Ultimate Potential Success Stories

"I have been training my whole life and can honestly say nothing has ever gotten me in this type of shape as fast and as strong as your Program. I have lost 30 pounds in 45 days! Thank you Michelle!!!"

—Steve Becerra

"This Program has taught me how to change my eating habits to maximize my metabolism, and to eat truly healthy foods that will provide lasting long term health benefits. I have learned quite alot about the sabotaging effects that certain foods have on your body, as well as, the many benefits of other foods that I had never even tried eating before. The best part of the 90 Day Food Plan is that, unlike many diets that left me hungry and having uncontrollable cravings for bad foods, this plan actually leaves me feeling full and satisfied all day! I have not had any uncontrollable cravings, which has made it easy to stick to the plan. After 60 days on the program I have lost 27 pounds and reduced my percent body fat from 44% to 29% - that's 43 pounds of fat! I have gained 16 pounds of lean muscle mass as well which is helping me keep my metabolism up. The exercise program is challenging, and 5:30am is really early to be up and exercising, but Michelle and her trainers (and the other group members) make the workouts fun and interesting. We meet in different places each morning and do different kinds of workouts every day which keeps it from becoming routine or boring. You never know exactly what to expect which I enjoy! And the trainers are also very good at helping people to work at their own levels so that people are not going beyond their abilities until they are ready. Overall I feel great about myself since starting the program - I sleep better, have more energy, stay more focussed at work (get more done in less time), and people have commented that I seem less "stressed out" as well. I would absolutely and enthusiastically recommend this program to others. It is the first program I have done that has given me the kind of results I want, and even better it is a program that I can easily see myself continuing to do for life!"

—Debbie Purcell-Huynha

"In college I was in really good shape and enjoyed who I was. After getting married and having two kids, I ended up overweight and unhappy about the shape I was in. I had some limited success with diet programs but soon hit a plateau. I knew that to make any more progress I was going to have to commit to regular exercise, but I also realized that I would be unable to maintain it long term unless I found a program that was interesting and could be done early in the morning. I have lost 13 fat pounds, reduced my body fat by 5%, and I have gone down almost 2 dress-sizes! I love being able to walk into Ann Taylor (my favorite clothing store) and buy clothes off the rack again. Michelle has also introduced me to a healthy eating style. As a result of the program, I am much more aware of - not just the calories/fat/carbohydrate value of food, but also the overall nutritional value of fresh, unprocessed foods. As a result, even though my 90 day program is over, most of my meals are still based on the philosophy of the plan. I've been left with a great sense of accomplishment. I can do this! I recommend this program to anyone! Michelle and her trainers are very good about working with everyone at their own level. I would encourage people to just try it. What can you lose? What could you gain?"

—Eileen DeFeo

"I have been working with Michelle...over the past 3 years. I was drawn to her energy and enthusiasm for "well-being" vs. just a killer workout drill sergeant. She has made fitness at early hours of the morning...in the dark!...an exhilarating experience. We have logged many miles together on the trails and many hours of pushing through my personal barriers to succeed. When I started on Los Gatos Creek trail, I could barely run about 1/2 a mile without having to stop. Now I lead the pack up and around the hills focused on reducing my time, keeping my pace and making my workout "my time" for building a better me! Michelle's dedication to her students is evident and her drive for results is 2nd to none. You WILL see changes in your fitness level if you commit to consistency, eating right and striving for your personal best. The combination of weights, bands, cardio building, running techniques, yoga and stretching ensure a well-balanced regimen for all levels."

— Heather Henderson

"Without a doubt, I have had more results with this program than working out in the gym and training for a marathon! It's truly a TOTAL body work out. I've never been able to get my stomach or thighs (I know, our toughest areas!) toned the way they are now. It really does feel great. I'm NOT a morning person, but I find once I'm there, I'm thrilled! The areas we go to are absolutely beautiful, and it starts my day off more energized. When I first started I thought everyone would be in this spectacular shape and I would 'lag' behind. Some were and some weren't but the bottom line is everyone was and are so kind. I DON'T do the taco bell 'run' anymore! And, I really can't say enough about how much I enjoy the program and your encouragement.

Thanks Michelle!"

—Teri Larkin, Fidelity National Title

"Michelle provides excellent outdoor training always changing the scenery. You won't get bored with the same routine. Good personal trainers are hard to find; Michelle has amazing amount of energy at 5:30 in the morning and it's contagious so it's worth getting up early in the morning to work out with someone like her."

