Testimonials

"I cannot recommend Charlene enough. When I turned 50 I realized I needed to add strength training into my routine. I am a yoga teacher and do a lot of stand up paddle boarding but wanted some sort of functional movement with weights and HIIT. I found Charlene while searching on Instagram. Her posts were compelling and I reached out to her.  We don’t live in the same area but she offered online training and I was thrilled to be able to work with her.

She is brilliant. Every workout was intentional and I could see results (felt strong) very soon after working with her. And she works with you holistically. She knows so much about movement, nutrition, and what women need as they get older. She sees aging as a gift and wants us to feel empowered. She wants to help us feel stronger not like we’re fading as we age.

I look forward to her workouts as every one is different but they all work together. As a yoga instructor (for 20 years) I also understand movement and appreciate the thought she puts into her workouts. There was one time I was on vacation and didn’t have any equipment. She worked with me to find things in the Air BnB and use them (even a bottle of wine!) to workout.

Charlene is exactly what you are looking for and her programs are top notch. I would give her 100 stars out of 10 if I could!"

Dr. Janet W.

Yoga Instructor

Associate Professor
Washington, DC

“Coach Charlene set me on a path of reclaiming my inner athlete for life. I am so grateful for the years of coaching she has provided me, which always are above and beyond in order to get results. Charlene expands the idea of personal training into transforming lives. I worked hard with her on my goal of returning to ski racing in midlife and was able to achieve it!  She’s also just the absolute best cheerleader and coach to start your day with.”

Jessa M.

Author
San Francisco, CA

"Charlene is one of my personal heroes.  Not for all the amazing things that she has done in her life and all that she has accomplished, but for all she has empowered me to heal, endure, grow and aspire.  I feel like I am getting more life back...

Over the years of training with Charlene I am grateful that our friendship has grown in parallel with the efficiency and fun of our workouts.  

• She tailors each training to what I need based on where I am at when we meet

• Within a year of starting from 0, Charlene got me strong enough to compete in a World Beach Ultimate Frisbee Championship

• I really dig how we both embrace flexibility in session scheduling based on whichever conditions are of consequence

• I trust Charlene"

Scottie B

Founder - Baumhaus Berlin
Germany

 "I have had the privilege of working with Charlene for the past four years, and I can confidently say that they are exceptional, the best of the best.  Charlene is dynamic, empathetic, and highly professional, with a unique human-centric approach that truly sets her apart.

Specializing in the mind-body connection, she has transformed my perspective on training. I used to dread workouts of any kind, due to a health condition, but now I genuinely love my personalized workouts and the holistic health benefits it brings to both my mind and body. Charlene's ability to understand and address my individual needs has been instrumental in this transformation.

Charlene creates a supportive and motivating environment that makes every session enjoyable and rewarding. Her dedication to my progress and well-being is evident in every interaction, and I am incredibly grateful for her guidance and expertise.

If you are looking for a trainer who is not only knowledgeable and skilled but also genuinely cares about your overall health and happiness, I highly recommend Charlene. She has made a profound impact on my life, and I am confident that she will do the same for you.  Charlene rocks!"

Christy P

IT C-Suite Professional

Lantana, FL

"Charlene is the muscle mama I needed to achieve my endurance cycling dreams. Before working with her, I had never partnered with a strength trainer. Through our twice-a-week virtual sessions, she taught me SO MUCH about how to use my body more effectively on the bicycle and off. More importantly, Charlene replaced the self-defeating voices in my head with her infectious positivity and unrelenting support. Now, when I dig deep on a climb, I hear Charlene's voice saying, 'You got this!'" I also hear her funny cues on how to recruit my glutes and core. With Charlene, I got the results I wanted and the spirit I needed to pursue cycling with both renewed vigor and wisdom. "

Dr. Alana C

Scientist

San Francisco, CA

Charlene is the best trainer we’ve ever worked with. My husband and I started working with her in our 40s after we had let our former heathy habits go after having two kids, several injuries, and started a business which kept us busy and stressed.

I first started working with her to get back in shape after I had my baby at 41. My husband, who was a former athlete, had suffered several injuries in his 30s and was completely out of shape and suffering with back pain. After seeing the amazing results for me, he also started working with Charlene and got into amazing shape as well.

