James Lynch
November 26th, 2014
Began Training: April 2010
Anytime Fitness, Mankato, MN, and Independent Video Programs

Vanessa is a most competent trainer with an extensive education in fitness and nutrition, and her prices are very reasonable! She is conscientious and thorough and very obviously invested in her clients training experience. She was our trainer for several years while she was based in Mankato, and she still designs workout routines for me each month. I can't recommend her highly enough if you are interested in beginning a fitness program.

Rachel Cooper
January 22nd, 2014
Anytime Fitness, Rosemount, MN

Vanessa Pipho has been my personal trainer for a year.  I have learned so much from her its hard to even put it all into words.  She is a knowledgeable professional who is patient, kind, empathetic while still being firm and can push you to the limit if that is what you need. (She also has a great sense of humor which I find very important.)  I am 51 years old and just started working out 2-3 years ago. Vanessa is much younger than me but never made me feel insecure about my own abilities.

I knew weight training was just as important as cardio and Vanessa showed me good work out routines that I can use for years to come. She also spends time going over the routines in more than one session so you learn the proper way to do each exercise or if like me, doesn't always remember which machine I used before.

Vanessa listens to your needs and if you have areas you want to focus on, she designs your routines to fit your need.  She has varied experience and is an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer.  Above all else, no matter your fitness level, Vanessa doesn't make you feel like you can't do something or make you feel bad about not taking care of yourself all those years (my guilt showing here obviously).  She focuses on the here and now and takes you with her.  You owe it to yourself to start taking care of yourself and Vanessa can help you on your wellness journey.

Dave Dempsey
August 5th, 2013
Anytime Fitness, Rosemount, MN

"In my mid-50s, I finally decided I needed to know the techniques to build upper body strength.  For most of my life I've focused on running but my knees can no longer take the punishment.  I was lucky to get the right trainer.  Vanessa knows her stuff.  She put together an amazing variety of routines that will help me attain my objectives, improving my body and health.  The bonus is that she is patient and kind.  That's important to someone like me who is just a novice at strength conditioning.  I strongly recommended Vanessa."

Sarah Simpson
June 7th, 2013
Began Training: March 2013
Ambition Training Academy, Eagan, and Nessa Fitness Home Studio, Rosemount, MN

"I am a person who has always loved being active and working out. When I found Vanessa I was at the least fit I have been in my whole life. I have a number of injuries that make activities difficult for me. I didn't know how I would overcome my physical obstacles to be able to work out or even be fit again.

Talking with Vanessa about my injuries she said she could still help me achieve my goals. She designed a plan that would target my weak areas and strengthen them, while still getting an even work out.

I started with her 2 months ago. The progress I have made is unbelievable. I am in less pain everyday from my injuries. Having strength in my weak areas has improved the quality of my life. Not only do I look better I feel better. Lord knows how you feel about your self is half the battle. She has transformed my body into something I never thought was possible.

Thanks to her I am a happier, better looking, physically fit person. She is so motivating, and positive. She genuinely cares about you.  It is not possible to work with her and not see results. Best trainer I have ever worked with."

Chuck Louis
December 8th, 2012
Began Training: August 2012
Anytime Fitness, Farmington, MN

"I am 63 year old farmer who was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy about 3 years ago. Big words, but what it means is the nerves in my legs and arms are dying. I was gradually getting weaker and weaker as well as gaining weight as time progressed. I started limping and was having problems with balance to the point I should have been using a cane. My wife was working out with Vanessa and suggested I try her. Vanessa asked a lot of questions, did some research and came up with a unique program designed just for me. I must say that in 4 short months of working with her I have lost weight, gain stamina, improved my balance, and just feel better overall. She has been very supportive, keeps challenging me with different routines while being careful not to push me past my limits. I think she would be a great fit for anyone who wants to improve their fitness."

Doris Louis
June 21st, 2012
Began Training: August 2011
Anytime Fitness, Farmington, and Nessa Fitness Home Studio, Rosemount, MN

"I started with Anytime fitness in Aug. of 2011. I had no idea how this would workout for me. That's when I met Vanessa who was there to show me how to get started with the machines, and wow, there is allot to know, and I knew right then I couldn't do it by myself. Vanessa has been there for me in so many ways, to support me and get me where I am today. I know now how to work with the machines Correctly and also with the free weights. I have never felt better then I do now. I am 59 years old and a grand Mother and I plan to stay fit for me and my husband and also be able to run with my grand children, and guess what, its working. The first step is to walk into Anytime, and the seconded is to sign up for a personal trainer, and that would be Vanessa. She works you hard but not until she knows you are ready for it...I am still working out and also have Vanessa. She is with me three times a week and also to change up my workout when I am ready. She is one of a kind..need support here I am."

