I thought for year end I would re-review the three groups I consider my fitness/training support team: Heather Collins Training, Precision Multisport and the Wellness Revolution. I have a been a client of Heather Collins Training for over five years. I have had specific goals related to triathlon competition and Heather has done a great job of helping me achieve those goals. She has a very professional approach, focusing on working smarter not necessarily harder. It is fun to train with her. She has a lot of group fitness activities with a good diverse group of clients. I have made several friends through my training sessions with Heather. Heather works out of Precision Multisport operated by Craig Strong and J.P. Bordeleau. Precision is an excellent facility for computraining, running and a whole range of fitness/training activities. The facility is always clean and the equipment well-maintained. It's not glitzy, it's for people who are interested in working with first class trainers in a dedicated facility. They have a broad range of clients from elite triathletes to youths to seniors looking for help staying / becoming fit. Craig and J.P. are both excellent training in addition to doing a great job of maintain the Precision facility. Just around the corner from the Precision facility is the Wellness Revolution run by Dr. Tony Breitbach. Wellness offers a chiropractic and massage services. I use Dr. Tony and Dr. Nick for adjustments and whenever I have a physical aggravation like a tweaked back or sore hamstring. They provide relief and sound advice on how to return to training. Instead of the advice we sometimes get from doctors: "stop doing what you were doing.." they provide help and advice on how to resume doing what you were doing, but maybe in a more sensible way. They also have several massage therapists available who I have used frequently. I thought I would relate one incident that demonstrates how these three groups work together. Just before Christmas I was chipping ice out of my driveway and tweaked my back. I should have gone in and seen Tony or Nick right away, but I had a lot to do and convinced myself I would heal on my own. It was a bad decision. The back improved slowly and then three days ago I was having a computrain session at Precision and the pain returned. A lot worse. I couldn't walk without pain, let alone run. Heather Collins made sure that I went into Wellness immediately. I went over to their facility and saw Dr. Nick (no appointment necessary). He did a series of manipulations and stretches and taped me. I felt better after treatment but not good enough to run. (I'm training for the Boston Marathon and if I miss too many days for injury I won't be as ready as I would like.) The next day I returned to Precision where Heather had me go through a series of gentler exercises that helped to stretch my back and legs. My back was feeling much better after that session. This morning I got up hoping to do my scheduled 11 mile run. I was pain-free at the start of the run and had no pain throughout the run. It wasn't a super-fast pace but there were some hills which I negotiated without any problems. Now two hours after the run my legs and back still feel great. An example of good coaching from Heather, the availability of an excellent workout facility (Precision) and first-class chiropractic treatment from Dr. Nick at the Wellness Revolution. Highly recommend all three of these organizations. read more

My wife and I are so happy with the results of training with Heather Collins. My wife has been with Heather for over two years and her core and mobility is incredible. It took me a year and a half of watching my wife to agree to join the training...I was so impressed how strong and flexible my wife had gotten that I commited. I am 56 year old and had hurt my shoulder doing the Rugged Maniac Run this last summer. Now I have gotten much stronger and I gaining mobility in my joints including my shoulder. It is a lot of work but definitely great for anyone that want to make a commitment to be strong and mobile(I work out for about an hour everyday), as well as, any athlete that want to compete at a higher level. Heather constantly adjusting my routine and spends a considerable amount of time on my form during group, semi private and private coachings. It is her attention to detail and dedication that makes my effort worth while. Her clients are super dedicated and all will tell you they feel so strong and flexible. She coaches young athletes all the way to a 80 year old man...one 76 year old woman who I saw hold a plank for two minutes! For me I am slowly getting stronger and hopefully I will get to the two minute plank sometime in the future but for now I am progressing. The CARS and PALS and RAILS Heather has us do take a lot of concentration and are lower impact exercises that she then adds increasing difficulty. Seriously, this is the trainer for you to get super strong or just to stay mobil over the long run...you will feel great. read more