Charlene designed workouts that not only kept us from reinsuring ourselves but rehabbed our bodies in a way that relieved pain and corrected bad habits and muscle imbalanced developed from years of poor posture and overcompensating for the injuries with other muscles. Her incredible knowledge and expertise goes far beyond anything I’ve experienced with another trainer.

The friends I have recommended to workout with her all have had amazing experiences as well. I highly recommend her!

Dr Charlynn and Camilo

Psychologist & Co-Business Owners
Pacific Palisades, CA

"My life has changed in so my ways for the BETTER because 3 years ago I started working out with Charlene the Great (my name for her) my body was getting fit and at the same time I lost my husband to brain cancer I was very sad and trying desperately to keep my mind on his business Charlene recognizing that something was wrong stopped me and I started therapy with her too. How lucky am I!!! Today as we move into 2024 let me say I would never be the confident badass chick I am if it was not for Charlene! If you are lucky enough to have her in your life then you are extremely lucky!!!"

Roseann D.
AutoBody Co-Owner

Philadelphia, PA

"I am incredibly grateful for the transformative experience I've had with my online trainer, Coach Charlene. Working with Coach Charlene has been nothing short of phenomenal. Her personalized approach, tailored workouts, and expert guidance have not only helped me strive for and achieve my fitness goals but have also instilled a newfound confidence in my abilities. Coach Charlene is not just a trainer; She is a motivator, a supporter, and a source of inspiration. The convenience of online sessions seamlessly combined with her unwavering commitment to my success has made this fitness journey not only effective but genuinely enjoyable. I wholeheartedly recommend Coach Charlene to anyone looking for a dedicated and results-oriented personal online trainer. Thank you for making fitness a rewarding and empowering part of my life! "
Dr. Pooneh L.
Associate Professor
Cary, North Carolina

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“I have had the pleasure of working with Charlene Myers-Sponholtz through Run Your Life. Charlene founded RYL years ago and has developed it into a top-notch health and wellness organization. Through her dedicated research, she has developed sound programs for both children and adults seeking to improve their health, wellness and quality of life.

My first experience with RYL was as a novice runner seeking support from other noncompetitve runners. I then transitioned to Team Leader for McHenry, IL and worked closely with Charlene to execute various programs. We have seen the 5k run/walks powered by Run Your Life increase in registrations event after event. Our week-long childrens' camp in June has had increasing attendees every summer. The RYL after school programs have increased in attendees and number of schools year after year. The RYL weekly walk/run programs provide training, if desired, for up-coming events, time for interacting with other like-minded individuals or a safe place to start on the path to wellness. RYL allows individuals to do determine what their goal is and provides the tools and support to accomplish it.

All of this is due to the vision and dedication of Charlene Myers-Sponholtz. She has the ability to connect deeply with children and adults. Her enthusiasm for other's accomplishments permeates every aspect of the RYL programing. I now sit on the executive board of Run Your Life. I am proud of the growth we see in Run Your Life. Our future is limitless!”

Heather M
Senior Respiratory Specialist

McHenry IL 

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“Great motivator who brings results!!”

Fran S

Information Solutions Director

Cary, IL

“Charlene is a very passionate and inspiring individual. My children had the opportunity to attend Run Your Life Summer Camp. The program was extremely organized and the staff was professional and wonderful with the children. It was a good balance of healthy eating, fitness, and lifestyle choices. As a mom, personal trainer and group fitness coordinator, I highly would recommend Charlene.”

Josie P

Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer

Gilbert, AZ

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“After struggling to add the perfect amount and type of strength training to my half marathon training, I reached out to Charlene. I met her in a running club, had enjoyed talking with her about education, family, fitness l, so I reached out to her for guidance. She took I to careful consideration all of my requirements such as barre and long run days, and sent me a daily training plan. This plan was full of runs, barre classes, and very specific HIIT workouts to keep me strong. This all worked to get me to my end goal but it was also fun. Charlene checked in and encouraged me regularly. She always made me feel like I was on the right track.”

