Desert Fitness Collective, Palm Desert CA

To say that Cheryl has had a life changing impact on me, would not be an understatement. I have gained physical strength, yes. But the mental changes and self awareness I have gained have been even greater. I have learned so much.

I have found in Cheryl a leader that has an extraordinary skill. I feel each time I attend class like I am with a personal trainer one on one. She customizes the tasks to my individual capability and expects a lot but NEVER more than I can do. Often more than I think I can do. She is always right and I am often surprised at my new found accomplishments. And, for the first time in my life, I enjoy the workouts.

The hardest part of this journey was believing I could do it. As a matter of fact, my first class I knew 100% I could NOT do this but I already trusted Cheryl and she said “Yes, you can! ”. So, I committed to a second class…then a third…and a fourth and only then signed up for 13 weeks of what was to become a transformative journey.
That first week she told me, “You move well”. I thought she was crazy or lying. Weeks later as my confidence grew, I realized she was right. I did move well and had begun to take in my natural good form.

Week two, when the work felt hard and I started to back off, she sensed my waning effort and quipped with fun and humor but dead serious intent “You have to hold yourself accountable. ” Bingo! She seemed to have a sixth sense of what I needed in each moment.

Week three, I discovered I was a visual learner, something I never knew. To try something new I needed to SEE it. She knew this and always demonstrated the move in addition to describing it. Verbal instructions were difficult for me but after the demo, it often came easily. Another Aha! Moment.

After a couple months I found I could easily
do many physical tasks I had earlier struggled with. Loading my SUV with cases of water, picking up my 17 month old grandson and running became so much easier.

I am just beginning at 71 and Cheryl is my secret weapon. I am making new friends, working hard and enjoying it and growing in so many ways. Thank you Cheryl, you are my hero!

I'm hooked! Desert Fitness has me excited to workout! Before joining I found it hard to motivate myself to do a good workout on my own. I had been doing Pilates for years but wasn't seeing a lot of results. Heading into my 70's, I was concerned about bone loss, balance, and strength. Because Desert Fitness Collective employs a "group" atmosphere it has made all the difference in the world. Everyone is so positive and supportive. Our coach watches over everything and lets us know individually how to correct or maintain our movements. All which makes for an extremely SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT! I love when someone new comes in and has never worked out. We cheer them on and make them feel welcome. To me, that was huge. If you are on the fence regarding how to begin or continue your SENIOR FITNESS, I highly encourage you to give Desert Fitness Collective a try. I doubt you will be disappointed!

Since moving to the desert 5 years ago, I have been hoping to find a gym program comparable to the state-of-the-art training in which I had previously participated. I had been disappointed in my search. Now 76, I had been going it alone in our community gym for the last 5 years, and, frankly, was neither consistent nor motivated in my workouts. When I first saw the Facebook ad for Desert Fitness Collective in August, I was initially skeptical. However, once I began interacting with Cheryl, first online, then over the phone, her description of the 3-day-a-week coed group program sounded very promising. The fact I was familiar with the nearby well equipped and staffed Kinetics facility, having received treatment there for a calf injury in 2019, I was willing to give the 90 day program a try. After 2 months I can report improved strength, mobility, posture and mood. Cheryl is a experience, knowledgable, gifted trainer, dedicated to individual adaptation and instruction. I attend Tu Th Sa, and play golf M W F. Since starting, my golf handicap has dropped 19% and have shot my personal best round, all of which I attribute to my improved fitness and clearer thinking. I think so much of the program, I recruited my Friday golf partner, 75, to join.

My desk job had really taken a toll on my mobility. My shoulders, hips and knees ached all the time. I had to move. Last year I joined one of those chain gyms with the thought of getting into shape. Well many of us know how that goes, no clear plan, a room full of nameless people, plodding along on a treadmill, trying to figure out the weight machines, etc. After a few months of showing up and working out, I still saw no real improvement. My self confidence and motivation went out the door. I went from hopeful to dejected.

I didn’t want to give up but I was wasting my time and money. I discovered an ad on Facebook for Desert Fitness Collective. Well the Universe smiled on me that day. Joining Coach Cheryl’s group has turned out to be the best decision I have made for my health. Cheryl is so knowledgeable and motivating. Her flexible routines enable all to follow along no matter their current limitations, all with encouraging motivation to give one confidence to accomplish more with each session.

That mindset is catching as our entire group encourages each member to succeed.

Yes it costs more than your typical gym membership. To be honest that initially gave me pause but the benefits I have received in the 3 months are priceless. My strength, mobility and endurance, not to mention my elevated mood and self confidence, are worth every cent.

Coach Cheryl and the Desert Fitness Collective won’t let you down so don’t let yourself down. What is your health worth? Do yourself a favor and invest in yourself. The reward is amazing. Make that call.

Cheryl is awesome, this is my first encounter as a senior in a fitness class I've never felt better as I do now not only physically but mentally as well. I highly recommend her class.

Discovered Desert Fitness Collective on Facebook. I have looked into several fitness programs and know I needed something unique to me. Needed Motivation, Inspiration, Validation and no judgement. I have found more. I have spent several years trying to find a place like this. Coach Cheryl is great.

It has been 8 years with health challenges and this program after 8 weeks has given me my life back.

