Gary Schlotterer

Programs: 5:45AM Classes and Personal Training

“I must admit that I was reluctant to join SYNC Studio from the beginning.  Although I knew many of the people who played a role in opening the studio, I was doing just fine with my workout routine at another local athletic club.  I am a 50 year old guy who has always stayed in relatively good shape by routinely getting up at 5 am and going to the gym 5 days per week for the last 25 years.  It’s just part of my daily routine, it is who I am.  My workout routine has certainly evolved over the years and I have done everything including weight lifting, basketball, step aerobics, water aerobics, swimming, Pilates, yoga, and spinning among other things.  I was even a group fitness instructor for a couple of those years at the YMCA.  I never used a personal trainer because I always thought that most folks who used a trainer were paying that person to be their personal motivator.  Motivation to get to the gym has never been my problem and I also thought that my years of experience gave me about as much knowledge as most of the personal trainers I knew.

That brings me to how I got started at SYNC.  My old gym hired a personal trainer/group fitness instructor and I took three classes each week taught by this instructor and was blown away by how good she was at motivating everyone in the class, and by her knowledge of the human body and how muscles function, and nutrition.  My workouts were getting better and my results were improving and I was sure it was because of this instructor’s classes. Then SYNC Studio hired my favorite group fitness instructor and my old gym was no longer good enough for me.  Yes, I got spoiled by Leigh Ann Yeager at my old gym and followed her to SYNC.  Since then I have also started a personal training regimen with Leigh Ann and I have been very pleased with my results.  I am not a ‘typical’ client of Leigh Ann’s, if there is such a thing.  She trains lots of female fitness and figure competitors and other women whose main goals are to lose weight and to ‘look better naked’.  LA and I sat down and talked about my fitness goals.  My main goal was to be able to hit the golf ball farther!  She developed a total body workout routine that emphasized the three things that are important to launching that little white ball into mini-orbit: core strength, core flexibility, and balance.  Now I routinely out-drive many of my younger golf buddies and there seems to be no limit to the amount of joy this brings me.  And, as an added bonus, my wife thinks I look better naked!

My experience with SYNC has been 100% positive, especially compared to my old gym.  Even though my routine only includes Leigh Ann’s classes, every time LA has had to get a sub that person has been better than any of the regular instructors at my old gym, by far.  SYNC Studio is also much more sensitive to the needs of their members.  My old gym had a suggestion box that I routinely put suggestions in but rarely got answers back.  SYNC seems to solve small problems even before I realize there IS a problem.  At SYNC they think that if I’m happy I’ll send my friends.  At my old gym they tried to get me to send my friends by enticing me with chances to win a mountain bike, or flat screen TV.  As a small business owner in the service industry, I believe the SYNC business model of making sure your current customers’ expectations are exceeded and they will gladly send you new customers is the best.”

Debbie Russell

Programs: SYNCCYCLING, Yoga

My experience at SYNCSTUDIO started as I continued to drive by every time I went to Starbucks in the summer of 2010.  I would hear the yelling coming out of SYNC but not sure what was going on there.  I saw a bunch of bikes & thought this could be something I could do, but being the procrastinator that I am I blew it off.  One Sunday I stopped by & met April at the desk & chit chatted about what SYNCSTUDIO was about.  I shared with her my concerns of going somewhere where all the members are a size 2 & I’m a size 22, that there would not be any large people in class, that I couldn’t keep up.  April assured me that ALL sizes come to SYNCSTUDIO & are welcomed.  She told me about the first free class & how that would be a good way to try out spin class.

Even after I spoke with April I blew off going to SYNC because I still felt uncomfortable with the idea of spin.  Probably about 2-3 weeks later one of the covering physicians at my job, Cristina Gasparetto, was working on my floor.  I told her about SYNCSTUDIO & how I wanted to try spin class.  She was extremely encouraging!  She said “Oh you should go!  They are my friends!  You will enjoy it.”  (Accent in ItalianJ) She stopped rounding on the patients & made me sign up for class right there.  She helped me get to the website, helped me login & sign up for my very first spin class.

