Testimonials

When I started going to Pongo Power, I had chronic pain in my ankle that kept me from running, jumping, or staying on my feet for long lengths of time.  Elizabeth and the trainers at Pongo Power explained that I didn't have to just treat the symptoms - I could work with a trainer to strengthen the muscles around my ankle and get healthier at the same time.

Over the next year I worked a little with a physical therapist and a lot with a trainer at Pongo Power - but it didn't feel like work, it felt like fun!  Now I've lost weight, I feel healthier and the debilitating pain is gone.  I owe a lot to the trainers at Pongo Power, but I feel like they had as much fun working with me as I did working with them.  Thanks!

- Richard BL, 28

*****

My workouts at Pongo Power over the last year have been as varied as the 3 trainers I’ve worked with.  All of them have been great; very lively, engaging, and energy filled (a tough thing at 6:00 AM in the morning).  Each trainer brings their unique mix of core strength training, cardio blasts, stretching, dreaded abdominal work, and coaching on diet.  Regardless of who I’m training with, I walk away with a great feeling of accomplishment and being pushed just a little further.  For me (someone who left to his own devices would never work out) having the Pongo team there has definitely improved my physical fitness specifically, and life in general.

- Bob, 48

*****

I wanted to lose weight and gain muscle tone but had no idea how to do it.  The structure of a big cooperate gym confused and overwhelmed me and I was just too intimidated to join a class full of strangers and too lazy to go running on my own.  Cue Pongo Power!  The fitness boutique created by Elizabeth Pongo answered all my needs.  Her rates are reasonable, her staff is amazing, and their approach to fitness makes it accessible to all.  I've been training there for over a year and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.  I've actually met and exceeded all my goals.  Pongo Power has made me into an even better me, and for that I will be eternally grateful.  YAY PONGO!!!

- Meghan, 29

*****

I began working at out at Pongo for my 39th bday present, which was much needed after having my 1 & 5 year old girls. My trainer (Stephanie Severe) is truly amazing, both as a trainer and a great woman! She just got me the instant I met her, which was so comforting and rare. My 2 workouts a week not only displayed physical improvements but everything as a whole: diet, mental & emotional being were so much more balanced.

I highly recommend Pongo to anyone looking to better themselves in a healthy, meaningful way. Pongo is such a gem in Park Slope; location wise, totally compettively priced, and oh so charming and comfortable!

- Jenni B.

*****

I never thought of myself as anyone who might enjoy exercising. Last January I decided that a personal trainer would be good for me – not enjoyable but good for me. I was wrong. I love training with the Pongo Power staff and I feel stronger and more at peace with my body. The trainers are so great at helping you understand what is going on with your body and customizing a work-out that makes sense for you. The personal attention makes so much difference – in keeping you motivated and engaged and driving results.

- Shirin

*****

I have always been a lone wolf in my workouts; but after a long layoff from exercising, I was having a tough time getting motivated to go to the gym and restart my workout routine. Last winter I took up Pongo Power’s offer for an evaluation and a few discounted sessions to see if I liked it and if it would help motivate me to get in shape.

I haven’t looked back since. I’ve worked with several of the trainers; all are good at motivating you and just pushing you enough so you get a good workout but can still get out of bed the next day without too much soreness. I’ve lost a few pounds, which is always nice. But more importantly, I feel much stronger and have more energy to get through my day. 

As an added bonus I haven’t had an episode of my back going out and I attribute this to all the core exercises I do at Pongo. My advice, give them a shot to get you in shape! Having a knowledgeable trainer/partner is well worth it. 

- Jerry K

*****

Elizabeth is a creative and dedicated trainer who ensures her clients get the results they're seeking. She simultaneously challenged me and supported me, and I soon found myself in outstanding physical health. She taught me loads about my body -- so I can continue on this path thought I'm now thousands of miles from her. She's also very funny, making the whole work-out thing a lot of fun.

- Jennifer W

*****

"I have been working out with Maggie Alexander at Pongo Power for almost 6 months now. She takes a holistic approach to physical fitness that I find both beneficial and refreshing. She pushes me more so than I would ever push myself, working multiple muscle groups simultaneously via her creative exercises. I find the one-on-one interaction I get from the Pongo Power studio to be the perfect environment for me, unlike typical mindless gym environments."

