Client Comments
The page has comments from satisfied clients who benefited from my training.
"I am writing this letter to tell you about my story and how Bob Kessen helped my recovery. In October of 2014 I was diagnosed with a very rare AVM of the cerebellum. This resulted in 3 life threatening brain surgeries and 6 weeks in the Neuro ICU at Barnes hospital. After that, I was in the rehab hospital for months followed by outpatient therapy at both Mercy for PT, OT, ST and then to SSM Day Institute where I was a patient for almost a year. After SSM discharged me, saying they could no longer see progression and the insurance would not cover my therapy. My wife decided to investigate other options for me. We found Bob Kessen, a Personal Trainer who specializes in balance issues and other physical disabilities. Of my many issues after brain surgery, balance was one of my worst as far as resuming any daily activities. After working with Bob twice a week utilizing his balance and core therapy program, my progress and confidence is greatly improved. I am so much more confident and capable of assuming my personal daily life activities. My wife feels more comfortable taking me to a movie or out to lunch because I can walk and balance myself much better. I am now walking without a cane or any other device around the house which is a huge step after being in a wheelchair in my own home for many months. The fact that he comes to my home and brings all the equipment with him is such a plus for my situation which makes his therapy possible. I encourage you to use Bob Kessen if you have balance problems. You may call my wife, Faith Rasch at 314-443-4608 if you have any questions."
Harold L. Rasch - 69 yrs.
When I began working with Harold in August 2016, it was very difficult for him to walk using a cane for support. The video below was taken in August 2019, three years from the time Harold started training with me. At the start of our training program, Harold told me he wanted to bowl again one day which is something he really loved. I am happy that I helped him accomplish his goal.
Harold L. Rasch - 69 yrs.
When I began working with Harold in August 2016, it was very difficult for him to walk using a cane for support. The video below was taken in August 2019, three years from the time Harold started training with me. At the start of our training program, Harold told me he wanted to bowl again one day which is something he really loved. I am happy that I helped him accomplish his goal.
"I have employed Bob Kessen as my personal trainer for over two years with the objective of improving my personal fitness. He has performed extremely well in this task. Bob utilizes a novel approach which develops functional strength in a sustainable way with much less risk of injury compared to traditional weight training. His custom workouts have produced profound results in me regarding my strength, my health and my physique. Bob tailors his workouts for each individual. There is no one from young athletes or the elderly who would not benefit from hiring Bob as a personal trainer. His techniques are particularly useful for weak older people regardless of age, fitness level or strength goals. He designs his workouts to be interesting and challenging. During our sessions, he projects just the right combination of encouragement and drive to push me to perform. Bob is consistently punctual and always enthusiastic. I strongly recommend Bob as a personal trainer and strength coach. Please contact me with any questions.
Thomas E. Davis, MD, 636-667-6325 or [email protected]."
"I am 80 years old and began working out with Bob Kessen in 2004 to help improve my balance. I have continued exercising with Bob in my home for over eight years because of the benefits that I get from his training program. During our training sessions, Bob focuses on increasing my balance and also strengthening my core to prevent back problems. His fitness training program definitely improved my balance which has helped keep me from falling on several occasions."
Don M. - 80 yrs.
"I would like to thank you for training my husband over the past six months. At 85 years, Dan has progressed so much in his strength and balance that it has been unbelievable while living with his advanced Parkinson's disease. Many of our friends and his doctors are amazed at the improvement since his heart surgery. His endurance and physical conditioning allow him to play 18 holes of golf now. His walking is stronger and his balance has improved considerably which allows us to go places like we did years ago. I also want to thank you for helping me. The numbness in my right foot has disappeared and the sciatica pain in my left side has not returned since my first month of training with you. I am hitting the golf ball at least 30 yards further on my drive and feeling very fit for a woman my age."
