My name is Alan Dubowy DVM
Born in NYC October 28, 1945
Grewup on Long Island
Graduated from Elmont Memorial HS 1963
Studied Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University and recieved my degree in 1968. Practiced small animal medicine on Staten Island and was the veterinarian for the NYC Mounted Police, until coming to NJ in 1982. At this time, my practice, Community Animal Hospital, is located in Union Beach. Through the years I was an avid equestian and tennis player. Have  passions for photographey and of course my work as a veterinarian.

On and off, over the years, I had been a member at various traditional gyms. Utilizing both machines and free wts performing alot of noncompound as well as few compound exercises.Functional exercises were never part of my routines.Around the age of 53, I started to develop pain in my left hip joint. The pain became so intense that for the next 5-6 years my physical activities were greatly reduced. Three and a half years ago I had a total hip replacement performed on my left hip. The results have been excellent. Having quite alot of exercise equiptment at home, I was able to start workingout again. Again, traditional exercises including mostly noncompound movements. I never seemed to reach the physical level that I desired.

Developing an interest in canine physical therapy, and taking courses in this disipline at the University of Tenessee, I became familiar with functional and sport related training. This was what I wanted for my self.. Reading about human functional and sport training, I became aware of the use of kettlebells as an exercise disipline. Tom Phillips's name came up on a few web sites as an expert in the use of kettlebells. Lucky me, Fit for Life is only 12 minutes from my home. I made an appointment to see Tom and Steve and was extremely impressed with their knowledge of human movement, their personal attention to each client and the various forms of exercise they use to improve strength, flexibility, balance, posture and overall functional abilities. I am now in my 10th month with them. I am at the fittest level I have ever been, at any age. I truly have developed an awareness of the movements that my body goes through.  This past year , I had gone through a very emotional stressful period (divorce). I know that training with both Steve and Tom greatly helped me to keep my sanity.

Both Tom and Steve attend continuing education courses on new training methods and theories. I could not have placed my overall health an better hands.

Exercising and taking dance classes had always been a part of my life, but on December 4, 2002 I was the victim of a drunk driver and was in a car crash causing my vehicle to roll over four times at a speed of over 100 mph. Imagine a runaway train. After a year of pain medication, back and neck braces, a series of doctor’s appointments with mediocre physical therapy, I was left with a minimal ability to move and 15 extra pounds. By the winter of 2003, I was wandering around from gym to gym. Each time signing up and finding myself lost as I walked on the treadmill to no where. It was a mountain I couldn’t climb any longer. I would start every day with pain and end every day in tears.

By May 2004, I had quit my job and was spiraling downward fast. I lost all my self esteem, was out of energy, and was feeling like I just couldn’t take it anymore. I was just about to give up when I found Fit for Life Personal Training Studio. I met my trainer, Steve and the first thing I said to him is “I can’t even do a sit up”. His words to me  were, “Oh yes you can”.  We started slowly over a period of approximately six months with each training session getting increasingly challenging. We did things that I had never done before in a gym like pistols and kettlebell swings. This was his way of developing my cardiovascular strength without me ever stepping foot on a treadmill again. I struggled with my old injuries and definitely challenged my trainer with my mental hurdles but he came up with a way to help me become healthy, while changing my mind to what I can do.  His professional dedication and knowledge are unmatched by any fitness professionals that I had ever worked with. I started to find that every morning was getting easier and easier to get out of bed. Suddenly my entire outlook changed. When I asked him to help me find a healthier way to eat, he took me into his private office and discussed my nutrition. I learned how to make healthy choices, eat on a regular basis, and get a proper amount of sleep. He tailored my training sessions to coordinate with my nutritional requirements and physical appearance goals.

By the winter of 2004 he introduced me to deadlifting. This totally changed my life. I became very physically fit and strong. Who would think that a 40 year old mother of two who was in a near fatal car crash would be able to pull a deadlift. In the fall of 2005 Fit for Life hosted a Tactical Strength Challenge. I had no idea what power lifting was all about, but I asked Steve if I could enter this competition. He said absolutely, and on that day my goals changed from wanting to look “skinny” to wanting to be strong. Little did I know that along with the benefits of this type of training, I would not only become strong, but also change my physical appearance for the better.

The Tactical Strength challenge or TSC consists of three exercises. Dead lift with three attempts for the max pull, pull-ups, and a five minute kettle bell snatch test with a 36 lb kettle bell for the women. The training for the TSC was the hardest thing that I had ever done in my life. Each workout was designed to accomplish my personal best on competition day. My first TSC challenge resulted in me pulling 165 lbs on the dead lift, 4 pull-ups and 50 snatches. I have competed in the TSC four times now over the years and each time I have broken my personal record. The most recent TSC results for me were a 255 lb dead lift and 11 pull-ups. I’m on top of the world, in the best physical condition that I’ve ever been in my life at 43 years old. I smile gratefully whenever someone compliments me on my appearance because what they don’t know is that I could pick up the sofa that they are sitting on. 

