When I started looking for swimming classes, there were many options. I decided to go with Advanced Fitness for several reasons. Having seen Ann compete in triathlon and the success that she has had showed me that she is a competitor and knows what it takes to be successful. After taking several of her classes, some things became very apparent to me. Ann knows how to teach all levels of athletes from beginners to advanced. The growth I made during the season astounded me and has helped me overcome my anxiety of swimming to the point where I look forward to the open water swims that used to haunt me. Ann also has the unique ability to read people and knows what to say and do to get people to reach their full potential. If anyone is looking to start running, swimming or biking, Ann is a very competent instructor. It is apparent that seeing you succeed is her goal. If anyone is looking to improve their running swimming, or biking, Ann has the ability to help you discover your true potential!
Lander, WY
In the summer of 2010, I got up off the couch and decided I wanted to lose weight. Watching my diet and doing some consistent cardio rewarded me with a 20 pound weight loss, but then I hit a wall. I stopped losing weight and lost my motivation. This summer, I decided to seek out some help. I turned to Ann for personal training in hopes of breaking through the barrier that was in front of me. I could barely run a mile and had never even attempted strength training. Fast forward 10 weeks, and not only have I broken through the wall, but I have found a passion and drive I never knew I had. I am working out 5-6 times a week, feel myself getting stronger everyday, running up to 4 miles a stretch and realizing that I can do ANYTHING I put my mind to, if I just keep pushing forward. Ann has helped me find a self confidence that I never had before, and it has carried over into my personal life. I can honestly say that EVERY aspect of my life has improved since I started training with Ann!! She is truly inspirational!!!
-Toni Laird
Lander, WY
Ann --
As you know, I've been involved in Triathlon since 1981, as an
athlete, physician, and scientist -- from Ironman to Medical Director
for Ironman and for Triathlon in the Olympic Games, to the Labman
research project, which has been ongoing from the the early 1980's.
I'd like to say that from my perspective, you have exhibited a great
common sense understanding of the sport, from the details of race day
planning, to training and psychology, to nutrition.....
Lander is lucky to have you!
Best Wishes,
Doug Hiller
formerly of Lander, WY (relocated to Hawaii)
As a novice swimmer, I had no technique or ability to lap swim correctly. I felt frustrated, like I was fighting the water and was ready to stop trying. Ann was able to get me swimming more efficiently within the first session. At practice, she gives me drills and coaches me to continue to improve my technique for easier swimming and comfort in the water. I feel less like I'm fighting the water and more like I'm gliding through it. It's not easy learning something new, but with Ann's continued support and guidance, I know that I'll someday be a graceful swimmer. Swimming is something I want to be part of my wellness program, not just for triathlons, but in continuing to improve my overall health and fitness.
Cecilie Prine
Lander, WY
Lander, WY
Right from the start, Ann was able to correctly evaluate my needs as a beginner swimmer. Throughout our lessons, Ann not only helped me to develop a comfort level in the pool, she enabled me to properly time my breathing, and raise my overall body awareness in the water. I always felt as though Ann was paying attention, giving me feedback, and working with me towards my swimming goals. My years of mediocre "doggy-paddling" are over.
Thanks to Ann, I have developed the confidence to get in the pool and get some laps under my belt.
Joshua Wells
Lander, WY
Lander, WY
I have been “working out” and training for many years on my own. However, when I decided I wanted to enter a triathlon, and I had not swam or rode a bike for about twenty years…I knew I needed some help. Ann has been a tremendous asset to my training routine and goals. I never knew there was so much to learn about “riding a bike” in my life! Since working with Ann, I feel much more confident about my riding abilities. I look forward to outdoor sessions when I learn how to ride among a group of people. The swimming aspect has been an entirely eye opening experience. I thought I was “in pretty good shape,” but swimming is completely different. Working with Ann on my swimming, has been a tremendous benefit. In a very short period of time, I have already experienced results from her coaching. I would highly recommend Ann for any aspect of your training needs. Ann is incredibly professional but extremely personable. She is patient, willing to listen, and happy to talk to you about your concerns without making you feel uncomfortable. Working with Ann has been a very rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing our sessions.
Donna Ferguson
Lander, WY
Donna Ferguson
Lander, WY
I took eight swim lessons from Ann over a 3 month period. Although I had taken swim lessons as a child, it has been 25 years since I've done much swimming, and I can't remember ever swimming laps in the pool.
I wanted to take lessons for two reasons. First, I wanted to have another cardiovascular activity I could do as I got older. Second, I wanted to begin doing some triathlons. My swimming goals are to be able to swim freestyle laps in the pool continuously for at least 1/2 mile or 16 laps.
Ann did a great job of beginning the swim lessons for someone like myself who had almost no swimming experience. Over the course of the first several sessions, she built upon some very basic movements that allowed me to work towards swimming the freestyle stroke continuously. By the end of our eight sessions, I was able to swim continuous laps, and I just needed to work on endurance and longevity, which comes with practice.
Ann did a great job of beginning the swim lessons for someone like myself who had almost no swimming experience. Over the course of the first several sessions, she built upon some very basic movements that allowed me to work towards swimming the freestyle stroke continuously. By the end of our eight sessions, I was able to swim continuous laps, and I just needed to work on endurance and longevity, which comes with practice.
Nathan George
Lander, WY
Ann, I just want to say thank you. You are a great coach and have helped me so much, I just got done telling Andrew this, and I enjoy swimming. Thank you:)
Rachel Huff
Lander, WY
Lander, WY
Ann, I just want to say thank you. You are a great coach and have helped me so much, I just got done telling Andrew this, and I enjoy swimming. Thank you:)
Rachel Huff
Lander, WY
After many years of not participating in any races, I decided to celebrate the New Year by training for the first ever Lander Sprint Triathlon. Of course, I know how to ride a bike, and I’ve completed several marathons (walking), so that left only one problem – I never learned to swim! I loved the water as a child growing up in Minnesota, but never really learned to swim.
Through High Mountain Fitness Center, I got in contact with Ann Lehmkuhler, who offers group swim lessons, and excitedly signed up. As the first day of lessons grew closer, I became more anxious (anxious anxious, not happy anxious), so I sent Ann an email. She suggested I stop by the pool beforehand to reacquaint myself with the pool, which I did. That was a great idea, the water felt good – in the 3 foot side – and I spent half an hour splashing from side to side.
The first day of group lessons, the other younger gals were actually swimming! Laps! And there I was, trying to frantically doggy paddle one length of the deep side of the pool… I didn’t even know how to put my face in the water without getting a nose full of water! Dear Ann watched me for several minutes and then gently said, “Carol, I think you might benefit from some private lessons.” Whew! Did I agree!
And so I got to join another beginner, and Ann actually taught me how to swim! With every lesson, Ann would coach me into better techniques: blow out through the nose, better arm position, head down but don’t ‘plow’, straighten those legs, cup those hands, encouraging me that, yes, I really could make my first whole lap! With Ann’s expert direction and encouragement, I’m now swimming! Thanks to Ann, I’m confident knowing that when it’s time for the 1st annual Lander Sprint Triathlon, I’ll be ready and able to swim!
I’m happy to recommend Ann Lehmkuhler to everyone who wants to become a better swimmer!
Carol King
Lander, WY
Lander, WY