Well Aware Testimonials

Check out the feedback from some of our members on our Well Aware programs!

Collide Program

Town of Georgetown January, 2013

"I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you how excited I am about your class. I find it extremely informative and the cardio part is the most fun I have ever had doing exercise!  Thank you. 

The sugar packets comparative to the soda blew me away.  I can only imagine how much is in my morning juice!".

Pedometer Walking Program

"I know I didn't even come close to being one of the top walkers. However, I am proud of myself. This program made me more aware of how little activity I get in. There were days I would just go up and down my stairs because I was embarrassed of how little steps I took that day. I am a 300+ pound woman with a desk job. I got more out of this program than I expected to. I am still using my pedometer and each day I am trying to beat the previous day.  Thank you for this program."

Town of Littleton

"I am still doing it and have just ordered 3 pedometers for my husband, daughter and a friend. It was great, in so many ways!"

Town of Wales

"I found the “Make Every Step Count” program to be fun and enlightening. It enabled me to take note of my activity deficiencies and make positive changes to my exercise routines. Also, I was able to make new friends and reacquaint with others thought the program. For me, the program was a success; I took off weight, I feel better, and look forward to continuing my exercise regimen and reaching new goals."

Heart Matters

Nashoba Regional School District

"I am doing very well—lost 23 pounds since the program started, brought my blood pressure down and subsequently my blood pressure medicine is now half the minimum dose so I am saving money too!  So hoping to see the other numbers go down too! Thanks for the program and all the support!  I used the coaching too."

City of Salem

"Thanks for all your hard work, insightful tips and feel good energy throughout the Heart Matters program.  I truly enjoyed going to each and every class and felt that it was well received by all who attended.  I always make it a priority each and every day to learn something new and definitely learned something new at each class!  Surely, the experience was positive for all and I am optimistic that the information shared and gathered by those whom participated will be utilized for a healthier lifestyle."

Andover Public Schools - Nov 6, 2012

"I am a bit saddened that my time with APS is drawing to a close. The difference in my health and my outlook since we began this adventure in January is truly amazing. I feel better and am looking forward to a more active and pleasing retirement".

Fitness Program

City of Woburn

"Paul was available before & after class and via e-mail. I was having pain and e-mailed Paul about it. He responded almost immediately, with suggestions to alleviate the pain and included video attachments to show me what to do. His information was very helpful. I was able to attend the last class with zero additional pain. He also provided modified versions of his exercises to help me not put too much pressure on my feet. Paul has e-mailed the group weekly with informative newsletters. He really puts it all out there for us and cares. This is my 2nd time attending a class with Paul as an instructor. He is an asset to the program. He really provides a great workout. His pleasant demeanor and sense of humor make the class enjoyable."

"Paul explained every exercise as we were participating and made sure we were doing it the correct way...he made the program awesome!"

"Paul Connolly gives a great class/workout. His knowledge of activity, nutrition, and what our bodies need to perform at their best, is unmatched! It's rewarding and beneficial experience for me."

"Paul was most respectful of our ages and abilities."

"I just wanted to tell you that you have a way about you that is very easy going, you keep us going and it doesn't’t even feel as if we are working hard even though there is huffing and puffing and a lot of sweat!!  I do hope we get to do your class again, thank you very much for working with us!"

Town of Westford

"In a quick summary, I thought the classes were terrific and the instructors were great. The classes were varied, motivating and yet a challenge-- it really gave me the jumpstart I needed before summer and I would love to have them offered again-- I would even pay for them!  Thanks again for bringing this opportunity to us!"

Total Body Training

City of Woburn - March 2013

"Your class is remarkably beneficial and motivating (I have lost 14 pounds)."

"Always a pleasure to attend Paul's programs. He is very amusing and helpful."

"Paul did a great job of communicating in class that made it challenging and fun."

Relax, Renew and Rebalance

Town of Marblehead

"Thank you for your wonderful class.  It is amazing to watch as we all bloom into an open trusting group from beginning as stressed and over committed individuals."

