Melanie is incredible! I had the great fortune of working with her after seeing other physical therapists for almost a year. I’d successfully avoided surgery for a torn hip labrum, but was still unable to do pretty normal life stuff without discomfort. Melanie helped me not only recover from the injury but also improve my overall fitness – including addressing other minor pains & annoyances I’d thought were just part of getting older. At first I was wary of training over Zoom (“what if I do it wrong and hurt myself again?”) but she is so observant and careful, she’ll notice and offer corrections for even the slightest poor form. She brings the knowledge of an expert and attentiveness of a detective to every session – along with high standards, flexibility, and a lot of humor. I am so grateful for her help and support, and recommend her to anyone!
Julie K., Durham
"Mel has helped me through numerous physical challenges as I navigate my senior years. Her strength program has guided me for almost a decade with tweaks and updates as my physical body presents new challenges. She has the ability to assess concerns with laser focus, rooted in a remarkable awareness of physiology, and the mechanisms of movement. Although she zeroes right in on the problem with insightful awareness, she manages to balance this with an understanding of the full picture. She is tough and kind all at once, with humor and compassion thrown in. One of my lifelong challenges has been maintaining good posture. I have tried so many approaches and treatments resulting in nothing more than finding temporary improvement. Mel actually designed a series of simple exercises that allow me to finally stand tall. A colleague at work who has known me for decades stopped me in the hallway and told me the improvement in my posture was shocking. If you are looking for compassionate support and guidance with a personal trainer, I strongly recommend Mel."
Kate M., Chapel Hill
"I have been Melanie's client since 2014, and no one else has ever been able to keep me fit, well, and on the dance floor as much as she has (including several orthopedic surgeons).
Originally, I began working with Melanie because I lost a lot of weight and wanted to keep it down. That has happened. I also had experienced knee pain for decades, due to softening of the cartilage in both knees, which limited my ability to dance consistently over the years. Since working with Melanie, those issues are gone! My orthopedic surgeon told me that, with x-rays like mine, he is surprised I am not begging for knee replacements; but I haven't needed that because the exercises that Melanie gives me build up the muscles around my knees and keep me completely comfortable: I can run up and down stairs and am comfortable on the dance floor.
If that were not enough, Melanie helped me heal from a rotator cuff injury and related piriformis strain, she completely revamped my vitamin regimen (saving me tons of money), and by following her advice, I got my LDL cholesterol down 30 points in 3 months (my doctor was extremely impressed)! Furthermore, she helped me address a new diagnosis of osteoporosis by changing the approach to my weight lifting regimen.
I have referred numerous friends to Melanie, and they have all been happy with the help she has given them. I cannot recommend her enough. I feel incredibly lucky to have found her."
If that were not enough, Melanie helped me heal from a rotator cuff injury and related piriformis strain, she completely revamped my vitamin regimen (saving me tons of money), and by following her advice, I got my LDL cholesterol down 30 points in 3 months (my doctor was extremely impressed)! Furthermore, she helped me address a new diagnosis of osteoporosis by changing the approach to my weight lifting regimen.
I have referred numerous friends to Melanie, and they have all been happy with the help she has given them. I cannot recommend her enough. I feel incredibly lucky to have found her."
Ceil H. Raleigh
"I was referred to Melanie at Gateway as a preoperative conditioning for what would be life altering surgery. To my amazement, the preparatory work made mobility easier post-operatively, and prompted my continued relationship in strengthening and well-being. Melanie has helped me by providing tailored guidance in exercise, and validation of my concerns during my recovery and rehabilitation."
DRW- Durham
The best investment ever!
"I’ve worked with Melanie for over twenty years - hands down the best investment I’ve ever made. Goals have changed over the years; our first project was training for a mountain bike race, our most recent was prepping and rehabbing for a total knee replacement (and thanks to her skills, I walked into the 10-day post-op appointment without walker or cane). Her knowledge, planning and ability to appropriately challenge are without compare and her delightful congeniality is energizing. I’m now in my early 70s and I cannot imagine negotiating these years without her services – she keeps me moving!"
