Testimonials

"Life coaching has had a major impact on my life. Jill is an exemplar coach who has helped me realize my potential and put in place a plan to achieve my life goals. This all took place in a non-judgmental, relaxed atmosphere where Jill led me through a series of thought-provoking questions and discussions which brought about the discovery of my unique gifts and deep desires. I would highly recommend life coaching, under the expert guidance of Jill, for anyone who is serious about taking their life to a higher level. Thanks for everything Jill."
- Sandi Coleman

From the Journal of Erin Davis, CHFI 98.1 FM "Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Just a Thought...

Thank you for being my friend. I tend to scare normal people away. [A birthday card for my pal Jill]

Welcome to Wednesday. What a gorgeous day that was, yesterday. Thank goodness summer has kicked in. Hope it sticks around 'til the pumpkins are ripe.

Today marks the birthday of somebody special in my life who's catching up to me (she's exactly 11 months younger than I am) in age, and to whom I owe an awful lot. I teasingly refer to her here as "Jill the Kill", but she's anything but a task master. Jill is a personal fitness coach, nutritionist and just an all 'round inspiration. Despite her own health issues, she's one of the healthiest, fittest people on the planet. She is constantly working to upgrade her knowledge, her skills and her understanding of how our bodies work, what foods we need and those we should never touch again, and just the magic that everything from herbs to veggies and fruits to grains can do for everyone, whether you're diabetic, allergic, lethargic or Catholic.

Okay, I threw that last one in to see if you're paying attention. I don't write much about having a trainer because I'm well aware of the fact that it could be considered a luxury, especially in these times of cutting back. Jill and I have talked about her line of work - and, oh, it is work - and the fact that if someone calculated what he or she spent on a dinner out last week or a purse or pair of shoes last month, they'd find that a shift in priorities might bring them to someone like Jill. When I say she's changed my life in the past year, I'm not lying. She pointed me in the right direction in terms of my eating habits, she motivates me to work out 2-3 times a week (and wonder why when I don't!) and she makes me look forward to spending our 45 minutes together twice a week. If that's not motivational, I don't know what is.

We were dubbing some baby videos of Lauren onto discs the other night and I couldn't get over how much extra weight I've carried most of my adult life. Now I'm in better shape in my 40's than I ever was in my teens, 20's or 30's and, while I wish I'd done this years ago, I'm grateful to be doing it now. I owe a lot of this to Jill - she tells me that I'm the one doing all the work but I wouldn't be doing it without her - and the best wish I could give to you is the chance to have someone like her in your life.

It's never, ever too late to get in shape, eat more healthily and live a happier life. I'm living proof, despite last year's sluggish thyroid, and a 4 am wake up every day. Thanks, Jill, for choosing the life you have and for making the lives of so many others that much better because of it. "

-Erin
 

"Many of us strive to be merely content. You strive to be slightly uncomfortable. I know you like to challenge yourself to risk security. It's how you grow. That is one of the things that makes you so interesting and why I regard you as one of the people who has been essential in my life."
- Steve

"Jill's professional knowledge, her genuine concern for my well-being and her great personality made me look forward to my 7a.m. workouts. She was sensitive to any problems or pains that I had on a particular day and quick to defer any exercise that would make it worse or painful. Jill adds a very relaxed, yet motivating style to her training. She removed the anxieties and pressures I that I have typically associated with larger clubs. Jill was an absolute pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend her."
- Michelle Fried

"I would just like to thank you for working with me over the past two months. You were so patient and attuned to knowing my needs and helping me achieve my goals. You are an excellent teacher. I wish you joy, peace abundance and success in your future."
- Louise

"You have the biggest heart of anyone I know and you influence people in such positive ways. Thank you so much for giving me my start here and making me feel I can do anything!"
- Michelle

"Hey Jill, I hope you realize how many lives you touch. I know you will touch many more in your life to come. You have been and will continue to be an inspiration as well as a motivation to me."
- Patrick

"I contacted Jill Duff about two years ago on the advice of my chiropractor. I have always had trouble losing and maintaining my weight but I also hated exercising. I had hired a trainer in the past and tried different programs on my own, but never saw results and became too discouraged to continue. To complicate matters, I was also experiencing knee and hip pain, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.Jill and I have gone down a long road in getting to the bottom of the pain and in working through it. I have had one knee surgery and am waiting for more surgery for my hip, so I have not been the most mobile person. Consequently, I have been particularly appreciative of the fact that I have such a knowledgeable and supportive trainer. I have learned to trust that she will challenge me without pushing me past my limits. And even though I have not lost weight, I have a better self image because I am strong and as flexible as I can be under the circumstances. I have also benefited from the vast stores of knowledge Jill has acquired through the study of many disciplines as she continues to seek out the best health care professionals in her continuing education. Jill is an extremely professional and resourceful person and a very generous one with her time and information. Had it not been for Jill's skill, tempered by her patience, I know I would be in a very bad place physically and emotionally. She has been able to help me through months of recovery from surgery, maintaining and then building on my strengthening and flexibility, helping me work through the pain on bad days, and getting the most of each workout on the good days. And last, but certainly not least, I have learned that exercise doesn't have to an ordeal. I have actually begun to enjoy the benefits of accomplishing more than I ever realized I could, and  Jill's naturally bright personality makes the time pass enjoyably. I have never lasted this long with an exercise routine and I cannot stress enough what a miracle it is that I am actually sticking with it. All in all, I couldn't have found a better trainer, or a better person."
- Deborah Brent