Pentucket Regional School District

"Thank you for your terrific classes. I am sorry I had to miss several of the sessions.  However, I do want to report that I take 1/2 hour every day to do a relaxation session by using your wonderful CD....I have been following this practice for about one month now and it really helps me relax and restore!"

"I had an absolutely fabulous and fulfilling experience with Janet. Seriously, I had become very tense and anxiety-ridden this fall. Once Janet reminded me how to practice relaxation and mindfulness, I found myself taking time to exercise her suggestions and I am feeling much better. Thanks !!!! I will register for the January events."

Town of Ipswich

"I wanted to send along a word of thanks to you for the genuine difference you made in my life.  I still carry around your "mini's" (admittedly on my clipboard, can't shake that planner/organizer in me) and smile often when I use the skills and ways you shared with our group.

Me before:  sad, guilty, overwhelmed, never able to focus on the moment, rushing to the next thing, indifferent to self-care and personal health, a poor advocate for myself, I could go on.  My weight and blood pressure were creeping up, and I had no regular connection to myself.  My physician didn't address these because of my own lack of connection to my physician and my health. I felt uncomfortable with aspects of my job, but was passive about trying to take positive steps to remedy.  Overwhelmed yet no sense of how to make things better, feeling hopeless, I think.

Me after:  Thoughtful about choices, accepting of change as a positive force in life, trying to be more careful about my heath and aware that health is mental and physical, inextricably linked.  Me after: more forgiving of others and myself.  Trying to do things more deliberately -example, when I find I'm in the shower in the morning, and my head is drifting to upcoming meetings etc., I just shift back to experience the warmth, the water, the sound, and how grateful I am that the plumbing still works :) - no small thing in an old house! Thanks to you, I have a copy of a Herbert Benson book on my shelf, have lost a lifelong pattern of anxiety, I regularly try to remain in the moment, and use your "quiet time" tips really regularly.  My bedroom has a beautiful old fireplace - I put a yoga mat down, light a candle in the fireplace every night, and spend some time doing a tiny bit of yoga, but also just being quiet and thoughtful, before I go to sleep.  My blood pressure has dropped dramatically, a reflection of a greater sense of peace.

I took on some major changes - in exercise routine, diet and even had the inspiration to change jobs.  Your point that we are constantly changing helped me alter my resistance to change - I've started to accept, even embrace so many positive new things. I really wanted to let you know how much you've helped me and that your work makes a meaningful difference! Thanks again, Claire - if I can ever do anything for you in return, I hope you will let me know.  If MIIA ever needs to interview someone who has benefited from his or her programs, sign me up, I'm a total convert!"

Town of Chelmsford

"I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxation class Tues., I do believe our overall well being starts with staying calm.  You do a wonderful presentation and I can't wait for next weeks class.  Just to let you know, I did something for myself.  I joined a very casual chorus group last night and it was so much fun.  If I was all stressed out I would not have been able to make the decision to join.  Keep up the great job!"

Weight Abate

Town of Amesbury

“The aspects of the program that were most helpful to me include the aerobics, especially because she tied it to mood so effectively, Tricia’s scientific knowledge, her insatiable curiosity, and her excellent aerobic training…I'd just love to have this program continue much longer than 10 weeks. This has been the best of the programs I’ve participated in from the Town’s offerings.”

Well Power

Town of Amesbury - Nov 7, 2012

"One thing I feel you should know is that I have seen a significant “move” since we started this program with many of my officers to become more healthy.  I personally challenged myself and in the past year and I dropped my cholesterol from the low 220’s to the mid 180’s and dropped my weight from 200 to 180.  Even though you may not see the actual participation numbers in programs such as the gift card program, etc, that you had set as goals I believe the program is experiencing significant success. "

Wellness Works

Town of Salisbury

"I just want to let you know the program that MIIA sponsors with the Beverly Hospital is working out great.  I get so much positive feedback from participants, plus I myself have benefited very, very much.  Joan (the Beverly Hospital nurse) is excellent in explaining things and expresses a genuine concern for the participants well being.  This is one of the best continuing programs, and I hope you can pass this on to the powers that be that Salisbury really appreciates MIIA’s efforts."