James Lynch
November 5th, 2011
Began Training: April 2010
Anytime Fitness, Mankato, MN

"I live on a rural acreage. There is always a lot of physical work to be done such as gardening, cutting wood, clearing brush and shoveling snow. I felt this helped keep me in good physical condition and never considered working out at a gym under a personal trainer. However, by the time I entered my late 50s, I was having problems with strained muscles and tendonitis. I found some of the work I did wore me out more quickly than it did in my younger years. I also noticed, when lifting heavy objects, that my muscle strength had lessened. I attributed all of these things to normal aging. When my wife began personal training sessions with Vanessa, I decided to join her. I wanted to give moral support in Jo-Ann’s recovery from a major stroke, and also figured it could “do me no harm.” Vanessa had a detailed questionnaire for each of us in which we described our physical histories, our goals and our physical likes and dislikes. I mentioned my dislike of running. I disliked it because I knew that I could exhaust myself by running just a couple hundred yards (My dog and I had tried this out a few times. He was enjoying it very much as I gasped and limped the last few yards before giving it up.) Vanessa set up an individual regimen for me consisting of cardiovascular and gentle weight resistance training. I was thankful that there was no running involved. My sense of balance was so poor that walking on a treadmill was a challenge at first. After more than five months, I was rather surprised to find that I was now running over three miles 4 times a week without feeling exhausted. My chest measurement had expanded and my waist had shrunk; even my posture was improved. This past spring there was a 2 mile run held in town. I decided to enter it, just to see how it felt to be in a real running race. I set a pace that I felt I could maintain and finished the race without much difficulty. I was fairly slow, running each mile in 10:50. I entered an 8k race several weeks later and pushed myself a little, with a goal of averaging 10 minutes per mile. I was very pleased to have an official pace of 9:50 per mile! I decided to enter one more race for the year and signed up for the Mankato Marathon's 10k race. In preparation for this race Vanessa designed a workout program aimed at improving my performance in a race of this length. My goal for the 10k race was to finish it in 1 hour. In fact I finished it in 55:54. My pace was 9.0, an improvement of almost a minute from my previous race. Vanessa thinks I may be able to run this race with a pace of 8 minutes a mile next fall. By that time I will be 61 years old! Vanessa’s regimen of cardio and weight training paid special attention to building up my endurance and all of my muscles, not just the ones I use on chores. As a result, my tendonitis has disappeared and my body strength is better than it has been for many years. I am most impressed with Vanessa’s careful study of my initial state and her scientific approach to continually improving my physical condition."

Cindy Wenkel
July 15th, 2011
Anytime Fitness, Mankato, MN

"After having surgeries, I needed to get back in the gym and rebuild my strength, but lacked the ambition and knowledge of what exercises I should or shouldn't be doing.  Being out of commission for so long, I needed someone to kick start my enthusiasm and teach me what I should be doing and the proper way.  Then I met with Vanessa.  We talked about my history and my goals.  She put together a workout plan for me to target the areas I wanted to work on.  She worked with me in the gym to teach me the correct way to do my workouts and made it fun and self rewarding.  Now I look forward to the days that I am going to the gym! Thanks Vanessa!"

Geri Kottschade
July 15th, 2011
Anytime Fitness, Mankato, MN

"I am over weight, by a lot; in my early 50’s, working an average of 60 hours a week.   I knew I needed to make a change and I needed help.  In February I signed with Vanessa and my road to fitness is going well.  Her assessment was completed professionally in the space we had to do it in.  She helped me feel confident and push myself beyond what I ever thought I could.  Now I am running, lifting and losing weight.  Most importantly my blood pressure is dropping, my energy is up and I can keep up with my husband.  At my three month assessment I went from very poor to good and excellent.  Thanks Vanessa!"

Annie Weber
March 28th, 2011
Anytime Fitness, Mankato, MN

"I started with Anytime Fitness January 2010 with a starting weight of 222 pounds and dress size of 22 (a few too many 2’s in this statement).  My goal was to feel better.  Not only was I over weight, but I also have Multiple Sclerosis and knew if I didn’t change my ways that I would continue to go down hill with my MS.  By May I was going to Anytime Fitness 3 to 4 times a week and using their elliptical machine and was very proud that I had worked my way up to 15 to 20 minutes a time, but was seeing no weight loss results.  At this point I was getting very frustrated and was about to quit working out all together.  Then I found Vanessa’s business card one day at Anytime Fitness and thought it was worth a shot to talk with her.  I was scared to meet with a trainer because of how I had let myself go.  I was ashamed and mostly scared because I didn’t want someone to yell (obviously I watch Biggest Loser too much) or make me feel uncomfortable.  Not only was Vanessa knowledgeable she was so sweet and caring from the moment we met.  She listened to everything I wanted to achieve and helped me get a game plan in place.  Vanessa taught me all the machines at Anytime Fitness and showed me how to use them “CORRECTLY”.  When I explained what I was wanting out of working out she suggested mixing some weight lifting in with my Cardio.  She then worked with me on the different weight lifting machines and free weights, making sure I was using them properly and safely.  I can’t thank Vanessa enough for helping me and suggesting the weight training because after I started incorporating weight with my Cardio I was losing 6 to 9 pounds the first few weeks!  Yes I said 6 to 9 pounds!  Of course those big numbers didn’t last long, but the weight kept coming off and it was the motivator that I had needed to continue exercising.  I want people to know if they are interested in losing weight or learning more about: weight lifting, nutrition or just feeling healthier CALL VANESSA!  Not only is she the most wonderful trainer, but her website is great too.  I’m constantly going on her website for nutritional facts and help.  I’m a huge advocate for Anytime Fitness and especially Vanessa because as of today 3/28/11 I am at 136 pounds with a dress size of 8.  However the most important is that I haven’t had a Multiple Sclerosis attack in the last year and 3 months!  I am stronger, slimmer, healthier, and more confident thanks to Vanessa and Anytime Fitness."