Rose S. - 81 yrs
"During my senior year in high school, I developed severe pain in my shoulder and could no longer throw a baseball. I was scheduled for surgery and concerned that I would miss both the hockey and baseball seasons. After watching me attempt to throw a baseball, Bob said I should focus more on increasing my flexibility and stabilization exercises because my shoulder was "locked up" from lifting heavy weights with a friend without his supervision. Bob thought I had a muscle imbalance caused by a shoulder impingement that limited my throwing motion which could be causing the pain. After a few weeks performing his corrective flexibility and stabilization exercises, my pain totally disappeared and no surgery was needed. Even though I am smaller than the majority of my opponents (5'8",160 lbs.), I never had a problem going head to head against players who were bigger than me while playing hockey because of my superior balance and core strength. Most importantly, I was able to avoid serious injury as a result of training with Bob. I helped lead our hockey team to the state championship game and was named all-conference outfielder for the baseball season."
Mike W. - 18 yrs.
"Hi Bob! I wanted to send you an update about Jessica. You helped eliminate severe pain in her left knee that was diagnosed as patellar tendonitis. The medical professionals she saw, recommended giving up basketball which aggravated her condition on a regular basis. After working with you, her pain disappeared and she was pain-free throughout the whole season. Again, a big thanks to you and your workouts. Jess had a great season. She was second leading scoring and was starting point guard for her high school team. They won their districts this year. She still asks about you and is happy that she made it through the whole season with no knee pain. She continues to roll and started doing some workouts again since the season is over. Jess tried out for Team Adidas which is a traveling basketball team, and made it. There will be a lot of hard work ahead for her coming up. Once we get her schedule with this new team, we may be able to workout again with you. Thanks again for all what you did for my daughter."
Sharon D.
"I am the General Manager for the Wellbridge Athletic Club in Town and Country. I have a Masters in Exercise Physiology and have been involved in the fitness industry for 12 years. Why would I need a trainer when I knew what to do on my own? Bob Kessen was hired in 2003 to work at WAC. I spent an hour with Bob and learned more from him than six years of classroom work. I was having back problems every four months and my legs were tight. I played four years of college basketball and have run four marathons. The first thing that Bob had me do was to start rolling on a piece of foam. It did not take long before I could see the pain in my back and tightness in my legs was dissipating. I am 6' 5" and 220 lbs. The most weight that Bob has me lifting is 25 lbs. I questioned this and on an off training day I went to the fitness floor and benched press the most weight that I have been able to do since my college years. I can honestly say that after 5 months of training with Bob, I am pain free and a great deal stronger."
Thomas D. - 36 yrs.
"I had severe arthritis in both hips and was using crutches to accomplish moving from one place to another. Following hip surgery, my goal changed to being able to walk without assistance of any kind. I suffered with severe back pain and had to use a cane for support while walking. Bob and I began a program of three (1) hours sessions each week. While Bob focused on improving the weakness in my left hip, his program has vastly improved my overall physical abilities. My back pain is now gone. Bob is a consummate professional. He has educated himself in his chosen line of work. He researched my case on his own time and developed the specialized program I am using. Bob wants to see his clients improve and is willing to do what is necessary to make that happen."
Lee P. - 61 yrs.
"At 15 years old, I had a motor bike accident that left me with lower back pain throughout my life and required me to sleep on the floor for relief. I also suffered severe pain in both knees which hurt me while simply walking. I went to orthopedic doctors and tried chiropractors but nothing eliminated my pain. I saw a brochure about "core exercises" which caught my interest and then met Bob Kessen. He did an initial fitness test and decided to take me on as a client. After three years personal training with Bob, I no longer have any knee or back pain. I am in better shape now than I was 10-15 year ago and no longer suffer from the pains that troubled me most of my life. Personal training by Bob, with his keen insight into how you feel when you start each session and how he adjusts each session to get the most benefit is the key to why his clients trust him. He has truly helped me regain my physical life so that I really enjoy getting up to enjoy another day."
Roger E. - 68 yrs.