Ashley L

Statistics and Analytics

Phoenixville, PA

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"With Charlene’s help, I went from “This is sucks!” to “Yes I can!” 

I lost 40 lbs during Covid with Charlene’s coaching, and I gained so much more knowledge, confidence and health - both physical and mental- during the process.

I am an athlete who had lost a step and had a sagging butt.  Charlene helped me gradually and steadily strengthen my body through 2-3x/week virtual training supported by workout programs for the days we weren’t together.  

Charlene constantly challenged me to improve- and the best part was her emotional support.  I used to say “this sucks” during a workout.  Charlene taught me to change my frame to “Yes, I can!” - which makes the workout easier!  Your body listens to you!  Change your outlook, change your outcome!  

I am happy to say I’ve kept the weight off and am thrilled that my butt looks awesome!  Thanks so much, Charlene!"

Jess L.
R & D

Philedelphia, PA

"I am pleased to write this letter of support for the Run Your Life organization. I have had the pleasure of knowing Charlene Myers-Sponholtz for seven years. During that time, our families were neighbors at one point in McHenry and we even served together on the District 15 referendum committee. I have known Charlene to be a person whose character is unquestionable, a person who is dedicated to doing what is right for kids, and a person who is passionate about promoting fitness and fun in a friendly, family oriented manner for students and adults alike. Her positive energy and drive are truly remarkable, and the involvement she had in promoting positive opportunities for students through fitness is what led her to start the Run Your Life organization. I know multiple people, students and adults alike, whose lives have been transformed through her efforts and the efforts of her organization. Run Your Life’s presence and continued growth throughout McHenry County has been impressive. I am excited to see what the future holds for Run Your Life, and hope that there are more opportunities on the horizon for this quality organization to continue making a positive difference in the lives of others."

Kevin S

Principal

Johnsburg, IL

"Charlene is very knowledgeable and one of the most passionate and inspiring people around. Her knowledge always brings to light inspirational and health-related information that enables others to make intelligent decisions in their own lives, as well as helps others take control of their lives (even if they already think they know what they are doing). Not only is she a good leader, but she has a personal approach that shows she really cares about what she does and the people she works with, which is above and beyond most interactions in this field and makes her stand out amongst her peers.”

Andy S
Analytics Manager and Consultant

Johnsburg, IL

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“Passionate, motivational, thoughtful, enthusiastic, leader, these are words I think of when I think of Charlene and the work she does diligently day in and day out. I first became involved with Run Your Life as an adult running club member and through that club and the programs my children have attended through Run Your Life, I have seen Charlene inspire countless children and adults to integrate health and wellness into everyday life. She has a unique ability to focus on the individual and help them to determine and fulfill their goals. She is a champion of many.”

Denise M
Island Lake, IL

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Charlene is an amazing leader of Run Your Life - helping children and adults manage a healthy lifestyle and overall well being through positive encouragement and activities for young and old alike!

Lisa S

Trade Specifier Representative

McHenry, IL

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“In the years that I have known Charlene she has been committed to encouraging children and adults to live a life filled with healthy choices and wellness. She has motivated and changed the lives of many people! She is a hard worker and a very serious leader. Charlene is a great networker and has tremendous leadership skills.”

Lisa L

Teacher,
Lake in the Hills, IL

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“I've known Charlene for  years. She is the most positive person I know. Charlene is very focused in making us all feel better about ourselves. If you are looking to change your feeling about yourself then Charlene is the person that will help you make that change.”

Phil S

Mortgage Banker
McHenry, IL

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"Charlene is passionately committed to helping people learn to live healthy and active lives. She has worked diligently for years to learn the tools for creating a healthy physical, mental, and emotional lifestyle and she shares these tools with children, adults and families through her Run Your Life Program.

As a psychologist and a father I highly recommend the tools and the format that Charlene has put together."

Dr Timothy H

Psychologist

Crystal Lake, IL

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“My experience has been amazing. Coach Charlene is amazing.  her dedication to ensuring that your program is individualized and works for you is the best. I started out being completely out of shape and now I am really loving the gym and checking in. Thank you Coach I would recommend her to anyone.”

Keri H

Senior Living Care Coordinator

Philadelphia, PA