Success Stories

“Tessa has helped keep me mentally and physically in shape. My career and life are so demanding that sometimes I forget just how important my self care and health are. She always knew exactly what I needed and consistently delivered workouts that were specific to my goals and needs while being realistic about my travel and work schedule. I was very excited and sad to see her permanently move to Rhode Island to be with her now husband, Daniel. Tessa, I hope you know you are one of my favorite people and I wish you the best.”

ANDY HUSBANDS, AWARD WINNING CHEF/OWNER OF TREMONT 647 (BEST OF BOSTON), AUTHOR (WICKED GOOD BBQ, WICKED GOOD BURGERS, GRILL TO PERFECTION) AND TV PERSONAL (HELL'S KITCHEN)

“Before meeting Tessa, I was an active marathoner for 11 years, hiked the 48 4 k’s, fly-fished for everything from trout to stripers, and spent 40 nights a year on the trail. However, as I started to age (I am now 45), I found that I had more injuries and problems doing what I considered ordinary activities. I finally landed in Physical Therapy for an overuse injury in my knees and that led me to find Tessa – my Trainer Extraordinaire – and for 3 and a half years, I worked out twice a week with Tessa.

She gave me unique workouts that targeted different areas each session and kept things interesting. My shoulders that had once suffered separations and dislocations, regained their strength and stability under Tessa’s guidance, and the chronic pain that I had once experienced was finally gone. I now lift and carry on like I did when I was in my 20’s.

Yes much less hair, but I can toss bags of soil and mulch like a kid again. I can now also enjoy many outdoor activities injury-free, including running, gardening, kayaking, fishing, climbing, backpacking and playing with my nieces and nephews. The most telling thing from our training is that whenever I see friends and family, they think that I have lost weight as I am slimmer and more solid. I have lost 10 pounds of fat and gained around 6 pounds of lean muscle and overall am in much better shape. When they ask me what has changed, I tell them it was working with Tessa.”

TIM HORN, PARTNER AND DIRECTOR OF SERVICES AT RIEMER AND BRAUNSTEIN LLC

Tessa is by far one of the best trainers and health coaches I have ever worked with!“ She has great energy, loves to motivate people, and is extremely knowledgeable as a personal trainer and health coach! I have worked with Tessa in a group setting as well as one on one. She has the ability to modify any exercise in order to push me to reach my goals while carefully keeping an eye on any injuries or limitation I may have at the time.

She also keeps things fresh by giving me new workouts all the time that enhance my already active lifestyle (e.g., run, paddleboard, running races and tennis).

MICHELLE SULLIVAN

“Tessa, You really do have an effect on people. Through our personal training sessions you got me to push myself past personal barriers, revealing the active person I knew I could be! I think about you every time I have a crappy spin class instructor too…because you are the best I’ve had.

Fast forward to 2015: I thought you might like to know that I am officially nicotine and alcohol free for over 3 years, finished my 2nd Boston Marathon in 2:40:30 in 2015, and on track to crush that time this April 2016. It’s true. We all have a chance to start over and live the life we were meant to have. You inspire me. You’re so badass. I love you and miss you!“

MICHAEL FITZPATRICK

“I have been personal training with Tessa for over 10 years! I am 55 now, but I feel better and have more energy than I’ve had for the last 10-15 years. Working with Tess things just happen – at least from my point of view, though I suspect there is a lot more behind it.

I think the secret to Tessa’s methodology is creating balance. I used to chase a quick fix to lose weight, get stronger, get rid of back pain, etc. but none of those worked alone. Tessa showed me how to create sustainable and realistic plans to address ALL of these variables.

Sure, the workouts are not easy (they always challenge me!), and it’s been so helpful to incorporate functional training and yoga into my everyday lifestyle. We’ve even developed “targeted go-to” routines for me to do when I have back or knee pain, and without fail, they always make me feel better! I’ve even almost gotten that “six-pack”, though we agreed that maintaining it would require a lot more work on my part. I love having so many alternative ways to stay strong enough so I can enjoy hiking, dancing and acting/performing for fun.

