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Improved Health
Nutritional Strategies
Workout Plans
Balanced Life
Active Lifestyle
Individual Support
About Us
Welcome to FemFitOver40. Our goal is to help thousands of women transform their lives through health and fitness
Forget all the myths you've heard about aging. Through proper nutrition, exercise and accountability, you can live the life you've always wanted and have a body you love to live in.
The Well Women Collective - Our Three Pillars
Let's change your life
Pillar One
Nutrition Counseling
Learn how to eat what you want and still be healthy
Pillar Two
Fitness Coaching
Find an exercise routine that fits your lifestyle
Pillar Three
Accountability
The "glue" that helps you to stay on track!
You Can Feel Amazing At Any Age, All You Need Is The Right Guidance, Coaching And Accountability...
Recipes & Meal Plans
Up to 90% of getting fit and healthy is the proper nutrition, but there is so much conflicting information! Take the guess work out of your daily meals with our recipes and meal plans
Accountability
It's so hard to stay on track when you go it alone. With daily check-ins and weekly progress sessions our team is always there to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.
Exercise Video Library
There's no need to worry about when you get your workout in. Our library of exercise videos is always available for you to workout when it fits in your schedule.
Get Results Fast With Our
The 21 Day Jumpstart
Results You Can SEE and FEEL in 21 Days!
The Program
21 Day Jumpstart
Lose 4-10 lbs.
Detox Program
Nutritional Counseling
Daily Check-ins
Workout Programs
Customized Trainer Portal & App
High Level Coaching
Weekly One-On-One Progress Session
Fitness for every body
Forget all the lies about aging. You can be healthy, fit and LOVE the body you live in.
All our lives we've heard, that it is hard getting old, but does it really have to be? At the Well Women Collective, we don't think so. We believe you can be fit, healthy and love the body you live in at any age.
What does that mean?
You don't have to give up everything you like and live in the gym
Let's talk about what being fit, healthy and loving the body you live in ISN'T about. It is not about:
Eating chicken and broccoli for every meal
Working out for two hours a day
Never having dessert again
Tracking every single calorie for the rest of your life
Going Keto or Paleo or Vegan or Vegetarian or Intermittent Fasting or any other huge change to your diet
Forgetting about everyday life and obligations
If that's what it isn't then what is it?
It's about having a fit, healthy body that lets you ENJOY LIFE
Nobody wants to feel like they are missing out on things they enjoy because their body won't let them participate. Hiking. Dancing. Sports. A trip to Europe. An African Safari. Climbing Machu Picchu. Playing with your kids. Shaking it at your granddaughters wedding. A healthy body lets you do all of those things and live the life you deserve to live. No matter your age!
Have a body that let's you enjoy life
Getting older doesn't have to mean giving up the things you love
If you feel like your health and fitness is holding you back from living the life you want to live or you worry that you're on that path, don't wait for the "perfect time" to start. The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is today.
Let the Well Women's Collective help you achieve your personal health, fitness and wellness goals.
OUR TEAM
Meet Your Team
Ruth and Dagmar
Ruth Gordon
Ruth has her degree in Exercise Science and Wellness from George Mason University, and is certified for Personal training through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as well as AFAA. She holds the Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist certification through ACE. She is a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor through Polestar Pilates, is certified as an NCPT (National Certified Pilates Instructor) and is an Educator for Polestar Pilates. In addition, she completed her training for the Cancer Exercise Specialist through the Cancer Exercise Training Institute. She also is certified for Group exercise through the American Fitness and Aerobics Association (AFAA).
When Ruth was a child, she was not very athletic. In fact, she was typically the last person chosen for kickball at recess. Most recesses, you would find her by the school wall with her girlfriends, taking turns singing lead to the song, “Joy to the World” (by Three Dog Night). Her family however, was very active: hiking, camping, swimming.
In College, she was active in dance, music and theater, but also took up long-distance running to try to lose a little weight, and eventually joined the Cross Country team. At the same time, she was introduced to a new aerobic studio in town: the Body Asylum, where she began to take aerobic classes (now regularly called Group Exercise classes). This began her love for fitness!