Fit for Life and my trainer, Steve take pride in every client. They are fully vested in my success and push me to levels that I thought were unattainable. Steve’s many years of experience and vast knowledge enables him to develop a personalized program for every client. He balances the right amount of kettle bell training, strengthening, condition and diet; tailored to meet the needs of each individual client.

My training sessions with Steve at Fit for Life have allowed me to maintain my physique by working out smarter and more effectively; every minute of that session counts. No time or energy is wasted. The rewards of training at Fit for Life far outweigh the physical appearance. This training has extended to every aspect of my life. I am so grateful to have met Tom and Jodi Phillips and Steve Pucciarelli at Fit for Life.

Carrie Gold
Fit For Life Client

I’m a 49 year old father of two adult boys, my wife and I have lived in Marlboro for almost two decades. I’ve always been committed to physical fitness, as an optometrist I’ve witnessed some of my patient’s health deteriorate year after year, I’ve vowed never to let myself “go.”

That’s why I’ve always surrounded myself with positive, health conscious people. I’m a 4th degree black belt under Bryan Klein’s Tae Kwon Do, in Manalapan NJ.  Any adult will tell you, as we get older it gets progressively more difficult to stay in shape and even more challenging to make physical gains.  I have to eat less and exercise more just to maintain my health!>

I met Thomas Phillips at his Fit for Life Studio in 2004. It took me almost a year to muster up the courage to walk in and meet him. I really did not know what he had to offer nor the cost involved with having a personal trainer.

Once I met Tom, I knew he’d be a positive influence in my life. He was not a salesman; he sincerely wanted to help me achieve my fitness goals. After a year of training I entered an international fitness competition, called Tactical Strength Challenge. The challenge involves pull-ups, dead lifts and a piece of fitness equipment called a kettlebell.

I entered the challenge in 2006, even though I was the oldest participant in the country, Tom encouraged me to participate, I came in dead last! But you’d never know it by witnessing Tom’s reaction; he congratulated me the day of the event and sent me an email the following week, exclaiming how proud he was of me.  He did this in a respectful and sincere manner. I was hooked!

During my most recent competition, my results significantly improved. Despite competing with men and women half my age, my sights are now set on first place! For me it’s not about winning, it’s about finding ways to maintain my health and physical fitness. What I’ve learned from working with Tom for over 4 years is constantly challenging myself with intermediate goals and working hard to achieve them, I rarely missing a session.

Working with Tom has had a ripple effect; my one son participates in triathlons and my younger son in Jersey Shore races. My wife and I also work out together in order to enrich our lives. Although we’re by no means perfect, our focus on our health is unwavering. Our commitment in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is exemplified by our commitment to working with Tom and trainers, I feel fortunate to have met him and train with him.

Dr. Nick Despotides

I am a 29 year old 400m runner training for the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany this August. I am from Metuchen, New Jersey where I attended Metuchen High School and was a five time state champion in the 400m. After graduating from Seton Hall University as an All-American in 2002, I began to prepare for the 2004 Olympic Trials with hopes of making the Olympic team. After qualifying for the trials with a time 45.93 which was the 29th fastest in the U.S. that year, I was left out of the final cut of 27 participants. 

After three years of working, graduate school and training it was time to focus on making the Olympic team in 2008 for a chance to go to Beijing. I spent years meticulously preparing for this opportunity, despite having to work everyday in New York City. With no sponsor, lack of a full time coach, trainer and facilities I was forced to compensate for these things on my own.

Knowing I desperately needed weight training to compete with the best guys in the world I began to look for a trainer. Fast forward to this April when I reached out to Thomas Phillips. I knew it was probably too late being it was April and the trials were in June, but I had to leave no stone unturned. During my lunch break at work I was searching online and came across some interesting articles on kettle bell training. Very intrigued at how it could possibly help my running I began to search for kettle bell trainers in New Jersey. Tom’s name was the first to show up and I spent time reading his website.

Motivated by Tom’s own story and his approach to training, I decided to press my luck and send him an email hoping he had time to even respond to me. So with little hope, no money and a heart full of determination I sent him an email quickly telling him about me and my goals…. 

I read on your site that personal training sessions are tough to come by, but I would love to hear from you regarding the opportunity to train with you. You look like a no nonsense type of guy and I am the same way when it comes to my training. My goal is to make the Olympic team in the 400 meters and I would love if you could help me get there.

It is worth mentioning that not only did Tom get back to me, but he contacted me twice before I even responded to his initial email. Needless to say my life has not been the same since. Unfortunately I did not make it to the trials again, but Tom and I have been preparing for World Championship since July.  It is rare that you meet someone that changes your life in more ways than you can ever explain. Tom has been nothing short of blessing and has been the conduit to my dreams.  He is insightful, trustworthy, caring, committed and definitely NO NONENSE. He has totally revamped my diet, training, body, mind and spirit. I am by far in the best shape of my life and we are not even half way done with our preparation for this year. Tom, his wife Jody and everyone at Fit For Life has made it easy for me to become the best I can be, and I plan on repaying them with lots of dominant performances this upcoming season.

Tyrone Ross

I was Fifty eight and over weight. I felt depressed and it showed in every aspect of my life. Even my business was suffering. I was letting my dreams slip away. As the owner of Chez Baliye, a successful salon in Marlboro. I knew I had to make a big change.