Well, Ashley knows my first day of class was very traumatizing!  I believe this was in September 2010.  The fat girl was in the front row & thought she was going to die.  You don’t know how bad I wanted to walk out in the middle of the class but I was too embarrassed to walk out from the front row.  I had 3 goals that day: 1. Stay on the bike 2. Don’t throw up  3. Don’t walk out in the middle of class.  I managed all 3, that’s all I can say about that class.

To be honest, I don’t know why I came back other than Ashley, Lynn & Miss Ruth.  The encouragement I got from those 3 made me feel good about myself & I thought maybe this is something I can stick with & commit to.  I wanted a place that was all about me taking care of myself & SYNCSTUDIO provided it.  The community atmosphere at SYNC is fantastic!  Words cannot express how encouraging everyone is at SYNC.  There are days when I wanted to quit, trust me, but then I get to class & I feel like I have my own personal cheering section going “You can do it!”  When my day is going crappy, spin is the highlight of my day!  Even if I’m not scheduled for any classes I want to just sit on the bench by the counter & be in the “presence” of all the employees & students who attend SYNC.  The positive vibe that everyone gives off is intoxicating.

I must admit, I have become a bit addicted to spin class.  I’m still working on how I feel about yoga, but as Christine reminds me, it’s just like spin, I have to keep at yoga in order to feel comfortable doing it.  Every time I take the SYNC Combo Basics/Yoga class I think about what Christine said.  To be honest, my life has changed for the better since attending SYNC.  No, I have not lost any weight nor has my body habitus changed a bit, but what has changed is me on the inside.  I’m seeing life in a positive way.  I see how important it is to invest time in myself, in order to move forward in life.  My thoughts are open & I’m thoroughly enjoying everyone I come in contact with at SYNC.  It’s now May 2011 & I have only missed classes due to being out of town or being sick.  Well, that’s a lie.  I have missed 2 classes since September because I just didn’t feel like it.  But hey, 2 out of the many have attended isn’t so bad. Currently I continue to attend all the SYNC Basics spin class.  I continue to press forward with yoga and I will continue to attend SYNCSTUDIO for as long as they will be open and for as long as they will have me.

Lauren Parker

Programs: SYNCCYCLING, SYNCCOMBO, Yoga, 5:45AM Classes

As a former dancer, I had no idea how to keep myself fit without dancing. I would take classes, but once a week wasn’t enough to keep me going. After many failed attempts at getting on the workout wagon, this former dancer sat. I sat and I saw my body change. I was discouraged and unsure what to do about it until one day my sister said, “hey come to yoga with me.”

One day in June 2010, I stepped on my mat to see what I could do. Christine greeted us, “Namaste,” and off we went. I was expecting some sounds of waterfalls and gongs but I was surprised by “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough.” What?! Micheal Jackson in yoga? I can get down with this, and I did. I sweat my way through an hour and a half of yoga. I haven’t looked back.

My favorite class when I first started was Sunday Music Power Flow. I was pushed mentally and physically, plus the music just made me want to move. I every time I was in that class, I wanted to try harder and do more. I tried my first spin class with Ashley and was hooked on SYNCCYCLING.  Dancing on a bike? Again, I could get down with this, and I did.  Now, I love all of the classes. Everything from Rock the Band to Cycle + Sculpt to Deep Stretch, it’s a great way to start and end my day.

Before SYNCSTUDIO, I was one of those people on an elliptical hoping for the best but not really knowing how to get the results I wanted. Since joining the SYNC Community in June 2010, I’ve become more committed to myself. Instead of seeing this as working out, I see it as the chunk of time I have to do something for myself. Over the year, my body’s changed (hello, shoulders!) and I’m 25 lbs lighter. The biggest change though, is that I get out of bed for the 5:45am classes.  I’m not a morning person. Repeat, I’m not a morning person, but I know if I don’t start at SYNC, the rest of the day is just going to drag.

