Testimonials

I have been a member of the Bao Institute for six weeks and am really enjoying this gym. I use the weights and cardio equipment downstairs and participate in group classes upstairs.

The owners, Elaina and Brian are both friendly and knowledgeable. I completed the health/fitness consultation with Elaina. She gave me lots of great information for dealing with sleep and strength imbalance issues. She also gave me recommendations to deal with other health issues I was experiencing. After implementing her suggestions I am sleeping and feeling much better. Brian has spoken to me about my knee injury. He gave me excellent information on how to heal quicker and exercises I can do to help me recover. I also enjoy doing the HydroMassage Therapy four or five times a week.

The last gym I was at had wall to wall windows. I thought it would be difficult to workout in a windowless room but the equipment is spaced out well and it never feels crowded or uncomfortable, even when there are lots of members present.

Gym members can also do live classes virtually. I have done virtual yoga classes with two different instructors and they were both very good. You can also access past classes that have been recorded and do them at your convenience. I would recommend the Bao Institute to anyone looking for an excellent local gym.

“In January 2008 I started at 384Lbs and in 5 weeks had lost over 54Lbs. at 11 weeks I have now lost over 70Lbs and gained 17Lbs of muscle. I am empowered and am now the fitness coordinator at my gym.”

“The 12-week program has not only reduced my weight but has significantly Increased my stamina, I have been able to score at least once every hockey game. This in turn has improved my self-esteem and made me feel empowered.”

“Although I was out of the country for 5 weeks during the challenge I was still able to lose 17 inches off my body and 22Lbs of fat. This program has made me feel fitter both mentally and physically allowing me to enjoy work and play.”

“During the challenge, I have lost 24Lbs and 5.8% of body fat. My husband has commented how impressed he was with me doing this and how much I have changed. I’m now wearing two sizes smaller in garments and it doesn't hurt anymore when I get up in the morning.”

Ms. Elaina Bahm is a woman who has her stuff together. Not only is she a businesswoman who owns and manages bao institute, but she is also an active trainer at the club and is continually improving her skills and competencies. Elaina is currently studying to attain her level 3 holistic lifestyle practitioner certification, which brings yet another health service offering to bao. And Elaina is all about health. I have been training with her for over two years. She has a knack for knowing what I need to focus on to improve my physical condition, she is always researching new training programs and methods and has even acquired new equipment for me to enhance my training experience. Elaina is a great communicator and is always looking for my feedback in terms of my training program. With a great sense of humor, you can expect a funny comment, text, or e-mail message every now and then and she always sends me a message of encouragement before a sporting event. Elaina and bao offer a personal touch that you don’t get at larger commercial fitness centres. But don’t be fooled, there are lots of programs to enroll in that are likely to meet your needs, all in the name of improving your physical health and well-being. But the best way to find out is to set up a meeting with Elaina and see for yourself.

“Dear Brian and Elaina,

I’ve never considered myself a “gym person”, although fitness is my profession I never owned a gym membership. My choice of fitness came in the form of training and teaching martial arts, yoga, and Pilates. Running and preparing for marathons, was how I balanced out my martial arts training. I never lifted a weight or stepped foot in a gym. That all changed a few years ago when I decided to become a part of the Bao family. The first person I spoke with was Jennifer. Because fitness was and is such an important part of my life I thought it was time to invest in some personal training for myself. Jennifer’s friendly and pleasant approach welcomed me, and all the questions I asked her. I didn’t want to join a gym, where I was just another face. I wanted a place I felt, cared about my progress, as much as I cared about my own clients. After my assessment with Elaina, I was introduced to my trainer Reid. I wanted to learn about weight training while staying injury free and improving my overall fitness level. And so the journey began. Over the past few years, I’ve felt welcomed as though I was a part of the Bao family. Even after my trainer left, I was greeted warmly, by the staff at The Bao Institute and, all of their trainers. In March 2015, I seriously injured my right MCL while officiating a sparring match at a tournament. Forced to stop running, and rehabilitate my knee, I still came to Bao 3 to 4 times per week to take my mind off the discomfort of my knee injury. I decided that since I could not run or train for any race I would focus on weight training and improve my strength, and endurance. I’m December 2015, I graded for my fourth-degree black belt, and I attribute my physical conditioning and knee recovery to the weight training. No other fitness program has made me feel better and more balanced than weight training. And I wouldn’t have continued at this gym if I didn’t feel the friendly vibe of all the people I routinely see when I come to work out. This year I have a goal to compete in my first fitness competition. It will take a considerable amount of work, but I am confident with the continued support of the Bao Institute I will succeed in accomplishing this goal. Wish me luck! I would like to thank Brian and Elaina and all the staff for treating their members like family. For me, it has made coming to the gym something I look forward to every day! I’m excited about my fitness goals for 2016, and with Bao’s support I know I will achieve great success at my first Fitness Competition later this year.

