Testimonials

I am a 48 year old male who is the owner operator of a car wash. I went to Pondeli's Lift for Life Center for a few reasons, but primarily to strengthen my back, which was surgically fused in 1984. The nature of my job has me working 11 hour days and more than several of those hours are on my feet.
Before my first workout Pondeli performed a 1 hour free evaluation. The result of the evaluation allows Pondeli to get the proper workout which suited my specific needs.I started working out in November of 2003 and after just 4 months of one on one closely supervised workouts incorporating machines, free weights and plyometrics my back feels stronger and better then it has in years, as does the rest of my body. Whether you have worked out or have never worked out (like me) before, Pondeli's Lift for Life One on One Personal Training Center can accomodate your physical needs.

–Mr. NickdiBello
NU-LOOK car wash Philadelphia, PA

Nick diBello, doing Run-throughs

Having been a High School and College athlete and remaining physically active all my life, I knew it was becoming more important than ever as I entered the "40 something" zone to have a balanced fitness regime. However, the responsibilities of running a company and being a full time husband and father actively involved in my three children's school sport activities left negative time for going to the gym. My lifestyle is fast paced and my occupation is high stress. How to fit it all in a day?
Pondeli had the perfect solution. We set up a gym and training center, in my home, where he now supervises the whole family's work-outs. We all have a quality work-out with Pondeli's special personal attention to our individual needs. The children have a regular regimen to supplement their sports. My fit time actually gives me more energy, energy to meet all my responsibilities and in addition compete in several adult basketball leagues.
The benefits Pondeli has provided can't be measured and extend way beyond myself. Now we, as a family, are truly "at home" with fitness!
Thank you Pondeli!

Daniel J. Rhoads Jr. - 45 years old
President and CEO of Rhoads Industries, Inc.

I've been training at Pondeli's Lift for Life since March of 2002. Overweight as a kid, in my late teens I lost 50 pounds, remaining skinny throughout my young adult years. When I reached my mid-40s however I got hit with that classic male "spare tire" and as I approached the half-century mark I thought I'd better do something about it before it completely rolled over me.
Having never been athletic, the idea of working out was, to me, about as desirable as taking poison, but seeing Pondeli's ad promising real "one-on-one" training I decided that I at least owed it to myself to check it out. So check it out I did, secretly hoping that I would find a reason as to why it would not make sense. But the more I spoke with Pondeli, visiting the center, getting a condition assessment, trying a work-out - the more convinced I became that this just might work for me after all.
And work for me it has. Pondeli's good-humored training style eased my self-consciousness and gave me the motivation to continue working out even when I did not always have the personal impetus to do so. Once Marian joined the center I began training with her and soon found her concerned and caring way to be a huge asset in bolstering my confidence level. Marian also developed a fat-burning, muscle-building diet regimen for me - no easy task being that I am a vegetarian hooked on carbohydrates.
I now know proven success. I've lost 20 pounds, gone from a tight size 34 waist pants to a comfortable 32, seen my pumped-up biceps pop-out for the first time ever, and even have had a stranger come up to me to compliment me on my "flat stomach." (I don't think it was a pick-up line - she was about 75 years old.)
"Lift for Life" has become a "way of life" for me.

Bill Stat - 50 years old
Gulph Mills, PA
Advertising Manager - Lenox China

My name is Mark Stanchi. I am a client here at Pondeli's Lift for Life Center in Bensalem, Bucks County, PA. I started coming to Pondeli in January of this year. This is the first time I have ever used the services of a personal trainer. I have always been a fitness conscious person who lives an active lifestyle. I take great care of my 46 year old body and watch
what goes into it. Good nutrition, a balanced diet and plenty of exercise are staples of my daily life.
Fortunately, I have never been a guy who gains weight easily. I'm just under 6 feet tall and weight in at 165 pounds. I'm always on the go and my metabolism is such that I burn off the fat and calories - AND THIS IS AN IMPORTANT POINT - that doesn't mean that I don't have to WORK HARD at keeping myself lean and fit! It's extremely EASY for me to get flabby and soft! Finding time to take care of oneself in this hectic day and age is not always the easiest thing to do. For that reason, I have always been a proponent of the AT HOME workout.
I have always found that when I tried the gym thing, I came away disillusioned at best. We've all been there: The crowds, the waiting in line to get to the machines, the inconvenience, setting the time aside, including the travel time, etc.
And, in my case, there is also a personal factor. I have a history of lower back problems due to a car accident when I was a teenager. Because of this, I have always had setbacks with my workouts. My back goes out a lot. I've learned to live with it. One day I saw an ad for Pondeli's Lift for Life in the Philadelphia Gay News and I decided to give it a shot. The idea of a true one on one fitness experience with the owner himself sounded like a good idea. It also didn't hurt that the gym was only 12 minutes away here in Bensalem. So, with no small amount of skepticism, I gave Pondeli a call and set up a consultation. My first impression of Pondeli was that he's a knowledgeable, no nonsense, straight to the point kind of guy. Speaking as a South Philly born and raised, no nonsense Italian guy myself, I appreciated that and still do. I told him what I wanted to achieve and what my limitations were. He listened. He worked out a program tailor made for me. He still listens. At the start of each session he asks, "How are you feeling today?" and then, "How's your back?"
I make my living as a CMT, a Certified Massage Therapist. I also do a lot of work as a photographers and artists model, so I have to be strong, in good shape and always look my best. Working with Pondeli has helped me achieve my goals and get RESULTS.

