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TESTIMONIALS

In 2006, I decided it was time to learn how to weight train but gyms intimidated me and I didn't want to injure myself while I conquered the learning curve. It was my good fortune to meet Dusty that spring because she coached the weight training program for my older son's baseball team. Form is EVERYTHING and Dusty taught me step by step. But she's taken me far beyond my original goal! Last year, Dusty looked at me during a weight training workout and said, "You need to commit to an event and train for it. How about the Tiburon Triathalon?" I remember that moment because I really thought she was crazy! Why on earth would I do that? But as it turned out, I'd never been given better advice. For four months, I trained for the Tiburon Triathalon in July, 2009. What a thrill to race i! It was amazing to be there at 6:30 a.m. and be part of the swell of competitors that kept amassing out of nowhere in the fog for the 7:00a.m. start. It was my first competition since I'd been in my 20's, when I ran 10k races. It was also my first swim in a wetsuit and in San Francisco Bay! And it was a total shot in the arm to work toward being prepared and then execute the race easiily (see photo)! My goal now is to do one triathalon each summer which totally rachets up my weight training workouts and my aerobic exercise goals to a new level! Thanks a million Dusty!

--Lee Larsen, cyclist, swimming, sailor, hiker, mother & professional
Strength trains 30 minutes x 3/week, yoga 30 minutes x 3/week, bikes 1 hr x 4/week, swims x1/week in summer

Lee Larsen

In December, I made a commitment to train for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in San Francisco in July, at the same time, I decided to add strength training to my workouts, so I could strengthen my core and back and walk without pain. I found Dusty from another client of hers and am so glad I did. We worked out, developed a training schedule for mileage and came up with strength trainings I am able to take on the road with me when I travelled. Dusty's expertise in the area of fitness, nutrition and races assisted me in becoming the best possible Walker I could be for the 39.3 mile walk this past weekend. I finished without pain and I was up and able to walk without discomfort the day after as well.

I would recommend Dusty for this type of strength training, motivation and workout coordination without hesitation. I'm in great shape and have an experience that will last in my memory for a lifetime, as well as a commitment to the Breast Cancer Cause for as many years to come as it takes to find that cure.

Tina Divita

Dusty is amazing.  After a thirteen year hiatus and after having three children, I decided to start playing soccer again last year.  I played and had a fantastic time, but there was nothing worth noting about my performance.  Then I worked with Dusty. Dusty researched special exercises, stretches and plyometrics that would benefit my soccer game.  We worked on those exercises, sprints, and general strength training.  This year I scored 16 goals in 10 games, more than I had ever scored in any season before. I became faster and stronger because of the special, personalized, sport-specific work that I did with Dusty.  The change has been truly remarkable.

-Annelise -34
Lawyer and mom to three (including twins)

I learned how to run correctly! Dusty taught me how to conserve energy, the importance of the right body position, to remember to have a focus, and where the focus should be. Dusty has the ability to see all these things and more, at her running clinics.

Deborah Barollaza

I found Dusty through the multiples club here in Marin and I have been training with her ever since. I have my core strength back and more energy than before. Everytime I train with Dusty she challenges me with new exercises.

Dusty is helping me with training for my first half marathon. If you tell Dusty your goal with your training she always helps you reach them.

Susie Orelind

Owner and head coach Dusty Roady is the very definition of supportive and positive. Her nurturing attitude and profound knowledge have a powerful impact on the progress of everyone who trains with her, whether a neophyte to the world of working out or a pro athlete. Dusty is very focused, defining each individual client's needs, and transforming those needs into attainable goals. Her personal experience as a coach and world-class competitor make her a rich resource, allowing each of her trainees to learn and develop at his or her best pace. Dusty is a gem who never pushes too hard, but motivates each client to attain maximally what she or he can.

Regardless of where you're coming from or what shape you're in, after working with Dusty, you'll begin feeling that your workout is a high point of your day!
- Ed, professional and runner
Strength trains 1 hour/week; runs almost daily

Before coming to whole athlete I thought I could manage the multisport lifestyle and coach myself. As a result, without understanding the concept of periodization or trusting the benefits of tapering, I went into each event physically exhausted and mentally fatigued. My performance suffered and so did my love for triathlon.

Immediately coming into WA Dario completed a performance assessment, bike fit & swim stroke analysis. Then I was turned over to the care of Dusty Roady. She took me to the track for a running form analysis and strength training workout that took minutes off my run time. Dusty also recommended several books on how to develop my neglected “mental game”.