I have been a member of Bao for approximately 11 years now. I joined with the purpose of improving my well-being. I began using the equipment by watching others and I honestly thought I was doing myself some good. In the end, I was starting to become bored with the self-made routine and really was not accomplishing anything.

In December of 2011, Elaina introduced herself and very nicely asked what it was that I was trying to achieve. She also asked me what it was that I did that required my attending the gym. I explained that in my job I sit a lot and I felt that my flexibility was deteriorating on a daily basis because of this. Given my age, I did not think this was a good thing at all. I also told her that I had concerns about muscle mass as well. When Elaina asked what I would like to achieve I explained that I wanted to keep my strength and increase my flexibility as much as I could and Elaina said that she could show me how to do that.

Elaina then proceeded to draw up a series of workouts which we went through over a 12-session contract with her. I must admit that it is probably the best decision I have ever made in regard to my well-being. She worked hard at it and that actually encouraged me to work hard. Elaina changed the routine daily. This way I never knew what I would be working on and also not get into a rut with it. The result was that I have become more flexible and my upper body strength improved immensely as did my core. All of this has benefitted me in the one game I love to play and that is golf. Elaina never pushed too hard but she did make me complete the routine to “make sure I got it done”. She was never critical of my ability, only encouraging at all times. Our workout times were twice a weekend I looked forward to them each day and at the end of the session, I felt that I had reached another plateau.
A great job is done and a great coach and it was worth every minute. I highly recommend this lady as a trainer if you so desire to have one. I will be entering into another contract with her this fall to help me through another winter of inactivity and to keep building on what we started.

Dear Elaina & Brian,
We are almost 3 months into the High-Intensity Classes and I would like to congratulate you and Elaina for introducing this innovative program to Bao – Georgetown. Personally, I have found these classes to be terrific motivators. Your skilled trainers, unique to Atlantis, have scheduled hours of their time to provide early morning, evening, and even Saturday classes. A doctor once told me that I had to accept that I would be a disabled person and adjust my life accordingly. How surprised he would be to see the changes in my mental and physical development as a result of these classes. I must attribute this success to the expertise, commitment, and dedication of the trainers on staff.
The trainers are able to push you in exertion but in a safe and controlled manner. There is no way that I would do these on my own. If my knee or hip is hurting, there is always an alternative exercise demonstrated to lessen the strain or to avoid injury. Adjustments are made during classes to accommodate different ages and varying fitness levels. I hope you continue these classes, as it is a privilege to participate, especially since the classes are open to all ages and are for both male and female members. Bao Institute really is the place to be in Georgetown for personal training and specialized directed muscle development.
Yours in fitness,

Meeting with My trainer once a week has helped and taught me a ton. My trainer would build full bodywork outs, where I was pushed every time and I feel stronger and healthy. Doing general labor can take its toll on your body, My trainer showed me how to properly lift without wrecking my body, Using a tire my muscles I didn’t even know I had have defiantly improved. My trainer made exercising fun and upbeat, I would always look forward to the challenges he had for me, He educated me on how the body works, diets, why it's important to stay healthy, and how to exercise effectively. My trainer is great, but only after a couple of meetings, People including myself had noticed a huge change.

“I just wanted to write to the BAO Institute to inform you that the personal training sessions I took with your trainer during the summer of 2014 were beyond my expectations. My trainer was very good at listening to what results in I wanted from the personal training sessions and focused on the areas that I felt I needed to work on. He made each session enjoyable but demanding and he switched up the exercises so that I was never repeating the same things each session. By doing that I never got tired of the sessions and I always looked forward to them wondering what he would come up with next. Don’t get me wrong my trainer had expectations I felt I needed to achieve and so he pushed me to the limit every time I came in but he always paid attention to my capabilities so I wouldn’t get injured during the session. I would be continuing my training if I weren’t going away to school in September. Thank you Bao for a great summer and I look forward to doing this again next summer”.