Susan B, Cary
"Melanie is attentive and perceptive to each of us, and adapts the exercises to our individual and changing needs. Even this year, relying on zoom for our classes, I have experienced definite improvements in lower back and core strength, and in balance."
Susan P., Durham
Senior Fitness Class
"Now i can walk up a hill without gasping. I couldn't do that before taking Melanie's Pilates class.
She easily adapts the exercises for my intermittent back, shoulder and knee challenges. And is cheerful and knowledgeable too. It's been a pleasure for the years i have been helped by her."
Dorothy W., Durham
"I've had the privilege of working with Melanie since early 2014 (almost 5 years at this writing) and I have nothing but positive things to say about her and her training methods.
I started working with her for rehab of some chronic neck and shoulder issues, and she is the only trainer I've worked with in the last 15 years who has NEVER caused me physical harm through inattention or having me do exercises I was not yet ready for.
After getting my neck and core really stable, we moved on to general conditioning, with occasional shifts back into a rehab-like mode after a fall or a car accident caused me injury. Then, when I was ready, we moved on to more strength training, and in the last 2 years she has helped me get in condition for a 2-week hiking trip in Israel, a hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail, doing a massive ropes course and hiking in Joshua Tree, CA.
I continue to grow in strength and cardiovascular fitness, and I see the benefit of it in my day-to-day life as well as my adventure trips. I can easily lift heavy things when needed, and don't have to find someone to do it for me.
The most recent addition to my training is a bicycle I purchased last summer as a new way to challenge my body. And she makes sure that I'm riding it with good form and body mechanics.
I strongly recommend Mel to anyone -- she has a great depth of knowledge of the body and training, combined with an exquisite skill in adapting or choosing exercises for what my body can do "today". She is a stickler about form without being harsh in any way, and is attuned to when fatigue causes my form to slip. There is never a cookie-cutter approach to training -- she is always challenging me AND aware of how my body is responding to those challenges. I don't know what my next great adventure will be, but I know she'll be able to help me safely prepare for it!"
I started working with her for rehab of some chronic neck and shoulder issues, and she is the only trainer I've worked with in the last 15 years who has NEVER caused me physical harm through inattention or having me do exercises I was not yet ready for.
After getting my neck and core really stable, we moved on to general conditioning, with occasional shifts back into a rehab-like mode after a fall or a car accident caused me injury. Then, when I was ready, we moved on to more strength training, and in the last 2 years she has helped me get in condition for a 2-week hiking trip in Israel, a hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail, doing a massive ropes course and hiking in Joshua Tree, CA.
I continue to grow in strength and cardiovascular fitness, and I see the benefit of it in my day-to-day life as well as my adventure trips. I can easily lift heavy things when needed, and don't have to find someone to do it for me.
The most recent addition to my training is a bicycle I purchased last summer as a new way to challenge my body. And she makes sure that I'm riding it with good form and body mechanics.
I strongly recommend Mel to anyone -- she has a great depth of knowledge of the body and training, combined with an exquisite skill in adapting or choosing exercises for what my body can do "today". She is a stickler about form without being harsh in any way, and is attuned to when fatigue causes my form to slip. There is never a cookie-cutter approach to training -- she is always challenging me AND aware of how my body is responding to those challenges. I don't know what my next great adventure will be, but I know she'll be able to help me safely prepare for it!"
Margaret W., 56 years old, Rollesville
"I had just finished Duke Pulmonary Rehab, needed a personal trainer but had no idea where to turn. Mel was the answer to my prayers! She is exceptionally knowledgeable, perceptive, patient, caring, and also fun. Whoever thought training could be fun?? In her fitness classes, Mel makes sure that everyone is working out safely, to his/her ability, yet the whole experience is enjoyable. I leave each class feeling energized and happy. My body is getting stronger every week. After just a few months with Mel I am reclaiming parts of my life I thought were gone forever, like walks in the woods. This is saying something, because I am 82 years old. Frankly, now that I've found Mel, I'm 82 years young! I couldn't imagine not having her in my life!"
