See what our clients say about us

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

I was thrilled with my boot camp experience at Puravidia Fitness. At the beginning, I was skeptical that I would see any body change in the short 4 weeks. On the last day, I was shocked (and super happy) to find out that I had lost over 4% of my weight; my clothes were fitting better and my speed had also increased in my runs. The wide variety of exercises we completed over the program kept me interested and happy to wake up early for training. Erik also incorporated nutritional advice that I found completely eye-opening and helped me to change my diet. I truly enjoyed the experience, and I plan to do it again, very soon!

— Lauren Hawley, Savage, MN