The following stories you are about to experience are testimonials of some of our clients that have undergone the “5 Month Lean Down” program, which has become Next Level's trademark.
The "Lean Down” is where we take the clients body fat data based on the Biosignature Modultion Technique, measurements, and “before” picture. We monitor their hormones, diet, cardio, and workout schedules; slowly manipulating each variable over a 5 month period. At the end of the 5 month schedule the client receives a professionally guided photo shoot to capture their hard work forever.
The Lean Down is not just dieting; it is a purification process in which the individual removes pollutants from the body. Many times the individual may not only feel and look better, but they discover a whole new way of being - which is what Next Level is all about!

You will also see some testimonials that are about individuals taking their quality of life to the Next Level.  Will you be next?

Chad and Laura along with a great group of incredible trainers changed my life. More than just how I look, but truly changed the quality of my life. I had never been in a gym and never played a sport. I was ready to get fit and healthy for the first time ever... at 43 years old. With some lower back degeneration to deal with, Chad set up a program for the likes of me. I still remember his next appointment that day was with an NBA player proving to me that Next Level is personal training. It's all about me when I'm there. One on one. So I knew I'd get fit, but even I was stunned by the success! See more.
Billy Pilgrim
Billy Pilgrim, LLC
www.BillyPilgrim.Biz

Check out Tricia before she came to Next Level.

I have never considered myself an athlete, but I always tried to stay fit.  I jogged and lifted weights, spending a lot of time at the gym, but wasn’t making much progress.  At the advice of a friend, I sought out Chad, who has been training me twice a week for several years now.  With the expertise and encouragement of Chad, Laura, and the Next Level trainers, I have gained strength, shed body fat, and greatly lowered my stress level.  I have the energy and strength for outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, and skiing without getting sore or injured.    The staff at Next Level love what they do, and their passion and knowledge helped an average person like me (a librarian!) become aware of my physical potential and achieve more than I ever thought possible.   I am 50 now and in the best shape of my life, thanks to Next Level!

The following statement was written by Professor Bud Hirsch before he passed in October of 2006.  In loving memory, we keep his picture up in Next Level; where he has become an inspiration for many of our clients.

I have been working with Chad for 10 years and he is, quite simply, one of the finest teachers I have ever had.  I do intensive weight training under his direction and have progressed to a degree and in ways beyond what I ever could have ever envisioned.  Chad requires a lot, he will not allow his clients to do anything in ignorance; he insists that they learn as well as do so that they can take an active part in managing their own health care.  I have always prided myself on being self-motivated, but Chad has enabled me to accomplish much more than I ever could have on my own.  Most of us , when asked about our best teachers, those who profoundly affected our lives, recall men and women much older than ourselves who shared with us the wisdom of their experience as well as their formal learning.  One of my greatest teachers has been coaching me since the age of 22, younger than many of my students, but he has had a deep, lasting, and positive effect on my life as any of those who gave me my professional training.  He has given me what all great teachers give their students- a different angle of vision, a new way of seeing myself in relation to my environment- to say nothing else, he also helped me achieve the best fitness level of my life!

See Bud before Next Level

In August of 1999, my husband Dennis and I met with Chad Richards for what I thought would be a short term help with an exercise program.  In a couple of weeks I knew that Dennis needed more help than I could ever provide.  As we worked, I realized that I could never know enough to do what Chad was doing for both of us.  With Chad’s help Dennis stayed on his feet as  long as possible and I gained enough strength to keep Dennis in his home, and out of a nursing facility.  Dennis died, but I continue to work with Chad.  I trust Chad to maximize my effort to keep healthy and to stay independent.  As I age (now 70), both are ever more important.
I never have been and never will be an athlete.  We work to maximize day-to-day life.  There have been ups and downs with an illness or two and body malfunctions- a new knee, foot surgeries, an injured shoulder,  an injured back.  I get back to work with Chad as soon as possible because with his help recovery is faster and more complete.  Chad is always encouraging, positive, cheerful, and I trust him to know what works best for me.

I never knew how much of a difference physical fitness can make; Ihave been an athlete my entire life, but it wasn't until I began training at Next Level did I realize that there is so much more to fitness than just running sprints and participating in practice drills. After learning about better nutrition and smarter strength training at Next Level I have ten times more energy than I have ever had and just feel better about my overall health.

See Tiffany's before photo

The results I achieved at Next Level speak volumes about the competence, talent, and commitment of their trainers. Before I came to Next Level I had never held a free weight in my hand.  I felt uncomfortable in my body and out of place at the gym.  The first day I began working out with my trainer, all this started to change.  My trainer met me where I was physically and mentally. Over the course of the last year and a half, he has taught me how to live healthy, encouraged me to work harder and be stronger, challenging me to see and obtain goals I had once thought impossible.  Walking through their doors a little over a year ago has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Next Level has not only transformed my body, they have changed my life.