I started a strict nutrition plan but I needed something more. The weight started coming off but I didn’t like the way my body looked. It was as if God heard my prayer and sent what I needed. Right next to my salon in Marlboro moved Fit for Life Personal Training Studio. One day the owner, Jody, came in to introduce herself. We had chemistry immediately. We decided to exchange services. I would take care of her hair and she would take care of my body.

Here we are a year and a half later. I am nearly 60 pounds lighter! The weight training and cardio vascular conditioning has transformed my physique. The pictures don’t lie. I have beautiful sculpted arms and firmer skin. I am stronger and have lots of energy. I feel that I am a better business owner, wife and mother. At 58 I am in the best shape of my life and I owe it to Jody and her commitment to helping me meet my goals.

Sandra Baliya

Before	After
Sandra Baliye

New Student, New Teacher, New Life

“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” In April 2007, I was ready, with a twist. I was ready to be a student willing to learn and unlearn, trust, listen, and work hard in a new way. It’s been a great adventure. I’ve developed a new foundation of strength, and a deeper sense of confidence in and out of the studio, including a kick-ass belief in my ability to swing metal with anyone! 

I started Fit for Life simply wanting to learn how to use kettle bells. I have been working out a long time, most of it on my own. I‘ve belonged to many gyms over the years. I’ve gone to cutesy “ladies” gyms with pink “Barbie” dumbbells and frenetic step classes; trendy gyms with plenty of attitude and image; no-frills “steel bars”; even the local YMCA. I’ve worked with trainers. I also have enough exercise DVDs to stock a library! So I was used to working out hard, sometimes for 3 hours at a time. I also fancied that I knew a hell of a lot about exercise.

I was very proud of my fitness ability, because I was born with Cerebral Palsy (a neurological condition which affects motor ability, balance, and flexibility). It affects my left side, and I walk with a limp. I also have limited range of motion in my left arm and leg.  Still, I could lift weights, do cardio, yoga, Pilates, Tae Bo, and worked around the limitations. I was pretty good at it too, in my humble opinion.

Imagine my surprise when Tom Phillips told me in our introductory session that he didn’t think I was ready for kettle bell training. He said something about body imbalances, needing to correct them, how he could work with me, and so on.  My first thoughts were, “What?  How can he tell that?  Hey, just tell me how to work with kettle bells, buddy!” But at the same time, I trusted him. He was direct, confident, and his no-nonsense yet kind manner clicked with me. And so it started… I’d take a 40-minute drive each way every Saturday to do what seemed like repetitive drills and odd movements. Sometimes I’d leave wondering what we were doing. (For the life of me, I couldn’t see why he’d have me standing on one leg and counting to 5 instead of doing something to work up a sweat.) But something kept me going. It wasn’t long before I knew why. Tom was teaching me how to build a new fitness foundation built on integrated strength, knowledge of proper form and function, and focused effort. I was amazed at how my form, core strength, and confidence were growing. My everyday workouts became more effective. I learned how to design creative routines and focus on impeccable form. Slowly, we started kettle bell work. At first it was just a few sets of swings. I couldn’t firmly hold the kettle bell, so I used a towel around the handle. Over time, we added more kettle bell work, always focusing on form and function.

I had a few challenges along the way. The first was my patience. I had a lot of unlearning to do, and initially I did not move forward as fast as I wanted. Sometimes I’d get frustrated because I wanted to master a move quickly, and it didn’t happen. But Tom was patient with me, and I learned to be patient with myself.  In June 2007, my father became terminally ill, and I had to go out of state to care for him. He died in late July, and I was unable to train until late August. In early January 2008, I was in a serious car accident, and was unable to train for a month. But my new fitness foundation was set, and the strength gains sustained me. I was confident that I’d return ready to take on new challenges. And return I did. My training went to a new level. I could swing (without the towel, thank you very much), snatch, and clean. I even bought a set of kettle bells to use at home. All that standing on one leg improved my balance and neurological function. The strength gains were phenomenal. I accomplished more in a year-and-a-half with Tom than in all the prior time of just trying to figure things out as I went along.

Something else happened too... I became a new kind of student in my overall life. Being Fit for Life became more than kettle bells and physical fitness for me. I was already happy in many areas of my life, but I discovered a grand adventure outside my comfort zone. I took more risks, stepped up to a bigger playing field, swung the bat with power, and had a ball doing it. On a lark, I applied for a new job, and I got it. It’s a great fit for this phase of my life. I have a new leadership role the opportunity to coach and mentor; plus the independence, flexibility, and freedom to create something new. I also began life coach training, which has been a dream of mine for years. I plan to encourage women to use a holistic blend of intelligent fitness and nutrition, personal development, and spiritual awareness to create an empowered life. Becoming a new student has led to me becoming a new teacher as well.

So I begin 2009 strong, curious, empowered, and eager to see what’s next. I know I have the tools, knowledge, and ability to succeed, not only with metal, but in life. I am very grateful to have found my teacher for this part of my journey. 

Mavis L. Johnson