Testimonials

Andrea Arroyo-Nieves
Financial Assistant Manager, Van Cortlandt Cooperative Federal Credit Union

I began training with Will the last week in September of 2008. I was approximately 218 lbs, my body fat percentage was close to 40%, and I could barely carry my 30lb three year old son at the time. It’s almost been 5 months and when last checked my body fat percentage was at 34.2% and my weight was down to 193lbs. Not only can I now carry my son with ease, but I can press him over my head (which he loves) and swing him like a kettlebell and not even break a sweat in doing so! I look better, feel stronger, and my self-confidence has definitely increased.

My favorite part of this program is the challenge and the camaraderie. I believe the group atmosphere helps me thrive and has been a huge part of my success. The group is very supportive and it’s extremely important to have that type of encouragement especially during a difficult workout. There’s a competitive feeling in the air but it’s all in good fun and sportsmanship. And even though I'm in a group, I get plenty of personal attention. If I'm slacking on technique, Will is there in a flash to instruct me. If I feel you can’t go on, he is right there with words of encouragement to help get me through it. He is there... there is just no escaping him even if tried!

To those who want to join but are too intimidated to pick up the phone, It IS as hard as it looks. But with a great trainer and even greater determination on your part, you CAN do it. When I first started I was intimidated. By everything! But one thing in particular...push-ups. I loathe push-ups! I could barely do three on my knees when I first started, but as of today I can do twenty. Twenty regular push-ups! I never thought I would be able to do half of the things I do now which is a big plus for my ego. The intimidation factor is still there for me with newly introduced workouts; but not in the same way as before. I see new workouts as a challenge and I push myself to rise above it. Even if I don’t complete a workout in "good time", as long as I complete it, is all that matters.

Nothing I’ve done before can even come close to this. I’ve trained at several area gyms in the past and it would be the same routine over and over... aerobics classes, belly-dancing classes, trainers that trained you on machines that practically do the work for you. What benefits did I receive sitting on a stationery bike pedalling away or walking on a treadmill for 40 minutes while watching TV? None! Sure there was some weight loss, sure my body firmed up a bit, but I couldn't do a push-up or run around a track without collapsing.

To be perfectly honest, I would never push myself this hard on my own, I give up too easily. Which is why I need a trainer like Will. I need that motivator in my life, I need that someone who will teach me the right way on how to go about conditioning my body for maximum results, even if it means I will hate him some days; I need him, I need this program. I would never go back to a gym like Ballys or Lucille Roberts, because I know better now. I don't need to waste 3 hours a day on an aerobics class, strength training class, and on the treadmill when I can accomplish it all in a 15 to 30 minute WOD with nothing more than a mat, jump rope, and kettlebell. Why go back to that when I have the best? His name is William Harris!


Claire Guilette
Office Services Manager

I have been training at RSFC with Will for almost 6 months now. The results have been amazing; I am in the best shape of my life! I have decreased my body fat percentage, toned up, become stronger and healthier overall than I have ever been before. I have been a gym member for the past 15 years and have never worked out like I do with Will. I have done classes, machines everything you can imagine and never have I received results like I see today.

When I first started I was intimidated by almost everything. Honestly I was really scared. I didn't know if I could handle the workouts and I had never even heard of a kettlebell! I am really uncoordinated and would never consider myself athletic, but Will was so patient while teaching me proper techniques and his support and encouragement have made me confident in the workouts now.

The best thing about this program is the expert training and positive energy that I receive from Will. He will never let me give up (as much as I may try) and he will push me until I complete the workout. The classes are varied, challenging, dynamic, and every day is a new challenge! Also, the group is really fantastic. Everyone is so supportive and we really have fun together. Everyone at RSFC is really positive and a lot of fun. We all seem to challenge and support each other daily. For me, this type of encouragement makes me want to push myself further than I think I can. You can’t really get any of that from a regular gym. Will truly cares about each of us in the group. He will always take the time during or after a workout to work with us individually on our form and technique. I feel fortunate to have found such an expert trainer who is so knowledgeable.