—Monica Maze

"As an athlete, Michelle's program has helped me rise from an average, middle of the pack racer to a podium finisher. The workouts are tough, and they reveal attributes about yourself that you never knew. Coming off of a 3-day non-stop expedition race, a summer of racing and self-led workouts, I was cocky. Thought I had it all dialed in for fitness. Then a friend recommended Michelle's workouts and OMG, the weak areas stood out immediately and I could feel it for days! Eight months later and I am faster, stronger, and getting ahead of the field. It's a great feeling.

Thanks Michelle!"

—Brandon Nugent

"Michelle, I cannot begin to express how wonderful you, the program and everyone of your trainers and staff are. I feel more joy, connection to myself and others, and feel that I have a more meaningful sense of accomplishment in my life. I felt that I had these feelings prior to participating in the "UBP" however, I was wrong.

I can really reflect back on how I felt before I started the program and how I feel now. No comparison. I am so much more aware of my presence, I feel more grounded and alive than I have in years.

The coaching, menu plans, cooking classes, food shopping trips, and encouragement have really contributed to my losing 30 lbs in two months. Initially I did not know what to expect other than I was going to show up and do as I was directed and told! My thinking was "Oh what do I have to lose?"

I never imagined that this was possible for me. I am still learning from everyone in the program and continue to make progress at my level . Thank you for allowing me to realize that I too can get my sexy back. "

—Susan Fields,
Los Gatos, Ca

"This program has transformed me from a soft, slightly heavy, couch potato to a more aerobically fit, flexible, stronger human being.

I am now back into sports I gave up years ago because my poor health made them so uninviting to participate in, thank you Michelle!"

—Cathy Jones,
San Jose, Ca

STEFAN TESTIMONIAL:

“The first week I started the new eating program was amazing. Because I felt like a new person. I had more energy and was not as tired. In the first week the only change I had made was my eating habits. I started working out with Michelle the follow week in boot camp. I started this program with Michelle because I am a goalie in soccer and my weight was in my way of becoming a top performer. What is the most important fact is I am 12 years old and I know this change will last a life time. I always struggled with my weight, especially in the stomach area. No doctor could tell me why I was struggling, but through Michelle I found I was allergic to dairy and gains. Within weeks my stomach area flattened and I gained the ability to move well. My coach told me that the saves I make today I would not have been able to make them three months ago. Within a couple of months I gained speed, flexibility and more endurance in the goal. When I started this program I was 173 pounds and had 27% body fat. I learned how to eat so that I was not hungry all the time, stopped craving sugar and I lost all the extra fat I was carrying around. Michelle taught me how to focus on my body fat percentage instead of my scale weight and every week I got to see changes that kept encouraging me to keep going! In 3 months I weigh 152 and have 19% body fat. Everyone can’t believe how good I look, including me! I cannot tell you the number of complements I get. Thanks Michelle for the changes in my life and a great future ahead. I now know what I can eat and what is good and what is not good for me. I am not hungry between meals and don't feel hungry all the time. I enjoy my boot camp and running in the morning. I am a new person and I love my life.“

—Stefan Skoff, 12 years old

EVELYN (MOM’S) TESTIMONIAL:

“Stefan has truly changed. What was most impressive, Stefan has lost inches off his stomach and chest area by removing the foods he was allergic to and cutting out the sugar and junk he was sneaking. My family and I watched the pounds roll off of him. I remember Stefan and I driving down the road when Stefan said "I don't feel tired anymore and I have lots of energy. I feel so good." What my husband and I noticed was the mood changes and his temper becoming calmer because he is not longer eating sugar and feeling bad about himself. Over the holidays he did eat some sugar and his demeanor did change where he would blow up faster like he was before. I have personally struggled with yo-yo dieting for years, I feel Stefan has learned so much in his young age that he can live by for the rest of his life. Eating healthy and exercising is so important as a life style. I thought with the exercise and what I was cooking for the family was the right way. However, working with Michelle I realized I was feeding Stefan all the wrong foods and taking things away was not the answer. Today, Stefan works out and is not hungry like he was before. He was never full and always snacking. Today I see a child who loves life, enjoys soccer more because he is light on his feet and reacts quicker. He’s no longer the kid who has to wear clothing too big to hide his fears. It took Stefan a while to realize he can wear clothing with a tighter fit. Stefan is so excited he can wear his older brother’s shirts and still have some room! Thanks Michelle for giving our family a piece of mind and a great program from eating down to a work out plan that works for the whole family.“

—Evelyn Skoff

FAMILY TESTIMONIAL:

“I would love to share a story that I think many parents would love to hear who have battled a weight issue with their kids or for themselves. I took my son to too many doctors to figure out why he was always hungry and could not lose a pound. If he did, it would return within a week or two. Rather than focusing on myself and my battles, I believe the true story is with my 12 year old son. How many children have weight issues and get teased every day about what they look like. One of the things my son hated was “Oh you are a big boy for your age!” People just don’t think about what they say to kids and children are cruel to one another.

