I have had Laura as a trainer twice a week for about 3 years. She has helped me gain function from wheelchair to walker to walking  with a normal  stride, good balance and able to drive a car.  I can even play golf (not well). She is reliable and always on time for our appointment.  Her  knowledge of muscle groups is impressive.  She is very dedicated to self improvement and such a nice person.  I feel fortunate to have her as my trainer--such a positive attitude!

Sincerely, Curtis Holzgang, MD, MACP. Age 87

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Competent and caring – 2 qualities we hope for in a health care provider but rarely find one provider with both.  I found that “rare” person in Bayla.  My 91 year old mother is paralyzed on the left side of her body from a stroke 2 years ago.  She started working with Bayla a year later and after 8 months was able to exercise with weights and help with transferring from her bed to wheelchair and back.  Bayla also gave me wheelchair friendly places we could take my mom to and workbooks that would help stimulate my mom’s mind.  She would also patiently listen when my mom had those moments of just “wanting to die.”  My mom chose to return to her home in Hawaii, but my family will always be grateful for the service and hope Bayla gave us.  

     Donna Mori

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Bayla has been presenting at our Retiree Wellness Program for the past three years. Our participant group is a very large (over 100 participants) and highly specific population of  retired, blue collar labor union members and we have additional members (over 25) attending via simulcast at four remote locations.

Bayla's ability to translate her professional knowledge and practice into a presentation that captures an audience and attends to the unique needs of this group is rare to come by. She uses a combination of  research data, hands on demonstration, experience in the field  and lighthearted humor to bring a well-rounded presentation that engages and prepares our members to consider their next steps in their aging journey.

Our members enjoy her presentations so much that they ask for her to return year after year. She is truly a gem in this field.   

Tori Geter, U.A. Local 290 Wellness Program

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At age 76 I went through a severe medical crisis. I came through it, but the debilitating aftermath was extreme tiredness, weakness, depression, and the acceptance that I would never feel good again.  After all, the world saw me as elderly, and so did I so it was not unexpected that I had no optimism. Fortunately, my son didn't accept my personal diagnosis.  He searched and found a highly recommended trainer who would come to my home to work with me.  Jacqueline Sinke, of Fitness and Function has changed my life.

Within only a few months, I felt stronger, had pride in my progress and, hugely, my physician saw (and tested) enough difference that she took me off a heavy duty medication that I had been taking for several years and she cut in half my blood pressure meds!  I am now 77, happy and empowered to return to the good life.  Jacqueline has known what I need, and has expertly and patiently moved me toward being the best I can be!

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Jerre Ann Bader

Client for four years, personal training twice weekly

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I began working with Bayla more than a year ago while recovering from cancer surgery. When we first met she asked me what my goals were. She did a thorough assessment of my physical abilities compared to national standards for women of my age, discussed where improvement was needed and how to achieve it. Bayla listens well and is careful to explain how each exercise relates to the particular goal we are trying to achieve. She is very safety conscious and I feel totally at ease as we work together. I have made great progress in balance, strength and stamina. I feel my goal is within reach. Having her come to my home is a great convenience. I highly recommend Bayla to all who need a physical therapist!

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JK

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Jacqueline Sinke has been giving what amounts to physical exercise twice a week for a few months.  My problem is that with increasing age (I am now in my 90’s) my sense of balance was deteriorating, and indeed had one serious fall which was the main reason for seeking her help.   I have been slowly making wonderful progress in all sorts of activities (e.g. getting up from a chair, taking short walks, &c.)  and furthermore, I am in general feeling more vigorous and less anxious about falling.  I am even learning how to get up off the floor!

My sessions with her are very well conducted.  Her choice of exercises seems to me just right, and she supervises them carefully to see that she is not overextending me.  The whole experience for me has been very positive; I feel very lucky to have her expert help.    

 John Bonner PhD age 93 (currently 97)

Client for 6 years, personal training twice weekly.

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One of the problems of incontinence is the lack of sleep when you are getting up several times during the night to use the bathroom. Lately we are reminded we need seven to eight hours of sleep to feel energized to get through the next day. Bayla has taught me how to get a good night sleep without napping during the day. Also when I do feel the need to use the bathroom, I feel confident I don't have to rush to get there. I had experienced falling in my attempt to get to the bathroom, resulting in a trip in the wee hours of the morning to the emergency room for stitches on my chin. The chance of falling is always a fear as we age and become unbalanced. Bayla has not only helped me with continence control, day and night, but also with balance. I highly recommend her therapy treatments.