“As a national-level competitive swimmer and NCAA Division 1 athlete, I needed to maintain my strength and power throughout the summer months until my return to University. Bao developed a program that was the best fit for what I wanted and needed. My trainer was really enthusiastic during our workouts and he was always on top of the use of the correct technique. He works hard and efficiently. I would highly recommend a trainer if you have specific goals in mind, or if you need help getting back on track with your fitness routine”.

“I came to Bao as overweight and out of shape at 51 years old. I have been involved in sports all of my life but had never worked out in a gym. I needed someone to guide me through the process of working out and setting up a workout regimen. I was assigned a personal trainer. My trainer was a very knowledgeable and personable trainer. He kept the conversation going during workouts. Through my sessions with her, I was able to build some muscle base and lose 20 lbs. The sessions with them put me on the right track and working out is now part of my lifestyle”.

The club is big enough to have a variety of equipment and floor routine equipment, group classes, etc. ……. but small enough to be personable with the people that train in the facility. The best attribute about Charlie, is his ability to listen to his client's needs and adapt the exercises to their needs whether it be an injury, specific results required or giving the extra push that is usually required. He chooses exercises for optimum results and motivates when necessary….he encourages and supports clients in recognizing strengths and weaknesses. What people have to admit to is their own inability to move forward with that extra 5 push-ups or 5 more leg raises, or whatever, and that’s where Charlie Master Trainer encourages you. Thanks, Charlie for your help through my knee injury and for perfecting a new golf swing for me!

“Matt is an amazing trainer. He listened to what we wanted to achieve and gave us creative and motivational ways to get there. We wanted to add to our repertoire of workout routines and Matt delivered on his promise to give us fun but challenging exercises. We now go to the gym with not just stronger bodies, but with a stronger mindset on how to attain our goals. Anyone who is serious about making gains and being pushed to their physical limit will definitely appreciate Matt’s approach. We will certainly be hiring Matt again in the near future”.

“After years of struggling, I found somebody that can make a difference. Suffering a severe brain aneurysm in October 2009, which left the entire right side of my body active and essentially reset. I was unable to move or feel anything on that side. Before the aneurysm, I was a pilot, aircraft mechanic, snowboarder, and inline skater leading a very demanding, active lifestyle enjoying the outdoors with my two active dogs. Multiple physiotherapy clinics later I felt out of options on how to continue progressing to a near-complete recovery. After many hours of research, it dawned on me that if I don’t rebuild my core strength, arm muscles, and leg muscles I wouldn’t stand a chance of gaining more mobility. Before I started with BAO my walking was awkward, my core was very weak and my body had developed many cheats.
I started training with a personal trainer. Relearning the proper form for simple things like walking, lifting my arm, balance, hip and shoulder alignment, and knowing where my limbs are in relation to the rest of my body. This, however, involves not just strength training, it also relies heavily on the brain relearning and reconnecting pathways, in an attempt to allow my body to do the simplest tasks once again. My trainer’s constant planning and knowledge of the human body mechanics have allowed him to change the workout on the fly when needed. Yet at the same time constantly challenges the brain and the body to focus on rebuilding those damaged connections. After six months of training twice a week, I feel that I am back on track. I can see improvements weekly allowing me to have more confidence during everyday tasks. Regardless of what goals someone might have, I would highly recommend one of the colleagues at BAO Fitness to aid you in achieving your peak performance”.

Ms. Elaina Bahm is a woman who has her stuff together. Not only is she a businesswoman who owns and manages BAO Institute, but she is also an active trainer at the club and is continually improving her skills and competencies. Elaina is currently studying to attain her level 3 holistic lifestyle practitioner certification, which brings yet another health service offering to BAO. And Elaina is all about health. I have been training with her for over two years. She has a knack for knowing what I need to focus on to improve my physical condition, she is always researching new training programs and methods and has even acquired new equipment for me to enhance my training experience. Elaina is a great communicator and is always looking for my feedback in terms of my training program. With a great sense of humor, you can expect a funny comment, text, or e-mail message every now and then and she always sends me a message of encouragement before a sporting event. Elaina and BAO offer a personal touch that you don’t get at larger commercial fitness centres. But don’t be fooled, there are lots of programs to enroll in that are likely to meet your needs, all in the name of improving your physical health and well-being. But the best way to find out is to set up a meeting with Elaina and see for yourself.