Stefan was always in the 95% in height and weight. He always had a tummy that was firm that never went away. He was not fat he was stocky. I had many discussions with the pediatric about why he was heavy and not losing his baby fat. I was told he is following the curve and I should not worry he is just a big boy. Well the big boy syndrome was causing my son’s self esteem issues and issues with soccer.

Stefan’s weigh issue became a huge factor when he decided he wanted to continue to play soccer at a higher level. Coaches would tell me if he wanted to be a successful player he needed to shed the pounds. Stefan was only 8 at the time and how do you tell a child the coach wants you to lose weight or you are off the team. At this time I started seeking help with doctors. My son was being poked with needles, taking urine and fecal testing to see what his body was not doing. Not only was this a bummer for Stefan, but it was costly.

We hoped as Stefan grew taller he would thin out like most boys, however for him this was not the case. He grew in height however his stomach stayed and he had the baby fat, at least that’s what we called it. We were always after him for eating snacks, but we did allow him yogurt because we assumed he had bad bacteria, yogurt would help replace it with good bacteria. Remember our grandparents always said what we crave is what our bodies need.

As Stefan got older he was a good goalie for his age, however coaches only saw his weight rather than what was in his heart. Stefan would go the mile but his movement was slow but his eye for the game was right on. Stefan was kicked off a team because of his weight. His self esteem was at an all time low. He was ready to quit and give in because he could not get over the hunger feelings and was always hungry. It was a battle in our home every day. I would clean his room and find food wrappers stuck under his bed, behind pillows. We were a mess.

We found Stefan a coach that saw what others did not. Stefan had the eye for the game and could see things other players in his age could not. He gave Stefan hope about being a great goalie. He promised Stefan if he lost weight he would send him to England for 1 week of training. Stefan tired hard to battle the weight for a year, but we did not succeed. He did not make the cut for England.

Our luck changed on October, 6, 2008. We were introduced to Michelle Van Otten, the founder of the Ultimate Potential, located in Los Gatos. Michelle came into our lives and things happened. As a child Stefan had asthma and was treated with steroids and albuteral. We told Michelle Stefan’s struggle with weight and she said, “Stefan is not fat, he has food issues that we can resolve. I will have a menu plan for you and your family and he will be on his way to his goal of making it to England. He will not only make his goal but he will learn a life change in the way he sees himself and how he fuels his body as an athlete. I bet he is allergic to dairy and that is what is causing his stomach to be protruding.”

After our first meeting with Michelle, we took Stefan off all dairy and within three weeks his stomach went down, not completely, but it was smaller than we had ever seen it. It was a miracle. Michelle at our next meeting told me this would have to be a family effort because as parents we are the driving force to Stefan’s success. We all started eating according to the menu plan for Stefan with minor adjustments for all. If I did not see it with my own eyes between Stefan’s work outs and cutting back his dairy, grains and sugar, the weight melted off of Stefan. In 3 months Stefan has lost over 20 pounds and over 12 ½ inches in measurements!

What his coach was pleased about was that Stefan was not just losing weight; he was losing fat rather than muscle mass. Well, as of January 16, 2009 Stefan has now lost 35 pounds in body fat and gained in muscle mass. Stefan won the battle and is off to Scotland this summer to train for one week in soccer! As a family we joined Michelle’s boot camp and worked as a team. It was hard for Stefan to wake up but after he saw his results he was up and moving with me in the mornings. I know this is about my son Stefan, however to get the full picture this program not only helped my son. I have dropped 15 pounds on Michelle’s program and have gained a lot of energy. My other son always had black rings under his eyes that no doctor could figure out. Today, my son Christoph is “black ring” free. Not only did we succeed in the rings, by removing processed foods and sugars, his grades in school are going up and his focusing level is in the class room is up. Christoph received most improved and student of the week in school. I can wrap this up in one line that Stefan told me after one week on Michelle’s program, “Mom, I don’t feel tired anymore, I feel as if I have so much energy.” This is a quote from a 12 year old boy who is controlling his diet and telling friends I cannot have sugar, I cannot have cake; I am an athlete and I eat right.

I no longer find wrappers in his room, no snacking and he is the happiest kid ever. His self esteem is at an all time high. Thanks Michelle without you we would still be spinning our wheels.”

— The Skoff Family