Another important factor – at least for me – is ability to workout remotely over Zoom due to my demanding work schedule. Funny thing was that before I knew it, I started to like remote workouts more than live ones because it allows me to spend more time with my wife and kids.

With her guidance, I was able to create the perfect set up in my home for sessions and now, I have enough sports equipment at home to get workouts in between sessions. Now I have no excuse to ever miss workouts!”

VALD GRITSEVSKY, PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER AT CONVEXITY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

“Tessa was my personal trainer for approximately four years. (until she moved to Rhode Island permanently +3 years while she was commuting MA). Her coaching urged me to eat better and do more and more physical activity so I would be able to keep up with my demanding court cases. Those briefcases can get really heavy, and I was constantly straining my back lifting them.

But after working with Tessa, I learned how to move my body the right ways, and as a result, I never sustained any injuries. In fact, working with Tessa is quite the opposite. She helped prepare my body for the intense outdoor activities that I continue to participate in my 70’s – extended bicycle riding trips and extreme canoeing adventures.

I had done a number of cycling trips prior to working with Tessa, and on those trips, I would very quickly develop back and hand pain, and require large doses of ibuprofen to make it through the trip. With Tessa, she prepared me so well that it wasn’t until I was quite far into my one-week ride that I needed any medication. On the canoeing trip, there were real dangers, as we were in a wild area and forced to be very agile on a moment’s notice. The training Tessa gave me for this excursion probably saved me from a serious injury. I recommend Tessa to anyone of any age looking for solid physical training and conditioning.”

NORMAN ZALKIND, OWNER AT ZALKIND DUNCAN & BERNSTEIN LLP (BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA/BOSTON MAGAZINE'S “SUPER LAWYER”)

“I have been working out all my life – swimming with the masters team, cycling long distances, etc. Then kids came, and I could no longer dedicate 2 hours to working out daily. The workouts became too narrowly focused and not balanced. For example, I would spin for 45 minutes 5 days a week getting great cardio and legs, but no core whatsoever.

Discovering Tessa was one of the greatest things that happened to my workout life. I had more motivation, a coach, and someone to tell me when I am slacking! The most important benefit has been a professional approach to the design of the routines.

Each exercise was selected with the knowledge of biomechanics and programmed to target what I was training for at the time.

It’s also been great to have someone to monitor my nutrition and act as a ‘sounding board’ for the meals my wife and I plan at home. I would definitely recommend Tessa to anyone who is serious about getting in shape.“

MIKE FEINBERG, CONVEXITY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, HARVARD MANAGEMENT COMPANY, M5 SYSTEMS INC.

I have come to value Tessa more and more with each day. I mean, she’s a genius. Why?

I am a 63 year old client of Tessa’s. I found Tessa while she was living in Boston in 2009(?) and was able to see her in person twice a week. Fast forward to 2020 reached back out and was happy to start working together again (virtually) since she had moved to RI.

Living with Rheumatoid arthritis made finding a routine harder. Tessa was able to create and implement a tailored program for me. She incorporated all elements – breathing, resistance training, balance, core work, corrective exercises, flexibility and recovery. She films customized routines JUST FOR ME. Through my daily homework sheets, I have become consistent. I also use the recovery and grounding routines from her online platform. I saw the results grow. It was easy, and not too time consuming because it is brilliantly crafted.

When I went on a long trip with my daughter to Europe with a lot of walking and endurance required, she customized our sessions months in advance – and even filmed one routine for the trip!! I had tons of strength, energy, and resilience.

I realized what she is doing for me. She was tailoring my training for LONGEVITY. It is a sophisticated, well thought out program.

As I approch retirement, I am more observant of friends entering this phase with various levels of preparedness. Some are athletic but are suffering sports injuries that require surgery that is trickier as we age. Breaking vs. building. Some are not investing in their health and at early ages are having a hard time moving, and as opposed to solving it, they are solving for early care retirement communities.

So, for me, I am grateful. It’s like the race of the “tortoise and the hare”. My slow consistent build up ensures I will finish the race and without injury!