I am able to stand up without any assistance from a position on the floor.
Can walk makeshift low balance beam without falling off (not every time).
Can walk backwards without fear of falling
Get encouragement from everyone (never had that before). I think I’m going backwards but that is in my head. I still am encouraged by Coach Cheryl to keep pressing forward.
If you need something unique for you then this is for you. Go at your own pace with a realization that it gets you motivated to do more. Has been the best investment in myself.

Cheryl, the workouts, and the community at this place are bringing me back to life!

I was told about Cheryl and, after spending an amazing hour on the phone with her, realized that she offers what no one else does in this desert: expertise. Her workouts are crafted to bring benefit to the body, and her knowledge of biomechanics makes her an invaluable part of the classes. She can help with modifications and is able to meet the needs of each of her students.

The atmosphere is always upbeat, friendly, fun, but never competitive.

I actually started when I was 3 weeks in on a broken ankle, so I wore the boot for 3 weeks. I am proud to say that I am almost fully recovered (full range of motion, ability to walk and jump, minimal discomfort) at just 3 months since the break and I believe it is thanks to Cheryl and to this workout!

Great for seniors and non-seniors alike!
I love this class, the other members, and Cheryl.

Do yourself a favor and commit to the 90 day starter program today!

The Desert Fitness Collective and Cheryl have helped me in just 6 weeks of participation in the Senior Program. At 78, I was becoming more inflexible and starting to have lifestyle and physical effects of my lack of strength and balance.

Cheryl tailors your program for your individual body and needs even if you have serious limitations or disabilities. I am already seeing results! (It has been more than ten years since I was able to go from sitting on the floor to standing, with no help. Now, after just a few short weeks, I am able to do that with relative ease.)

It is a worthwhile investment of my time and money to continue at the Desert Fitness Collective. I will reap the rewards in better health and improved safety, ensuring that I can continue to live independently. The other participants make it fun so the time at the class flies by.

Hope to see you there!

Hi Cheryl,

With the completion of our first 90-day group fitness class at Desert Fitness Collective, I would like to provide feedback on your program. We are pleased with our personal results during this period and plan to rejoin one of your classes upon our return to the region later this year.

We set out to improve our overall strength and flexibility plus lose some weight after a two-year hiatus from routine exercise by both of us. Additionally, I wanted to improve my low back health which was aggravated from decreased physical activity.

We appreciated our initial phone interview with you and were pleased to learn we could participate together in each of three, 90-minute sessions each week. The program proceeded just as advertised. We first participated in a private session to establish our baseline body measurements and general fitness level. We had end-of-session body measurements and performed the same set of exercises as done at baseline and were pleased with our progress.

We both lost five pounds. I’m sure we would lose more weight if we committed to dietary changes. We appreciate your enthusiasm, encouragement, and knowledgeable guidance you provide during our in-person sessions in addition to the supplemental information (including dietary advice) you routinely provide via email.

We both improved the muscle tone of our arms, shoulders, and legs. We both had reduced fat and mass measurements and inches from our stomachs and waists. My chronic low back discomfort has remained in check. Additionally, recent laboratory values (cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose) were all improved to the satisfaction of my physician. I believe this can be attributed to my fitness program.

Thank you for introducing us to your comprehensive program. We look forward to our return in late September to continue working on improving our health and overall well-being.

Robert (Bobby) Brown

At 77, I wanted to be stronger, as in getting out of chairs without pushing off, squatting instead of bending straight, and getting up from the floor without holding on to something. These goals were met early on in the training. Now I'm improving stamina, balance, and strength and enjoying the journey. Come join us at Desert Fitness as we challenge and encourage each other in our progress.

Desert Fitness Collective is, and was the best decision I have made about doing something about my physical condition. I joined the Senior program because I’m a super senior and needed the encouragement and structured workouts we’re getting.
The group is outstanding and make me feel comfortable and our coach and Director, Cheryl, is knowledgable and attentive to each of us.
If you are contemplating joining, I suggest you get to it and start having some fun while you improve your health and condition.

Coach Cheryl's Senior Fitness program is a true blessing to those that are fortunate enough to find their way to her gym. Everything about her senior program is professional, organized, safe and effective. Her knowledge is impressive and her teaching style is first class. I can't believe that "I'm working really hard exercising and I'm loving it. I'm 79 and it is so much fun to see this old body getting stronger! My advice to you is "just do it"! No matter what your level of fitness, Coach Cheryl will tailor the workout to your ability! TRUST ME WHEN I SAY " YOU DONT HAVE TO BE ANY MORE THAN WHERE YOU ARE TODAY, TO START IMPROVING YOUR FITNESS WITH CHERYL'S EXPERT GUIDANCE

After joining Desert Fitness Collective I finally had a self-motivation action plan. I felt energized because of the outstanding coaching.
Now I have improved endurance and flexibility from this beneficial strength training.
Join the program to establish good workout habits while uplifting your mood. You will be stronger and more confident from the exhilarating exercise routines.

I am 84 years old and have participated in many different fitness programs from jazzersize to palaties personal trainer and many more but the best I have ever participated in was program for seniors with Cheryl it was amazing and I would highly recommend it for any senior!

Cheryl is a great coach & the Senior CrossFit peeps are so fun & supportive!
She adapts the exercises to work within my limits & old knees & makes me feel like I’m challenged without risk of injury