"I want you to know how much I have enjoyed working with you these past three months. I am very pleased with the progress I have made regarding my strength, balance and range of motion after my stroke. I am confident I will be able to improve in all areas of my health by regularly following the program you developed for me. Your positive and enthusiastic attitude have been a true source of inspiration for me. I'll look forward to seeing you again when I return from Florida in the Spring."
Meredith S. - 74 yrs.
"I would watch my husband perform a series of exercises at the direction of Bob Kessen. One day I experienced tremendous lower back and sciatic nerve pain after working in the yard. I reluctantly had Bob evaluate my situation and agreed to try out a few of his exercise suggestions. Here I am, one year later, stronger and more physically fit than I was in high school. I look forward to my weekly exercises and can't imagine life without them."
Nancy E. - 60 yrs.
"I had a chronic knee issue that kept me from achieving my fitness goals. My knee would "go out" for no reason and without warning. I also felt pain during exercise and was unable to walk the stairs in my home without experiencing discomfort. The knee was weak and the pain often forced me to quit my exercise program. Numerous trips were wasted going to the doctor for medical diagnosis and x-rays. The doctor said there was no medical reason for my knee problem. I was told that I probably had the start of arthritis. Bob Kessen began working with me and thought from the start that he could help me with my knee problem. He started me on a foam roller to release the tightness in my muscles. In a short time, the pain was much improved. These simple steps have completely eased my knee tightness and pain. My knee has not given me one bit of problem since working with Bob. His knowledge of muscle imbalance helped eliminate my pain. I am in the best physical shape of my life and Bob has helped me every step of the way."
Bonnie M. - 53 yrs
"After a fall on ice while getting a newspaper in my yard, I was diagnosed with a sprained back which hurt most of the time. My doctor recommended a physical therapist to help me but the pain in my lower back continued to worsen with therapy. After two weeks of suffering, I stopped the physical therapy and resumed my core strengthening regime with Bob that I had been doing for the previous 6 months before the fall. He started each session with a lower back massage to get the blood flowing around the injury followed by a few stretches and then simple strengthening exercises. Each workout was "baby steps" due to the discomfort but I continued to feel better after each workout. He gave me exercises to do throughout the week to keep me moving so the muscles would not tighten up. I am now 100% better and feel I might have sustained a more serious injury had I not been doing the core exercises. My back injury improved because of Bob's careful and caring knowledge of how the body works."
Phyllis T. - 61 yrs
"Thank you so much Bob for helping me get back in shape. After surgery a year ago and then new back problems, I started from square one. I appreciate your guidance and patience with me. As you know, I had a set back after slipping on ice covered stairs in Colorado while on vacation. I missed golf for a year and looking forward to returning this spring. I feel like I am stronger and have better balance than before. I enjoyed your program and will continue with it forever. I know I need to take the time to do all the exercises as I grow older."
Diana M. - 60 yrs.
"Bob Kessen has been my trainer for over five years. During these five years my fitness level has changed immensely. I began using a personal trainer because of back issues I had for fifteen years. It became quite clear that Bob had the knowledge and willingness to work with me to help me gain strength and flexibility that I had lost through the years. Bob has also helped me correct muscle imbalances. I am happy to say that I no longer have any back pain. I no longer fear injuring myself when gardening and doing household chores. At the age of fifty-five, I feel I am fitter than I have ever been. I feel very fortunate to have worked with Bob for the past five years. I greatly appreciate his professionalism and his true dedication to his clients. I would recommend Bob as a personal trainer without reservation."
Marilyn H. - 55 yrs.
"My name is Jenn. I am a school teacher. I had papers to grade each night, programs to attend and not enough energy to think about working out. I tried to work out a few times on my own in the past but each workout lasted only a few weeks. In the beginning I was very nervous, out of shape, overweight and not sure I wanted someone's attention focused on me while I exercised. After my first meeting with Bob Kessen, I was excited about getting in shape. He made me feel very comfortable with my exercise program. It has been eight months since I started training with Bob. I lost 40 pounds and for the first time in my life, I look forward to working out. I never imagined all the benefits of a good training program. This training has changed my life. One of the greatest benefits to this training is the self-confidence I have found. Bob has helped me find my way to a happy, healthy life. I am a new woman and enjoying each day."
