KJ, Female, 48, Scottsdale

My decision to give personal training a try went beyond my desire to lose weight. I’ve had high cholesterol since I was in my 20’s, and both of my parents suffered heart attacks in their mid 50’s. Being at high risk, I knew that being fit was even more important than being thin. Also, my doctor told me that at my age, building muscle mass is a better way to get fit AND lose weight than doing all cardio. After three months of working out with Dan, my cholesterol decreased by about 50 points, my LDL and triglycerides decreased significantly, and my HDL increased. Within about four months, I reached my goal weight, but the clothes I was hoping to wear again didn’t fit – they hung off of me! The amazing thing is that my actual weight is a bit more than it was when I wore a larger size. All of my friends are amazed at the transformation. I could not have found a better personal trainer than I have with Dan. Not only does he prove again and again that I’m capable of more than I thought possible, but he keeps an ongoing dialogue with me regarding all aspects of staying fit. He takes a real interest and provides helpful resources on healthy eating habits, etc., all of which have made my training a complete success. I can’t believe I’m beginning to look forward to my workouts! I attended my 30-year class reunion last month and was voted “most youthful.” Do I think my success with Dan had anything to do with that? You bet!

EB, Male, 57, Scottsdale

I found Dan through the AARP website during the spring of 2009. While I was in "ok" condition for my age at the time (57), I discovered I no longer had the motivation to routinely work out. I was steadily losing physical energy and mental stamina. After discussing with Dan my desire to take better care of myself, we embarked on a steady program of weight training and cardio that has yielded very positive results. In addition to losing a few unneeded pounds, I have vastly increased my strength and endurance as my body composition has shifted dramatically to a much healthier proportion. Being a type-2 diabetic, the steady exercise regimen has helped me control the disease through diet and oral medication. I feel mentally sharp, and my work performance evidences that acuity. Additionally, I regularly meet the physical fitness requirements to remain a member of the National Guard (same as the U.S. Army). Dan's understanding of physiology, nutrition, and fitness combined with his sensible approach to personal training has kept me motivated and challenged to remain healthy and fit. His flexibility to adjust to my hectic schedule makes working with him that much more rewarding.

MF, Female, 45, Phoenix

I starting working out with Dan a few months before my wedding.  At the time, I had arthritic knees and shoulder bursitis.  Dan worked around my injuries and was always concerned and professional.  Five months later I was on my honeymoon in a bikini for the first time in decades.  Despite two shoulder surgeries, I’ve been with Dan for almost three years now.  In fact, I’ve never missed a week unless one of us was sick or on vacation.  I haven’t been this strong since I was in my early twenties, and just recently I bought myself a cool new pair of boxing gloves and a heavy bag to work out at home on my non-Dan days.  Thanks Dan, for converting this previously wimpy forty-something.

MB, Male, 53, Phoenix

I had worked out three times a week on my own for years and thought I was plenty strong, but I had stopped progressing.  When I started to seeing Dan, the weights were lighter than what I was used to, but Dan is a stickler for proper form.  In no time, I became stronger than I ever imagined.  Now I “relax” between weight sets with dozens of push-ups and hundreds of jumping jacks without thinking twice.  Working out with Dan remains a priority for me even after almost three years.  I know the reason I can still do as much as I can at my age is because of our workouts.  I never could have come this far on my own.

CW, Male, 35, Scottsdale

All I can say is that working out with Dan is the best fitness program I have ever been a part of.  From my initial assessment and education, my workouts with him have been designed around my goals.  He is a great motivator, never gives you the same workout twice, and always keeps the hour challenging and interesting. I look forward to every session, and he has me doing things I thought were only possible for me 15 years ago.  Te results with him are real, get noticed, and the best part is that they last!  His program is realistic, sustainable, and works in great with my very busy schedule.  Thanks Dan!

KC, Male, 50, Scottsdale

If you’re reading this you must be somewhat interested in or at least entertaining the idea of working out with a trainer. Good for you.