Mary Beth Meyer, medical books editor.
Ms. Meyer has lost over 20 pounds and has gone from 19% body fat to 14%. "With Pondeli's help, I have dropped from a size 12 to a size 7 in only a couple of months. My body is continually improving with every training session, and I have kept the weight off now for over two years."

Client Jim Dunn doing pullups while spotted by Pondeli

Mary Beth Meyer
The Hula Hoop is not your typical exercise, but Pondeli has gotten great results from this fun childhood toy. The exercise works the abdominals and lower back, giving clients a nice tight waist.

Pondeli,
Not bad for a 52 year old, chubby guy. Thanks for helping me put things back in the general vicinity they used to be in.
Thanks,
John Marotta
June 2002

"My name is Myrna Hunter, I am a 49 year old African-American woman with high-blood pressure. In 1992 I was diagnosed with having a benign brain tumor. Three years later the tumor was surgically removed. Several years later I was diagnosed with having a lung abscess and consequently my lower left lung was removed. Since that time I have had bouts with asthma.
Four months ago I walked in the door of Pondeli's Lift for Life Personal Training Center and my life has changed for the better. When I began training with Pondeli I was unable to perform a routine without stopping to catch my breath. But just after a few months of training I have noticed an improvement in my lung function. I am now able to perform my routine without stopping. I have also lost 10 pounds and my overall appearance has greatly improved because of muscle toning.
The thing I like about Pondeli is that he trains the whole person. Pondeli talks you through your program and explains the body movement and what muscle groups are affected. On days when I'm feeling stressed Pondeli will talk with me before my workout and he encourages me. Pondeli is interested in the stresses of your life and tailors the workout to suit your lifestyle. Training with Pondeli has been and continues to be an important part of my life. I look forward to continued workouts with Pondeli."
Thank you Pondeli.
Sincerely,
Myrna Hunter

At the age of 49 my whole life changed. My husband died suddenly and I became a widow. I was scared and alone and I didn't know how I was going to cope. I needed to find some way to get myself motivated and interested in life again. I had a support group that I went to but I still needed something more.
That was when I decided to try working out with Pondeli. I had never done anything like this before and I was apprehensive about going to a personal trainer, but I figured I might as well give it a shot. It was the best decision I have ever made.
From the very first work out session I knew I had found the right personal trainer for me. Pondeli made it interesting and fun while still being very professional. His knowledge and expertise made me feel very comfortable. He always explained everything and answered all my questions.
It has been 3 months since I started working out and I am seeing a lot of nice changes. I feel stronger and more confident in my appearance and myself. I am definitely looking a lot better in all the right places. I can't wait to see what's going to happen in the next 3 months!
Thanks Pondeli for getting me started on a path towards feeling and looking better.
You're the best!"

Ms. Fay Hankin
Dispensing Optician

Paul "Bud" Billiard
Developer and presenter for Pro Talk
(A conept of presentations to coaches of all sports, fitness experts, and professional audiences)

I have known Pondeli as a student and athlete in high school, where I had the pleasure of teaching and coaching. He always gave his best effort. He did this because of a proud competitive drive inside him. He had strong work ethics and a determination that was second to none. Even at a young age, conditioning and fitness w ere always a paramount issue, as he illustrateed in his training. Along with his many positive traits, the one thing that has always, and still impresses me, is his ability to face and overcome adversity. Although experiencing many setbacks in his life, which would have been the discouraging blow to make most indivduals submit and fail, he pressed on. He always was full of faith and self belief. Those character traits are the foundation of "Pondeli's Lift For Life", and why it is and will be a success. He is taken that "drive" and created a situation for others to train and succede under his guidance. Individuals in the Philadelphia area should take advantage of the opportunity to be trained and train at the beautiful and well facilitated Lift For Life complex. Pond eli has the knowledge and experience that will help take individuals to another level of self care. His compassion for the well being of others, and his personal approch when training an individual, will assure the best possible result for the student trainee. It is a fact that self physical inprovement definately enhnces self esteem, which provides self confidence, and this leads to success in life. This is the total improvement in oneself. If someone is setting personal goals for self improvement, do so at Lift For Life. Allow Pondeli to assist you with your goals, and as he does, believe! Pondeli trains with Pride!