Working with Dusty has changed my life. She knows her stuff, is a true professional & understands me as an athlete. She knows exactly what to say to challenge, encourage and inspire me. Dusty is always available by phone, email, and appointment. She makes me feel like I am her #1 priority. My training plans are customized at my level-- always challenging and stretching my ability as an athlete. I now go into races fully prepared, rested and motivated to succeed.

Dusty has such confidence in my ability that she encouraged me to try more challenging races. Before being coached by Dusty, I would have never considered doing big events like Escape from Alcatraz & the Ford Ironman 70.3 series. And, I would have never felt the success of accomplishment as I did when I qualified for the 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater!

Thanks to Dario, Dusty and WA I know I will be ready to perform my best at Clearwater and in all of my races! WA has changed me into a complete, balanced, whole athlete.
- Jo Ann Clark

Three months of working out with Excel Fitness restored my energy and narrowed by belt by two notches!

- Mike Jackman, 53
Strength trains 2-3 hours/week, includes rotator cuff rehab and strengthening for basketball


I wish I’d done this just after I had my kids. I have so much more energy: I feel better and I like my body much more. It’s great.
- Dr. Noellette Falkow, 39, mother (now of three) and orthodontist
Strength trains 2-3 hours/week

Dusty and I trained my catching movements and running form, and I cut time running bases and did great at nationals. I also cut my one-mile time at school by 45 seconds. Our workouts are fun.
- Annemarie, 15, nationally-ranked competitive softball player
Strength training and sports-specific conditioning (speed, agility, change of direction): about ten sessions

I started strength training with Excel Fitness three years ago and am amazed at the difference it has made in my performance, energy, and body. I’ve lost ten pounds, and I didn’t think it would be possible. Last year I had my top performances in triathlon in 6 years. Working with Dusty has been the key: no program has ever worked so well to keep me fit and motivated. She is a delight to work with, encouraging and inspiring and motivating. I highly recommend her as a personal trainer and fitness coach and am grateful to her for the positive changes she’s helped me make in my life. She has tailored my workouts and offered nutritional advice which I’ve followed and it has paid off in ways I never expected.
- Margaret, 56, triathlete and hospice nurse
Strength trains 2-3 days/week, individualized triathlon coaching and nutrition strategies



Three years ago my doctor said my bone density was extremely low. I learned proper strength training with Dusty, and my recent test showed levels have returned to normal. I am a convert: this is the ONLY sure way to avoid osteoporosis.
- Linda, 45, runner and cancer survivor
Strength trains 2-3/week

I have been training with Dusty (recommended to me by the Mothers of Multiples Club member Kathy) for several months and I have been thrilled with the results. She’s fabulous! I had VERY little time to work out, so she taught me how to maximize the time I do have. I only go twice a week for an hour each time and I see really great results.
- Liz Noguiero, 34, mother of three

On Thursday afternoon,Cam almost hit a homerun out of the Metronome (where the professional Minnesota Twins play) and in addition, he scored the only run of the game. If the ball had gone more to the left or to the right field, it would have been out of the park. Of course, at most college parks, it would have been gone, as well. I guess working out and/or playing baseball 6 days/week since graduating from high school is paying off.
- Deborah, mother and strength training client
Speaking of her son, Cameron, who Dusty coached in strength training and as part of the Tamalpais High School baseball team (sport-specific strength and conditioning). Cameron was selected for the USAA baseball team to play in Europe, summer 2006

I am now performing at the level I was at more than five years ago. Even better, I have the tools to maintain this on my own now.
- Gina, strength training client, 28

I can personally vouch for Dusty. I see her twice per week in lieu of the Bay Club. I’m still a member there but found that I would make too many excuses not to go and work out, but with Dusty I’m eager to work out and find it really enjoyable, because it’s just her and I so the focus is on me (don’t have to worry about what I look like.

I’ve been seeing Dusty for the past couple of months, trying to get rid of this twin fat after three years without much success. I have been so motivated by her. Dusty is a mother, triathlete and a fitness coach at the local high school, and she’s just a wonderful person. For those of you who don’t care for health clubs, this is ideal since she has a fitness studio right off Camino Alto/Miller in Valley.

I’ve never felt or looked better since I started going to Dusty. My back is stronger and I actually can feel my abdominal muscles and you can now see my waistline ant the definition in my arms. Picking up my 36-38 pound boys is not so hard on my back anymore.
- Katherine Reed, professional and mother of twins
Strength trains two hours/week, conditions for walking/hiking

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