Tessa is more than a coach as you can see. She is committed to my longevity, my health, and continues to build on the foundation we created.

ERIN O'BOYLE, MANAGING PARTNER HARVEST CAPITAL PARTNERS

Over the past 10 years I have tried it all, home work out videos, going to a gym, paying lots of money for nutrition guidance and personal training, to doing over the top crash diets but none of these things were really working and they were not sustainable at all.

To make my mental gymnastics worse when I started my business I had this idea that I had to look the part which to me meant weighting 100 pounds and wearing a size 00. This is not what success looks like and Tessa helped me to realize that. This is where Tessa separates herself from the rest of the industry. She doesn't just put you on some arbitrary plan she listens to what your needs and goals are and guides you as you discover what really matters to you. She helped me have a better relationship with food and with fitness not only from a physical standpoint but more importantly a mental one.

6 years later I have a successful business that makes me happy and it has nothing to with what I look like but who I am. I highly recommend Tessa, she will rock your world!

– JACLYN LOMBARDO OWNER OF JACLYN L. PHOTOGRAPHY

“I was fortunate to meet Tessa when she first moved to Rhode Island, and we were doing small group training with a group of my closest friends. She inspired us to work hard to achieve our goals, which she took a personal interest in. With her infectious positive attitude and clear intentions, she would guide us through innovative and fun workouts, while constantly monitoring our form and encouraging us to listen to our bodies.

Tessa – you have a passion for helping others. I always knew how driven and determined you were in your vision of creating a unique and special platform to inspire people to live their best lives. BTW your choice in music is still unbeaten!! Congratulations on what’s to come!”

MARY MCGEOUGH, OWNER REVIVE SALON

“At some point in our lives we all met a teacher/coach that impacts and changes our lives for the better. The coach that changed my life is Tessa Hollyn Taub. It is hard to remember my feeling before I met Tessa because I am now a completely different person thanks to her.

Before I met Tessa, I had no idea what a healthy lifestyle was because I was misinformed and very confused. My doctor was very concerned for my cholesterol and diabetic family history. However, Tessa taught me that with the right knowledge of nutrition, I did not have to be afraid of food; I would naturally start to make the right decisions for my body. Now I don’t have high cholesterol, and my family is starting to slowly make healthier choices too. Through Skype, Tessa taught me how to workout effectively from home by teaching me proper form and how to use any household item as a workout tool. Each week these workouts kicked my butt. Yet, every week I got stronger.

Tessa also helped me develop a stronger self-esteem. I used to hate looking in the mirror because I didn’t like how my body looked. Now, I’ve gained enough confidence to wear a dress for the first time in my life at my college graduation. I am very lucky to have a coach like Tessa. Her coaching not only showed me how to live a healthy lifestyle, but she also coached me on how to become a problem solver not a problem seeker. No matter what obstacle that lied ahead, Tessa helped me find a solution.“

STEPHANIE AGUILAR

“I absolutely loved working with Tessa. I trained with Tessa right before my wedding. She was extremely motivating, very high energy, and always switched up our workouts. Tessa was really good about constantly checking-in with me. She had me keep a food journal which we went over weekly. Anytime I had any questions, I would email her, and she always got back with me with answers to my questions.

I realized that it was ok to “fall off the bandwagon” because she taught me how to pick myself up and keep on going. Her support got me through! I reached my goals with Tessa and had a wonderful wedding! I still check in with her now and then and continue to learn new life-changing tips. Most importantly, I have learned that it’s the combination of what you eat, your workouts, and your mindset that truly change your life. Thank you Tessa!”

MARIA SCERRI GODZIK, ACCREDITATION SPECIALIST AT HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL

“Before I met Tessa I had taken a long hiatus from exercising regularly after being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I was frail and weak and often had very little energy.

I turned to personal training to help me become stronger physically, but the benefits I got from having a fitness coach like Tessa went well beyond my physical being. Tessa not only encouraged me to always do my best, but also to listen to what my body was telling me and to be patient with myself.