Peggy D., Chapel Hill
"I started working with Melanie for rehab after getting thrown from a horse. She started with gentle exercises and worked with the differences between my left (stronger) and right (injured) sides. She designed specific exercises for an equestrian, which was great because I kept on riding.
After rehab, she helped me move into more training and strengthening across the board. My goal was a Rim2Rim hike in the Grand Canyon, and I was successful. (Think about roughly a marathon distance with over 10K feet in elevation change carrying a 25 pound pack--that's a R2R.)
I love her patience and careful explanations of the exercises, and what they will achieve. She is wonderful at paying attention to limitations from past injuries and modifying exercises to accommodate. I'd recommend Melanie for personal training--whether to recover from an injury or achieve a specific fitness goal--to anyone!"
After rehab, she helped me move into more training and strengthening across the board. My goal was a Rim2Rim hike in the Grand Canyon, and I was successful. (Think about roughly a marathon distance with over 10K feet in elevation change carrying a 25 pound pack--that's a R2R.)
I love her patience and careful explanations of the exercises, and what they will achieve. She is wonderful at paying attention to limitations from past injuries and modifying exercises to accommodate. I'd recommend Melanie for personal training--whether to recover from an injury or achieve a specific fitness goal--to anyone!"
Sandra S., Chapel Hill
"Melanie's Senior Fitness class at the Wholistic Health Studio has enabled me to strengthen my core muscles, enhance my balance and strengthen arms and legs in a beautiful setting with some very interesting and fun people. Melanie pays attention to all our "ailments" and gives alternative exercises to those of us who can't or shouldn't do what the others are doing. It's like having an individual trainer while working in a group. Can't believe it has been five years! I would never do these routines on my own! "A fine and pleasant misery!" "
Jim T., Durham
"Unlike a lot of people, I was adamant that I did not want to lose weight or change my shape. I was recovering from abdominal surgery and needed help getting back to a place of functionality. My goals were to be able to take long walks again and to be able to do my work (massage therapy) without pain.
I love that Melanie's approach is unique and flexible. In one year she has undone years of postural adaptation and gotten me fully recovered from surgery. We are now working towards getting me able to walk for several hours at a time comfortably. My work life has gotten so much better and I'm looking forward to a major walking vacation in Europe in 2 years for my 60th birthday.
Her knowledge of anatomy and function impresses me every day. She will work with you till she figures out *exactly* what muscle (or muscle group) needs attention. She's always adapting the program to whatever forward (or backwards) progress I make. She's fun to work with and she accepts my grousing with laughter. Really, you can't ask for much better than Melanie, especially if you're trying to recover from something significant."
I love that Melanie's approach is unique and flexible. In one year she has undone years of postural adaptation and gotten me fully recovered from surgery. We are now working towards getting me able to walk for several hours at a time comfortably. My work life has gotten so much better and I'm looking forward to a major walking vacation in Europe in 2 years for my 60th birthday.
Her knowledge of anatomy and function impresses me every day. She will work with you till she figures out *exactly* what muscle (or muscle group) needs attention. She's always adapting the program to whatever forward (or backwards) progress I make. She's fun to work with and she accepts my grousing with laughter. Really, you can't ask for much better than Melanie, especially if you're trying to recover from something significant."
Kelly B., Durham
"I’ve been taking Melanie’s Senior Fitness classes twice a week for four years, and I also choose Melanie for one-on-one personal training for rehabilitation when I need it. She’s terrific at assessing my moment-to-moment needs and injuries, so that my training and rehab never feel static, stale, or standardized. I feel the greatest confidence in her.
