym in my mid thirties I never would have thought of trying in my twenties. I look at exercise and food different now as food should fuel your body to do what you want to do and exercise is a great form of stress relief. I am thankful for Thrive and the routine I have built into my life.

Thrive on, Renee Barrington

Arjun S - Entrepreneur, music producer

My entire life, I always struggled with weight loss. 

However, thanks to my dear friend Amir, those days are finally gone.

What separates Amir from other trainers is his deep understanding of the following: self sufficiency. 

He understands the importance of a trainer needing to train themselves out of one’s life.

This quality, is more about training the mental than the physical, and it is the fundamental reason I am able to maintain a healthy body & progress on my own today. 

It is also the crux of what makes him special. 

Building a sense of independence in one’s students is the hallmark of a great teacher, mentor, and leader.

Today it sometimes seems as if everyone is a trainer. One glance on Instagram and there seems to be no end of account names ending in “fit”. 

However, Amir is not a trainer. He is a teacher, and he has taught me how to own my health and well-being for the rest of my life. 

Zach W - Founder of Gamer’s for Giving, Gamer’s Outreach, Forbes 30 under 30, CNN Hero

I'm proud to have known Amir as a classmate, teammate, trainer, and friend. Over the years, I've watched Amir transform himself into a world class athlete and fitness professional. In the process, he's changed the lives of countless others - including my own. Amir is a self-made entrepreneur with a genuine desire to help every person reach their fullest potential. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he's one of the rare individuals who authentically lives by example. Amir has inspired me to prioritize fitness, and my quality of life has vastly improved because of it. I hope you'll enjoy learning from his experiences, and dedicate yourself to living the THRIVE lifestyle. 

Helina M

Training with Amir and his team at Thrive has completely changed my attitude toward fitness. Years ago, I was involved in a serious car accident that left me with some long-term injuries and I never thought that I would be able to regain the kind of strength and muscle that I have since starting at Thrive. Within the first month, I was already seeing results and this motivated me stay consistent. Amir and his team created an exercise program that challenged me while still working around my physical limitations. Even though I don’t train at Thrive regularly anymore, I’ve taken everything I learned there and continue to stay consistent with exercising on my own. I’ve become more disciplined and dedicated to maintaining my health and will continue to push myself to reach new goals. I’ve re-gained confidence in my own physical strength and I owe it to Amir and Thrive!

Terry D - IT Director and DJ

I began my journey with Thrive over 4 years ago when I was close to 275 lbs. at 6ft tall.  What first inspired me is seeing the owner who doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks the walk in every aspect of fitness, mind, and nutrition.  In a short amount of time (6 months), I went from 275 with 29% body fat, down to 205 with 13% body fat. I won’t say those 6 months weren’t filled with hard work; but not as hard as one would think.  Each week Amir came to the table with new exercises to make it fun...did I say fun? I meant fun-ish, as he definitely pushed me when I needed it to make sure I hit the goals we set. That’s why I wanted a trainer though, if it was easy I’d have dropped the 70 lbs. on my own.  Results motivate for sure, but a good trainer keeps your motivation focused on the end goal even when results slow down. A better trainer, who trains the Thrive way, never lets your results slow down and pushes you to reach your goals! 

I couldn’t be happier with my results.  I’ve lowered my weight and body fat, increased my muscle mass and overall my stress level have decreased.  More importantly confidence levels have increased. My before and after pictures speak for themselves! Don’t just survive, THRIVE!

Scott B - Owner of PSMI, supply chain management, 3d printing

“After playing competitive football, completing triathlons, and training for cage fights I thought I knew how to work out. Since training with Amir for 2 years now, I realized I knew nothing. My archaic knowledge of fitness training I had done for so many years was actually hurting my body, especially as I have gotten older. Amir has taught me a lot more flexibility, expanded my athleticism, and working muscles I didn't realize existed. Having someone to motivate you not only by the time commitment, but by example through his fit and healthy lifestyle keeps a consistent fitness regimen in my schedule.”