Meeting with my trainer once a week has helped and taught me a ton. He would build full bodywork outs, where I was pushed every time and I feel stronger and healthy. Doing general labor can take its toll on your body, He also showed me how to properly lift without wrecking my body, Using a tire my muscles I didn’t even know I had have defiantly improved. He made exercising fun and upbeat, I would always look forward to the challenges he had for me, He educated me on how the body works, diets, why it’s important to stay healthy, and how to exercise effectively. Training is great, but only after a couple of meetings, People including myself had noticed a huge change.

As a senior citizen, I’m aware that exercise is important for both physical and mental health. I also know that there are good and bad ways to exercise and that I need some incentive to work out regularly. Besides knowing it’s good for me, paying a trainer for a block of sessions is a good incentive!
So, I decided I needed a trainer and Charlie was recommended to me – that was a couple of years ago. Charlie was an excellent choice for me. I told Charlie that my goals were to maintain good physical health, improve my balance, and lower my blood pressure. Being a senior citizen, I also wanted a GENTLE approach. Charlie listened to me and has balanced aerobic and strength exercises in my program, as well as using a variety of techniques so that our sessions are never boring. And only occasionally do I wind up a bit stiff after my workout. As a result of sessions with Charlie, my blood pressure is lower, my stomach is smaller, I have better muscle tone and my balance is good. The feeling of fit feels good – I have more energy and no muscle or joint stiffness that was creeping up on me before the sessions (except when Charlie forgets to be gentle). The sessions with Charlie are always fun as he is an upbeat and friendly person, as are all the staff at Bao. I have a lot of confidence in Charlie's knowledge as a trainer and have benefited from his tips on how to deal with the occasionally strained muscles from other activities. But most of all, the program Charlie has designed for me is right on the mark for achieving my goals.

I have had Charlie as a Personal Trainer for a period of time between two and three years. I have had such success with him that my wife and 23-year-old son have also had Charlie in this role for several years between the two of them. For the first time in my life, I am in a semblance of shape due to Charlie’s diligent weekly efforts with me. I can do things physically that I could never do before I met Charlie, and that is quite exciting. I know that when I go in to see Charlie, I am going to get a workout that tests me; but is not cruel or over-demanding.

Charlie is really good when it comes to praising your efforts after a session. He makes you feel good about yourself and what you have accomplished in that hour. I’ve managed to injure myself when self-training; and Charlie has established a routine when I am suffering, that stimulates my injured areas, and yet does not further injure them. I always feel that I am better off after spending an hour with him than I was before I went in to see him.
Charlie is also not just a Personal Trainer, but he is also a friend. In our discussions, while we work, he brings you into his life outside the gym; while seriously asking about your outside life. He is attentive to your responses and cares about you as an individual.

I give Charlie the highest recommendation I can. He has changed my life around: something I did not deem possible after turning 60. I look forward to my weekly ' hour of power ' with him. Once again, the fact that all three people living in our household go to see Charlie says volumes about the effect he has had on our lives. Thanks, Charlie.

He is able to cater workouts to my personal needs as I struggle with health issues. He is able to closely monitor my progress so I get the full benefit from each workout. Without scheduled workouts, I would have quit long ago.

Charlie keeps you motivated, sets higher goals, and gets you doing workouts you would not do on your own. I enjoy the variety of exercises he presents. He is friendly and encouraging. He goes above and beyond – he keeps in touch when health issues prevent me from coming to the gym.

I have more energy, more self-esteem, and more stamina. Charlie encourages you to make changes to your overall lifestyle (i.e. diet) to get great results (healthy, toner body) I am less self-conscious of my appearance.

I appreciate the great deals that are offered which allow me to continue with personal training.

I have been training with Charlie for a couple of years now, and the reason I do is that he is always there, he never fails to make an appointment. It is this consistency that makes you come back, if Charlie is making the effort then I want to as well.

