TESTIMONIALS
SPIKE EVANS
My wife and I have been attending Bonnie's classes for almost 3 years. There is no question that our balance, strength, and physical stamina have improved significantly. One hallmark of Bonnie's approach is to address ALL parts of the body structure, in contrast to a previous exercise class we attended here in Robson Ranch. We stretch before and after exercising which has sensitized me to those benefits as opposed to just diving into weight-lifting or a sport activity. This stretching regime (which I supplement at home, daily) has definitely helped me avoid pulled or torn muscles on the courts. Bonnie constantly reminds us to breathe properly and to hydrate often. The most important aspect of Bonnie's approach to her classes is - she makes it fun. Music play lists vary and the routines/sequencing she gives us change every time. We can tell that she puts in a LOT of time coming up with new approaches to exercise that utilize various types of exercise equipment. Finally, she does all of this with good humor. Always a smile and a welcoming attitude to all.
VALERIE TARREN
I read about Bonnie’s Fickey’s classes and it mentioned you could try them all for free the first time. I tried them all and then made the decision what classes I wanted to take and opened a punch pass account. I attend at least 4 classes a week and I love them all which Bonnie switches up so we don’t do the same movements in our classes. There are a lot of people in the classes; some of them I knew, and I have also met some wonderful new friends. On my 2nd class pass now and I try not to miss any of my classes unless necessary. Bonnie’s classes have made me stronger and improved my balance. I started with 2lb weights and have progressed to 3lb, 4lb and 5lb weights and a 5lb Kettlebell which has been a great confidence booster for me. I have just purchased my 10lb Kettlebell and cannot wait to use it. Bonnie and her husband, Gaylen (her assistant) are the nicest people you would ever want to meet and I look forward to many more classes with them.
CHRIS ANDERSON
My husband and I built a house in Robson Ranch 2 years ago and it was the best decision of our life! I had been exercising sporadically for years before we moved. One of the first things I did after moving was to sign up for Bonnie's classes and I'm very happy I did. She is unlike any instructor I've ever had and working out under her direction was enjoyable and insightful! She does a great job incorporating stretches that mimic daily life and each class is challenging and fun along with great music. Since starting, my balance has improved and I'm much more flexible and have been able to increase my strength. Another big bonus was meeting lots of new folks who've become good friends. Regardless of your level of fitness, you can benefit from enrolling in 1 or more of her classes.
MARIE TINKA
Over my adult life I have been diligent in performing aerobic exercise. However, as I age I know that in addition to aerobic exercise I need to do strength training, balance and stretching exercises to maintain all-round fitness. I have osteopenia and know that I need strength training to help protect against further bone loss. I did not have the discipline to consistently do strength training on my own. So, I started taking Bonnie Fickey’s Active Aging Fitness classes 3 times a week and know my body is stronger as a result. For example, before I started taking her classes, when I would use the sweeper, my back would ache. Now I can use the sweeper without discomfort in my back. I love the way Bonnie makes sure we stretch at the beginning and end of our classes. The stretching we do in class, helps me maintain flexibility. She also incorporates many balance exercises. I know as I age my balance isn’t what it used to be. So performing the balance exercises helps me maintain my stability and adds a defense against falling. The bottom line is that Bonnie Fickey’s classes are a well-rounded whole-body workouts to include aerobic movement, strength training, balance exercises and stretching. She expertly provides advice on the proper form to do the exercise and she makes the classes fun, so I am motivated to attend. I want to stay physically fit because my husband and I like to travel and some of the tours we go on stress the need to be in good shape. Plus, I am a very independent person and want to stay that way for many more years! I know my health (both mental and physical) is improving from participating in her classes. She is instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of aging strong and well.
