See what our clients say about us

My name is Steve Winegarden. I've been working with Erik Peacock since early November 2012. Erik is an awesome mentor, trainer, and business leader and he really knows his stuff. I asked Erik to help me lose some weight and gain some strength, but he did much more than that. He helped give me my active life back. In February 2012 I weighed 250 pounds. I was skiing with an old Air Force pilot buddy of mine in Colorado and I could barely keep up with him, in fact I couldn't. I began to wonder if my aggressive/active skiing days were over--it was just too difficult to keep up, I couldn't breath at altitude, and my knees were killing me. At that weight I had little strength and endurance. I retired from my flight instructor job at Delta in November and gave Erik a call. He started me on the Advocare 24 Day program. I was willing to do that in order to get to the real weight training and work out stuff! Along with the program I attended Erik's nutrition class and found out some basic truths about eating--like it's 95% of the way to lose fat and gain muscle. I started paying attention and got real serious about my food plan. I quit eating fast food, especially Whoppers at 11pm after late night simulators. The money I saved from that alone I was more than willing to spend on truly first class vitamin supplements from Advocare. Erik created weekly workout plans for me and I really started to see results. Because of my healthy diet, supplements, and custom workouts I weighed 213 pounds by the end of December--and that included all the holiday party food frenzies. I kept at it and by the end of January I was down to 200 pounds. And man did I feel good! My goal weight is 196 and I feel like I've already made it--my focus now is more on gaining strength which may actually increase my weight a little, and that'd be ok. In February I met my skiing buddy again in Colorado for a week on the slopes. I had done all the work to prepare, but was it enough? Well to make a long story short, I felt so good I stayed and skied four extra days. It was phenomenal. The best part--my buddy couldn't keep up with me, physically I felt like an athlete again, and at the top of a 13,000 foot mountain I could breath! Thanks Erik, you done good! P.S. I just returned from a trip to the Grand Canyon where my brother and I hiked the Bright Angel trail from the south rim down to the Phantom Ranch on the Colorado river and back out in one day. That's about 19 miles and almost a 6000 foot altitude change down and up, and I made it with no problems. I'd say I'm back. Thanks again Erik.

— Steve Winegarden, Eden Prairie, MN

 

Training with Erik Peacock and Puravida Fitness has been the best decision I could have made to improve my overall fitness. Little did I know how much better it would improve my life.

Erik is a qualified personal trainer providing both intrinsic and extrinsic results that exceeded my expectations. Erik educates, innovates and motivates all while keeping each workout unique and fun.

Since starting with Erik and Puravida Fitness, after just 3 months I’ve felt the best I ever have and it’s only getting better!”

— Angela Harguth, Farmington, MN

 

 

 

 

 

July 1 of 2007 I weighed over 300 pounds. I can't tell you how much because I was afraid to get on the scale. I wore a size 52 slack (and they were tight). There were many things that led to my weight gain but, ultimately, it was because I chose to not take care of myself. I stopped blaming others and knew that only I had control over what I put into my body. I decided it was time for something to change. After year of work I reached 220 pounds. I managed to stay there for 5 years. Then I fell back into some old habits and, this last December I'd regained about 20 pounds. The first thing I did was to call Erik. I've known Erik since 1996. I told him I needed help and I knew he was the one who could help me. Since that time I've lost 35 pounds (205 pounds), over 30 inches (size 36 jeans), and 5% body fat and feel great! Erik's so encouraging and motivating. He keeps me on track and on target. More than that, I know that when he's working with me I have his undivided attention and he has my best interest at heart.

— Scott B., Apple Valley, MN

 

Working with Puravida Fitness has been the best decision ever. I herniated a disc in 2011 and gave up on working out. Throughout the winter I gained weight and became weak. Last fall I knew I wanted to make major changes but I needed a trainer I could trust with my back. I knew it was Erik. I am so happy with my results. I'm stronger and much leaner, eating healthy foods and not feeling deprived. At 48 this is the best I've ever looked.

— Michelle

 

I am a sophomore in high school, and I’ve just finished my three months training with Erik at Puravida Fitness. My goal coming in was to become stronger and gain weight for football next year. After working with Erik in a space of two and a half months, my strength improved greatly and I have gained 5-6 pounds in solid muscle. As for results my Bench Press max went up 30lbs, my Back Squat max increased by about 40lbs, and I achieved gains both in my 40-yard dash time as well as in my vertical jump.

— Morgan D-Hastings

I am wearing clothes I never thought I'd wear!! That's because I've been training with Erik since May! Training with Erik means challenging workouts that are designed specifically for your needs, push you beyond your potential and equip you to carry them out on your own. He teaches as he trains, can make modifications in a flash, has hidden chiropractic skills, and offers valuable tips online each week.