When people ask me, how do you get up that early to go workout? What is so special about this gym that you’re there everyday? First off it’s not a gym. It’s a community of dedicated, caring and pretty awesome instructors and members.  Everyone there is there for the same reason – to carve out space and time in their day to do something for them. It’s this group of people that will come together to plan something special for their instructors. It’s this group of instructors that will work with you if you are building a challenging pose, tell you to add resistance when they know you can do more, and make sure you add that extra resistance band.  In short they push you because they believe you can do it and in return, you believe you can.

It’s my version of Cheers.  SYNC is where everyone knows your name and by the end of class, no matter your mood or what happened during your day, you’re so glad you came. It’s what makes it special and unique and why I keep coming back.

Katie Thornsvard

Programs: SYNCCYCLING

I’d like to say my story is unique, but actually it’s a familiar one to many women. I am a woman in her 40’s who was fit and fabulous through her mid-20’s and then life, stress, and failed relationships took their toll. I’d been depressed that I let myself get so out of shape, put on so much weight, and failed miserably at turning things around despite repeated attempts. Then, about a year and a half ago, I started experiencing a tightness in my chest at night. I figured it was probably just stress, but worried that I was on my way to a heart attack. I didn’t want to go to the doctor and have him tell me I did this to myself so I ignored it, but it was always in the back of my mind. Not a very smart thing to do, but that’s how denial works.

After a few months of ignoring it, I was driving through the shopping center and saw construction across from Moe’s and a sign that said “SyncStudio – Yoga, Indoor Cycling, Personal Training”. I went home, searched for a website, saw that SyncStudio was opening on April 5th, and signed up immediately.  Then, I anxiously counted down the 3 weeks until they opened and showed up on the first day ready to make changes in my life.

I’ve been taking SyncCycling classes for over a year now. I’ve been a chronic insomniac for years and, while my insomnia is not gone, the SyncCycling classes have helped me get a better night’s sleep. When I started cycling, I had to sit during much of the class, but now a year later, I can mostly keep up with the instructors. I’ve lost 20 pounds and kept it off. Lately, I’ve upped the intensity and can tell more weight is peeling off, but I’m staying off the scale for now.  And, most importantly, I’m happy to report that I haven’t had the tightness in my chest in over a year.

There are so many things I love about SyncStudio, but I think my favorite has to be how personally invested the instructors are in my success. I love that they know me by name, recognize when I’ve been absent for a few days, and tell me they missed me. I love that when I was out with a knee injury, they checked on me constantly. I love that one of the instructors was so in tune with my progress that last week she noticed when I was finally able to do isolations again after months of not being able to because of my injury.  The bottom line is that SyncStudio provides a personal experience that’s worth every cent and that’s what keeps me coming back week after week!

Renee Aquilino

Programs: Participates in just about everything SYNCSTUDIO offers!  Classes, Personal Training, Sports Nutrition, TRX

I started at Sync the first day it opened with the intention of adding Yoga to my Pilates workout schedule. I was quickly fascinated by the red sweaty faces streaming out of the cycle room and immediately signed up for what would be my first “spin” class ever and  the beginning of a fantastic journey into overall well being!  Yoga and Cycle classes quickly turned into a Nutrition Plan from Leigh Ann Yeager and then Personal Training. The next step was mixing up my workouts so I added Sports Conditioning and TRX! I’ve never been one for group fitness activities but that is probably why I’ve never stuck with a workout regime.  I’ve fallen off the wagon more times than I care to count.  I can’t imagine going back to working out alone, the motivation and synergy that comes from a group fitness workout is unparalleled. Knowing you have a community of friends with similar interests and goals provides a great support system and that is what I’ve found at Sync Studio.

Since I started at SyncStudio I’ve lost 29 lbs. but more impressively I’ve lost a total of 27 inches.  Now I can say, at 43 years young (soon to be 44), I’m in the best mental and physical shape of my life!

