Fit For the Ages

I can’t say enough good things about working with Joan Glick, my personal trainer, and her «Fit For The Ages» studio.
I wasn’t in bad shape when I came to her four years ago, but I had certainly become somewhat de-​conditioned as I hit my 60^th birthday. I have always been a fairly active person, but was finding it increasingly difficult to work in my garden or even carry heavy grocery bags up the stairs.
She began with an assessment of just what condition I was really in. She then began working with me to focus on the activities where I was having some difficulties.
My first surprise was the variety of workout equipment she use, which goes well beyond the simple weights I was used to working with. My second surprise was the frequency with which she changed the exercises she was having me do. This led to my third surprise, which was that I continued to look forward to each workout.
I have worked with trainers in the past who had me repeat essentially the same workout, week after week… I soon became bored and demotivated, and stopped working out. With Joan, I found that every workout was different and that my interest and motivation remained at a high level.
Working with Joan, I have seen steady and consistent improvements in my strength, endurance and flexibility. I have much more energy, and most importantly, I almost never even think about whether I’m «up to» the physical demands of the activities I want to pursue.
I would recommend Joan to anyone interested in having the same experience I’ve had — instead of feeling that I’m slowly becoming less able over time, I now feel that I’m getting stronger and more fit as time passes.

I highly recommend Joan Glick, owner and trainer of Fit for the Ages. Here’s why:
In May of 2013 I met a woman (maybe in her late 50s early 60s?) who had been seeing Joan for a few months. She said that her outlook on what she was physically capable of had changed, and she had a whole new level of optimism about what she could do. She gave me Joan’s information, so I did a bit of research and made my first appointment. What I was *not* looking for was a young, studly trainer guy (or girl). I also wanted to work with someone who had seen all sorts of body types of all ages, and who was more about wisdom, patience and a positive attitude. I was self-​conscious about my gelatinous body. I’m in my 40s and had never imagined I’d get as giggly as I had. I’ve also had issues with my back since my early 20s, and did not want someone telling me to «work through the pain.» Pain is not on my agenda. I also like the positive, encouraging and happy approach to training — yelling doesn’t inspire me. Joan doesn’t yell — she’s more like a calm, upbeat cheerleader.
In the past 7 months working with Joan twice a week, I have gained a perkier butt, firmer biceps and triceps, and best of all, a much stronger core. I can sit up from a horizontal position without any ‘ug’ as I used to do.
I’d interviewed another trainer a while back, and while I knew with him that I’d have seen results very quickly, I was not ready for the level of involvement he would have had in my life. He wanted me to keep food journals and email them to him daily. He wanted me to work with him three times a week and do additional workouts without him totaling at *least* 5 workouts a week. He was also $ 15 more per session. I have a budget, and I have other things I want to do in my life, so this style wouldn’t work for me.
When I mentioned my weight to Joan, she said, «You’re in charge of the fat, I’m in charge of the muscle.» That’s only fair. She cannot control what I eat or drink — only I can. I am the same weight I was 7 months ago, but things have been repositioned on my body. My stomach is much smaller, my waist more defined… anyway, I’m very happy. I still need to lose weight, but that’s on me.
Finally, to get an idea of the surroundings — Joan has a studio in North Beach (I drive from Marin to see her now). It’s one room on the ground floor, with mirrors on opposing walls, a work-​out bench, various hand weights, resistance bands, a couple short ballet bars, a Bosu, exercise balls of various sizes… but there are no machines. I am amazed — totally amazed — that even after 7 months she still gives me something new to do every single visit — not the whole workout — but she changes things up all the time.

Raquel is great and her yoga series is wonderful. She will tailor to your needs and what you need to work on and improve. I highly recommend the series to start your week!

Raquel is a wonderful teacher. She listens to what you say about your body and tailors the class to your needs. Everyone in the class will be ‘served’ well with her choices and instruction. Highly recommend her!
JanN

Fit for the Ages is a cosy personal training studio located in the heart of North Beach, right on the corner of Powell and Chestnut. The owner and personal trainer Joan Glick is an extremely experienced trainer and from the moment we met, we clicked instantly!
Now, in addition to offering quality personal fitness, she and I are partnering up to offer GENTLE YOGA CLASSES to our North Beach/​Telegraph Hill neighbours.
NEW 6 WEEK YOGA SERIES — all levels, on Mondays @ 6:45pm, starting July 9. $ 75/​series, $ 15 drop-​in. More info on 415−732−9641.