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G.G

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I have had Multiple Sclerosis for 20 years. Over that period of time, I have had many physical therapists. Without any hesitation, I think that you, Bayla, are exceptional! You keep me motivated and encourage me to do my best - ever mindful of my energy and fatigue levels. I sincerely appreciate your dedication to your profession and to your clients.

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J.D.

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I have known Bayla O’Brien for almost a year now and still find myself in awe of her knowledgeable and creative approach to her work. I have been managing my mother’s care for the last couple of years and during that time I’ve taken her to several Physical Therapy clinics. I always came away feeling extremely frustrated with what was prescribed to my 90 year old mother and knew that the chances of her continuing at home were slim to none. In my continued search for the right fit, I knew I needed someone that could help my mother “function” in her daily routine and consider each challenge in and of itself. I was thrilled to have found Fitness & Function which led me to Bayla. She has been a Godsend! She is compassionate, loving and extremely dedicated. From the start Bayla took a personal interest in customizing a program for my mother that would be easy to follow with immediate benefit. My mother’s osteoarthritis has slowed her down considerably as well as COPD and very painful edema. Bayla makes it a practice to assess the situation at the start of each session and goes to work accordingly with enough knowledge to fill an encyclopedia! I have witnessed her strengths as a therapist and her ability to encourage and support many elderly challenges, including protecting their dignity. Bayla also recognizes the importance for caregivers to learn the exercises. She insists they sit in on the session so that they have a clear understanding and make the exercises an integral part of the daily routine. This of course leads to greater effectiveness and better results for the client. I have personally had the opportunity to work with Bayla for my own issues: chronic back pain, a weakened pelvic floor and a long struggle with vertigo. She systematically laid out a plan for me with printed copies of pertinent exercises along with access to corresponding videos.I have improved greatly on all fronts. Having a therapist to guide you in the comfort of your home and consider how you can physically improve though your own space is a true gift. Bayla does it with tremendous knowledge and guided intuition. She’s the total package and I would highly recommend her.

S. Schechter

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I have worked with Bayla O’Brien from Fitness and Function for the last two years both in the physical therapy and fitness programs except for a hiatus after some lung problems in the winter cold season when I went through my local Hospital’s respiratory therapy rehab. I find working with Bayla much more productive.

I am 85 years old and have osteoporosis and emphysema. When I first started with Bayla, I used a walking stick for stability but now I feel comfortable walking and stepping off a curb without support. I also had trouble getting out of a chair without using my arms; but now can get up easily. Each exercise is tailored for my particular weakness. Bayla’s expertise is tailoring exercise for the elderly. She seems to be constantly studying new and improved methods to help me improve my breathing, posture, balance and mobility. The fact that Bayla is a physical therapist is also a great benefit to me because I also have back problems and she can do an adjustment on my spine when I am in pain. My family can see the  improvements I have made and think that any extra costs that are not covered by insurance are well worth it. It is very convenient for me to have Bayla come to my home. I don’t drive much anymore so not being on the freeway is also a help. I enjoy working with Bayla and have recommended her to others.

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M. Holzapfel

Client for one and half year, received personal training and physical therapy once to twice weekly

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"We would like to thank Bayla O’Brien, PT, for a fantastic presentation for our women’s group! Once again, an informative and engaging program, this time on women’s health issues (bladder and pelvic floor health). Bayla brings her expertise, latest research, and hands on techniques for an active participation of all attendees. Her approach is scientific and practical, with a lot of passion and heart. Thank you, Bayla!”

Lucie Flood, Wellness Director, The Stafford Retirement Community

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Although my husband was quite active with fishing, hunting and such outdoor activities until about 15 years ago, exercise in itself has never been a great part of his lifestyle. It has been very hard for me to watch his lack of interest  and ability to continue the active things we used to enjoy together. More importantly however, I know how unhappy he has been with this also! Then 'Super Jackie" came into our lives! You have shown him, and he now sees it himself how important it is to move and how he can help himself improve. He has certainly enjoyed working with you and feeling better and stronger! Thank you so very much for your dedication and patience and for your delightful self. You have given us a new lease on life, you have definitely improved our lives in a lasting way.

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Very gratefully Emily

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My brother has been working with Physical Therapist Lisa Sevcik twice a week for over a year, and I have the highest regard for her skills as a fitness trainer and also her ability to accommodate some special health issues that my brother has. She has succeeded in helping him maintain fitness and balance and also assesses his progress, which is very important to prevent injury from falling. Additionally, she is a kind and considerate person who has established rapport with him and provides the added benefit of her companionship during her visits to his house. He greatly looks forward to their sessions together and is always cheerful as a result of them. I don't know what we would do without Lisa! She embodies the high standards of service provided by Jacqueline Sinke and Fitness & Function LLC.

- Sincerely, SC

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