Client Testimonials

For anyone looking for someone to train you via technology! Maria is the trainer for you.

She helped me lose 30 pounds of baby weight after my second pregnancy and we never once were in the gym together! She helped me via email, phone and Skype. She's amazing!

She set me up for not just weight loss, but a complete lifestyle change success!

Jennifer, Kansas City

I had always thought that I exercised enough and ate well. I was puzzled a couple of years ago when I started needing to buy bigger clothes. At my last physical, my doctor told me my cholesterol was high. Then, last September I injured my back, and had to miss some beautiful days on the lake.

I knew I needed professional help. A friend told me about Maria, and I was impressed by her website. I knew from our first meeting that she was going to be the help I needed. She immediately reassured me that things would improve and we got to work. She listened to my concerns and observed my body in motion. She steered me in the right direction with a plan to improve my cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and nutrition. I knew that Maria would help me to realize my goals quickly and safely. Her knowledge, experience, example, and confidence have helped me make major changes in my health and well being in two short months. I have more energy, I sleep better, I have gone down two pants sizes, and enjoy moving around every day in my "new" strong and healthy body. My daughter says that I'm a "much better mommy" since I started seeing Maria!

Thank you, Maria!

Rebecca, Preston, WA

In late November 2011 I set a goal of climbing Aconcagua, located in Argentina, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere. At 22,841ft, Aconcagua would be by far the highest summit I had ever attempted. Prior to setting this goal I had primarily been climbing peaks in the 14,000 - 15,000 range, but a peak of this magnitude I knew would require a significant amount of planning and extraordinary effort. The summer prior to setting this goal I had successfully summited Mt Blanc in France (15,781ft), but had struggled a great deal towards the summit and knew that if Aconcagua was going to become a reality I would need help.

I decided it was time to find a professional who could help me get in shape prior to my attempt on Aconcagua and began browsing the Internet for someone who I thought would be suitable for the task. After some time I came across Maria Faires at My Active Nutrition who has personally climbed a number of prominent peaks in the North Western United States and I felt that she possessed the experience and knowledge needed to help me prepare for Aconcagua.

Soon after contacting Maria and describing my goal we began working on a plan for the upcoming year. During the initial phase of the program Maria initiated a number of benchmark tests to determine my current fitness level in order to determine what needed to be done in order to be in top shape before my climb. Given that I live in New York Maria was in for a real challenge as I did not have much access to the great outdoors, which is considered the best training for mountain climbers.

Despite this, Maria managed to create a program that would build and condition the muscles necessary for climbing high mountains and over the next ten months Maria and I worked closely to get me ready for Aconcagua.

Maria knew that preparing for a mountain like Aconcagua required a significant amount of commitment and personal sacrifice, and she knew that this would be a challenging task for me. Knowing this, she would often tweak my training program in order to keep me motivated and would provide positive reinforcement when I was feeling down.

On December 13th I departed for Argentina for my attempt on Aconcagua and was faced with one of the toughest seasons in years. The weather conditions had been unusually bad and there had been many unsuccessful attempts by the time my expedition reached base camp. After spending seven days at base camp we were granted a three day window where weather conditions looked promising for a potential summit. On December 28th we were given a green light for a summit attempt which proved to be a grueling 12 hour day in which five out of six climbers of my expedition were forced to turn around, with the exception of myself.

At 2PM local time I successfully summited Aconcagua together with our lead guide, marking one of the first successful summits of the season, and the only successful summit for my expedition.

Looking back at my experience on climbing Aconcagua I realize that there were a number of factors that contributed to my success, but one of the primary reasons was my physical and mental preparation that began almost a year before my actual climb, and which I have Maria to thank.

Maria is an extraordinary trainer and individual who cares immensely for her clients and their goals and is someone who I recommend highly to anyone whether looking to lose a few pounds or looking to scale the highest peaks in the world.

Personally I have many more mountains to climb in the future and I know Maria will play an integral part in my success of these summits.

Daniel Akerman, Manhatttan, NY

I am an avid cyclist and have ridden many miles in the US and the European Alps and Pyrenees for the past thirteen years. I was experiencing severe back pain and sought out Maria as a trainer because I was impressed with her extensive clinical credentials and her appearance.

When we began she did a thorough assessment and she said my lower body was strong from cycling, but I seriously needed to work on my upper body and needed to strengthen my core.

The back pain I was experiencing before meeting with her was gone in a few days after starting the workouts and has never returned. I have been training with Maria twice a week for almost 5 years year now and due to her workout regimen, I have had the strongest cycling seasons ever. I have lost weight, and my upper body and core are the strongest they have ever been. Maria has been with me to the summits of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier.