Jennifer N. - 30 yrs.
"Bob. Just a short note to thank you for all of your help. After 15 years of pain in my lower back due to years of intense bike riding with poor posture, I am 100% better. After just one day working with you and showing me what to do on my own, I can honestly say I felt better. Thank You!" Mark H. - 45 yrs.
"I would like to take this opportunity to highly recommend Bob Kessen as a personal trainer. He has an excellent training program that he customizes for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. I was impressed that he took the time to discover my strengths and weaknesses, as well as determine my fitness goals. Furthermore, he is continually re-evaluating my progress and adjusting the training program to maximize my performance gains. In approximately five months of training with Bob, I have substantially improved my core strength, balance and joint stability. I am amazed at how simple exercise with minimal equipment and very light dumbbell weights can be so effective. Bob's training program is definitely applicable to real life situations."
Rob F., MD - 41 yrs.
"Hi Bob! I think I told you I had a bone density test done on Jan. 27. I finally got around to calling today since I had not heard anything. I requested the results be sent to 2 doctors. Evidently this did not happen. The nurse at Primary Care doctor was able to track down results. The doctor was very pleased and the results were much better than 3 years ago! He suggested taking I keep doing the weight bearing exercises that you taught me. Thanks for all your help!"
Kathy T.
Thomas E. Davis, MD, 636-667-6325 or [email protected]."
"I am 80 years old and began working out with Bob Kessen in 2004 to help improve my balance. I have continued exercising with Bob in my home for over eight years because of the benefits that I get from his training program. During our training sessions, Bob focuses on increasing my balance and also strengthening my core to prevent back problems. His fitness training program definitely improved my balance which has helped keep me from falling on several occasions."
Don M. - 80 yrs.
"I would like to thank you for training my husband over the past six months. At 85 years, Dan has progressed so much in his strength and balance that it has been unbelievable while living with his advanced Parkinson's disease. Many of our friends and his doctors are amazed at the improvement since his heart surgery. His endurance and physical conditioning allow him to play 18 holes of golf now. His walking is stronger and his balance has improved considerably which allows us to go places like we did years ago. I also want to thank you for helping me. The numbness in my right foot has disappeared and the sciatica pain in my left side has not returned since my first month of training with you. I am hitting the golf ball at least 30 yards further on my drive and feeling very fit for a woman my age."
Rose S. - 81 yrs
"During my senior year in high school, I developed severe pain in my shoulder and could no longer throw a baseball. I was scheduled for surgery and concerned that I would miss both the hockey and baseball seasons. After watching me attempt to throw a baseball, Bob said I should focus more on increasing my flexibility and stabilization exercises because my shoulder was "locked up" from lifting heavy weights with a friend without his supervision. Bob thought I had a muscle imbalance caused by a shoulder impingement that limited my throwing motion which could be causing the pain. After a few weeks performing his corrective flexibility and stabilization exercises, my pain totally disappeared and no surgery was needed. Even though I am smaller than the majority of my opponents (5'8",160 lbs.), I never had a problem going head to head against players who were bigger than me while playing hockey because of my superior balance and core strength. Most importantly, I was able to avoid serious injury as a result of training with Bob. I helped lead our hockey team to the state championship game and was named all-conference outfielder for the baseball season."
Mike W. - 18 yrs.
"Hi Bob! I wanted to send you an update about Jessica. You helped eliminate severe pain in her left knee that was diagnosed as patellar tendonitis. The medical professionals she saw, recommended giving up basketball which aggravated her condition on a regular basis. After working with you, her pain disappeared and she was pain-free throughout the whole season. Again, a big thanks to you and your workouts. Jess had a great season. She was second leading scoring and was starting point guard for her high school team. They won their districts this year. She still asks about you and is happy that she made it through the whole season with no knee pain. She continues to roll and started doing some workouts again since the season is over. Jess tried out for Team Adidas which is a traveling basketball team, and made it. There will be a lot of hard work ahead for her coming up. Once we get her schedule with this new team, we may be able to workout again with you. Thanks again for all what you did for my daughter."
Sharon D.
"I am the General Manager for the Wellbridge Athletic Club in Town and Country. I have a Masters in Exercise Physiology and have been involved in the fitness industry for 12 years. Why would I need a trainer when I knew what to do on my own? Bob Kessen was hired in 2003 to work at WAC. I spent an hour with Bob and learned more from him than six years of classroom work. I was having back problems every four months and my legs were tight. I played four years of college basketball and have run four marathons. The first thing that Bob had me do was to start rolling on a piece of foam. It did not take long before I could see the pain in my back and tightness in my legs was dissipating. I am 6' 5" and 220 lbs. The most weight that Bob has me lifting is 25 lbs. I questioned this and on an off training day I went to the fitness floor and benched press the most weight that I have been able to do since my college years. I can honestly say that after 5 months of training with Bob, I am pain free and a great deal stronger."
Thomas D. - 36 yrs.
"I had severe arthritis in both hips and was using crutches to accomplish moving from one place to another. Following hip surgery, my goal changed to being able to walk without assistance of any kind. I suffered with severe back pain and had to use a cane for support while walking. Bob and I began a program of three (1) hours sessions each week. While Bob focused on improving the weakness in my left hip, his program has vastly improved my overall physical abilities. My back pain is now gone. Bob is a consummate professional. He has educated himself in his chosen line of work. He researched my case on his own time and developed the specialized program I am using. Bob wants to see his clients improve and is willing to do what is necessary to make that happen."
Lee P. - 61 yrs.
"At 15 years old, I had a motor bike accident that left me with lower back pain throughout my life and required me to sleep on the floor for relief. I also suffered severe pain in both knees which hurt me while simply walking. I went to orthopedic doctors and tried chiropractors but nothing eliminated my pain. I saw a brochure about "core exercises" which caught my interest and then met Bob Kessen. He did an initial fitness test and decided to take me on as a client. After three years personal training with Bob, I no longer have any knee or back pain. I am in better shape now than I was 10-15 year ago and no longer suffer from the pains that troubled me most of my life. Personal training by Bob, with his keen insight into how you feel when you start each session and how he adjusts each session to get the most benefit is the key to why his clients trust him. He has truly helped me regain my physical life so that I really enjoy getting up to enjoy another day."
Roger E. - 68 yrs.
"I want you to know how much I have enjoyed working with you these past three months. I am very pleased with the progress I have made regarding my strength, balance and range of motion after my stroke. I am confident I will be able to improve in all areas of my health by regularly following the program you developed for me. Your positive and enthusiastic attitude have been a true source of inspiration for me. I'll look forward to seeing you again when I return from Florida in the Spring."
Meredith S. - 74 yrs.
"I would watch my husband perform a series of exercises at the direction of Bob Kessen. One day I experienced tremendous lower back and sciatic nerve pain after working in the yard. I reluctantly had Bob evaluate my situation and agreed to try out a few of his exercise suggestions. Here I am, one year later, stronger and more physically fit than I was in high school. I look forward to my weekly exercises and can't imagine life without them."
Nancy E. - 60 yrs.
"I had a chronic knee issue that kept me from achieving my fitness goals. My knee would "go out" for no reason and without warning. I also felt pain during exercise and was unable to walk the stairs in my home without experiencing discomfort. The knee was weak and the pain often forced me to quit my exercise program. Numerous trips were wasted going to the doctor for medical diagnosis and x-rays. The doctor said there was no medical reason for my knee problem. I was told that I probably had the start of arthritis. Bob Kessen began working with me and thought from the start that he could help me with my knee problem. He started me on a foam roller to release the tightness in my muscles. In a short time, the pain was much improved. These simple steps have completely eased my knee tightness and pain. My knee has not given me one bit of problem since working with Bob. His knowledge of muscle imbalance helped eliminate my pain. I am in the best physical shape of my life and Bob has helped me every step of the way."
Bonnie M. - 53 yrs
"After a fall on ice while getting a newspaper in my yard, I was diagnosed with a sprained back which hurt most of the time. My doctor recommended a physical therapist to help me but the pain in my lower back continued to worsen with therapy. After two weeks of suffering, I stopped the physical therapy and resumed my core strengthening regime with Bob that I had been doing for the previous 6 months before the fall. He started each session with a lower back massage to get the blood flowing around the injury followed by a few stretches and then simple strengthening exercises. Each workout was "baby steps" due to the discomfort but I continued to feel better after each workout. He gave me exercises to do throughout the week to keep me moving so the muscles would not tighten up. I am now 100% better and feel I might have sustained a more serious injury had I not been doing the core exercises. My back injury improved because of Bob's careful and caring knowledge of how the body works."
Phyllis T. - 61 yrs
"Thank you so much Bob for helping me get back in shape. After surgery a year ago and then new back problems, I started from square one. I appreciate your guidance and patience with me. As you know, I had a set back after slipping on ice covered stairs in Colorado while on vacation. I missed golf for a year and looking forward to returning this spring. I feel like I am stronger and have better balance than before. I enjoyed your program and will continue with it forever. I know I need to take the time to do all the exercises as I grow older."
Diana M. - 60 yrs.
"Bob Kessen has been my trainer for over five years. During these five years my fitness level has changed immensely. I began using a personal trainer because of back issues I had for fifteen years. It became quite clear that Bob had the knowledge and willingness to work with me to help me gain strength and flexibility that I had lost through the years. Bob has also helped me correct muscle imbalances. I am happy to say that I no longer have any back pain. I no longer fear injuring myself when gardening and doing household chores. At the age of fifty-five, I feel I am fitter than I have ever been. I feel very fortunate to have worked with Bob for the past five years. I greatly appreciate his professionalism and his true dedication to his clients. I would recommend Bob as a personal trainer without reservation."
Marilyn H. - 55 yrs.
"My name is Jenn. I am a school teacher. I had papers to grade each night, programs to attend and not enough energy to think about working out. I tried to work out a few times on my own in the past but each workout lasted only a few weeks. In the beginning I was very nervous, out of shape, overweight and not sure I wanted someone's attention focused on me while I exercised. After my first meeting with Bob Kessen, I was excited about getting in shape. He made me feel very comfortable with my exercise program. It has been eight months since I started training with Bob. I lost 40 pounds and for the first time in my life, I look forward to working out. I never imagined all the benefits of a good training program. This training has changed my life. One of the greatest benefits to this training is the self-confidence I have found. Bob has helped me find my way to a happy, healthy life. I am a new woman and enjoying each day."
Jennifer N. - 30 yrs.
"Bob. Just a short note to thank you for all of your help. After 15 years of pain in my lower back due to years of intense bike riding with poor posture, I am 100% better. After just one day working with you and showing me what to do on my own, I can honestly say I felt better. Thank You!" Mark H. - 45 yrs.
"I would like to take this opportunity to highly recommend Bob Kessen as a personal trainer. He has an excellent training program that he customizes for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. I was impressed that he took the time to discover my strengths and weaknesses, as well as determine my fitness goals. Furthermore, he is continually re-evaluating my progress and adjusting the training program to maximize my performance gains. In approximately five months of training with Bob, I have substantially improved my core strength, balance and joint stability. I am amazed at how simple exercise with minimal equipment and very light dumbbell weights can be so effective. Bob's training program is definitely applicable to real life situations."
Rob F., MD - 41 yrs.
"Hi Bob! I think I told you I had a bone density test done on Jan. 27. I finally got around to calling today since I had not heard anything. I requested the results be sent to 2 doctors. Evidently this did not happen. The nurse at Primary Care doctor was able to track down results. The doctor was very pleased and the results were much better than 3 years ago! He suggested taking I keep doing the weight bearing exercises that you taught me. Thanks for all your help!"
Kathy T.