I am losing inches, body fat and pounds like I never thought I could!! That's because I said yes to the 24 Day Challenge and nutritional coaching with Erik! Nutritional coaching with Erik means learning the right combination of foods to eat at the right times, being accountable for food intake (nothing gets by!) and plenty of useful feedback and encouragement along the way! I was skeptical about the supplements but with his knowledge and expertise, I now have a plan that I'm comfortable with.

I am meeting great people and having fun! That's because I've taken part in some group workouts at Puravida! All of the trainers and intern guys are friendly and can put together hard core workouts that make you work! I am becoming a stronger, more efficient runner as a result of all this and I feel better than I have in years! Erik and his Puravida people really are dedicated to your health and for that I am grateful!!

— Tracy F.,Burnsville, MN

I started training with Erik in the fall of 2011. I had been working out for years and was in decent shape but I felt like I'd hit a plateau. I wanted to take my fitness to the "next level". Erik helped with my workouts and more importantly, the nutrition piece. I love that he monitors my nutrition intake on a weekly basis and offers feedback and suggestions. Knowing that he is going to see everything that I eat helps keep me accountable. In 6 months, I lost around 6% body fat and entered my first fitness competition. I even brought home two trophies. Erik takes the time to understand my individual fitness goals and has tailored a program to help me reach these goals. I highly recommend Erik and his staff. They have definitely exceeded my expectations!

— Susan, MN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I first met Erik at the Women’s Health Event in February. His motto for the event was ‘How to make 2012 your best year ever’. I have been a yo-yo dieter for many years, but the last year, no matter what I tried, the weight wouldn’t come off again. I’m 43 years old and my metabolism had shut down. I have a family history of obesity and didn’t want to head in that same direction. I was frustrated!

Erik offered two free sessions with him and I went in and met with him. I was impressed with his knowledge and ability to understand what was going on with me. Although I went in to lose weight and tone up, what really sold me was his ability to recognize and offer help with some of the mobility issues I had for years – namely neck and knee pain. I started the 24-day challenge early March and worked out with him weekly until early June. He showed me several different workouts that I could use on my own. I have lost 20 pounds, nearly 8% body fat, and 21 inches all over. But the best part is that I feel great, I feel fierce! My knee pain has gone and my neck pain is less frequent. I love to exercise now and am addicted to the adrenaline rush during and after. With his nutritional expertise, I know how to eat as well. I have participated in the Jumpstart program and am currently participating in the group exercises for Rapid Fat Loss. This has allowed me to work out with many of the trainers and have been impressed with all of them. They really know their stuff!! It is the ‘Best year ever’!

— Betsy L, Burnsville, MN

 

You have all been so great to work with - I feel your excitement with me with each change, and I expect you to push me (which you all have done, every time). I have talked about this to many, explaining that I have never worked with a trainer, or trainers who give me more than 100% every time. Many are about 80 - 90 at best. You all have exceeded that. I may not appear it, but I'm pretty particular when it comes to how people treat me - and you've done me well.

— Suzanne H, Lakeville, MN

 

I have been working with Erik since December, 2010. I have been eating better, and feeling great – showing results in weight loss (12 lbs). In April, 2011 I had my annual physical, and to my pleasant surprise, the outcome of my blood tests was very positive. My total Cholesterol decreased 4%, and at the same time my HDL (the good cholesterol) increased by 18% netting a 24% improvement in the ratio of HDL to Total Cholesterol. This is good! And, my blood pressure was on target at 120/80.

Thanks Erik for your coaching, encouragement and efforts in supporting my success!

— Doug Anderson, Lakeville, MN

My cholesterol levels are normal again and I am within 2 pounds of my initial weight goal. Now, my goals are not to "lose the weight", but to maintain the healthy lifestyle I have been creating. I can confidently say I will never be that 190 pound woman with low self-esteem ever again!

— Kelli Carter, New Prague, MN

I found Puravida 10 months ago, after exhausting all other options from a back injury and a genetic disc disease. When I wandered into that gym I was unable to stand or sit for more than 10 minutes at a time. I struggled to walk from the parking lot to any building and I had put on 30 pounds from inactivity and depression. After months of physical therapy, countless doctors and specialists, back pillows, pain meds and more later, I was skeptical that a trainer would be able to assist me. I have hired trainers in the past and have numerous stories of how unsuccessful those experiences were. Erik assured me that Puravida is different and that I would finally find progress. 10 months later I am now down 30 pounds and not only am I able to walk several miles I have even participated in a few lacrosse games and bike up to 20 miles at a time. I can't speak highly enough of Puravida, Erik and my trainer Chris.

— Kate L, Elko, MN

"The majority of my life I have been overweight. I just started my freshmen year in High School and I really didn’t want to go through High School being overweight. I have tried several times to lose weight but I have never been able to do it. My mom told me that she was going to sign us both up for the Fall Jumpstart at Puravida Fitness. All I thought was it was going to be another attempt to lose weight and in the long run fail. My mom took me to Puravida fitness and we met Chris my trainer. After leaving my first session with him I knew something was different about this program. 10 weeks later I have lost 15 pounds and 6% of my body fat. I feel better emotionally and physically. Puravida Fitness and Chris are the best thing that happened to me."