Maria is always energetic, upbeat and always has the latest news and information to keep her people in the best shape physically and nutritionally. Due to the fact that she is constantly researching topics, she puts together the most interesting workouts of anyone I have ever worked out with. I am so impressed with Maria’s training routines.

Marcia R, Fall City, WA

My wife and I have been seeing Maria for a short 9 weeks and can't believe the results we have experienced! Before starting to workout with Maria, I (Marc) had been diagnosed with High Blood pressure and was having chronic back pain. The combination of nutrition and exercise have lowered my blood pressure to "excellent" range and I'm no longer having the back pain that had plagued me for months.

The cost of her services has been well worth the health benefits we have experienced. We have enjoyed Maria's professional approach and encouraging ways! Thanks Maria. You're the best!

Marc and Sallie, ages 52

NOTES FROM MARIA:  In 9 weeks, Marc lost 11 pounds, 9 inches and 7% body fat. Before working with me, his blood pressure averaged 158/94. With exercise and my recommended eating plan it is now 119/59 without medication. Sallie lost 6.8 pounds, 6 inches and 3% body fat. And can fit into the sexy little black dress she didn’t think she’d ever get into again!  I'm proud of both of you!

Personal Trainer Extraordinaire!  I truly thought I had a grasp on how to weight train, eat right and maintain my weight.  As it turns out, I was so far behind the times in terms of fitness, diet and nutrition.  I was overexerting myself, my workouts were ineffective, I was suffering one injury after another and as far as my diet was concerned, FORGET ABOUT IT!  Maria's training routines and nutritional guidance have literally changed my life!  I tried other personal trainers on the Sammamish Plateau, around Bellevue and the entire eastside. Let me tell you, there is NOBODY as professional, as thorough and as knowledgeable as Maria Faires.  Until you see Maria, I'd bet anything you aren't training properly and you are not maximizing your potential.  Rather than going on with all the accolades, because Maria's training routines are by far like nothing I've experienced, let me give you results:  I dropped 30 pounds in less than 3 months, I'm hiking on trails I couldn't even fathom hiking before and I'm doing it without gasping for air like it was my last breath.  I've lost weight, I've lost inches, my cardiovascular health has improved, I've gained endurance and as for my strength, I don't know where to even begin.  Personal training is not a job or just a skill; It's a true art. And as far as I'm concerned, Maria is Picasso!  I was throwing my money away on other trainers and then I found Maria. Think they're all the same?  Think again!  Maria is like no other, and I'll be singing her praises all the way up Mt. Rainier this summer!  Thank you Maria!  I cannot say it enough so THANK YOU!

E.S., Kirkland, WA

I have been talking up Maria’s services because I have been impressed with her approach, and the job that she has done.

The dual ACE Trainer / RD certification is really a tremendous benefit for anyone embarking on a lifestyle change / life fitness program.

She has done a great job of setting up a balanced program that is forcing me to work neglected / undertrained muscles. If the newfound soreness is any indication, my workout is targeting muscles in the upper back that have been neglected, and I am excited about the process. I am also very happy that I am able to work out without wrist pain.

Now it’s up to me to use the muscles that Muhammad Ali said were the most important and push myself away from the table....

If you ever need a reference, please feel free to forward my contact info.

Mike M., Sammamish, WA

Maria is the best trainer around! She is motivational, fun and full of current information on nutrition and exercise. My body at 56 is in better shape than when I was 26! I’ve been with her for four years and plan to stick with her until I’m at least 100.

Chelle W. - age 56

This week I received recognition from my employer for another calendar year of perfect attendance. Much of the credit belongs to Maria for her excellent efforts of educating me about nutrition and exercise. Her attention and encouragement have been very helpful. I really admire her caring nature, and feel I have benefited greatly from her advice.”

Jim B, Issaquah, WA

I was overweight and not motivated to exercise. My daughter referred me to Maria after her success with Maria’s program. Because of the easy to follow nutrition program and Maria’s support and emphasis on exercise, I am now 55 pounds lighter and enjoy working out with a weight and cardio plan that she designed. I'm convinced that her guidance has added years to my life!  

B.E, Sammamish

Maria-  Your email made me smile. I just read it, sighed, and I felt my shoulders relax. You are so kind to offer to be there for me. I'm getting so much more out of you as a "trainer" than I could ever have imagined! Thank you!!! 

Julie, Issaquah

When I first came to Maria, I'd already been exercising regularly and eating fairly well for most of my adult life, but I never saw any change whatsoever in my body shape. When I hit menopause, I started packing on the pounds around my waist and hips. It was as though I was programmed to gain weight in those areas, no matter what I did.

Frustrated, I decided to try Maria for 10 combination sessions in both nutrition and exercise. During this time, I lost nearly 4 percent of my body fat, and--incredibly-- two pant sizes! My thighs, butt and tummy are quite noticeably thinner. I feel inspired now to look better and be healthier at 50 than I was at 35, and I know I can do it.