I’d never worked out with a trainer before I met Dan. It’s great to have someone like him who knows which exercises to do and makes sure you do them safely. But in my mind what the trainer thing is really about is making a commitment to another person to meet once or twice a week and work on getting and keeping you in better shape. I’ll never become an Adonis. I don’t have the genes to get big and bulky. But I now have more strength and stamina than I have had in 20 years. People say I look good and that’s not bad either.

I’ve been working out with Dan for almost 3 years. I’ve dropped and kept off the vast majority of 40 pounds. I’m not perfect with the workouts. My job does bump some appointments here and there. But I am consistent, and that’s the trick. I’m consistent because I like the workouts Dan prescribes and I like how I look and feel. And I also know that being in better shape as I age will afford me a higher quality of life. That’s important to me as I just turned 50. This February my doctor told me I’ve got the internal organs of a 39 year old. Nice (thanks Dan).

If this sounds like an experience and lifestyle change you’d like to try, call the man.

RG, Male, 50, Scottsdale

I've been working out with Dan for several months.   Having recently hit the big 5-0, he has helped me achieve the most fit body I have ever had in my life.  My energy, stamina, physique, and enthusiasm to workout have never been better.  I'm addicted to having the one-on-one attention during each exercise, and most of all, learning both proper form and balance in my routine.   Dan’s 100% commitment “to you” is so way better than what you get in the big gyms.   I highly recommend anyone in the North Scottsdale / North Phoenix area to give Dan a try.

KM, Female, 37, Glendale
I started with Dan in early 2006 and I am fortunate to have found such a motivated and intense trainer.  He has made me leaner, stronger and overall healthier.  He listens to my needs and wants and pushes me closer to my goals.  I look forward to my sessions every week with Dan because I know that I will get a great workout.  Dan is an awesome personal trainer. 

JB, Female, 45, Scottsdale
After seeing a neighbor transform his physique, I jokingly asked, "Did you get pec implants?"  He laughed and said, "No, I've been working out with a personal trainer."  Seeing my neighbor's success toward reaching his fitness goals was just the referral I needed.  I asked for the name of the trainer and within days, I was scheduling an appointment with Daniel Scherf.  Although Dan's ACE certification was important, I was more impressed by his ability to assess my individual fitness level, setup a program, and keep me motivated.  Dan creates a personalized program for each client rather than a generic "one size fits all" formula.  He will push me past my comfort level--which was something I found difficult to do on my own.  Throughout the workout, Dan will pay attention to proper form and breathing during the exercise instead of just being a glorified certified counter.  He is fully involved in each individual workout.  Along with guidance on reaching my individual goals, he provides education about strength training, cardio and basic nutrition.  He provides handouts to help with tracking weekly progress as well as ensuring personal accountability.  Dan approaches his career choice as not just a job.  If given a chance, Dan will use the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact toward an individual's overall health.  Last but not least, Dan practices what he preaches and leads by example. 

DC, Female, 51, Scottsdale
I had worked out in the past but never had a personal trainer – so I didn’t really know what to expect.  In my first two months working with Dan I dropped 4 dress sizes!  And I didn’t kill myself!  The workouts were fun and fit into my schedule.  I’m happy to say that I am still with Dan, and have dropped ANOTHER 4 dress sizes.  In just over 4 months I’ve completely reshaped my body.  It has been amazing how much stronger, firmer and thinner I have become.  He has also helped me with my eating habits.  I have reduced my craving for sugar and have been sleeping better than I have in years.  With his planned weight training and stretching, I no longer have the chronic lower back pain which I have had as long as I can remember. If there are any regrets with the training it would be that my closet full of clothes are all too big on me (but it’s been fun shopping for new clothes)!  Thanks, Dan for all your help and support in helping me get beyond my own expectations (going from a size 12 to a size 4).  I could have never accomplished this on my own.

AK, Female, 32, La Quinta, CA
I chose personal training because I was looking for a drill Sergeant that would get my butt back into shape after recovering from health problems. Instead, I found Daniel Scherf and stuck with him. His laid back attitude and fun approach to physical fitness put me at ease almost immediately. Remarkably, I found myself being motivated beyond the norm. Dan nurtured my competitiveness and pushed me to exceed my limits; and the results were amazing. He was 100% committed to my overall health and physical goals. I found in Dan not only an amazing and knowledgeable trainer but also a delightful human being, training partner, and a friend.