- Todd, 35

*****

In the Fall of 2005, I joined a gym for the first time in my life. Intimidated by the grunting weight lifters and double-jointed yogis, I confined my workouts to the cardio equipment. I lost a couple pounds at first, but I soon grew bored with the monotony. As my weight loss plateaued I used the gym less and less and finally dropped my membership. Fast forward two years later when I happened to walk my Pongo Power in Park Slope. Pongo's cheerful windows and motivational philosophy inspired me to sign up for a couple sessions. In ten short weeks both Amy and Elizabeth have completely changed my mind and body. Finally, I've learned how to exercise. Now you can find me in the gym, doing push-ups on stability balls, lifting weights, and signing up for yoga classes. I'm thrilled that I've dropped two pants sizes, but I'm even more excited that I've finally learned how to exercise and I've found the confidence to use the more intimidating parts of the gym. And an added bonus--the enthusiasm at Pongo is so infectious that I've had fun in every single one of my sessions.

--Susan C., 27

*****

“Before I began working with Elizabeth, working out was not part of my life at all—not because I didn't want it to be but because I didn't really understand how to make it happen. Elizabeth taught me how to implement and execute exercise into my lifestyle and turned it into something I look forward to. Weights and exercise equipment are no longer overwhelming and mysterious to me -- I understand how to use them and how to attain good form. Elizabeth takes the time to make sure you're getting it while enjoying it at the same time—I think that’s hard to find.”

—Sima, age 33

*****

I planned a two moth trip across Asia, including challenging itineraries involving mountain climbing in the Sichuan Provence, China, and Bhutan; but the whole plan was contingent on restoring my fitness.

Thanks to Pongo Power, starting one year ago, I restored my core strength and fixed: a terrible gate issue when walking, back pain, and plantar fascistic. The pay-off was a pain free, incredible journey where I felt the energy and the strength to enjoy every day.

At the end of the journey I was host to a large international conference outside of Tokyo, where many people remarked at how much more youthful and vigorous I was. Sitting in the hot spring bath with a group of conference participants, I explained I owed it all to my personal trainer back in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

—Robin, age 64

*****

"To start working out after the age of 50 is to discover that one can become stronger and younger than before the age of 50. When you start working out: 8lbs. is a real chore. 3 years later 15 lbs is totally manageable and easier to lift than 8lbs. The reason you need to lift 15 lbs weight is because kitty litter weighs 14lbs, the lawn mower weighs 25lbs, and groceries weigh 20lbs.

"Life is all of a sudden is easier. Everything becomes easier, all day long. Without a fitness trainer I would not have known I needed to replace my hip. By replacing my hip I could then perform exercise that I could not have tolerated for the 15 years before.

"No one has the self discipline to work out and build muscle that you can only get with a personal trainer. Nobody can make that big of a difference on their own. This is because no one knows the different muscles groups in their body and how they work together as a whole. I'm strong in parts of my body that I didn't know I even owned, muscles I never knew about before."

—Carol Oliver, age 59

*****

Pongo Power has truly changed my life. Since joining less than two years ago, I have lost more than 40 pounds, while also building a lot of muscle. I weigh less now than I did in high school, and I am in the best shape of my life.

I only joined Pongo Power to look better, but I am amazed at how much better I feel: I have reduced neck and back pain; I have more energy; and I now possess the ability to effortlessly do tasks that other people struggle with, such as opening tight jars, carrying heavy groceries, and so on.

And I blush to admit it, but I now get more dates with women than I can handle. I'm not joking--I am literally turning away beautiful women.

—David, 37

*****

Before Julie’s Wedding…
"Working with Elizabeth has changed the way I work out forever! I have always gone through phases of fitness and this year I'm 'on.' I had been working out on my own with minimal results and then I started training with Elizabeth who gave me tips and techniques that totally altered my workout style to be more effective."