Her sunny nature, inexhaustible patience, and generosity are the icing on the cake. In fitness class, she individualizes each routine to suit the age, progress, and current health condition of each individual participant. And she goes the extra mile: she even once tested my gait in every pair of shoes I own—it was my own personal What Not to Wear episode!"
Her sunny nature, inexhaustible patience, and generosity are the icing on the cake. In fitness class, she individualizes each routine to suit the age, progress, and current health condition of each individual participant. And she goes the extra mile: she even once tested my gait in every pair of shoes I own—it was my own personal What Not to Wear episode!"
Susan P., Durham
Dear Melanie,
"Thank you for your kind attention and inspiration in your Senior Fitness Class. You certainly encourage your students and obviously, they enjoy the way you are strengthening their bodies. I know David thinks the world of you."
"Thank you for your kind attention and inspiration in your Senior Fitness Class. You certainly encourage your students and obviously, they enjoy the way you are strengthening their bodies. I know David thinks the world of you."
Don L., Atlanta
"Melanie's knowledge of injury, recovery, exercise therapy and fitness are amazing. She identified the cause of my pain immediately and developed a practical plan to rehabilitate my injury. This plan was fully coordinated with workout routines that also helped my general fitness and strength. She was very attentive to my goals, developing pain-free and injury-free workouts to get me there.
Pleasant, fun, effective, educational...I can't say enough positive things about working with her and would recommend her without hesitation."
Pleasant, fun, effective, educational...I can't say enough positive things about working with her and would recommend her without hesitation."
Jeremy A., Chapel Hill
"I am so glad I found Melanie. I was looking for a personal trainer, because after a year and a half from my gastric bypass surgery, I stopped losing weight on my own. My fiance was doing his best to hold me accountable, but it was not a good situation for either of us. I knew I needed someone outside of my personal relationships to hold me accountable to my goals, and my wedding was quickly approaching, and I was just not happy with my size and how I looked in my wedding dress.
I was so excited when I came up on Melanie's site and found she has the physiological knowledge behind the training, as well as an ability to train special needs clients. I suspected I had fibromyalgia as I was having chronic back pain, and this combined with Melanie's 3-month special program, it was a no brainer! My wedding was in 4 months and I wanted a trainer with a true understanding of the conditions of the human body and a well rounded approach.
My doctors were changing medications on me all the time, but Melanie was able to work with the side affects and help me stay motivated. Once we discovered my problem was not fibro and it was mostly stress I was able to stop the new meds, because she helped me strengthen my core and no more back pain!
Not only did I have no more pain, I also was so happy with how I looked in my wedding dress. The seamstress actually thought I might had lost too much weight for her to alter it down enough, but she was able to, and it was beautiful! I was so happy with my body that I even got a second short party dress with a sweetheart neckline and sleeveless. I felt fabulous, looked fabulous, and now I'm addicted!
I know Melanie will get me to my ultimate goals as she keeps showing me I can do things I never thought I could. Even when life gets in the way and I get off-track, she helps me jump right back on the wagon as if I hardly missed a beat!"
I was so excited when I came up on Melanie's site and found she has the physiological knowledge behind the training, as well as an ability to train special needs clients. I suspected I had fibromyalgia as I was having chronic back pain, and this combined with Melanie's 3-month special program, it was a no brainer! My wedding was in 4 months and I wanted a trainer with a true understanding of the conditions of the human body and a well rounded approach.
My doctors were changing medications on me all the time, but Melanie was able to work with the side affects and help me stay motivated. Once we discovered my problem was not fibro and it was mostly stress I was able to stop the new meds, because she helped me strengthen my core and no more back pain!
Not only did I have no more pain, I also was so happy with how I looked in my wedding dress. The seamstress actually thought I might had lost too much weight for her to alter it down enough, but she was able to, and it was beautiful! I was so happy with my body that I even got a second short party dress with a sweetheart neckline and sleeveless. I felt fabulous, looked fabulous, and now I'm addicted!
