what people say about WOrking with Rick and Bill

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"It is my distinct pleasure to say how wonderful and professional Bill and Rick's coaching has been for me. I have been on a weight-loss/health improvement program for nine months, and part of the program is weekly coaching. I have discovered that this weekly check-in is very important. The accountability is key, but in addition to that, all the advice, charts and medical reports that teach and encourage.  The short-term goal is losing weight. The long-term goal is keeping it off and being as healthy as possible. I would not be able to do that without the guidance of the Riess brothers. My fellow participants  are equally as critical to my success. It is helpful to hear others with the same issues and learn how they conquered them. They are very inspiring.  Hats off to Bill and Rick, and sincere thanks for caring and helping."    CARMEN A

  "I highly recommend working with Bill Riess. His continual coaching and caring helps me to improve not only nutritionally, but emotionally as well. My life is now about maintaining all areas of health resulting in better choices, better habits, and performance. Thank you Bill for your ongoing patience and support!"  LUCIL L  

 "I highly recommend Bill Riess as a weight and health management coach. As a nurse wellness manager, I have been impressed with his skills. He creates a positive, welcoming atmosphere at each session. He consistently demonstrates excellent listening skills and the ability to weave individual comments into a unifying discussion.  He provides interesting, targeted educational pieces at sessions. He is very motivating and never fails to support group members' self-esteem while challenging them to move beyond their comfort zone to find success."  JILL M  

"This program has been a god-send.  I have had weight problems my entire adult life and have tried every program that you can name.  This program has worked primarily because of the non-judgmental coaching each week.  We meet as a group on Zoom, our “judgement free zone”, to encourage each other, each of us fighting the same battle.  In today’s world of fast food, cooking shows and commercials with delicious looking meals, it is a true battle.  My Coach, Bill, is amazingly supportive, kind, inspiring and challenges us.  Each weekly meeting is a chance to cheer success or to reconnect and recommit to making healthy food choices and physical activity for healthier life!  I highly recommend it."  JENENE G

"Rick's group sessions offer a forum to discuss challenges and "what worked" with others committed to a shared weight management goal. He supports us to be accountable to individual and group weekly goals. Rick challenges the group members to be aware of, plan and track what we eat so that we don't have to rely on willpower to manage our weight. He shares research from clinical studies so that we can develop personal plans based on scientific data - both physiological and psychological. Rick also shares motivational quotes like "You are not what you say, you are what you do" and "Comparison is the thief of joy".  I would highly recommend Rick as a coach."  ANITA  W

  "My experience has been excellent. Rick and Bill  have insight, knowledge and connection with their clients to  help you get on track or get back on track.  So far I have lost over 30 Lbs. over a 4 month period as well as an added surprise, having my doctor take me off my blood pressure medication. Their group gives you that physical and mental motivation help to succeed with you weight goals."  STEVE R

"I avidly look forward to my weekly meetings with Bill and our group. It is an opportunity to reset, refocus and re-energize my health and weight loss journey. Each week Bill shares informative articles and scientific studies about nutrition and exercise that greatly increase my knowledge. He is endlessly kind and supportive as he challenges us to strive for new goals and be our better selves. He helps us stay motivated and get back on track when we backslide. Bill is totally dedicated and committed to his clients and it shows every time we meet. Kudus to Bill for his endless kindness, dedication, commitment and support to each member of our group."   ANNE S​ 

  "Thank you, Bill for all that you do for us. This program has saved my life in so many ways. My health has improved so much that I have been able to lower my medications and I feel so much better as well.  I look forward to continuing this program with you at the helm." CYNTHIA M  

"Bill and Rick came to HMR over 30 years ago and they walk the talk. When HMR closed, they spun their skills into Next Step Lifestyle Coaching. They are phenomenal coaches who continue the work by taking a holistic approach to food, diet, exercise, and the latest research regarding health. I’m very pleased being a client in their new enterprise."  DEBBIE B

“Coach Bill is such a calm voice of encouragement. His knowledge around everyday skill building, and his constant reminder to ‘Stay In The Game’ helps to shake off past bad choices, and to keep moving forward -thank you for all of your help Coach!”  WILL J

“In July 2022, my cardiologist informed me that if I didn't change my lifestyle I would need to start several different prescription medicines. I was 254 pounds. 5 months later,  she was blown away by my 65-pound weight loss in 30 weeks.  She said she would love to put my picture on the patient bulletin board with the title "Biggest Loser“… but it would be a HIPPA violation! She took my blood pressure and declared 118/72 to be my lowest this century. While I still have 35 more pounds to lose, my "numbers" have improved across the board and I don’t have to start any new prescriptions. She told me to continue what I was doing as I’d clearly found the right combination for a successful lifestyle.   I am grateful to Coach Rick at Next Step for holding me accountable while offering a variety of food alternatives that help me to stay on course.”  ELLEN "BERNIE" S

 "My weight has been a yo-yo most of my life. I was mentally weak, needed structure, hope, simplicity about what to eat, and group support to give me confidence to move forward. Weekly coaching has made all the difference with Coach Rick. He has encouraged and stretched me, along with the group. He provides us with tools, accountability, behaviors, and the science to help us succeed.  I'm down over 61 lbs. I’m moving more now and feeling so much better.  If you're thinking about incorporating coaching, just do it. It'll change other aspects of your life along with the weight. You'll learn so much from a phenomenal coach who has walked the walk, along with lots of tips, recipes, interaction, and heart from the group. Just take the step!"  LALITTA B