Julie’s Review after the Wedding!
"In the months leading up to my wedding, I was in the best shape of my life. Elizabeth continued to hone and tweak to get me looking and feeling better than ever. I bought a heart rate monitor and my fitness level was off the charts. I took up Scuba diving and I was commended for being an efficient breather - no doubt because of my healthy heart. At the wedding, I felt like a million bucks and looking through the pictures, I like to spot ones where you can see my muscles! On our honeymoon I ate and ate and ate and didn't gain a pound because my metabolism is so high right now. I will always be grateful to Erzsi for the gift of self-confidence and my husband is grateful for his "hot wife."

"My original goal was to look my best at the wedding. Now that I know how amazing it feels to be in good shape, I want to continue working out to maintain my figure. I was never fat, but I love not feeling self-conscious or flabby and knowing that I'm tight and toned."

—Julie Sontag, Business Owner, One Smart Puppy

*****

"Elizabeth has helped me gain so much from our sessions after over 4 1/2 years, that it will be hard to discuss it all. One of the most important things is a feeling of accomplishment when I master something new.

"To see a smaller waistline that could only have come from better eating and a million abdominal exercises, gives me a feeling of good power and a sense of faith. I will always want to be better: stronger, more graceful, and to have more endurance and speed. But for now, I can live in the present and say "I am doing it". I still stumble and trip but I can catch myself in order to keep from falling a lot more.

"There is something about doing the hard work of body sculpture that gives a sense of reality. With the adventure of being close to age 64, comes the less than happy reality that aging is what it is to the body. There is little one can do after working out, eating well, being mentally active, and loving others. That harsh reality being accepted, I get to look at myself and say, "Not bad for your age.

"I've started listening to my body, so that I can respond to my own needs appropriately. Letting my body have its say encourages a feeling of self-acceptance, I realize that since I'm not an athlete in competition, I should treat myself gently.

"The process of working out makes it possible to be so much more adventurous than I have ever felt before. There is no way that my husband and I could have restored our house without it.

"I feel healthier than I've ever been since I was a child. Yesterday, I noted that my legs are so much better defined than ever before. My abs are still getting stronger. I naturally stand straighter, smile, and feel happier most of the time.”

—Barbara, age 64

*****

"I've been working with Elizabeth for nearly a year and I can't recommend her too highly. I have arthritis of the spine and was always nervous about being injured during physical activity. Elizabeth is so knowledgeable and careful about the body, I never even think about being injured. In fact I feel stronger each time I see her and am thrilled by my newfound strength and range of motion."

—Maggie, age 64

*****

"Since training with Elizabeth, my posture has noticeably improved as we’ve worked together to strengthen my back and shoulder muscles. I’ve found I can sit and stand for longer periods of time without suffering from aches and pains. Now that I’m 41, I plan to continue to work with Elizabeth to ensure I continue to develop healthy physical habits.

"Working with Elizabeth has also improved my physical appearance. By developing my back and shoulders, my proportions look better balanced. Elizabeth also emphasizes a total body workout so that my lower body also becomes stronger and healthier-looking. Beyond just strengthening my muscles, working out under Elizabeth’s guidance has helped my balance and coordination."

—Daniel, age 42

*****

"I’ve lost fat and put on muscle in my back, shoulders, chest, arms, and legs. Before I started working with Elizabeth, I was experiencing regular knee and hip pain. That has gone away almost entirely. Elizabeth put me in touch with my core muscle group which was sadly wasting away. Now I’m strong and regularly do exercises that strengthen my core and give stability to all the other muscle groups. I’ve gone down a waist size and feel better than I have in a long time. When I wanted to give up after just a few weeks, Elizabeth was exactly the kind of gentle coach I need: firm, but kind, and understanding. She knows what it’s like to change your lifestyle, and Elizabeth continually reinforces the idea that this is a lifelong journey you’re embarking on, not a weight loss fad.

"Since I’ve been training with Elizabeth, I’ve been sleeping better, eating healthier, and feeling better than I have in years. Thanks Elizabeth!"

—Ben, age 33

*****

"Before I began training with Elizabeth, I rarely stretched when I exercised. Elizabeth has shown me the importance of incorporating stretching into my workout. As a result, I am noticeably more limber. I used to have knee and heel pains, but these have resolved now that I am more flexible.