Cathy C - Teacher

Amir has been my personal trainer since Thrive opened in 2012.  He is an amazing trainer that listens to my personal fitness goals. He develops training sessions and a nutrition program that help me be feel and look my best. He is constantly changing them to meet my needs.  I have had several injuries over the years (skiing etc.). Amir does an excellent job of modifying my workouts to prevent further injury and maintain my fitness goals while my body heals. Working out at Thrive has helped me reduce stress and motivates me to workout harder. I am in the best physical shape ever. Amir encourages me to stay healthy and keep improving. His training sessions are good for the mind and body. After each workout, I truly feel that I am thriving! I am enjoying the benefits of being healthy and fit! Thank you Thrive!!

Chris K

"Personally, fitness has helped me gain confidence in the workforce and in my everyday lifestyle. The day I walked in to see Amir, I weighed more than I ever have and I knew there was a problem. Simultaneously, I felt that I was already strong enough to endure any workout. Amir proved me wrong. I knew I had to put in time and effort into my fitness plan and I knew I couldn’t do it alone. Through rigorous workouts, Amir has pushed me beyond my limits. Did it hurt? Yes. Did I feel good? Absolutely! Slowly, I was starting to see results of weight loss and I was getting stronger. Each week, Amir had set goals for me. If I didn’t hit them, we’d try again. As I continued to hit my weekly goals, the more motivated I became. These results were put into action when I travelled to Greece over the summer. I looked great in new clothes and had the energy levels to hike the mountains, which I did. With Amir’s voice in my head, I had the mental strength to control my eating habits and eat healthy amongst the amazing food within my reach. One of the great things about seeing Amir is the knowledge he imparts along the way. Amir has taught me creative workouts that I can do outside of the gym and has introduced me to better foods that I didn’t know I loved. Fitness and proper nutrition has given me better mental health, allowed me to engage in conversations, and has helped me find common interest amongst friends and strangers. It’s amazing what happens when you stick to something!"

Melissa T

“I don’t believe in personal training.” This was a very common statement I often said to myself and out loud to my husband.  I always thought why go to a personal trainer when you can do it on your own. It wasn’t until my husband, who is a client of Thrive Fitness, pushed me VERY HARD to complete an assessment with personal trainer Alexus Pace.  I went into Thrive with very little expectations and a very crappy attitude of “this is not going to work for me.” I was 5 months postpartum from having my first child, in which I gained 45 pounds throughout the 9 months of pregnancy.  My assessment was rough to say the least. I realized not only pregnancy took a toll on my body, but age was too. 

It wasn’t until my 6-week assessment of working out I finally thought “wow personal training is absolutely amazing.” I saw results on my body that I haven’t seen since my early 20’s.  Then I realized it wasn’t just results on my body, but my mind and soul too. Now I was hooked! At 8 months postpartum I was down to pre-pregnancy weight and was toned in places I had never been toned before.  I had never felt so good in my life. My outlook on personal training had completely shifted and I finally understood why my husband raved so much about it. I didn’t realize I needed that one-on-one coaching to get back in shape and Thrive delivered!   

Thrive has changed my life in so many ways and has taught me to be healthy for not only myself but for my husband and kids as well.  Thrive trainers are always challenging me inside the gym with their outrageous and variety of obstacles and outside of the gym with their nutritional guidance.  I’m less tired with working out, have more energy with my kids, and feel so good about myself. I am now 5 months postpartum from my second child and working towards new goals with my trainer to again get me back in shape and stronger than before.

It can be such a struggle to begin a fitness journey and I was so nervous before but Thrive makes it so easy.  Thrive fitness welcomes you no matter what challenges you’re facing and makes a promise to you that your goals will be reached.  Thrive fitness goes above and beyond with their knowledge of fitness, physical and mental health and injuries. Now I have shifted from “what’s the point of personal training” to “there’s no other way to train!”  So, thanks to Thrive and the entire staff for changing my life for the better! Thrive on!!