Over the years Ruth has worked not only as a class instructor, trainer, and pilates instructor, but also as a Group Exercise Director and Fitness Director at numerous facilities and has mentored many new class instructors, trainers and pilates instructors just coming into the industry. She also is the owner of CORE Personal Training & Pilates in Woodbridge, Va (founded Jan. 2010), and has been helping her clients to gain a healthier lifestyle through fitness, nutrition and other wellness practices for over 30 years.
Ruth never gets tired of helping others to discover the joy of movement and how to live a healthier life. She believes that through proper instruction you can achieve your health and fitness goals and live your life to its full potential!!
Dagmar Kolarska Riddick
Dagmar is a certified Pilates Mat, Reformer & Apparatus Instructor by the Balanced Body University and certified thru National Pilates Certification Program, an internationally recognized Pilates certification. She is also a certified Yoga Instructor by Yogafit, and a certified Personal Trainer by the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America. In addition, she completed her training for Cancer Exercise Specialist thru the Cancer Exercise Training Institute.
She has also recently completed her certification as a NASM Nutrition Coach, enabling her to provide even more comprehensive guidance to her clients for a healthier lifestyle.
Originally, from the Czech Republic, she came to the United States to broaden her horizons and to seek the wonderful opportunities that this country offers. Dagmar has always been interested in staying strong, healthy, and fit.
Her enjoyment of exercise led her to pursue a second career in the fitness industry. She has been physically fit her whole life, engaging in several sports, competing in club level track & field and later becoming an aerobics instructor.
Dagmar’s belief is that fitness is best achieved from working consistently with motivated instructors and trainers who deliver constant positive reinforcement and correction; however, none of this will be possible if you don’t first get up out of your chair. Your routine should include a variety of cardiovascular exercises, strength, flexibility and balance training.
No workout should ever be the same all the time. Variety is the spice of life; that adage applies to fitness training as well. Whether you are seeking overall physical fitness, a better appearance, or more comfortable living, Dagmar can help you achieve your goals.
A Few Examples From The Video Library Inside Our Program
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Testimonials
What our members say about FemFit Over 40 & The Well Women Collective
KEN R.
STACEY
LISA
“I’m learning more about cooking and improving my skill. I normally hate cooking but having a plan and accountability has made me enjoy my time in the kitchen more and figure out ways to make my food taste better without sacrificing my goals. I’ve been drinking more water, and my clothes are starting to fit better”
-Lisa L.
“Definitely better sleep, less anxiety, more focused, happier and having a better attitude about my journey”
-Stacy J.
“I have not any cravings for sweets or carbs. I'm sleeping much better; going to bed early and waking up early and rested. I also noticed that I didn't need the in-between meals snack. I feel healthy and good”
-Carmen F.
“My jeans fit even better. I got bloodwork done and saw excellent results”
- Laura J.
“Happy to be having a plan. Taking out carbs and sugar was tough but not as much of a struggle as I thought it would be. Actually felt much more calm and less stress without the sugar hi/low and I feel like my body has fewer aches and pains this week. Freely admit I love cheese so being able to keep that in my food plan made me happy. Also making a spinach mushroom omelet for breakfast for my daughter and me every morning gave us a bit of extra bonding time so I appreciated that. She usually eats as soon as she gets up and me making breakfast has forced her to wait and also eat less processed food”
-Karen O.
“I'm able to walk longer and further without getting as winded. My flexibility has improved as well as the quality of some of my pilates poses. My back also feels better and I also noticed that my gait has improved and that my legs feel stronger”
- Carol F.
“Clothes fitting better. Maintaining discipline and adjust to unforeseen circumstances, gaining education on how to eat better and prioritize my health”
-Lily O.
“Compliments from a friend on my weight loss this week, fitting into a pair of pants that I haven’t been able to wear in more than a year”
- Helen O.