She was always enthusiastic and fun. She taught me to love the journey, be kind to myself, and have pride in my commitment to getting stronger. She helped me stay positive and consistent, even on days when I wasn’t feeling great. Gradually, my strength and energy increased; I grew to love working out again; and I became more confident. A few years after I met Tessa, I met the man who would eventually become my husband, and I have no doubt that Tessa’s guidance played a role because she helped me become the best “me” I could be at that time. We even created a binder of workout routines that I still use to this day.

Tessa is different than other trainers because she cared about not only my form and establishing fitness routines I would really stick to, but she also cared deeply about helping me get back on track and to stay on track in the long run. I will forever be grateful to her for everything she taught me.

We have stayed in touch over the years, and it has really been a pleasure to watch her succeed and help make the world a better place by spreading health, love, and positivity wherever she goes!”

DONYA MCLAMB, ASSOCIATE AT INDUSTRIAL ECONOMICS, INC.

“Two and half years ago, I started working with Tessa. She was recommended to me by a dear friend Lisa who had been raving about training with her for over a year. At the time, I was out-of-shape and in a bit of personal funk. So I decided to get back into the gym to at least attempt to address that part of my life. I’d never really worked out with a personal trainer before but was convinced a trainer would help accelerate my road back to fitness.

Tessa absolutely did that and more! She assessed my fitness level, identified my fitness goals, and proceeded to motivate and inspire me back into shape. And as I ventured into different sports & activities, Tessa continuously modified our workouts to specifically strengthen those body parts involved in those activities.

A year later, I successfully ran my first marathon in Boston with a very respectable time. Tessa definitely played a big part in that personal success, as well as the lack of injury during training and the speed of post-race recovery. Tessa’s customized workouts, her motivational style and knowledge of fitness & nutrition all contributed to my own personal transformation, not only to a more fit body, but also a more fit lifestyle. I would highly recommend Tessa to anyone.”

WILL LIN, SALES ENGINEER

“I can’t believe after only 2 weeks working with Tessa my shoulder is feeling so much better. Forty sessions of physical therapy over 1½ years did not do for me what she could in just two weeks.

She really knows her stuff and had me moving in safe ways that still allow me to reach my personal fitness goals. If that was not wonderful enough, she has proven she can work with any age at any level of ability as my two children work out with me side by side. We are spending quality time together while moving and learning tons of great nutrition ideas. Don’t waste any more time, sign up now!

LESLIE PIERINI

“When I met Tessa I was going through one of the hardest times in my life – a divorce and a career upheaval. Working with Tessa, I gained a confidence I didn’t know I had.

I trained with Tessa for almost three years on and off until she moved away from Boston. I continued to work on my fitness and health, staying committed to my whole-being-wellness. I rebuilt my life, fell in love again, and was in a place that felt grounded and healthy. For past last two years, I tried my hardest to follow the workouts she had mapped out for me. I even gave group classes at a gym but nothing was quite like working with Tessa. I was losing my motivation and struggling to reconnect with that feeling of drive and commitment to my health and fitness.

Now that she is offering zoom one on one and groups for her Boston clients, I knew I wanted IN immediately. Within one week, my energy was back! And, I am actually looking forward to getting up in the morning and working out again. As I continue to work with Tessa, I am realizing I haven’t really lost anything. It is all still inside of me. I just needed the support and guidance. I can’t wait to continue on this journey!”

ROBIN COMBS, ONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR + CONSULTANT AT COMBS CONSTRUCTION LLC

I’ve been working with Tessa for almost five years and honestly, I look forward to every visit with her. She starts my day off on the right foot—feeling positive and motivated to keep moving while inspiring me to keep reaching all my athletic goals. She knows how to clearly map out a plan without having to be in the gym for hours or get injured. She sticks with me even when I have drifted towards bad habits and pulls me back. With her encouragement and goal-oriented functional training I have accomplished some of my life goals: climbing Mt. Washington, swimming in the Save the Bay race, and hiking the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu! I am looking forward to the next five years!

KATHRYN K. BANNER, M.D., INTERNAL MEDICINE

This website uses cookies.