success stories

Jerri Harris
I came to Excel hoping to gain a more toned look. In my first 8 weeks at Excel, I lost over 7 lbs. of fat and gained just over 2 lbs. of muscle. I am ecstatic about my results! I would recommend Excel to any of my friends and family!

 

Nina Johnson
Figure Competitor and ACE Personal Trainer; 1st Place Beginner Figure, 1st Place Novice Figure and 3rd Place Masters 40+ Figure April 2011
 

Jill, I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how much I appreciate the training you’ve provided me for my first figure competition.  Sure, I know that it’s what you do as your livelihood, but this experience has definitely made a huge impact in my life in many areas. 

Physically speaking, I now see changes in my body that I never thought were possible.  I was convinced that I was doomed to a life with saddle bag hips, and now they’re only a faint memory.  I see muscle developing where there was once fat and I have gained an appreciation for weight training that I will continue well after my competitions.

There is a scripture that says:  “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).  I know that God does everything for a purpose, though we don’t always initially know that purpose.  I KNOW that there was purpose in me working with you vs. another trainer.

 What I do know for certain is that having a knowledgeable trainer in your corner is crucial.  Despite being cold, half- naked, hungry and out of my comfort zone, I felt totally at ease because I knew Jill had everything under control.  I look back on the hours we spent training and posing and I am so thankful for her professionalism and attention to detail every step of the way.Competing has helped me achieve a higher level of discipline in many areas of my life, and I’ve also gained a huge respect and appreciation for the sport of bodybuilding. I recall being backstage and thinking, “If I ever get out of here, I’m NEVER doing this again.”  Well – you know what they say:  “Never say Never.”  After a yummy post-competition meal and a few days’ rest, I thought…  “Well, maybe…so here we go again…round 2”.So, again… thank you.  Thank you for pushing me, encouraging me and “getting in my face” when I needed it .


Todd Schulz
Marketing Director

Excel Wellness Studio:
The facility itself is awesome.  It is in a convenient location with plenty of good parking.  I imagine it is a challenge to scheduling with so many trainers, but somehow crowding was never really an issue.  As you well know, I trained when I could at different times of the day, morning, afternoon and night and crowding never came into play.  Your equipment is cutting edge and complete to allow for many different types of workouts.  You always seem to have new equipment to offer your clients new workout routines.  I love the convenience of having showers available when needed, and you always seemed to have a water bottle for me on those silly days were I thought it was a good idea to leave my bottle in the office.  This was never really an issue for me, but I have to believe that your security systems would give “peace of mind” to women working out in the evening.  While I loved the studio, I have to give you one demerit for not having a picture of me working out on your walls.  That would have been the icing on the cake to being a premier facility.  In all seriousness, this is the best facility that I have come into contact with.

The Trainers:
Your core group of trainers are an awesome group.  They are all professional, motivating and add life to the studio.  Although I never worked with another trainers, despite my repeated efforts to fire you for working me too hard, the fact that they seem to have clients that have all been training with them for extended periods of time.  That speaks volumes for them as professionals and the effort and concern they have for their clients. 

Jill Stoppel:
There is a lot I can say about you as a person, trainer and business owner; I will limit myself to Professional, Prepared & Motivated.  I appreciated the year that we worked together.  From the 1st time we met, I felt that you were a great fit.  Why?  First and foremost, you LISTENED.  We discussed my objectives and my limitations and you developed a plan and stuck to that plan throughout our workouts.  Your workouts were difficult and pushed me to limits I would not have pushed myself.  While you were challenging me, you also ensured that I had a good time.  I had fun while working out, if that is even really possible.  I looked forward to our workouts.

The Results:
Together we delivered the desired results. More importantly, you instilled in me the discipline and knowledge to continue to work out and produce results. 8 months after leaving Excel, I am still seeing results and felling better and better.  As you know I tore my ACL years ago, which has caused some issues over the years.  You stressed the importance of building the muscles surrounding my knee and it has not felt better since the injury occurred.  In fact, I played my last lacrosse tournament pain free which is the first time in about 15 years that has happened.  Typically after a tournament, I had a week of knee pain and after my last one, none!  I thank you for that. 
 