“My sons have said it looks like I’ve lost weight and they are not the type to notice much about me! I’ve also noticed that I have less of a craving for things with a lot of sugar such as a Starbucks chai latte which I used to have about 2-3 times a week”
- Donna F.
“I'm slimmer around the waist and my back fat is gone.”
- Carrie A.
“I fit into another pair of jeans that I haven’t been able to for quite awhile. I played with my nephew this weekend and had more energy to run around with him, which felt so good.”
- Hannah R.
“Just feeling better overall. Less aches and pains. I also did 50 bicycle crunches tonight without stopping. I used to have to stop and rest after 10 or so. Between the workouts and the weight loss related to the meal plan, my core is getting much stronger.”
- Pam F.
“I’d say better attitude. After the holidays I just reset and got right back on track this week. I stuck to my meal plan, committed to my workouts, and worked on hitting my macros. In previous times I might have continued to “let myself go” out of sheer frustration over a weight game n after some indulgence, but my mindset is better now.”
- Bianca C.
Thank you, Ruth and Dagmar, for inviting me to join the Well Women’s 40+ Collective! The timing of the invitation was perfect! I was just put on blood pressure medicine, which was a huge disappointment for me since I’d never been on any medication. I knew that losing weight and improving my overall health was my best chance for getting off the medicine. But, where to start and procrastination held me back. I thought of the mountain of information I could access on the internet and felt overwhelmed at the thought of it! You really made the “starting” easy! You led the group to reflect on our goals, identify the areas we want to change, and then take small but specific steps to begin changing our habits. Even in the group, we received the personalized attention needed to progress! I enjoyed all the healthy meal and smoothie tips, the exercise videos designed to meet me right where I am to get started on a workout routine. Most of all, the sharing and encouragement during our weekly meetings was key to holding us all accountable to making progress towards our goals. We also learned from each other’s life experience during the fun and lively discussions! I am working towards my goals; I’m on my way! Thanks again,
Jennifer Anderson
I was looking for something to do to get me over my broken femur, when I finished physical therapy. I needed something softer than a gym, but effective. She suggested Pilates with Ruth. I went up there and began my affair with Pilates. I was given Dagmar as my trainer. I was still having some trouble with my leg. The great thing about Pilates and having a great trainer is that's okay. You can work around that. I trained with Dagmar for 4 yrs and thoroughly enjoyed it. I got into and stayed in shape. We had fun. I was in a group glass, private class whatever, we worked and played hard.Dagmar is a great trainer. We both share the love of dogs, so we would work and talk about the things we enjoyed. No pressure to do something you are not sure of, but I tried it/them anyway. She always uses positive responses which makes you feel good about yourself and your efforts.Many thanks to Ruth Gordon and her team of trainers. They are all knowledgeable and fun.
Judy Boxer
When I began looking for an alternative way to maintain physical fitness, instead of the pounding I was doing at the gym with loads of cardio and weights. At the end of my initial phone consultation with Ruth, I was paired up with Dagmar for training. Since I wasn’t sure if Dagmar was a girl or a guy I wasn’t able to start manufacturing preconceived notions of what I might be in for! Upon arrival at my first session I met this spunky petite ball of energy that turned out to be a drill sergeant and a perfect match for my training style. What style is that you ask?! It is one where I am competitive with myself and expect others to push me too. No soft peddling here. Dagmar met those expectations but more over she coached balance. Two years later I have finally eased my self-competitive ways; I enjoy eating without overthinking, I view my active lifestyle as meeting part of my physical fitness needs rather than how many times I attend the gym in a week, and in general I just try to enjoy every day without beating myself up. It was my happy place during a protracted and very challenging time in my life. Dagmar got me focused on working my body for strength in relation to the equipment I was using so that, with practice, I trained with control and intention. We worked hard, her reading my energy to determine my needs during a session and me trying to master the instruction using imagery that she presented while teaching. Dagmar skillfully wove lots of functional and resistance training into each session. Dagmar is a master at her work! I remember remarking to myself during sessions at the ease with which she moved me from one exercise to the next, hearing the cadence of her voice guiding me through an exercise with concise instruction while employing images of tables, glasses of wine, cups of water, things in nature and animals for visualization ques to get me to reach the objective. Dagmar is knowledgeable and skilled in her work as a wellness professional. She can be a drill sergeant or a softy.