CINDY STERLING
Bonnie’s Total Body Strength classes have given me several personal benefits after regularly attending the total body strength classes: 1) a stronger core has improved my golf swing and increased my driving yards. Many of my golf friends have noticed improved drives and have started attending the class themselves; 2) after attending the classes for six weeks, my stability has vastly improved and now I can do all the stability moves at the highest level; 3) I have more energy and can accomplish more during the day than I used to; 4) Bonnie is very enthusiastic and cares about our health; she keeps us educated on aging health issues and keeps the classes fresh and fun—they are always different and I enjoy the variety of equipment used and the variety of the exercises she offers.
ADELE STEWART
I have attended Bonnie’s 6:45 am Total Body Strength classes for more than three years. The workout is true to its title and is an excellent way not only to stay fit but also to have a physical and mental jumpstart for the day. Bonnie is an excellent, well-organized, and dedicated certified instructor; she ‘knows her stuff and is committed to protecting and improving our wellness. I lead several T’ai Chi classes weekly and have been impressed with how the same principles are stressed in the two disciplines. My sessions with her are an integral part of my weekly schedule.
JENNIFER ASTON
Well, since we moved to Robson in early May, it has been very hit and miss attending your classes due to friend and family visits and Covid this past week. However, I have already determined I want to get and stay plugged into your classes since it is the type of conditioning and toning, I’m used to and enjoy. Appreciate all you do to keep your classes fresh, and to help us to gain strength, balance, and toning. Thank you
KAREN BRANNON
Bonnie has been a trainer at our facility for 5 years. I have been attending her sessions since she began teaching at Robson. I am much stronger, have better balance, and am in overall better health with Bonnie’s training. Even during the Pandemic her concern was keeping us stay fit and healthy, and she began filming video workouts so we could work out at home. I use Bonnie’s videos at least once a week besides attending her strength class three times a week. Whenever class is canceled, I still work out at home using the videos. I’m so thankful that Bonnie is here helping us age strong.
MADDI DUDLEY
Dear Bonnie, I would like to share how your class has been instrumental in my overall health. Exercise has always been a major part of my life and I am very lucky as this has kept me on the right track as health issues began to arise. In 2011 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It started as a tremor in my right hand. Medication helped and for many years this did not pose any real changes to my lifestyle. I was still able to exercise at Jazzercise and babysit my granddaughter for several years. In 2013, everything changed. The back pain I had been dealing with for years finally caught up with me and one day I was unable to walk! I had developed Scoliosis as an adult and became dependent on Rocky to hold my hand in public most of the time. I was looking at the strong possibility of a future in a wheelchair. Most surgeons told me I was not a candidate for surgery due to my age (60) and Parkinson’s. I finally found a surgeon who said that if my bone density scores were strong, he would be able to do the surgery. Thanks to my ongoing commitment to exercise and weight training, my scores were strong enough and I was able to have that much needed surgery. My recovery from surgery took about 6 weeks and I was able to resume most of my fitness agenda. The surgery has left me with 2 long rods and 27 screws in my back which has at times limited my mobility -- I am able to modify when necessary and still reap the rewards that come from your classes. Your classes have helped me with upper body strength, balance and fall prevention which is more prevalent with Parkinson’s. Your classes have helped with memory functions. You do such a great job with routines that use both parts of the brain. Your routines that keep our feet moving are so important as I have a tendency to shuffle, another symptom of Parkinson’s. I also recently realized that participating in your classes makes me feel younger! Some of the routines include movements that I thought I could no longer do but, in your class, they seem more possible. Your class has instilled a confidence in me that I thought I had lost. That is what means the most to me after all. Bonnie, your dedication to your students and your emphasis on the importance fitness plays in our lives is very much appreciated. The videos that you put together at home and made available to your students during Covid lock down were a life saver for me. I really enjoyed working out to them. Bonnie, you make the classes fun, enjoyable and rewarding. I feel stronger and healthier thanks to you! Your classes bring me joy! With sincere gratitude, Maddi
SUSAN GRIGSON
I was always very uncoordinated, and after forcing myself to attend Bonnie’s classes regularly, I learned my right foot from my left and am much more coordinated and my stability has improved. Within a short amount of time, I graduated from the back row to the front row with confidence.