I achieved this without even increasing my total work-out time, or really changing my diet that much. I learned that I was doing the weight-lifting wrong for all those years, and was never doing my cardio at a high enough intensity. I was just wasting my time. Also, I learned that I needed to eat more often so that I wouldn't be tempted to scarf down any old thing out of extreme hunger.

Maria is just the right combination of Sympathy and Nazi. She has a certain quality that makes you feel you shouldn't disappoint her, and that's a great quality for a personal trainer. She has now helped my husband lose 15 pounds, and he's a guy who HATES exercise and eating right. He wouldn't listen to me for 22 years, but he listens to Maria! I would recommend her to anyone.

Diana W., Sammamish

Thank you Maria! I hadn't stepped on a scale in awhile and was quite thrilled to see this morning that I am only 2 pounds away from my goal weight-- I weigh 127, which I haven't weighed in God knows how long. And John is only 1 pound away from his original goal of losing 20 pounds! Needless to say we are very happy, and quite grateful to you. There is absolutely NO DOUBT we could never have done it without you!  

Diana W., Redmond, WA

Hi Maria. I wanted to send you a note thanking you again for your help. It was such a pleasure to get to know you and your expertise has been such a boost. Thank you for traveling so far to meet with me! You have opened my eyes to many things and I am very grateful. I will keep you updated on my progress. Many thanks to you! - Janet P., Woodinville, WA

Maria-  Thanks for the diet and the training...I have to tell you I am so pleased that you and I connected with each other. Finding you was one of the best things I've ever done for myself. You are the best!  Thanks again, I truly appreciate all of the encouragement, time and energy that you are putting in. 

Sara, Sammamish, WA

Thank you very much for your help with Bill's weight loss - he's doing great! I would highly recommend you to any of my friends - you really know your stuff!  

Kath D., Seattle, WA

Oh Maria, you are so dear to write to me. I am so thankful for having you in my life! That hike was so amazing! Your family is wonderful! Your clients group was soooo fun!  THANK YOU! 

Julie M., Issaquah, WA after Mt. St. Helens Overnight Climb

Thanks for your email and the picture. I've attached one of you and Rich, too. That was such a fantastic day - one which really deserves the word "awesome!" 

Chas Dreyfus after Mt. St. Helens Overnight Climb, Sammamish, WA

Maria, 

I can't thank you enough for inviting us along and all your encouragement and support. It was truly one of my most amazing experiences. Your family is wonderful. Every single person in our group was wonderful. You took such good care of us!  -  Peggy D. after Mt. St. Helens overnight climb, Sammamish, WA

Maria,

I am truly impressed and so proud of you making it to the top. Your strength and perseverance has inspired me in so many ways. I am just so darn lucky that you are my friend and I look forward to many fun years ahead!!!!!!!!!!!

I went to see my doctor today. He was very impressed with what you are doing to this fat old body. My blood pressure is good and I've lost 11.5 lbs. since my July 8th visit. Very cool! Thank you!  

Mike M., Sammamish, WA

Maria,

We are on a roll! Mark had a bad chest cold and then he managed to sprain his ankle, so missed some time, but last week we both made it the 3 times! He is willing if not yet appreciating the added benefits, but he has not been able to do the cardio as consistently because of the ankle. I on the other hand, LOVE the extra energy and have planned the workouts into our lives. On Sunday, we went to church, worked out in the yard, went to the gym, and went to a birthday party that evening. I also, have noticed less low back pain when working out in the yard.   

Lisa C., Issaquah, WA

The workouts are better and better. One of the benefits already is the decreased back pain after doing yard work! Go ABS! When we meet you again, I'd like to talk to you about my goal to do the STP and the Chilly Hilly which I believe is in Feb. I decided I needed a more immediate goal since the STP is not until July. 

Lisa C., Sammamish, WA

Thank you so much for caring about my progress. I appreciate your direction more than you know. I’ve had five different people comment to me today about how much stronger, straighter and healthier I seem…even more energy. I’m either wearing a really good color for me, or the difference I feel on the inside is starting to show on the outside! I’d have given up a long time ago if it weren’t for you!!  

Paulette, Snoqualmie, WA

Hi Maria...thanks so much!  I can't help but think fate played a roll in all of this. If I hadn't answered the ad for the $9.00 special for the club, then I wouldn't have met you and I wouldn't have a clue what to do with all of this and I'm sure I'd be feeling more scared. I feel so much better knowing you're there to guide me!  

Maren, Sammamish

Thanks for the encouragement! You really go "above and beyond" for your clients and that has a big impact. 

Lyda, Seattle