Cara
KAREN TORRES
After having a car accident that exacerbated the back pain I had been dealing with for over 10 years I decided to work with Ruth and Dagmar. I had to have private sessions with Dagmar. Those sessions were both scary and wonderful--scary because I didn't know the terminology and techniques, and wonderful because I learned so much from Dagmar. She made me feel comfortable, and taught me how to isolate certain muscle groups, how to concentrate on certain areas, and how to think about what I was really doing with my body. I have never enjoyed exercising, but I LOVE training with Dagmar. She guided me through the basics of beginning to advanced moves, and I have fallen in love. I am body aware now, and can think about my hips in isolation from other body parts, etc. Dagmar never pushed me to do things that hurt or may have hurt, and her philosophy to listen to your body is so important and different from any large gym that tells you "no pain, no gain." Avoid those gyms! Dagmar is thoughtful, gentle, kind, and pushes you to the point where she safely knows you can be pushed, never any more. The attention she gives is sincere and personalized. I consider her a friend.
I’ve been training with Dagmar and Ruth for more than six years. I started with a goal of strengthening my core to alleviate lower back pain. Having taken Pilates and a variety of fitness classes at other gyms and studios, I can attest that Ruth and Dagmar train and teach at a superior level. I’m confident I'm learning exercises correctly and also that I'm understanding their importance. The level of knowledge and years of experience Dagmar and Ruth provide to clients are unmatched. During my tenure with them, they were incredibly influential in my successful recovery from back, shoulder, and foot surgeries. They became an extension and expansion of my physical therapy regimens with targeted functional training and modifications. While I’m no longer geographically close to them, I’m excited about the opportunity to continue our relationship through their online services.
NANCY MAYES
I have struggled over the years to drop the pounds that I had gained when pregnant with my sons 30 plus years ago. With motivation sparked by my son’s upcoming wedding I decided to go with the Femfit program because I knew I had to be accountable and felt comfortable with Ruth since I’ve attended Pilates classes at her studio for several years.With Ruth’s coaching and encouragement along with taking daily pictures of every meal and getting Ruth’s feedback I managed to lose 20 pounds over the course of about 3 months! Thank you Ruth for helping me be more aware of nutrition and how it affects my body.
DONNA
I worked with Dagmar for a number of years, and would highly recommend her to anyone who is interested in a professional and very knowledgeable trainer. She is excellent working with any skill level, and is particularly helpful when dealing with injuries and properly developing all surrounding muscles in order to aid the healing process, while continuing to progress with your training goals. If you are serious about your fitness goals and personal growth, she is among the best in her field.
CONNIE HARRIS
Over the past year, Dagmar has been instrumental in helping me overcome both physical ailments and mental roadblocks on the path to physical health. In one year I transitioned from an unhealthy cardiac patient with neck pains to someone who enjoys daily exercise of running, biking, hiking, functional training, and yoga! I was so fortunate to have found such a knowledgeable and patient trainer. Dagmar made working out fun by filling each functional fitness session with new challenges, always keeping me engaged, both physically and mentally. Dagmar helped me find my “mind body” connection. I never understood the importance of understanding good form and technique in fitness until I trained with Dagmar, and I am so grateful for her instruction. I now feel confident about my form and strength when working out. I cannot possibly say enough wonderful things about Dagmar!
KARINA G
ANITA
I originally started with post-rehab goals: stronger core to prevent future falls, pain reduction and increased range of motion. I had just finished an extensive period of physical therapy intended to address osteoporosis and the ill effects of sitting at a computer for 30 years. I wasn’t 50 yet and understood my fitness wasn’t where it needed to be to be healthy .I knew Dagmar Kolarska Riddick was the right choice for me when she was eager to expand her knowledge of training people with osteoporosis. She is meticulous in making sure that I am always in neutral spine and never move in any way that is dangerous for me. Even when I have physical setbacks (like broken toes!) she is quick to encourage and modify my program so that I can continue to progress. We’ve been training together for two years, working on both Pilates practice and functional skills. Today I’m moving at a level I would have believed impossible for me when I first walked in the door. Thank you, Dagmar!