Began personal training with Heather Collins in April of 2015. After having suffered decades of broken bones I wanted to re-learn how to stand, walk and balance properly. My muscles and my brain - my entire body really - learned how to incorrectly compensate for the fractures, making the possibility of future injuries and lifelong frailty more likely. That's why I started training with Heather, but after several months, I learned Heather had much more to offer me than what I assumed I wanted and needed. Her ability and commitment to help people discover and unleash their physical prowess is uncanny. While she has the experience and expertise of other personal trainers, she also has what many other personal trainers do not: a tremendous knowledge of the mechanical and physical functions of the body; an eagle eye that perceives and corrects even the tiniest imperfection of form; and a heartfelt care for those she trains which inspires them to do as much as they physically can with the body they have. I'm astonished by how much my body has been able to achieve. I never thought it was possible. My strength, my balance and my endurance have all dramatically improved since working with Heather. If that isn't worth 5 stars than I don't know what is! read more

I can't say enough good things about Heather Collins. Best trainer on the planet. When I first saw her, I thought I was pretty fit but discovered I couldn't balance on one foot. Now I can stand for a minute or more. (Try it and see how you do.) I've learned that correct form should be foremost in any activity, that there are fewer things that are "right" or "wrong," but instead should be viewed as different tools in a toolbox, and when my body has been injured, it is Heather who has helped me heal. Her recommendations about other professionals I should see have been spot on, and I trust her to coordinate my physical development. She has the remarkable ability to work with people of all ages, all capabilities and limitations, can help them progress, and trains in accordance with people's goals. She has limitless patience and a capacity to remain in good humor that is nothing short of astonishing. I'm so grateful to have found her and for what she has helped me to accomplish. read more

I have been working out with Coach Heather Collins and her Monarch Fitness Coaching team for a couple years. Before then, I hadn't exercised in a decade or two. I was afraid of going to a gym and being scrutinized by others. MFC provides private coaching and small group classes. The studio is small and very well equipped. No judgments here. It's very low-key and safe. Coach Heather trains people at all levels and writes individualized workouts based on each individual's goals and fitness levels. Workouts are consistently modified based on the person's individual progress. Coach Heather and MFC is very much about proper form and alignment, minimizing risks of injury. Since classes are small everybody gets individualized feedback as they go. They also use a system that encourages accountability. Heather provides feedback on personal workouts and promptly responds to client messages and questions. She is highly motivating. Highly recommend!!! read more

I've been working with Heather for years and find her attention to detail and knowledge to be truly unique. Heather tailors all her training plans to my needs and is very thorough in gathering information and thinking of me in a holistic manner. She's helped me get into a regular routine and I am running regularly, when I never thought I'd be able to run for a mile straight (nor did I ever think I'd be working out at 5:45am!). Heather takes a very practical approach to training and meets the client where he or she is, building in success and goals into the plan. Heather pays attention to minute details on form, to ensure progress and to help me unlearn bad form habits. She is extremely available-responding quickly to questions and adjusting my plan as needed and puts 100% into all her clients. I often tell my parents that I wish they lived up here so they could work with Heather and benefit from her expertise. read more

In your first meeting, Heather helps you define your personal fitness goals. (One of mine is walking unaided when I'm 85, just a decade away.) Heather is so observant of what you and others do, whether in private or semi-private training! She makes sure you understand how and why to make corrections and improvements in body alignment, positions, movements. Observation continues to impress me with the versatile application of her professional skills to meet clients' different goals and needs -- from beginner to very advanced athletes, for participants in many different sports, for those healing from injuries and surgeries. She is clearly happy when you make progress and supportive as you work to advance to more difficult workouts. My biggest compliment: when my daughter's friends complain about their parents' lack of exercise, she tells them "my mom is amazing." Thanks, Heather! read more

Being a client at Monarch Fitness Coaching for nearly a year has been, and continues to be, one of the best investments I have ever made in my overall health and fitness. A welcoming atmosphere that promotes. supports, and challenges me, and at the same time, is geared to my specific needs, makes Monarch Fitness Coaching a unique place where all levels of fitness can find improvement and a sense of achievement. Coach Heather Collins and her staff bring an expertise, sensitivity, and knowledge of physiology that insures that every client optimizes their fitness objectives. I highly recommend Monarch Fitness Coaching! read more