I know Melanie will get me to my ultimate goals as she keeps showing me I can do things I never thought I could. Even when life gets in the way and I get off-track, she helps me jump right back on the wagon as if I hardly missed a beat!"
Christina W., Clayton
“Tillie has gone back to PA as of 2 weeks ago and is doing fine. Her habits have definitely changed since her illness and she is eating a healthier diet and is exercising regularly. We want to thank you for being a part of her recovery. When Tillie was unable to leave the house, the plan that you devised to work towards her goals resulted in steady, but consistent progress. Tillie’s doctor was very supportive of your program and it helped to keep him appraised of her progress as she continued to improve physically. Your program increased her strength and stamina to the point that she was able to leave the house and begin a senior aerobics class at a local church. When she started the aerobics class, she could not do the whole class, which was 60min. The experience of knowing her physical condition following her illness gave her the confidence that she would improve, if she continued to try. After 6 weeks of doing the class 3 days/week, she was able to do the full 60 mins.
She was very proud of her accomplishment. She has also lost close to 21 lbs in 6 months. The weight loss was an added bonus. My family really appreciates what you have done for Tillie.”
She was very proud of her accomplishment. She has also lost close to 21 lbs in 6 months. The weight loss was an added bonus. My family really appreciates what you have done for Tillie.”
Julie S., Raleigh
“I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) for 16 years. Nine years ago, all I could do for exercise was to get into a swimming pool and do water aerobics. I met Melanie Dean one day and my life changed for the better.
Melanie agreed to become my personal trainer and we’ve been together ever since. She started by getting in the pool with me to work on core strength and balance and then slowly but surely, I began to get stronger and was able to workout on the exercise floor with bands and weights.
Melanie has been helping me, she has pushed me to my limits without ever hurting me. Without Melanie, I would probably still be in the swimming pool working at half my potential. I will never be able to thank her enough for the help she’s given me and I just hope I never lose her.”
Melanie agreed to become my personal trainer and we’ve been together ever since. She started by getting in the pool with me to work on core strength and balance and then slowly but surely, I began to get stronger and was able to workout on the exercise floor with bands and weights.
Melanie has been helping me, she has pushed me to my limits without ever hurting me. Without Melanie, I would probably still be in the swimming pool working at half my potential. I will never be able to thank her enough for the help she’s given me and I just hope I never lose her.”
Dot J., Cary
“Melanie’s ‘process approach’ to training is one of the reasons that we are such a good fit. She continually assesses and (tracks) my progress, and helps me set achievable goals – all with a friendly, you-can-do-it approach.
Our alliance for more than a decade is the reason that I feel better and better as the years pass. I’ve even taken up biking again – one of my true passions - after many years. Every day that I can work out with Melanie is a real gift!”
Our alliance for more than a decade is the reason that I feel better and better as the years pass. I’ve even taken up biking again – one of my true passions - after many years. Every day that I can work out with Melanie is a real gift!”
Marion B., Raleigh
“I have been working out with Melanie Dean for a little over a year. I have lost 30lbs and dropped 4 pant sizes. Before I started working out, I always had pain in my wrist and back. We worked on strengthening my core and targeted other areas and the pain has disappeared. During the process, I am very conscious of my posture and the healthy foods I need to work into my diet. We targeted certain areas of my body to reshape my upper and lower legs, my arms and most of all, my abdomen. My goal was to be able to wear a bikini this summer and we met my goal together. I feel so much healthier and look great!”
Lori C., Fuquay-Varina
“My name is Brittany and I have been working out with Melanie twice a week for several years. Due to the fact that I lost my vision when I was 3 years old, and am a brain tumor survivor, I don’t get a lot of exercise. I am limited to the kind of work out that I can do on my own and struggle with the weight gain from the medications that I take daily.
Melanie has taught me how to do crunches correctly, ball squats, push ups and my favorite is ball tosses with a 4lb ball. She has a tough time with me on some of the exercises because I don’t like them and they are difficult for me, but she continues to help me work through my frustrations and we have a good session.”