That is not the only reason, he is well-versed in his field and always does his job very professionally. We have built up a friendship together and I trust him.
The rest of the training staff at Bao follow Charlie's example and I would not hesitate to train with any of them, all are good at what they do and always have a smile and something nice to say.

My Life hasn’t really changed since training has begun, however, I would be in a lot more pain if I hadn’t started. The goal is to live a comfortable lifestyle and pain-free, and the training makes us do things we normally wouldn’t attempt by ourselves.

Charlie and Bao are constantly introducing different flavors to keep everyone’s interest, you can participate in as much or as little as you want, however personally I like to participate in whatever capacity I can. I cannot see my life without Bao or Training with Charlie or his staff.

Charlie was assigned to me. He knows what I need, he challenges me to improve and all the staff is friendly. I enjoy them. I feel good and look forward to my sessions with Charlie. I am happy with what he is doing.

I needed a friendly, trusted, and professional instructor to provide and outline a safe program conducive and specific to my original intended goals. Charlie provides a commitment to personally oversee and assist by example to emulate the correct technique in completing each exercise.

He always inquires about my physical condition and state of mind the next day before starting an exercise outline. Great sense of humor and encouraging motivation to extend into completing an exercise in spite of my premature exhaustion.

Charlie’s consistent determination to keep me congruently focused on the correct posture and technique by being physically interactive and communicative. My presence is never out of Charlie’s sight while under his supervision.

The major difference between a sedentary lifestyle and cutting out some unhealthy habits is. eg – smoking, fast food outlets. Involved in a more preventative and proactive treatment program under the care of a Naturopathic Doctor. Experiencing great mental clarity and a more positive frame of mind at coming to my 65th birthday. My energy and stamina have greatly improved. More conscientious and appreciative of life.

Has given me an improved relational perspective of value and identity for myself and towards others. Has reinforced and established the proactive measures and steps in implementing practical simple changes.

I need more follow-up fitness consultations as originally outlined in the Bao fitness program journal. This aspect of the program was completely absent.

Charlie was assigned to me and I outweighed him! He has a sense of humor and he gives me no quarter, which is what I need. Everyone at the gym is kind and friendly. I’m more toned now, tighter, stronger, and have more energy. I feel better about myself and some of my friends are actually envious of me because of the shape I’m in. Perhaps some nutrition tips and eating tips could help.

Having starved myself for three weeks, in September of 2013 I summoned the courage to enter BAO Institute for Healthy Living. Stupidly, I didn’t think I was fit enough to enter a gym, a place I needed to go to get fit. I lacked more than endurance, strength, or fitness: I lacked confidence. I jokingly described myself as an “amorphous sack of goo” or “gelatinous cube.” My body fat was greater than the square root of 5, I smoked a pack of Winston’s a day, had divorced that summer, and was convinced I was to remain forever alone, an aging bowling pin in a joke about middle age.
I used to be athletic and had frequented gyms decades ago, so I thought I’d quietly join one and work on a tricep or a deltoid or two, whatever they were. Making sure nobody was looking, I darted into BAO and nervously expressed interest in joining. I was ready to go with my 1970s-style basketball shorts and a wet wipe. I was interviewed (what was this?) and immediately scheduled for a workout and analysis; my gluteus maximus would have to wait for 24 hrs. Staff texted me to confirm my time the next day and since I was out of excuses and ideas, I showed up. Good thing I did.

Twice I was trained, analyzed, and given feedback on body fat, shape, strength, and endurance. I was quizzed on my diet, general activities, previous experiences, and injuries: everything was recorded in my log, and kept on file. Most importantly, they were interested in my goals, which, it turned out, were not what I thought they were. Helping me to define and then realize my goals changed my life, and that of my son, Jack, who trains at BAO regularly now, with our trainer and friend, Matt.

I had intended to merely join a gym, lose a bit of weight, work out alone, not with my son, and not hire a trainer, having no idea what that might entail. But after my first workout with Elaina, I decided to give personal training a try, for a short period. It is the best decision I’ve made in years. It changed my life.

Nine months later and I can see my muscles. Lots of them. My gut is gone; my face looks like, a face; I run upstairs; I don’t hesitate to go for a walk or play pick-up ball. When I walk into a room I know that people can tell that I am fit. My diet has entirely transformed due to the encouraging and knowledgeable counseling from staff, the menus and food choices posted on the whiteboard, and the ideas shared in the gym between members. Further, I have made many new friends who share many of my interests, and insecurities. And even when I’m not training with Matt, on-site staff never hesitate to assist me, make suggestions, and give corrections as necessary. And who knew I liked Yoga?