Using Food, Mind, and Body to Reduce Stress and Stay Well

Acton Water District

"We at The Water Supply District of Acton would like to thank Wendy Gammons, Brenda Fingold and Bill Bradley for their wonderful program of stress reduction and management.  We found the techniques presented very beneficial to assist in making our very stressful jobs more manageable on a daily basis.  The delicious lunch was enjoyed by all, and I, personally, found it an invigorating and energizing means to attack the rest of my day."

Town of Swansea

"I just wanted to let you know that your workshop has helped me a lot. Since last week, I have been able to fall back asleep in the middle of the night (without having to go to the couch and watch TV). Also, I have been sleeping until the alarm goes off. I don't even know when the last time was I could do that. Let's just say it's been years!

Yesterday, I thought I might be late for an appointment with my daughter in Providence, so I started to feel stressed. As I was driving, I began breathing correctly, and the next thing I knew I was yawning and relaxed. And we weren't late after all.

Thank you again for the great workshop. You are great at what you do!"

Yoga

City of Woburn

"Thanks for a fantastic class!  I hope we will be able to have you back again to do another great yoga (or Pilates) class.  Your classes have made such a positive difference in my life.  These are great programs"

Town of Reading

"I was inspired by this Yoga class- as simple as I know the Instructor kept it, I actually felt benefits from it at even my imperfect attempts. I want to look into taking a Yoga class as I go along. I had gone to a couple of Yoga classes at the gym I belong to, but found it beyond me and not helpful-I'm sure now the level was too advanced, so this was an eye-opener for me. Thank you for this variety. See you next Tuesday."

Town of Sturbridge

"A staff member just told me that at our wellness fair 1 1/2 years ago, they found he had 45% bone density. He went to his doctor who confirmed and said it was very accurate. Also went on to find he had a vitamin D deficiency and didn't absorb it properly. He is now on medication and an exercise program and he has increased his bone density by 12%. Your programs are amazing. Please share this story. Thanks for all that you do - you really do impact a lot of lives and lifestyles."

City of Woburn

"Tonight's class was a blast!! I had the winter blues, and cabin fever, was tired of being cold- you name it. The Zumba class was just what I needed to break out of the winter blues! Thank you! Can't wait until next week!!"

Strength Training and Fitness

Town of Danvers

"I just wanted you to know that because of you and your class I have been going to the gym 2-3x/wk for exercise and Zumba - I have lost a few pounds, but several inches, my clothes are all falling off (oops?), and the best is that I feel soooooooo much better.  I have more strength and stamina and I don't fall asleep early anymore.  I just wanted you to know that you're a miracle worker.  I hope you're well and having fun.  Keep in touch."

Tai Chi

City of Woburn

"I wasn't able to attend the last Tai chi class so didn't get to fill out a MIIA evaluation. I wanted to respond enthusiastically, so if there's a way to do that, please let me know. Brett is a great teacher, with endless patience and grace. I have tried Tai chi a couple of times before but never seemed to be able to get past the very first moves before I was lost. Brett's style enabled me to feel as though I could learn all of the short form.  I hope you will be able to offer this class with him again."

Town of Athol

"I went to your workshop yesterday at the Town Hall.  Last night I put in the relaxation tape, in the front of the case, as I was going to bed.  I don't even know how far I got on the tape, I was out like a light and slept."

DPW Snow & Ice Training

"Just a quick note to thank you and your staff for the great presentations you made yesterday at our “Snow-and-Ice” training sessions – all three were exactly what we needed for guys who will be plowing for hours after hours in the next few months – stress-relieving exercises, better fast-food choices, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle."