Coaching with Ali has been eye opening and a blessing. We started coaching many years ago during our personal training sessions and when Ali moved outside my area, she made it very easy to continue the connection. Our early coaching sessions consisted of me complaining or describing my struggles and what I was going through and how it was causing so much stress, anxiety and turmoil. I wasn’t opening up enough to allow any healing or progress. But, as I trusted and let go, our hour telephone coaching sessions evolved to include discipleship. Through her questioning of my thoughts and beliefs with the intervention of scripture, we travel down a path during each session that somehow finds the root of what I need and what God is working on within my heart, mind and spirit. Ali's not afraid to ask the hard questions and really work on getting down to business even when I'm hesitant. Her gracious and compassionate way of leading me through the discussion makes it welcoming to share my thoughts, struggles, victories, feelings and actions without feeling judged or condemned. She reminds me that God does not condemn and that His love is abundant. Ali has found a way to really use the gifts that God has given her for His glory. As each session ends in prayer, we give thanks for our time together and what God has revealed. Ali has been a true gift from God!!!
Ali is a true light in this world. She cares about her clients and their overall well-being and will challenge you to become a better person. She will encourage you to work hard and is one of the most positive people I've ever encountered. Her life coaching talents are truly a gift...I am constantly growing, learning and living a better life after my sessions with her. Thank you, Ali for all you do. You are a mentor and a friend and the world is a better place with you in it.
Best decision you will ever make for yourself! Ali truly cares about you and your well being and always goes above and beyond! She helped me change the way I see myself as well as how I treat myself and I'm so thankful to have her in my life! Whether you are looking for a fun, motivating fitness class or some awesome one-on-one personal training I highly recommend you give Ali a try!
My Journey to happiness and boundaries
Ali made a huge impact on my life and I cannot express enough how grateful I am that God brought her into my life. She asked me,“Why did you choose me”? My response, which still chokes me up to this day was, “Your hug”. It was a real hug filled with so much compassion, and that was on day one of us meeting each other. She truly seeks to help us, help ourselves, and to realize we’re enough just as we are, beautiful and created how God made us to be.
I went through a very difficult time with my parents and Ali recommended the book Boundaries to me. What really impressed me was that she didn’t just tell me to read it and that was it, but we talked about it over the weeks that I read it. This helped me set boundaries with my parents. Even though things are not perfect with us, I no longer lie awake at 3am stressing about them. The mantra that I picked up from Ali is “Not my monkey’s, not my circus”.
Did I lose weight? Yes, at a pace that was healthy, but it wasn’t about the number it was how I felt inside. I never felt so beautiful being a plus size person until Ali helped me realize where my true beauty comes from…the inside.
Ali puts so much of herself into helping her clients. She recommends taking personality quizzes so that you both understand more about you. We would talk throughout the whole workout sometimes about serious stuff and other times about our favorite show “This Is Us”, the time would fly by, and I’d go home each night feeling less angry/hurt and more fulfillment in life.
Whether it was a one-on-one personal training/coaching sessions or group classes, each one provided something I needed. One-on-one time built my confidence and skills using equipment, and the group classes introduced me a community of beautiful ladies, that I now call friends.
I’m still sad that I no longer get to see her four days a week, due to her no longer living in Madison, Wisconsin. However, I’m so glad that we met when we did.
I can still hear her chipper personality as if she never left.
Ali McWilliams means so much more to me than a typical trainer at a gym. Ali has challenged me to reach my best potential physically, emotionally and spiritually. Every week I look forward to exercising with her and the wonderful women in our class. I never feel judged or inadequate, only accepted and encouraged.
I wasn't foreign to a tough workout so I completely expected to have my mind and body put to the test. I was extremely surprised that my soul got a very encouraging workout during my time with Ali. I found a new love for myself and was able to clear away some of the nonsense that we, as women, beat ourselves up over. I learned I am beautiful no matter what size I am and that I can love myself and be proud of my accomplishments. Thank you Ali for helping me 'feel the burn' and love it!
When I first came to Ali, I hardly knew anything about exercise. I didn’t even know what shoes to wear. With Ali I have learned so much—from ways to keeping aerobics fun, how to safely do weights, and even how to promote balance. I am noticing the results and benefits in my everyday life from when my kids ask me to pick them up to just an overall improvement in my posture. One of the best things about Ali is that it’s time that I get to pay attention to the person I give the least attention to—me! I love working out with Ali and will continue with her as long she is teaching.
Ali helped me define my life values, which in turn set me back on course once again to being my true self. Ali’s coaching restored my faith, trust, and ability to once again experience joy. Ali’s coaching gave me the tools to understand and work through the core issues. I highly recommend Ali’s life coaching to anyone who needs their faith restored or strength in finding joy again.
Ali is a gift to women everywhere! If you have been to other personal trainers (like me) then you know that one of the biggest challenges is finding a “connection” so you really feel motivated and stay that way. Ali has such a passion for helping women feel good inside and out. The difference is that she takes the time to get to know you, your personality type and what you respond to. Then she works that into your training. Each session, she has a knack for sensing how you are feeling and chooses just the right plan to fit your needs for that day. What a difference from the usual trainer… Ali will be my trainer for the long term because I see (and feel) real results…inside and out!
I decided I couldn’t do this on my own. I couldn’t lose any weight, I felt horrible, I hated going clothes shopping, I didn’t really understand good nutrition, I wasn’t being accountable to myself in getting on my treadmill, and I knew I needed strength training but I didn’t know where to start. I was stressed out, never made time for myself, and was about to go through a job transition at work. I needed some help in discovering who I am, and not finding my identity solely in being someone else’s mother, wife, or boss. I found Ali. Working with her is more than a workout for the body. She tailors each session to my physical and emotional abilities and needs for that particular day, asks all the right questions, and has helped me to learn to really listen to my mind and my body. I also like my “me” time, being accountable to someone else, and getting pulled out of my comfort zone. After just seven months with Ali, I can truly say that I have been transformed. I am happy and I am healthy, and that’s a really wonderful thing.
Ali is your personal trainer even in a room full of women. She acknowledges your individual needs and encourages wellness inside and out. Her phenomenal classes test the body, calms the mind, and settles the soul. Ali is inspirational!
I had a membership at one of the big box gyms, but like many other women I know, I just didn’t go. I didn’t know what to do once I got there. I was nervous about the large group sessions. I had every excuse not to go – nobody was holding me accountable. Then I stumbled upon Ali McWilliams! That was a year ago and I am physically & emotionally stronger than I’ve ever been! #StrongMindStrongBody
Ali and the fantastic ladies in the group make me laugh every single class. But it goes beyond that. I learn something at every session as well as reading weekly email, post, blog and watching Ali’s fun videos! Being in class is like hanging with a group of smart, innovative, creative friends while catching up on successes, workdays, news, etc. – all while getting a great full-body workout in. Win/Win! Ali has reminded me to be grateful every single day for all I’m blessed to have. “Thanks, legs for getting me through horse & buggy!”. Every class ends with a cool down/meditation/stretching session. I took that process and now have a morning routine of deep breathing to get out of “fight or flight” mode as well as self-pep talks to start my day on a positive note. It only takes a couple minutes and coworkers & friends have noticed a difference! It works! It’s also getting easier for me to let go of things that don’t serve me – in my professional and personal life. Ali has a way of making working out into a life-changing, mood-altering, self-improving networking opportunity. I’m so grateful for Ali’s support & encouragement! Come join us – you won’t regret it!
When I first began attending Ali’s strength training class one and a half years ago, I was an out of shape, overweight, depressed woman who had tried every diet fad available to lose weight and get in shape. Admittedly, I was terrified at the first class and the thought of exercising in front of other people. I knew how out of shape I was, and was embarrassed that I couldn’t even do one push-up without being out of breath. There was absolutely no reason for me to feel that way. Every class that I have attended with Ali is a positive, uplifting experience. I always leave feeling better than when I arrived. The strength exercises that she does combined with her positive attitude, humor and generous welcoming spirit works like therapy! It’s a great combination that works both my mind and my body. She continually shares her knowledge of exercise, nutrition, and health and has helped me change many bad habits, and I’ve never felt better! Over the past year and a half, I have lost forty pounds, feel better in my body than I have in a long time, and have gained a new confidence about where I am in my life. Ali takes the time to get to know your story, and continues to check-in to make sure she is doing all she can to make the class the best it can be for everyone.
My journey to improve my relationship with food and to develop a healthier life started many years ago. I can wholeheartedly say though that my work with Ali has taken my passion, understanding, and commitment to a completely new level.
The thing that I appreciate most about Ali is that her enthusiasm and zest for life are SO contagious! Her approach to healthy living is not purely measured by what you weigh; rather the totality of your mental, physical and spiritual heath. Her outlook is SO refreshing and when you walk out of her classes you are inspired to take a little piece of that with you.
I have also gained a lot of knowledge and resources from her and the network of individuals she works with. Until now, I have never truly understood what foods I should be eating to maximize the time I spend working out and to help my body be and feel that best that it can. I have learned this from Ali and unlike it has always seemed before, it really is fairly simple!
I was looking for inspiration, knowledge, and enthusiasm to take me to the next level of my journey with food and fitness and Ali has been such an amazing gift!
As a busy mother of 2, I look forward to Alison’s Strength Fusion class every week to refuel me mentally, physically and emotionally.
She always encourages me to push myself and to work on quality rather than quantity. I am continually impressed with how much detail she pays to each workout and how comfortable she makes each person feel that walks through the door. Not only does she provide a great workout, but she also celebrates personal triumphs and motivates through difficult times.
I attend Strength at CORE’s Studio with Alison McWilliams. The changes I have seen since taking Alison’s classes are amazing. I am more toned than I have ever been in my life and the reason is Alison’s classes. Besides being challenging, the classes are fun. I actually look forward to going to class! I have never looked forward to exercise in my entire life until I found Alison’s Strength Fusion class. We work hard, but have a great time so we never realize how hard we are working. Every class is different, I never get bored. It is just a wonderful experience; I recommend Alison’s classes to everyone! You will not be disappointed.
I have been fortunate enough to have spent the last 4 years training with Alison and can honestly say she has given me some of the hardest, most rewarding workouts I have ever had. Ali’s knowledge and passion for fitness are limitless, her workouts are refreshing and challenging, and she has the ability to push you physically and mentally beyond what you thought possible. Alison is such a loving and compassionate person with high energy and upbeat personality who truly cares about you and your goals.
Alison transforms not only the body but the mind and spirit as well. Ali educates you on what you should be eating, how to have a positive mental attitude, and where to put your energy for greater use. She empowers your soul and makes you a better person inside and out. Her mind/body approach is inspiring and results in an entire lifestyle change. I have experienced this change and have gotten some great looking arms in the process! I will forever feel blessed to have had Alison in my life.
Alison transforms not only the body but the mind and spirit as well. Ali educates you on what you should be eating, how to have a positive mental attitude, and where to put your energy for greater use. She empowers your soul and makes you a better person inside and out. Her mind/body approach is inspiring and results in an entire lifestyle change. I have experienced this change and have gotten some great looking arms in the process! I will forever feel blessed to have had Alison in my life.
I first met Alison in 2006 when she was teaching at a popular health club in Madison. I had a week pass to try it out, but one class with Ali and I was hooked! I was so impressed with her ability to make a class with 50-60 people seem so personal. She took the time to learn everyone’s name, and gave each individual an acknowledgment during class, without fail. For me, that type of attention and positive reinforcement helped me push myself harder than I ever had in terms of working out, creating a routine, and staying committed to it.
One of the things I love most about Alison is that she sees the “big picture.” Too often, instructors and trainers focus solely on the physical aspect of being “fit.” But Alison realizes the importance of emotional and mental health as well. One of her favorite sayings is, “A Strong Mind Equals a Strong Body,” and in working with her over the last four years, I have learned how true a statement that is.
I believe people come into your life for a reason. For me, Alison has been an amazing source of strength, encouragement, and friendship. Her positive energy has been a light that has brought so many wonderful women together to help support and care for one another. I never thought I would love working out, but Ali changed that. She is a born leader and an extremely gifted woman. Thanks to Alison, I am a stronger (both mentally and physically), healthier, and happier person than I was four years ago, and I am blessed to have her in my life.
Personal training with Alison was such a gift. I’ve spent over a decade going to classes and trying to do cardio and lifting on my own at other gyms, but I never could get into weight training and in general, hated it. After a long time without results, I was ready for something different and for Alison to kick my butt. I was surprised at how much I learned while training with her- not only technique and possible moves, but also what my body was capable of- it was much more than I had previously thought possible! After working outwith Alison, for the first time in my adult life, I could see muscle tone in my arms and feel improvements in my overall strength- I finally learned what it felt like to “max out”! I had such success in personal training that I now have to remind myself to do cardio because I enjoy strength training and its benefits (physical and mental) so much, thanks to Alison. My results have kept me inspired to constantly work towards improving even further.
Alison possesses the qualities that all great trainers have. She is motivating, positive, supportive and highly energetic. She makes you WANT to become better in all aspects of your life. Her influence in the studio stays with you even when you leave. She does this by giving you feedback throughout the session that you can think about it throughout the day as well as tips to lead a more healthy lifestyle.
She understands the everyday struggles and challenges that come with living healthy and exercising in a busy world. She works with everyone’s individual abilities and lifestyles so that healthy living fits into them without being invasive. She believes wholeheartedly in the mind/body connection and shares how to make this work for each client. I’m truly blessed to have her in my life, encouraging, and cheering me on towards my fitness and nutritional goals.
I have been training with Alison since July, and it’s been the best exercise experience I’ve ever had! I actually found myself looking forward to working out, which rarely happens.
Alison is great at knowing what a person needs physically and mentally. She knows exactly when to push me, and when to take it a little easy on me. She’s given me so much variety in my work out, and my body isn’t stuck in a rut anymore.
The biggest test to know if your trainer is really helping you is to not see her for a few weeks. That’s happened recently, and I realized that my body misses exercise. I can definitely tell a difference in my energy level, endurance, and my overall mood since I’ve missed a few weeks of training.
I recommend Alison for Personal Training to any woman who needs emotional support, as well as a trainer that has extensive knowledge and understanding of the human body.