The personal training I receive at BAO has given me the confidence to do so much more with my life, as is the case with my son. He has gone from a shy, slim 14-year-old to a buff, confident, captain of his AAA baseball team. His training allowed him to overcome two nagging injuries, as BAO staff designed a baseball-specific program for him this winter. His coaches cannot believe the transformation. Previously he was too shy to work out: now I drop him off at BAO with the “boys.”

My highest praises are reserved for our trainer, Matt. We now know what we’re doing because Matt didn’t just train us, he taught us, tested us, and changed us: permanently.

Last, and most surprising, I am happier. Not just with the way I look, but deep down emotionally. My moods are steady, I am energized, confident, and upbeat. I credit the exceptional service, knowledge, and expertise of BAO staff for this. A friend of mine joined another gym in town at the same time as I did, and nothing of the sort has occurred in her life. She often tells me she’s left to fend for herself in a cavernous impersonal “fitness center” that happily took her money and dropped her off at the rowing machine.

Finally, I suspect I’ll live longer. But even if I don’t, what time I have now is infinitely more pleasurable than it ever was. None of my pants fit me anymore, but my new girlfriend, who is considerably younger than I am, says that’s a good thing. Thank you to everyone at Bao for all your help.

I only trained with my trainer for 6 sessions, but within those sessions, he taught me proper form and overall helped me achieve different exercises I couldn’t have learned properly on my own. Due to my shoulder surgery, I couldn’t work out with heavy weights and had a difficult time revamping each exercise to fit my needs. Once My trainer started training me, within seconds he had 5 different exercises safe and doable for me to perform. I thought I was fit, wait till you train with him, he’ll outperform you so fast you’ll wonder how he does it. All in all, he’s an excellent guy willing to work with you to get the results you want.

June 2014
I trained with my trainer for only 12 sessions, but within those sessions, he taught me how to safely and properly perform a variety of exercises that I could not have completed on my own. This was my first real experience at a gym as well as with a personal trainer. My trainer was patient with me and he created a workout schedule that was perfect for my fitness level. He was always prepared and had a positive attitude, both encouraging and motivating me to reach my full potential. My trainer’s training gave me confidence in myself and helped me get on my way to a healthier lifestyle.

I decided to join a gym to gain more energy and strength back into my body but wasn’t sure where to start. My trainer at BAO Institute provided me with the proper guidance and knowledge to start me off on my goal. His workout schedules kept me motivated and challenging myself, and the hour sessions passed by quickly. I am now well on my way to a healthier, and stronger me, thanks to him.

I have been training with Karen for the past 6 weeks. Karen is always well-prepared, adjusts my program when needed, and provides excellent instructions and encouragement during my workouts.
I can’t thank Karen enough for her commitment to helping me achieve my goals, her friendly, professional, and dedicated approach to making exercise fun, and for making me always feel comfortable in the gym environment.
I am so pleased with my physical transformation, but even more so with my psychological transformation.
Karen is extremely knowledgeable and I would recommend her to anyone looking to reach their goals with an expert trainer!

Please accept this letter as my personal testimonial for Stacie Hilts as a Personal Trainer at The Bao Institute for Healthy Living. I have had Personal Trainers in the past but none of them compared to the versatility and knowledge that Stacie has to offer. Every time I came in for my training session Stacie greeted me with enthusiasm and determination at assisting me with my training goals. Stacie pushed me to the limit every time I had a session but also had a critical eye on what my capabilities were so as not to push to the point of injury. I found that I was achieving my goals quickly with her attention to the areas I wanted to focus on along with her recommendations for exercises and nutrition to be focused on when I wasn’t with her. One thing I really enjoyed with Stacie is that every time I came in for my training session she had worked out a new series of exercises so that I wasn’t doing the same exercises all the time and because she always gave me something new to do the time went by very quickly and before you knew it my hour was done.
To sum it up, I would highly recommend Stacie to anyone who wants to see fast results with the goal of maintaining these results.
Thank you Stacie for all you have done for me!