— Danny McClellan, Burnsville, MN

Since beginning to train with Gwen in October of 08. I have completely changed my lifestyle. I feel better, stronger.

And have more energy than before. I’ve dropped 4.5% bodyfat and 4.5 inches around my body. We’ve focused on core strength which has improved my golf game a ton. I’m hitting the ball further with less effort!! Additionally my wife likes that the love handles are gone. I have also completed a triathalon and increased my running endurance so that I can now run up to 14 miles. I completely enjoy Gwen and recommend her to anyone.

— Todd Mangis, MN

I have been a police officer for approximately 12 years. During that time I had developed lower back and hip pain due to sitting in a squad car with my duty belt on. I had lost a great deal of strength and mobility due to this and had tried different programs without success. Erik, a friend since college, worked with me and helped restore much of my flexibility and strength in a short time. The hip and lower back pain I used to have is all but gone, and I am now regaining much of the strength I had back in our college days. I am also able to move much more dynamically; something my job description calls for, as I am a member of a S.W.A.T. team. With a demanding and always changing work schedule, Erik continues to help me be consistent in the gym and continue to make gains. Erik makes sure my routine is ever evolving.

— Ian Kough, MN

My wife one day asks me if I was going to something about my health or not! At this time in my life I was working fulltime and eating fast food all time. My only exercise was walking the dogs for about 15 minutes, sound familiar. Which path should I choose? Over weight, weak, and about to take high blood pressure medicine and who knows what else. I think you see the choice I made!! Erik’s knowledge and experience set that option in motion for me, from the evaluation to my personal exercises plan, which foods to eat and to stay focus and committed with the program! The 12 week program changed my life. I do not have to take blood pressure medication, my weight is down(30 lbs), and I feel stronger and more confident. I know that this is not just a 12 week program but a life style change that I want to make. Thank you Erik for giving me the tools I need to keep going forward.

— Denny Grabuski, Lakeville, MN

Boot camp at Puravida Fitness was a fantastic experience. I had always wanted to try a fitness boot camp, but I was always very intimidated by the idea. I wasn't sure I'd be able to keep up. The bootcamp at Puravida pushed me to perform and helped me to learn. I learned great new things to incorporate into my workouts and learned a lot about nutrition and how what I eat affects my body. Not only was the program designed to help me become more fit, but to live more healthy. I was impressed that when challenged, I could meet the challenge and was amazed at the results. I feel better and look better. I lost something like five pounds of body fat in just four weeks! Something I never could have done without Erik’s knowledge and encouragement.

— Jill Kelsey, Burnsville, MN

"When I first started with Erik in 2000 I couldn't stand up from a seated position without grabbing onto something and pulling myself up. Since I've been training with Erik, I've completed 2- 5K walks. Also, my hand strength has improved dramatically. When I started with Erik my grip strength didn't register on the measuring device.

Three years later, it registered 10 pounds! Using Erik's programs I now walk with no assistive device. My recovery has been a long difficult one, but Erik's patience and sense of humor makes it easy."

"I look forward to the days that I train!"

— Susan Peters, Burnsville, MN

I've been fat and weak all of my life. Last June I started training with Erik. I can finally look in the mirror and believe that I'm going to change.

From the first evaluation it was clear that Erik had the knowledge and experience to get me there. So the first key was total trust. Then the focus shifted to me because there is no 'easy' way to change.

For me the next key was total commitment. "I'm feeling stronger every day."

— Gregg Thompson, Rosemount, MN

"I have been training with Erik for four years. During this time, he has helped me recover from two pregnancies and lower back pain. He has also coached me through a lot of diet changes, which help me easily maintain my ideal weight. At 40 years old, I am in the best shape of my life!"

— Sandy Larson, Jordan, MN

"Erik has been my trainer since 1998 when I was 68 years old. I was having a lot of back pain and general discomfort my Chiropractor directed me to Erik and since then my life has changed!"

— Gil Mathews, Burnsville, MN

"I've worked with Beth Dean for about a year. I have two children and wanted to get by body back into shape. Coming to Puravida Fitness and working with a trainer has been one of the most exciting things that ever happened to me. I never knew I could feel this good with a little bit of help!"

— Gina Toso, Rosemount, MN

"Thank you for everything you have done for me. I can honestly say that I have changed my lifestyle. The most helpful was the on-line accountability tool. Having to go in and fill in what I was eating everyday was a reality check for me. I really enjoyed the workouts you put together for me also. I could tell you took the time to find a routine that I would enjoy and not get bored with after a week."

— Chad Krueger, Lakeville, MN