  I will end this with a BIG THANK YOU!  Working with you and your team was an awesome experience.  When I first moved to the area and was looking at trainers, I am glad I didn’t stop my search with one of the other two facilities that I visiting.  Good thing I made that next phone call, call that call was to you.  I am a supporter of Excel and I will recommend Excel to anyone looking to improve themselves.  You have done great things for me and I wish you and Excel the best.  If I ever move back to Kansas City, you will be one of my 1st stops.  Say hello to the team for me.  

 

Keith Shubkagel
Funds Administrator
 

“I have achieved my weight loss goal and have definitely seen large improvement in muscle tone and strength. Jill continues to do a great job in making sure each workout is always exciting and never the same. Due to the patience and knowledge Jill maintains, I have learned so much in the field of exercise and nutrition. Jill does an excellent job in making recommendations on nutrition and fitness; you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle to ensure that you accomplish your goals while improving your lifestyle. I thoroughly enjoy the workouts and environment Excel offers, I always feel comfortable there. In conclusion, it is without any doubt, hiring Jill and training at Excel was the best decision I have ever made.”    
   

 


Alex McMillan
NW Fitness Education and Personal Training


“As a the IDEA International Program Director of the Year as well a personal training studio owner generating over 2 million dollars in annual revenues I have to say that I’ve learned a few things about great continuing fitness education and making money in the fitness business. Based on my personal continuing education and consulting experience at Excel Wellness Studio I’d have to say that Excel is the most progressive continuing education provider for personal trainers and coaches in the midwest. Excel is the place to go if you are looking to be the world class leader; trainer and coach that your clients deserve; besides, it sure is nice to get continuing education credits on top of learning how to train like a world class expert and how to make more money in the fitness business.”



Ronda Klaumann
Overland Park, KS
 “I LOVE training at Excel! It’s a casual environment and the trainers are great. I have worked with Jill for a year now and never thought I wanted to use weights, but it’s made a huge difference.”

 

 


Jodde Lanning
Overland Park, KS

 “Jill, I wanted to let you know how you have been so helpful to me in a time of difficult physical challenges. Working through Excel has helped me maintain my strength and some conditioning when I found I couldn’t maintain my previous routine in an atmosphere that is professional, encouraging and comfortable. You have challenged me and encouraged me to keep with it and your insight and assistance has been invaluable. Thank you so much!”    


Dr. Emily Hillman, MD
Overland Park, KS


“I decided to train with Jill and her staff because of their expert knowledge, strong commitment to clients, and most of all the kind personalities I encountered at Excel. Excel helped me train properly, maintain a healthy diet, stay motivated and I hit my goals! Because I have a very busy work schedule I was concerned I would not have the time to get in shape, however Jill worked with my schedule and helped me balance a busy career and a healthy lifestyle. I have continued to use the knowledge I gained from working with Excel and I have never been happier with my body!”

 


 Jamie Specht
Live Fit for Life, ACE and AFAA certified trainer

“I keep attending Excel Wellness Studio Continuing Education courses because I’m always able to walk away with concrete skills and ideas on how to improve my fitness business. Excel brings in top notch speakers that keep me engaged and informed. Every time I attend I leave saying ‘this is the best workshop you’ve offered yet’.”



 Lora Edwards
M.S.Ed.,R.D.,L.D.,C.S.S.D
 “Excel Wellness has been a true leader in bringing cutting edge education for personal trainers to Kansas City. The MAT training workshop was incredibly educational and I put my newfound skills into practice the next week! Thanks to Jill for assisting in this process and being a superb host.” Lora Edwards is a Health and Wellness Dietitian, Board Certified Sports Nutritionist, ACE Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist, ACE Certified Group Exercise Instructor