SR, Male, 44, Scottsdale
When I first started working with Dan I could barely do 5 push-ups and I got quite winded on the treadmill after 5 minutes. Obviously I would not have been comfortable in a “Muscle Head” gym so I opted for Personal Training in a smaller facility. Within a couple months Dan had my Cardio health much stronger which in turn helped me to increase my weight training routines. Dan is always right beside you on every exercise to encourage you to exceed, help you perfect your form and have a great time doing it all. Dan is constantly introducing new exercises so his sessions never become dull or repetitious.  His passion for his profession is amazing as is his commitment to his clients’ health goals.  My mental attitude is stronger, I am more confident in my profession, I can hike Pinnacle Peak with the best of them, and best of all, friends and strangers alike are taking notice of the hard work and the physical changes that are the result of excellent, consistent, professional training.

AR, Male, 43, Scottsdale
Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about going to a personal trainer, but something about Dan’s non-salesman approach and genuine interest in my overall health convinced me to give him a shot. The first session was used for a fitness test, body fat measurement, BMI ratio, overall assessment, and goal setting. He asked about my diet and made recommendations. He was very clear about what WE had to do to see results, and explained that getting a physical workout was only a part of what was needed. We went over diet and cardio, and even taught me how to read ingredient labels and what they mean. Understanding what my body needs along with when is very important. His workouts were NEVER (and still are not) the same. At times, I think he makes this stuff up as we go along! It makes me look forward to my sessions, and use some muscles I never knew I had. I never thought that a 60-minute workout would be so involved, extensive, exhausting, and also fun and rewarding.

PF, Male, 50, Scottsdale
I was looking for a personal trainer because I wasn't happy with the results I was getting on my own. I didn't want a huge body builder as a trainer. They look impressive but I thought it would be an intimidating experience. I wanted a trainer who was physically fit and could identify with my personal goals, which led me to Dan. He quickly figured me out and created a very intense workout program. Exactly what I wanted and needed. During those sessions, Dan constantly pushes you beyond your expectations. It's amazing what his workouts do for your body. He kept solid records of my improvements not only in weight loss but change in body fat percentage, weight and strength increases during the workout and my added mobility as well. His workout routines although intense were still fun and high spirited. Hire Dan and you WILL get results. Be prepared to work hard, be prepared to sweat, be prepared to meet your goals. All I can say is Thanks Dan. I feel great about the way I look.

MC, Male, 37, Phoenix
Dan is the reason I continued with my program. Dan is very motivated and well-balanced in the area of fitness. He motivated me to push myself beyond my expectations. My initial one-month turned into six months after the results I saw under Dan's expert guidance. My experience was what I needed to start a stronger, leaner and healthier lifestyle.

KS, Female, 37, Scottsdale

I was not a big fan of working out and always had an excuse to why I could not make it to a gym. I decided to hire a personal trainer to give me a jump-start. Dan has been great. He makes each session enjoyable and adds a lot of variety. I know that each session will be challenging but I actually look forward to it. I have more energy, feel better, look better and my stress levels have went down.

JD, Male, 34, Phoenix
Thank you for helping me reach my goals. I have used other trainers in the past and always seemed to hit a point where I was not seeing any new results. You make each session hard but I love to be challenged. You are by far the best trainer I have ever used. I sleep better, my energy level has really increased, and I'm overall a happier person.

BB, Female, 60, Scottsdale
Dan is fun, positive and encouraging; Dan is tough; but most of all, Dan is the consummate professional. I know if I was doing all of this on my own I would stop after half an hour but he keeps me going! I recommend Dan to anyone who is serious about making some health changes. He is concerned with you hitting your goals and provides expert instruction.

HJ, Male, 47, Phoenix
People have noticed the changes in my body and I get compliments daily. Dan is always on time and prepared for our sessions while providing proper professional instruction.

CS, Male, 25, Scottsdale
I have been so pleased with the progress I have made since starting a weight training routine with Dan. You have kept me motivated and encouraged me to make healthy eating and regular exercise a daily habit. I exceeded my first weight loss goal in just a few weeks with your support. I have a whole new outlook on healthy living.