Queen of Kettle Bells Helps Clients Round Into Shape

By Brian Kluepfel

Although former Manhattanite Connie Cramer had been an exercise enthusiast most of her life, things shifted when she moved to Mahopac and became interested in more outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking and biking. She had to up her game.

Studying up on nutrition and physiology, Cramer has spent the past 15 years helping combat the suburban spread. She works with a variety of clients – more women than men – in confronting their fear and hesitation about exercise programs and reshaping them into the bodies they long to possess.

In a spartan, efficient space near the Olympic Diner on Miller Road, which is also home to a spa, a yoga studio and a chiropractor, Cramer takes her clients through the paces, one hour at a time, twice a week, providing a guiding hand in weight loss, strengthening and injury recovery, all with a bit of yes-you-can mantra.

“Connie keeps me motivated,” said Gail Ahearn of Somers, a four-year devotee.

Ahearn changed her eating habits significantly through Cramer’s planning, no longer skipping meals or overeating, and says that “Connie has actually become a good friend” over the course of their sessions. The duo even continued during the worst of COVID, holding Zoom workouts with the minimal equipment required by Cramer’s routines.

“Connie has not only transformed my body, but my mindset,” Ahearn said.

You see, says the instructor, it’s all about forming good habits. In fact, 30 minutes into our interview, the tables were turned and Cramer is quizzing me: What do you eat for breakfast? How often do you go to the gym? How much do you eat at night?

By the time our conversation is over, I’ve promised to keep a log of my diet for the next three days. As one client told me, “Accountability is definitely a part of this.”

“Instead of making resolutions each January, some people let their fears stand in the way instead of going to a professional and letting them guide,” Cramer said. “I’m interested in the person who wants to start but is afraid to.”

She communicates about her clients’ lifestyles, motivations, knowledge of exercise and history of ailments and injuries.

Christine Adler of Somers was one who had to overcome some trepidation and did – in just one year.

“For me, the mental battle was half the battle,” Adler said. “Connie’s personality was very welcoming. Some personal trainers are very intense. Connie was very easy to talk to and be open with about how unhappy I was, feeling stuck.”

“I’m 55, and I thought that would make it harder to reach any fitness goals,” added Adler. “But Connie works with many women my age, and that gave me the confidence that she was the right trainer for me.”

Clients’ needs change over the years. One woman who began with the desire to improve her yoga classwork by strengthening her shoulders and back, now must deal with other injuries and improve her core.

At the core of Cramer’s programs are sensible meal plans which draw on more conventional foods, rather than trends like keto or paleo diets. (She’s recently completed two nutritional certifications with the American Council on Exercise.) An overview of one client’s weekly program showed a structured regimen of regular meals and snacks adding up to 1,200 calories a day. The petite trainer emphasized that starvation is definitely not a healthy way to lose weight.

“You have to keep the engine burning,” she said.

Cramer’s low-key inspiration is crucial to her one-on-one sessions.

“Physically and mentally, I was in a dark place last year,” Adler said. “I really needed a cheerleader to tell me ‘You can do this; you can reach your goals.’ Just getting out to talk to Connie was tough.”

For Adler, the results speak for themselves.

“As I was getting dressed this morning in my mirror, I noticed how well everything fits me, and how easy it is to get up in the morning,” she said. “I am stronger, and I love my toned and slimmed-down body. I’m in the opposite place of where I was a year ago.”

Cramer’s studio is at 54 Miller Rd. in Mahopac. Find her at https://www.conniecramer.com.