recommendation

January 21, 2014

To Whom This May Concern:

Please let this letter serve as a recommendation of the highest degree for Barbara Shapiro.  My son Leo, now almost nine years old, worked with Barbara on a weekly basis for an extended period of time.

Barbara showed not only true compassion, but extensive knowledge on how to work with my son on a variety of physical issues.  She was patient, caring, engaging and most importantly, the results over time were simply phenomenal.

I can personally attest to this because I was present at each session and then got a demonstration of the work they put in for that particular meeting.  Furthermore, the progress carried over to daily activities once we got home and helped Leo in a multitude of facets.  I was also greatly impressed with her skills in identifying Leo’s specific needs and tailoring his time with her to make each session worthwhile.

Her skills and talent are unmatched and I simply give her the highest recommendation.

Best regards,

Stuart Shalowitz

Deerfield, IL

http://www.befit4u2.com

http://www.befit4u2.com

National Association of Professional Women Chicago Chapter : Newsletter Spotlight

Barbara Shapiro
Certified Fitness Instructor, Speaker and Author
Owner of BeFit Personal Training Studio
BeFit4u2.com

 

Whether you are testing new boundaries in your current career, looking to change professions or making a brave foray into territory that sparks growth in your personal life, it’s encouraging and inspirational when one woman is willing to share her story about how she has done it.

Meet Barbara Shapiro, certified personal trainer, speaker, author and a Chicago Chapter member. As part of the NAPW collective, she is a like-minded woman with a story that allows us to be happy for her successes and to extract useful pearls of wisdom for navigating our own personal and professional lives.

How long have you been a member of NAPW and what compelled you
to join?
I have been member since 2012. I joined because I was interested in a woman’s organization not only for networking, but to support the advancement of women in the workplace.

How has NAPW been a benefit to you both personally and professionally?
Personally, I have met wonderful women through NAPW and I have become friends with a number of them. Professionally, I am working on making connections to further my business as well as helping other members to expand their line of work.

What was the defining moment that you decided to become a Certified
Personal Trainer?
I have been a professional photographer for over 25 years. When the digital photography craze began, the demand for professionals to shoot social events diminished. I had to reinvent myself. My love of physical fitness and health drew me into the personal training field.

You are also a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist. How did you become involved?
I became a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist in 2010 after volunteering at The Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook, IL. I began an exercise program where I assist individuals going through the cancer process with appropriate exercise recommendations and motivation for a positive lifestyle. This helps cancer patients regain self-esteem and positive energy.

What can a client expect from you as a trainer?
My focus is helping clients achieve better health, improved posture, body awareness and confidence through core training. I am enthusiastic about living a healthy life, which carries over to my clients and helps them to stay focused on their goals. I teach by example.

What are your areas of training expertise?
My workouts target the entire body beginning with a strong foundation. I stress proper posture and alignment. Through the use of unstable surfaces and other functional pieces of equipment, I emphasize the importance of training in multi-dimensional planes that prepares the body for everyday life. The workouts concentrate on balance, flexibility, agility and strength. I have also been training in the martial arts for over 20 years and if a client is interested we can expand their workout with that training.

How does physical fitness contribute to the overall success of today’s
professional woman?
By strengthening postural muscles, we stand up straighter and that corresponds to a better self-image and commands more attention. The mind and body work as one. If you feel good about yourself physically than your mind follows.

You have also written the book, “Ask Avery Anything: A Woman’s Journey Through Midlife Dating.” What was your inspiration?
After my divorce, I found it difficult not only to meet men, but I was very surprised as to how much the dating scene had changed. The more I spoke to other women involved in the dating process, it became apparent that this was not an isolated situation. I also created AskAveryAnything.com to accompany the book. It is a website where women can share their experiences, ask questions and discuss various topics with one another. Additionally, I lead a coed meet-up group (meetup.com) called “Midlife Dating Discussions - Meet and Greet.” We meet in a comfortable setting to discuss relevant dating topics that the members choose.

In your experience, what are some of the major obstacles that women face when it comes to mid-life dating? Especially, successful career women?
The majority of us have raised children, held successful employment and are now able to free up our lives. We are prioritizing our interests by pursuing mind and body activities and taking better care of ourselves. We may or may not be interested in marriage, but we do look forward to being in a trusting and caring relationship where we can enjoy a companion with similar interests. However, the dating pool is limited. Countless men in our age bracket are looking for younger women. Then there are those who feel that they have made it financially and stop growing as a person. For a strong, independent women this can be frustrating.  Also, men can be intimidated by a successful woman.

What are some of the advantages to mid-life dating?
We are very comfortable in who we are. We have given up those insecurities we might have had in our younger years. We have interesting views on the world, have life experience, are independent, and have more of a free spirit than when we were first establishing ourselves in the workforce.

Where can your book be purchased? Do you have any book-signing
events coming up?
“Ask Avery Anything: A Women’s Journey Through Midlife Dating” by Maro Eliot can be purchased on Amazon. I will be speaking at the Oakbrook Library on March 9 and the Wheeling-Indian Trails Library on March 26.

You are an accomplished trainer, speaker and author. What’s next for you?
I am very happy with my life and the direction it has taken. I hope to continue in all these areas and expand as opportunities present themselves. I welcome suggestions since one never knows where they will lead and what doors could be opened.