I began RSFC because I am getting married and wanted to look great in my dress like every other bride to be. I never expected to see such amazing results! Will has been a wonderful trainer and mentor to me and I am so thankful for him! The end result...I look better, I feel better, and I have more energy and I owe it all to Will! Thanks for kicking my butt!

And to those of you on the outside looking in: anybody that is willing to work hard can do this. It is the best thing that I have ever done for myself and you will absolutely love the program.


Patricia Brünig
Hudson Health Plan Inc.

I started working with William in October 2008 with my friend Claire just for fun and to keep her company. After a couple of weeks I realized that this was the best work out I have ever done. I really like to train with William because he transmits his energy to me and he makes sure to give attention to each individual. If I am doing something and I start giving up Will stands next to me until I get it done. No matter how long it takes he is always there for me.

I've belonged to different “fitness clubs” along the years and it was money going to the garbage; my body never looked like this. No one should be intimidated by what we do here, anyone can do this. The only two things you need are dedication and determination.

In the beginning I was a little nervous about lifting weights and doing a lot of new exercises, but my body got used to it. When I started I was not able to do one push up, and when it was time to do the “Turkish get up” it was like learning another language for me! I couldn’t even get up holding a water bottle. Now I am able to do numerous repetitions holding a 20lb Kettlebell with no problem!

I have been working out 6 days a week since the beginning of February and I can see the difference in my body. I love my arms! Working with the group is a big help, sometimes we get competitive but there is nothing wrong with some competition. It pushes me to be better!

Will is always there for everyone in the group. He works with all of us at the same time and he gives attention to each and everyone. I really like working with him. Even though it all started for fun now, RSFC is part of my daily routine and I am planning to continue doing it for a long long time!


Tom Chartier

I’ve been a member of the Amalgamated Fitness Center since its inception ten years ago. I worked out twice a day for a total of one and one-half hours a day, six days a week. Since I joined the RSFC, I’m almost ready to relinquish my Fitness Center membership. Why? For several reasons. At sixty-five, my body knows that I’m not a kid anymore (although my mind tells me something entirely different). Still, I can get more benefit from one of our thirty minute workouts than I can from my previous regimen. Perhaps the biggest advantage that this program has to offer is the presence of a certified trainer.

While the need for older people (alright, that’s me) to use some weights while exercising is well-documented, I didn’t start to do weight training until I was in my mid-fifties. Like many of us I had absolutely no knowledge of the proper technique to use. As a result, I injured myself several times. Here, we initially spend more time on learning and mastering technique and form than in doing the actual exercises. Will starts us with very light weight and builds to each individual’s capacity. You won’t be afraid to exercise because of a fear of getting hurt simply because you don’t know how to do it properly. You’ll learn to do it the right way. You’ll learn to do it better.

That’s the beauty of having someone who’s properly trained to lead a group of this nature. Can’t do a particular exercise because of a bad back, aching knee, or sore shoulder (yes, that’s me again)? You’ll be given a comparable exercise that you will be able to do in place of it.

We come in all ages, from 13 to 65 (guess who?). There are different programs of various difficulty, with each exercise geared to your ability. It’s a supportive atmosphere. Rather than compete with one another, members encourage one another. You know yourself that it’s always more fun when you do something in a group.

Still, for me there’s yet another reason why I’m so enthusiastic about this particular program. The measure of success that I use is supported by my cardiologist. I’ve had three nuclear stress tests since my heart attack and triple bypass surgery at the age of 53…twelve years ago. I learned that there are three main benchmarks in a stress test; degree of exertion, duration of exertion and time needed to recover your normal pulse rate from exertion. I exceeded thresholds one and two on all three test occasions; however, four years ago it took me six minutes to recover from the exertion. Last month it took me less than three minutes! And I’m four years older! Full recovery in less than half the time! The only change in my lifestyle that I can attribute this to is my participation in this program.

Have I become a “RSFC groupie”? What do you think? Come and watch the workout and make up your own mind.