Melanie has taught me how to do crunches correctly, ball squats, push ups and my favorite is ball tosses with a 4lb ball. She has a tough time with me on some of the exercises because I don’t like them and they are difficult for me, but she continues to help me work through my frustrations and we have a good session.”
Brittany C., Apex
“Mel Dean is the best Christmas present I’ve ever received. I am a person who, despite gym memberships, exercise equipment in the house, countless videos and New Year resolutions, still didn’t exercise, or detested every second of it when I did. I knew I needed someone on my doorstep 3 times a week who was pre-paid.
Melanie has the perfect blend of enough strictness to get it done, more than enough professionalism to get it done right, and enough warmth and humor to make it more tolerable than I ever thought it could be.
With her Masters Degree she has an in-depth knowledge of her profession and with her character she is always dependable, responsible, dedicated and patient.
She is not a drill sergeant. She pushes gently, listens carefully, and laughs easily. I can’t imagine anyone else who could have kept my exercise routine consistent (with great results!) for 6 years. While I still hate to exercise, I love Melanie Dean...And I love my “Body by Dean!”
Melanie has the perfect blend of enough strictness to get it done, more than enough professionalism to get it done right, and enough warmth and humor to make it more tolerable than I ever thought it could be.
With her Masters Degree she has an in-depth knowledge of her profession and with her character she is always dependable, responsible, dedicated and patient.
She is not a drill sergeant. She pushes gently, listens carefully, and laughs easily. I can’t imagine anyone else who could have kept my exercise routine consistent (with great results!) for 6 years. While I still hate to exercise, I love Melanie Dean...And I love my “Body by Dean!”
Carol M., Cary
“I have been working with Gateway since May of 2008 and I am extremely pleased with the results. I required a program to lose weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Following the program they set, with a sensible diet, which was not a starvation diet, I was able to achieve all three goals within a few months.
Melanie is really easy to work with. She has a great sense of humor and has made the training sessions something to look forward to instead of dread. I am happy to recommend her to anyone in need of the services of a good trainer.”
Melanie is really easy to work with. She has a great sense of humor and has made the training sessions something to look forward to instead of dread. I am happy to recommend her to anyone in need of the services of a good trainer.”
Mark A., Raleigh
“Melanie Dean put together a comprehensive training program for me that took me from 5 K to a half marathon in just 10 weeks. I was very pleased with my finish time at my first half marathon, the City of Oaks, in Raleigh, NC, and completed it in 2 hours and 24 minutes, a great time for me. I couldn’t have done it without her help.”
Lorie R., Raleigh
“When I first met Melanie, I was in dire need of getting in shape after delivering my two children. Let me tell you how relentless she is with my training schedule and workouts. She will push you to your limits because while she is getting to know you, Melanie will get to know your limitations.
Melanie is always prepared, on time, flexible and very professional. I would love to tell you that it was only her workouts that put me in shape but then I would not be telling the whole truth. Melanie is so dedicated to her profession that when she asks you to do anything additional outside of the routine she has designed for you specifically ... you DO it! You do it because she makes you feel as important to her as you are to yourself. Melanie wants the same end results as you do.
It is important to her for you to succeed at whatever goal you set. I speak from experience that if you follow her regimen, and she will change it often, (another thing I love about Melanie, nothing is boring and every workout is different and interesting), "YOU WILL ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL!”
Melanie is always prepared, on time, flexible and very professional. I would love to tell you that it was only her workouts that put me in shape but then I would not be telling the whole truth. Melanie is so dedicated to her profession that when she asks you to do anything additional outside of the routine she has designed for you specifically ... you DO it! You do it because she makes you feel as important to her as you are to yourself. Melanie wants the same end results as you do.
It is important to her for you to succeed at whatever goal you set. I speak from experience that if you follow her regimen, and she will change it often, (another thing I love about Melanie, nothing is boring and every workout is different and interesting), "YOU WILL ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL!”
Lisabeth T., Raleigh