Sincerely,

Melissa Taylor           

Paul A - Entrepreneur and Engineer

Amir helped me with my physical strength as well as my mental strength, the latter being on of the most essential elements in my being able to complete the climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Another thing that he greatly helped me overcome was in my chronic lower back pain by improving the strength in both my back and core. Another plus being that my daughter’s been trying to punch my stomach for years, never being able to succeed.

Bethany S

Thrive has helped me accomplish some fitness and competitive goals I had this summer.   Due to a knee issue I can't log as many miles as I'd like to anymore. I've had to reduce my weekly mileage quite a bit.   I like to compete in road races and triathlons and bike races. However, it's a challenge to get long bikes rides in during the work week.  I needed to "change it up." I knew I also needed to work on core and upper body strength and find a new way to push myself; instead of running or biking long distances. I find it boring to work core areas and repetitive floor strengthening exercises by myself, (I give up after about 10 minutes!) I enjoy the camaraderie that a Thrive session invokes.   Amir is low key, but present and constantly offers tips and corrections as needed. I like that during an hour session you get a complete workout and it's fun, since everyone around you is working hard and going through the same workout. We are many different ages and every single workout is different.  My favorite exercise is dragging the weights across the pads while in a crouching position and pushing the weight slide back and forth. I learned I could jump up on a block too! Amir helps you try new things. The hardest exercise for me is running for a minute really fast on an incline! But it helps me in race situations, I can usually pass people on the up hill now.  I can't run fast downhill anymore, so I needed a new strategy. I also like to rock climb and it has definitely helped me there!  I don't compete, I climb for fun, but feel stronger on the wall. I am 54 but I still like to push myself and try to get better.  Thrive has helped me. I competed in two triathlons this summer and felt great!  My increased upper body strength and core stability helped me all three events; swimming, biking and running.  I won my age group! I also ran a personal best of 7:18 in a mile race as well. I feel comfortable at Thrive, everyone is supportive and serious at the same time, so it's perfect.   We get down to business.

I have been a distance runner for 35 years, and when a glute/hamstring injury sidelined me almost a year ago, I began strength training with Amir at Thrive.  I am now injury-free and running again (thanks to Amir), but I will continue to train at Thrive because I have become so much stronger and more balanced. The work I am doing at Thrive is making me a much stronger runner, and even though I have always been fit, I look and feel much less gaunt and much more muscular.

James K - Nurse Practitioner

While running in the snow this past year, I rolled my ankle, re-injuring an old ankle injury,

and subsequently developed a small meniscus tear. I attempted to rehabilitate myself over

the course of the next 6 months. However, I fell back into old habits. Poor nutrition, work-

life stress, and inability to run left me in a bad place. When finally I felt confident to run

again, I rolled my ankle within minutes of leaving my house. This time, I rolled it so severly

that I nearly face-planted. I strained my ankle, knee and hip. I knew I needed help. I’d

undergone extensive physical therapy and training after having suffered a hip fracture 5

years before. Being no stranger to physical therapy, I felt I was in need of something more,

but didn’t know where to look. My local running store gave me Amir’s card, mentioned

they’d done some clinics with him, and that I should check him out. I had stopped into

several other gyms before meeting Amir. Those gyms offered the typical gym routines.

Then I stopped into Thrive. Within minutes of meeting and talking with Amir I knew I was

in the right place. Amir’s quiet positivity was infectious and he himself was clear evidence

that if you were willing to follow him, the possibilities were limitless. Six weeks later, I’d

dropped 6 lbs., 6% body fat, and put on 5 lbs. of muscle. Most importantly, I’m running better

than I did before breaking my hip, my ankle feels bullet proof, and I am truly thriving. Amir

has changed my life. For this, I am eternally grateful.