Heather is an amazing trainer and coach. I found Heather 4 years ago when I was attempting my second triathlon after a rough entry into the sport. She helped me understand how to train smarter and efficiently in an area that was new to me. She checks in on my goals and schedule making sure my training plan fits into my life. There's no way I would have improved so much in triathlons and running without her guidance. My form and overall fitness level has improved too. She trains people of all ages with varying fitness goals. I love working with her and have made great friends out of the training group! read more

I've been training with Coach Heather for...ever. I've stayed with her because of the attention to detail she provides in all the workouts and training programs. Its so easy to do exercises incorrectly and wind up doing more damage than good. She is a perfectionist about making sure you are in the right position to maximize the outcome and minimize our(my) general propensities to do them fast and incorrectly. Signed up for my first Tri and have never felt more solid in my life. Key words... Knees over ankles, shoulders and hips aligned... "Matt(your name here), stop and wait for me read more

This morning I had my form technique and endurance tested at Heather Collins Training. PROCEDURE: First-Warmup, then Pushups, Squats, Dips, and Split Step. Heather observed my planned efforts, offered critical corrective comment when required. As I pursued my plan of ten reps per exercise for as many rounds as I could, I gained endurance. When I felt that I'd reached my limit, then I added effort to continue to build IN GOOD FORM. Go get great functional movement instruction and practice instruction with a real pro Coach at Heather Collins Training. read more

It's that time of the year again. The holiday season is almost over and many of us are thinking about the next diet fad or the trendiest gym in town. I will be sticking with Heather. After two successful knee surgeries and then being hit by a car, I realize fads and fashion are not for me. , With Heather's guidance and individualized training plan, I can be the best me there is to see. There Is now a pep in my step as I look forward to the coming year. No fads with Heather. You must know what it is you want and be willing to work at it. Thank you Heather. read more

i have been working with Heather for almost 7 years. She has helped me gain strength, balance and recover for 3 surgeries. Her goal orientated and individual training plans are great, She is a perfectionist on form, body alignment and doing the exercises correctly. She is very concerned that I gain the most from my workouts without hurting myself. She encouraged me to run and swim again. I never dreamed that I would complete 3 triathlons in my 70's Lois M read more

Heather Collins has taken me from being afraid to set foot on a treadmill to running a 5K. I'm in my mid-60's and have MS, so this was a very long and careful process that I'm still working on. She also has given me a strength training work out and I now have modest muscles. Heather has the functional movement training to help just about anybody get stronger and in her attention to detail and progression leaves her clients feeling confident and empowered. read more

I started training with Heather when my chiropractor recommended that I work with Heather for my chronic low back pain. I had every excuse not to...it makes my back hurt more, time consuming, money etc. It was the best choice I ever made! Her plans are truly custom made to your body and abilities. As long as you do the work, communicate your needs and goals, Heather will do the rest! Virtually low back pain free for over 2 years! read more

Heather wants you to meet your fitness goals. In the initial assessment she identifies potential anatomical issues, discusses any past injuries and then customizes your workouts to gradually build your mobility and strength. The workouts are challenging but fun and you can't beat the variety of classes offered weekly including semi-privates. Do yourself a favor and at least do her free assessment. read more

Heather is a one-of-a-kind trainer and coach. My experience of her has changed the way I feel in my body -- for the better. She's upped the level of my athleticism so I am taking on more challenges than I was before. She is tough, in positive way. She offers choices and educates as she trains. I'm excited about my fitness and health in a whole new way and she's a big part of the reason. read more

Being a client of Heather Collins Training for 5 years, i can attest to her expertise as a coach and trainer. She starts where the client is, listening to their real life goals, helping them to progress, celebrating their successes, and encouraging them through the tough times. Heather works equally well with both lifelong athletes and lifelong"couch potatoes". She's a gem. read more

Heather is great, very knowledgeable, extremely detail oriented and energetic. Her clients span the spectrum from elite athletes to active older adults and everyone in between. She's helped me train for and successfully run the Chicago marathon and multiple half marathons. The training environment is fun and supportive with group and individual options. Highly recommend! read more