Peter Blethen
February 16th, 2011
Anytime Fitness, Mankato, MN

“Vanessa helped me prepare for downhill skiing this year. The program she developed for me was tremendous. I have skied regularly for many years with my sons in Colorado. Our skiing is more enthusiastic that many people participate in. We search for the steep and deep. Last year my son totally “beat me up”. After 1000’ ascents to access prime backcountry skiing I was too worn out to ski well. I started earnestly in late July with the program that Vanessa developed that included biking and lifting, concentrating on lower body and core muscles. Vanessa kept everything balanced with upper body as well. Additionally she noted some protein deficiency in my diet, that when corrected, greatly helped my workout recovery. Bottom line, though the ascents to 12,000’ were strenuous, I was very ready to ski when I got to the top. Skiing itself did not tire me as it has started to in the past few years. I am disappointed that I had only three days to ski on this trip. I feel like I could have continued for many more days. Thank you Vanessa, now we start working on water skiing muscles again! Peter Blethen. Age 55 and getting younger."


Lucette Wildt
December 18th, 2010
Home Training, MN
MSU Otto Fitness Center, Mankato, MN

"Vanessa is a one of a kind, best of the best Personal Trainer and Nutrition Consultant. She is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of fitness and nutrition. Whether you have 10 pounds or 100 pounds to lose to reach your fitness goals, she can professionally teach and strategically guide you how to meet and surpass all your fitness goals. If you have the initiative to make your fitness goals, you will be successful with Vanessa’s nutrition knowledge and personal training skills. Vanessa is the ultimate professional with a great personality that is assertive with your fitness goals but friendly and realistic with her great interpersonal communication skills. If you believe you have reached all your fitness goals, she is the Personal Trainer that you would want to assess your personal short term and long term fitness plan. I believe Vanessa should be everyone’s Personal Trainer because she is excellent and the client results she can deliver are amazing. Vanessa has my highest recommendation to clients! I would enjoy training with her every day because the fitness and nutrition client results are extremely positive for all aspects of your life."


Marina Parenti
November 22nd, 2010
NASA Kennedy Space Center, FL

"Vanessa helped me lose weight by using a steady and adequate workout for my needs. Also I enjoyed the workouts she prescribed for me which some consisted of weight resistance using simple equipment targeted to specific muscle groups of my body. She also applied these techniques to achieve greater results with less time in the gym. For one hour per training session, 3 times a week, I was able to lose about one to two pounds per week. To this date, I use some of her techniques that are proven to be very effective to keep muscle strength high and body fat low. Thanks Vanessa for your great help. Kennedy Space Center—During Summer 2009."


Jo-Ann Lynch
October 11th, 2010
Began training: April 2010
Anytime Fitness, Mankato, MN

"A year ago, I had a debilitating stroke that left me bedridden for a number of months. When I was finally able to move around again, I found that my muscles were very weak. I also had gained a lot of weight. I had resigned myself to a life of obesity and inactivity. I knew that, with my osteoporosis, exercise and strong muscles were a must. But how could a 62-year-old stroke victim ever regain her muscle strength? I didn't have any energy and every day was a struggle. To make matters even worse, I was a borderline diabetic and my blood pressure was out of control despite medication. My husband suggested that we should join Anytime Fitness and find a personal trainer. At first, I was skeptical of the whole idea. But I also knew that if I didn't try something, I probably wouldn't last long. Then I met Vanessa and my whole life changed for the better. She formulated an exercise program for me designed to increase my stamina and strengthen my muscles. She gently helped me along, and if one exercise didn't work for me, she would figure out another suitable one. She also discussed better dietary choices to help me lose some of those pounds. After 5 months of training with Vanessa, I am now able to do many of the things that I thought the stroke had taken away from me forever. To my surprise, I can now do other things that I hadn't done for years before the stroke. My blood glucose has dropped twelve points and my blood pressure is normal and stable. Needless to say, I am extremely happy and very lucky to have found such a competent personal trainer. I must add that Vanessa did not ask me to write this. I volunteered because I would love to see other seniors be in better shape and enjoy life each and every day like I do."