Donna Parrish

Programs: SYNCCYCLING, SYNCCOMBO

I was introduced to SyncStudio through a Groupon in January.  I was ready for a change in my life and I was seriously interested in getting back in shape.  I did not know that much about Spin or Yoga, but I thought I would give it a shot. I knew that I would have to go out of my comfort zone, but I was committed to fitness and change. I wanted to expand my horizons and attend a variety of classes.  I started with PowerFlow, SyncCycling, Yoga Fusion, Bike and Beer and Cycle+Sculpt. It has completely changed my life! I never imagined how different my life would become.  I began to see physical changes in my body, increased energy levels, spiritual calmness and confidence in my ability to succeed.

The influence the people at Sync would have in my life was underestimated. I did not know at the time, but I was embarking on a journey that would change my life.  The Staff is fully determined and committed in helping you achieve your goals with no judgment.  I have met the most amazing people in ALL of my classes.  They are the most committed, friendly and influential people that I have ever encountered.

My favorite class would be the almighty Beth’s Cycle+Sculpt class.  She pushes me to limits that I never knew I had.  I find that Sync is unique because they provide classes where you to have a complete workout and then they give you the opportunity to socialize and meet your fellow spinners.  I will continue my membership at Sync because it has become a part of my life.  I feel that I would be lost without the great inspiration and friends that I have met through my journey. Great workout +Great friends=Happy Life!

Farnoosh Brock

Blogger, Motivator and Creator at www.prolificliving.com

Programs: SYNCCYCLING, 5:45AM and 7AM Classes.

“That’s it. I am getting back into cycling.” I had made up my mind as I said these words to my husband, Andy, in June of 2010.

I’ve always been health-conscious but I just struggled with finding a cardio program that I seriously loved and when you do not love your cardio, sooner or later, you stop doing your cardio! My power yoga was great but not enough. And I wouldn’t have minded dropping a few pounds to reach my super ideal weight.
One day, I heard about Sync studio and decided to return to cycling after a 9-year gap from my YMCA days. To my happy surprise, he said he’d join me in class. We came to Sync on Monday, June 14^th to attend Ashley’s class. She was as helpful and fun as she is to this day and the studio immediately sat well with both of us.
Class was humbling and don’t even talk about the sprints. The music was fabulous, the vibe and the energy were positive and the mood was fun. On top of that, we were drenched in sweat. We were thrilled with our experience on the bike but also challenged. Needless to say, SyncStudio cycling is nothing like the traditional cycling or spinning that I used to do and I happened to love the new style.

So we came back for seconds and thirds. I have cycled about 160 times before the 1-year anniversary; Andy has been coming too but not as much. He loves it when he does it, has a pair of cycling shoes, and will be back soon. His favorite classes are Ashley’s. Mine are Ashley’s and Leigh Ann’s. I find that combining the SyncStudio style of cycling, mainly Ashley’s classes, with the Leigh Ann style of RPM and more traditional cycling – plus her Monday morning plyometrics class, give me the best overall workout I could ever dream up. It has made me stronger for my yoga classes and helped me get into my dream poses, one little inch at a time. Oh and those few pounds? Gone!

Progress and self-growth have been the bright shining lights along the way in my Sync journey. A lot happens on that bike besides the pedaling. It is a time and a space just for me; the amazing workout benefits aside, my mind takes a vacation from life and returns rejuvenated and refreshed. There is a quality to the nature of the spinning classes here that leaves me wanting more and more. It is a challenge, a struggle, and in fleeting moments, a pain but it’s a pain that precedes immense pleasure and bliss. Self-growth finds you on that bike and whispers sweet things to you when you are close to giving up. It’s a unique and awe-inspiring experience that you will not regret partaking in. Trust me. You won’t!

I remain forever grateful to my Sync family and the vibrant and thriving community that is the heartbeat of Sync Studio.

With all my love to all of you,
Farnoosh (& Andy)!