"The quality of my workouts has improved under Elizabeth’s guidance. I used to think that I could master exercises, including using weights, on my own. I now realize that a lot of my effort was counterproductive as an incorrect form led to my working different muscles from what I had intended. Elizabeth’s feedback on proper form and technique has become crucial to my exercising effectively and safely. I now understand the importance of integrating my core muscles into my workout, even when I am exercising peripheral muscles. The quality of my workouts has markedly improved under Elizabeth’s supervision.

"My abs are tighter and my posture has improved with Elizabeth’s guidance. These are things I definitely notice."

—Robert, age 53

*****

"This is a testimonial for Elizabeth Pongó. I have to say that when I started working with Elizabeth I had very little energy. I was a weakling and very out of shape. I had constant neck and shoulder pains and knee pains. Now all of those problems are resolved.

"I really love working with Elizabeth because she has shown me how to feel better about my body and how to use it in an appropriate way. I have tons of energy.

"My body has really gotten into shape. I have muscles that I never knew I had. My legs and thighs that I had never had any shape to, in my whole life, now have beautiful shape. My waist has gotten smaller and pants fit me now. I don’t feel any of the pains.

"I would also have to say that I am addicted to doing this and I wouldn’t give it up for anything. It really has made a difference in my life. Thank you!"

—Shelley Benezra

*****

“Carol is a fantastic trainer. Her routines are always challenging, but because they are so much fun they never really seem like "work." I often look up at the clock and am amazed to see that the hour has already gone by! Carol keeps me on my toes, changing my routine so that I never get bored; as a result, I look forward to each and every workout. Carol is such an enthusiastic and energetic person that she makes me excited to exercise, both at the studio and on my own.

“My blood pressure has gone down significantly. I am amazed at what I can do now, and how different I look; in just a short amount of time, I have become stronger, leaner, and much healthier. Thanks Carol - you rock!”

-Kiera, 36

*****

“I am so happy that my excellent physical therapist recommended Pongo Power and that I have had the opportunity to train with Carol Singh for the past five months. As a former dancer, athlete and "gym rat" for longer than I care to remember (and before good training protocols were available), I have accumulated more than a few chronic aches and pains in my over 60 years.

“My goal in training was to improve my balance, master a solid, sensible training approach to strength training and improve my over-all fitness. I have worked with many trainers. Carol is among the best I have ever met and I couldn't be more satisfied.”

-Carol Ziegler, Lawyer, 61

*****

“I knew I was missing something…turns out it was Pongo Power! The convenience, good nature, and skill of Carol and Elizabeth have resulted in my first sustainable efforts to lose weight, while increasing muscle tone and balance.

-Eric Brettschneider, Special Advisor to Commissioner of State office for Children and Family Services, 61

*****

“I have been training with Pongo Power for almost a year, after spending the better part of a decade sitting at a desk, living a sedentary life, with a high stress career. It is incredible how much working with Carol at Pongo Power has improved my level of fitness and overall well-being!

“I feel stronger at 41 than I felt at 31. Carol brings boundless spunk, energy and enthusiasm to each workout, and delivers a challenging, fun and safe workout each time. She is smart and her knowledge about the body is deep -- she has worked with me to strengthen areas of weakness that I didn't even realize I had.

“A year ago I wouldn't have dreamed that I could stick with a workout regime for a year, but now I am looking forward to tracking my progress throughout the next year with Carol.”

-Daryn, 41

*****

“I started working with Carol about two months ago. I’d been working out on my own regularly for about six months, with not much to show for the efforts. I felt the difference working with Carol after the first session, and after two months I can now both feel and see the difference. Everyone around me also sees the difference. I’m also eating better and sleeping more since I started.

“I had no idea what to expect from a personal trainer. Most importantly, she is teaching me how to work out properly so that when I exercise on my own I’m doing it right. The sessions are so much harder physically than what I had ever done on my own, but at the same time are easier mentally because of the constant encouragement. For me, this combination works well. Also, when you exercise correctly it really feels better. I know I will be pushed hard during the sessions, but I feel great afterwards and it’s been really rewarding to see the results. “

“So, I came in to kind of just check it out, but I’m hooked.”

