Testimonials for Carol Friedman

Personal Coaching: Comments from Clients

"Carol has an extensive background in training not only the body but the mind and spirit as well. She has a strong ability to listen carefully to the goals, objectives and challenges of a client, assess the individual and come up with a program that will help them to move forward in achieving their goals. Her holistic approach well serves anyone who is lucky enough to have her as their trainer and healer. She is someone who can really help one to move forward and to make that much needed change."
- E.G., Evanston

"Today, I have substantially greater peace and diminished fear and anxiety as a result of Carol's gentle guidance and compassionate counsel. In my work with her she leads me to find my truth and my voice through the utilization of spiritual and emotional tools. Five years ago—before I started my work with Carol—I was in a very unhealthy intimate relationship and a behind-the-scenes (below my skills and capability level) job position. Today I am free of the bondage of the former intimate relationship and learning how to date and share intimacy with healthy boundaries and joy. I am also an Executive Officer with a leading social service agency."
- T.O., Chicago

"Carol is great! She keeps me on track with easily achievable goals that have already improved my life immensely. As my life coach, Carol breaks down my ideas into steps that I can take successfully, one by one. It really helps to have someone like Carol assisting me in improving my life. Thanks, Carol...and on to the next idea!!"
- J.L., voice-over artist, Evanston

"Carol Friedman is a wonderful instructor. She teaches without lecturing, inspires without intimidating, encourages without hypocrisy, and motivates without pushiness. She is warm, sincere, funny, perceptive, sensitive and wise. I enjoyed every minute of my sessions with her and look forward to more."
- J.A., Evanston

"Carol has been a wonderful voice of guidance and wisdom in my life. Through her empathy, insight and creativity, she has helped me gain clarity and courage to tackle goals that I was struggling to accomplish on my own. Carol's warm demeanor and attentive focus have allowed me to honestly assess my progress toward my goals, and her suggestions for how to keep growing are practical, direct and effective. I've seen a lot of changes in my outlook and in my productivity through my work with Carol, and I'm especially thrilled to see how much more open I've become to embracing new challenges both at work and in my relationships."
- M.J., university professor, Evanston

"Carol was instrumental in helping me get through a very difficult time in my life. She has a gift, a combination of creating a safe space, great listening skills, support that helped me to process what was in the way (sometimes emotional) so I could get to the goals I was trying to accomplish. It gave me something to look forward to and hold on to. Carol would listen patiently and then gently—yet firmly (like herding sheep)—get me back on track. Key words that come to mind: patient, loving, inspired, gracious, generous, multi-faceted, talented, experienced, enlightened, holistic."
- P.B., Skokie

Fitness Training: Feedback from Students

"Carol provides a deep cleansing breath for my soul (and body) every Friday morning in class! She guides us in the areas of physical, spiritual and emotional health and wellbeing. Carol blesses us with precious nuggets of information and insight. I have experienced Carol's class offerings outside of the Morton Grove Fitness Center as well. I would recommend any class or workshop taught by this experienced, hard-working and competent professional. Carol is a model for us all."
-D.S., Morton Grove, IL

"I started working with Carol about nine months after I suffered a stroke, and about one year after I had bi-lateral knee replacement surgery. I have been working with Carol for over three years now. We spent a great deal of time in my therapy teaching my body to move in a balanced manner, therefore avoiding additional damage. She took ownership of my challenges and made them her mission. Carol looked into my forest of despair and fear and found the sunlight. She worked on my many problems with creative solutions. My issues have changed over time and she is always there with an effective approach for each problem. My recovering has been an evolving story, and I still gradually improve every day. I have no idea how functional I would be now without Carol's help and guidance. But I do know that she is largely responsible for the ease and joy with which I perform normal daily activities."
- H.W., Winnetka

"Finally! An exercise instructor who knows the human body and designs a safe, effective workout. Carol knows so many exercises for each muscle group. Each session is different and challenging."
- S.N., Morton Grove

"When I decided to do some training last fall, I was lucky to find Carol Friedman. She was interested in my lifestyle, assessed my abilities and quickly got started on helping me set some attainable goals. Even though it had been some time since I had really exercised, Carol was very encouraging and supportive. Because she is so knowledgeable, I felt very comfortable under her guidance. I would certainly recommend her to anyone needing some good motivation to get moving."
- C.C., Evanston

"Carol Friedman has been my trainer for more than 3 years and it's been a joy working with her. As a professional in the field of physical rehabilitation, I find her to be extremely knowledgeable, bringing her knowledge and expertise to each of her clients, individualizing their exercise and wellness programs to best meet their needs and goals. She is up-to-date on all the latest techniques and has a very large repertoire of routines to offer. Her greatest strength is that she is very intuitive, and is able to tune into her clients' needs at any given time. She is also supportive, flexible, genuine and inspirational."
- Sandra Jacobson Lerner, OTR/L, President, Comprehensive, Therapeutics, Ltd.

"I had exercised with Carol for several years before my HRT therapy was discontinued. During that time, Carol frequently spoke about the important role exercise plays in preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone density. When my HRT therapy was discontinued, my doctor again emphasized the importance of strength training exercises. I felt really luck because I only had to continue what I was already doing with someone who is aware of the appropriate exercises. She explains what you are doing and why. Carol gives exercises AND knowledge."
- V.C.T., Morton Grove

"I have over the years taken many different fitness classes. Carol Friedman is one of the best teachers I have ever had. She takes the time to make sure everyone is the class—no matter what their fitness level is—can do the workout. She shows them how to modify it to work for them. I look forward to her classes and only wish she had more of them at the Park District."
- P.P., Morton Grove


"I have been in Carol's class now for about 6 years. It's hard to find an instructor who is very professional and who cares about each one of her students, stressing how to perform each exercise as well as making sure those who have health issues perform the movements so as not to hurt themselves. This is the one class that keeps me feeling good and energetic."
- K.W., Morton Grove