Darrin Bell
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“I was attracted by a notice in our church bulletin offering a free fitness assessment and some training sessions as part of a Lenten health and fitness challenge. I am now officially a “senior citizen” and I see how much “creeping” disability robs older people not only of mobility and independence but also of joy. I don’t want this to happen to me any sooner than it must – never, if possible! While I do walk quite a bit and have a fair amount of endurance for that activity, my mild asthma leaves me a little short of breath at times, my balance is only fair (increasing my fear of falls), and I could certainly use more upper body strength.
I came expecting an overall fitness assessment, and maybe some casual oversight as I worked out on my own on various machines. I would have been quite happy with that but I ended up getting so much more. Bernadette not only assessed my strengths and weaknesses but she also listened to me and took into account my own fitness goals which included better balance, greater strength and greater endurance. She demonstrated the various exercises for me and joined in with me until I could accomplish them on my own. She stayed with me every step of the way. I also liked the fact that she wasn’t afraid to challenge me to improve just a little bit more with each session.
While I have to date only been working out for a few weeks, already I am capable of a great deal more than when I began. My stamina and strength have improved and it seems to me that I am using my asthma inhaler just a little less! After my first session, my heart rate remained elevated for hours; after my last session, my heart rate quickly returned to normal; my resting blood pressure is now as low as 95/66 and my resting pulse, down to 66-71 which, for me, is quite low. Even during the day under the stress of work, my normally rapid pulse remains steady and calm! Quite a bit of improvement in a short period of time! Thank you!” – Kathleen C.
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“Following the fun, creative, physically and mentally challenging regimens designed and instructed by Brownstone Fitness, has improved not only my physical appearance, but it has also strengthened my willpower. Pushing myself physically has enabled me to realize how much my body is actually capable of. Working out with Hans has consistently provided me with a boost in self esteem, confidence in my physical dexterity and an overall improvement in how I carry myself. Workout with the trainers at Brownstone Fitness and with time you will notice how you begin to push yourself farther in any and every activity you’re involved with.” – Tiffany P.
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On Saturday I took my girls to the playground as always but this time decided to work out while they played, instead of sitting on the bench surfing on my iphone. I did our usual warm up, including inch worm, and most of our workout, except for the sprints in between and rows. I worked out for 40 mins. Really pushing myself with push ups, burpees, squats, planks etc. I’m addicted to boot camp thanks to Brownstone Fitness. For me to do all that on a Saturday was major! I was so proud of myself and see unbelievable change in my strength. I feel so strong, powerful and happy! Thanks to all of you at Brownstone Fitness!- Elif Kavakci
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“Some time ago when I met Hans, before I knew what he did, I started telling him about my son and football. At the time I think I was trying to talk myself into letting him go with the sport knowing that at least I didn’t have far to go to say a prayer or 2. Hans remembers this conversation more than I do and offered to train my son a couple of times a week. He said simply “you told me about your son for a reason” and he would work with him if he was willing. Seyoum started his classes with Hans during pre-season football. The first time he came out and said “mom, this is harder than football” but was looking forward to the next workout! Within a few weeks, my son was very conscious about his diet, his posture and slowly working on his schedule! Physically he looks great and feels good. He is very confident and tired at the end of the day, with no time for being a slouch!” – Leah Abraham
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(The following is a testimonial with some bias 
and a back story for another time)
When I was young my father (Hans Hageman) had me on a set work out plan; he did this for my health, confidence and career plan. He helped me in so many ways. I was a very quiet and shy seventeen year-old. I wasn’t socially active and I didn’t make friends very easily. It wasn’t until I started to workout with my dad that I discovered how different I could become in a good and life-changing way. While I worked out with him I gained and built my self confidence – and he helped mold me as a person. I was able to make conversation with almost anyone because I felt good about myself and wasn’t ashamed of what other people would think of me. I began to take on more responsibilities in school and volunteered whenever I had the chance. I always felt I was never strong enough for sports, however once I stated to workout with my father I realized I don’t have to be ashamed anymore. I felt much stronger so I started to take part in sports such as basketball, football, and track & field. My father always pushed me to eat healthfully and maintain a positive exercise program. I felt good and rested every morning. Thanks to my father I never had to deal with a weight issue – if I didn’t have him helping me I may have. Ever since I can remember my dream was to be a United States Marine. My father helped me chase my dreams. With his workout plan I was able to get ready for basic training. To this day I still use his work out plan. I am a United States Marine and have been one for 4 years. Without my father’s help I don’t know if I could ever have had the strength to enlist. I feel as if my father can help others as he did me, if you would just give him (and yourself) a chance. -Cpl. Anthony Howell – United States Marine Corps
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I met Hans approximately 30 years ago. I came to meet him through his mother who was a wonderful person who I guess saw something in me and introduced me to her son (Hans). At that time I was about 15 years old and Hans was off at law school. Also around that time I had started to develop an interest in running, and that’s when Hans began his mentorship that would last till this day. Through Hans’s guidance from the ages of 15 till 18 I had run competitively in over 64 NY Road Runner 10K sponsored events, always placing in the top three for my age category and being able to hold my own against adult seasoned runners. Upon graduating from high school I joined the United States Marine Corp. Because of Hans’s mentorship (both physical and mental) Marine Corp Boot Camp was a breeze. During my time in the Marines I continued my love of running which included completing 4 Marathons and 11 half marathons.
When I left the Marines I joined the NYC Police Department where I remained pretty fit for the next 15years. Although I was no longer running in races I continued to run, work out, and box, always seeking the guidance and knowledge of Hans and always getting the right advice, the right work out, and the right spiritual “Guru-like” guidance that he gives. Sometime after my 15th year of being with the NYC police department I sort of lost the passion to exercise (too many donuts!). That lasted for about seven years and took me from weighing 163 pounds to weighing 210 (Wow! I know!). Well, I just recently (May 2011) retired from the Police Department and I decided to take a job overseas training police in Afghanistan. Prior to taking that job I had to go through a six week mini boot camp so I turned to my mentor, my friend, my Guru, and, to be quite frank, the one person that knows more about fitness than anyone I know (if you don’t believe that ask anyone that knows about fitness who has had a conversation with him). I turned to Hans, and once again with his direction and guidance he was able to set me up with a nutrition and training plan that got me through the training after not working out for over seven years – but it didn’t end there, As I read Hans’s blogs and the articles he posted and the fact that I was going to Afghanistan, I became motivated to work out again and to become what I call “Hans healthy.” So for the past two months Hans has been training me (via emails and Face Book) and I wish I had taken a before picture, because I didn’t expect the results that we have achieved. I have gone from weighing 210lbs to weighing 198lbs (my goal is 175lbs). My knowledge of the body, the mind, nutrition, and proper exercise, is all due to what I have learned from Hans and as always I thank him for being a part of my life. I encourage anyone to give him a call, sit with him and Bernadette, take a class in and if you don’t agree with what I have said then I will refund you the cost of that first lesson. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Dino A. – former US Marine, retired NYPD, current contractor -Afghanistan