-Helena Prigal, Dean, 46

*****

"Pongo power helped me look my best for my wedding. I had been exercising on my own and I was not seeing the improvements I wanted. Carol gave me exercises targeting the areas I wanted to change, and whenever my body get used to an exercise, she changed it, making it harder and more effective. She pushed me much further than I could have pushed myself, and I was thrilled with how I looked in my wedding dress!”

-Lindsey F, 33

*****

"Anyone can stretch, lift weights, and ride a machine. At Pongo Power, they create personal challenges, starting you at the right level, marking your progress, all while taking music requests. I hadn't touched weights in years, but with Amy at Pongo Power's help, its now my favorite rush, as my forgotten muscles come alive. Its feels great right away."

- Jeff, 38

*****

“My experience of training at Pongo Power with Amy has been wonderful. I find it just the right mix of gentleness and push to ensure that I continue on my road to physical fitness. I also got an unexpected bonus. As I practice engaging my abs and feeling my core strength while walking my dog, I find that he reacts to this new energy.

“In the past, he would sometimes bark at other dogs as we passed and always barked at motorcycles that were revving their engines, but now he walks by my side, silent and in control.”

-Judy

*****

"Amy is a gifted motivator. No matter how uninspired or lazy I'm feeling before my session with her, she somehow manages to ramp up my energy level and give me a great workout. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I can honestly say that, for the first time in my life, I actually enjoy exercising--and seeing the results!"

-Sarah E., Editor, 29

*****

"Walking along 5th Street recently, I stumbled upon Pongo Power. It was a sign, as they say. As a newbie, I fretted my physical ability – let alone my commitment – to pursue a personal training program. But Amy has helped melt away that anxiety with her extensive knowledge, clear instructions, and gentle nudges. At Pongo, you will discover fitness, wellness, and a lot of laughter. What could be better?!"

-Joy, 46

*****

"Elizabeth has been able to motivate me and keep me pushing myself to the limit in a warm, supportive and encouraging manner. She is great to work with."

—Larry L

*****

"When I first started training with Elizabeth I expressed that I wanted her to design a workout for me that was centered around my health needs. I wanted to train wisely and safely since I am in my mid-fifties and I am very afraid of injury. Elizabeth listened to me carefully and understood I wasn't there to pump up for the benefit of admiring my muscle definition, but rather my goal was a healthy and fit lifestyle. I also understood that having a personal trainer would help me achieve this goal. Elizabeth planned a workout that is right for me, and has helped to give me a program designed for my maximum benefit. Elizabeth also incorporates her vast knowledge of the body by teaching me and showing me pictures of the muscles we are working on. There is no denying my training with Elizabeth has added to my physical and psychological well-being. On a personal note Elizabeth has a smile that lights up the room. Her warm personality and infectious laugh makes her a pleasure to be around."

—Dolores Phelan

*****

"I started training with Elizabeth about eight months ago. My son has just came for a visit and told me that it is truly amazing how much progress I have made! A year ago I was extremely heavy and out of shape, just recuperating from a debilitating operation, and the effects of a high-stress career in the financial area. Worse than that, all that inactivity had made my joints stiff, and thrown me off balance. I began physical therapy, and when strong enough began to work with Elizabeth at the local club. My results have been amazing! My son said, 'Now you look like the mother I remember!' Elizabeth carefully structured each session to build my strength and mobility, and I'm proud to say I have now begun agility training.

"Elizabeth has been a complete trainer for me, clearly studying and advancing her expertise in anything I needed to improve, often giving me materials to read on my own. It is a pleasure and great fun working with Elizabeth, and the results are undeniable!"

—Belinda Dumont

*****

"Meeting Elizabeth is the best thing that happened to me. For 42 years, I have been overweight, lethargic, and out of touch with my body. 'Exercise' was a foreign word that had no place in my vocabulary or in my life. But Elizabeth has changed that by helping me discover the pleasure of becoming fit. I will never go back to ignoring my body."

—Ghada Captan

*****

"Elizabeth's enthusiasm is contagious. She helps me stay focused on my goals and push myself just enough. I feel good about the progress I'm making and Elizabeth helps to keep me from getting discouraged, because it doesn't happen overnight like I'd like it to."

—Sunnie