See Matt's before photo

 I was fat, stressed, tired, ... and disappointed that my perception of myself ...  young for my years, energized, and athletic... did not match how I was living and what I was seeing in the mirror.  So, I decided to do something about it:  I went to Next Level.   Aaron Combs is my trainer.  He is intelligent, caring, and dedicated to supporting me in accomplishing my goals.   Aaron can identify every muscle and a corresponding exercise that will help the body function better and look good.  And, take it from me, he will not let up until that exercise is done correctly and safely.... “Mercy, Aaron!”.  
Aaron’s initial assessment of my eating habits, exercise regimen, and physical strength was eye-opening.  He taught me about maintaining a diet based on the glycemic index, and about what kind of exercise I should be doing:  muscle building and short, high intensity cardio intervals; he taught me that stress, rest, and sleep play a significant role in my success (or failure).  Aaron had me keep a journal of my exercise and eating.  He looked at it every week, praising my progress and suggesting what I could do differently.  It was hard at first, but after a while, I started to see changes in my body and I was hooked.  
Another great support in my journey was that Laura and Chad Richards, the owners, lead Next Level clients on a “lean- down”, starting in January of every year.  They hold group meetings to motivate us and teach us about the science behind increasing fitness and losing fat.  Laura assesses body fat frequently to help us track our progress and her cookbooks help us to implement the diet without feeling deprived.   Aaron teaches a “sprint class” where brave Next Level clients can push towards higher levels of fitness and had fun doing it.  ....I’m not saying that the program is easy, but if you are willing to work hard, your fitness dream will turn into a reality.
I have been living a different life for two years:  I am stronger, healthier, more confident, and feel good in my jeans.  This year and last year, I did the Next Level games.  I pulled and pushed a  truck, flipped tires, pushed a steel sled that was twice my body weight and did an obstacle course.  Of course, you don’t have to do that......everyone is different and everyone’s goals are their own.   That’s what makes Next Level great.  If you are ready and willing, they will help you achieve your goals.  

See Diane's before picture

I was one of those people who thought they were in-shape.  I could easily run 3-4 miles when I wanted, bike a couple of hours on a nice day and ate relatively healthy.  However, I never felt  “fit”.   I would look at those people (you know the ones) who look great in their clothes, are not afraid of the warm weather season coming back around (wearing shorts or heaven forbid a bathing suit), have energy coming out of every pore and when they move you actually see a muscle.  I would look at them and think “that is just not realistic for me without a miracle, different DNA or a time machine”.

Not true!!!  I have, in one year, realized a goal (a dream really) that I had not thought possible for many years. 

I now feel “fit”.  I am physically and mentally stronger, have more energy than ever before, am confident in my clothes (a size that I have NEVER been as an adult!), truly feel great, and even wore a bikini at the lake this year.  My overall health has improved and most importantly, it is something that I feel I can actually sustain with the knowledge I have acquired about nutrition, physical exercise, eating habits, the importance of rest and a changed mental attitude.  I see myself differently now. 

The entire staff of Next Level is one of the most knowledgeable, professional, encouraging and fun group of trainers out there.  They are serious about their work and continue to educate themselves to provide for each of their clients a plan that is uniquely designed for their specific needs.   I train with Aaron Combs and not only is he extremely competent in regard to physical training, but is focused on supporting you balance each aspect of your life to help you obtain your maximum potential. Through his guidance and (a little hard work on my part) I am well on my way to achieving mine. 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Aaron, Chad, Laura, and all the Next Level staff.  You guys are exceptional!!!

See Holly's before picture

I became a professional cyclist in 1999 and just did what I needed to in order to excel as a cyclist for many, many years.  In 2009 I realized that even though I was "strong and race fit as a cyclist" there were many other things that needed the same attention.  I had noticed that my core and posture had weakened considerable, and that I had little strength or coordination for anything other than cycling.  For me, health and fitness were synonyms for who I was and what I wanted to be---beyond the parameters on the bike (healthy and strong). 

I spent a long time researching gyms and personal trainers, but Next Level rose far and beyond everything else I had ever seen in the USA or Europe.  Laura has been my personal trainer for 2 plus years. The results I have achieved to date are largely due to Laura's perfect combination of diverse training methods, individualized exercise programs & challenging yet achievable goal setting. Her professionalism, extensive knowledge and enthusiastic commitment to her work, and ultimately her clients, provides the perfect scenario for success and sets foundations for a more holistic body.  Next Level has given me more than I had ever anticipated, or dreamed of having.  I have been exposed to new sports/activities that have improved my overall fitness and form considerable, and I have had the pleasure to meet and know some incredible people.

If I was to do a Mastercard commercial....it would be something like this:  working out your arms $540, getting rid of that gut $600,  working out to fit into your wedding dress $700, bench pressing more than your husband...Priceless.