I have been a competitive soccer player for 30 years and have worked with Ruth as my trainer for the past four. Because of her extensive education, training and experience, she has been a terrific resource for me and has kept me playing through various physical challenges resulting from injury or overuse. Her knowledge and experience is also invaluable. As we’ve worked together over the years, Ruth has designed programs for me that allow me to play 2 to 3 games per week as well as prepare for and compete in 2 to 3 national tournaments each year. In July of 2009 I competed in The Veteran’s Cup, the annual national tournament of the United States Adult Soccer Association. It was held in Lancaster, MA and my team, NOVA WFC, won the gold medal in the women’s over-55 age bracket. We played five ninety-minute games over five days beating teams from Hawaii, Michigan, Texas and Massachusetts and even as the oldest player on the team, I was able to play at a high level without injury. Ruth was one of the first people I called immediately after we won the tournament. Her focus and planning to get me to where I needed to be for such a competition was what made the difference for me and I wanted to say “thank you” as I was wearing my medal! As I age, I encounter situations unfamiliar to me with regard to my body’s changing needs and reaction to exercise. Ruth’s comprehensive knowledge and experience allow me to continue playing a game I love and that is extremely important to me.
LINDA LAGARDE
I was on FemFit for 15 weeks. When I look at side-by-side pictures of myself today, and 15 weeks ago, I cannot believe the stark contrast. I don’t know about you, but I love carbs!!! I lived on a diet of naan and hummus and lots and lots of fruit. I work out regularly, and was pretty satisfied with my body…so I thought. Sure my clothes were starting to fit a little tight, but whose isn’t from time to time, right? Earlier this year at the CORE Open house I heard one of the ladies talking about the FemFit Program. My ears perked-up because I was starting to get a little concerned about my weight. Even though I exercise regularly, I felt that I needed to change my diet to boost my metabolism, and also to match my type and level of activity. I really believed that such a change would allow me not only the loose the few extra pounds I was carrying around, but also maintain my weight once I lost it. The next day, I told Ruth that I wanted to know more about FemFit. Less than a week later I started the 21 day cleansing program. I really thought that I was going to have some serious cravings, but that was not the case. From day one on the program I did not crave carbs, sweets, fruit, or any of the things that I was used to eating. I always felt like I was eating too much. The FemFit program’s diet is high in protein, and my body likes it. Over the course of the next 15 weeks, I saw my body change!!! Gone is the back fat, and the huge tire that I was carrying around my waist. If it weren’t for the progress photos, I wouldn’t believe it. Today, I am 18 pounds lighter, and I am wearing clothes I haven’t worn in years. What I liked about FemFit was the accountability. There is a weekly survey to be completed, as well as submission of your weekly photo. Every day I had to weigh myself, and take pictures of everything I ate, and also message my coach to let her know how my day went. I really liked having to take a picture of each one of my meals. Every day, I would work on my meal presentation, and it became like a fun game for me, as I would try to outdo myself from one day to the next. I also discovered that in taking the time to make my meal look pleasing, I enjoy the meal even more and found it to be more filling. I had wonderful results while on FemFit. I actually met my weight goals, and feel that I learned enough along the way to keep the weight off. I would be remiss if I didn’t say this, “This is not a miracle program!!!” This program requires a lot of self-discipline, and motivation; not to mention the time that goes into meal preparation (meal prep). I truly feel that knowing my way around the kitchen, and having the time to meal prep were also instrumental to my success on the program. If you decide to give FemFit a try, best of luck to you. Remember, you will get out of it, what you put into it.
DR CARMEN FLORES, DSL
BETH SCHOMP
I started working out with a personal trainer at the age of 45. I knew I needed to do something to stay ahead of the aging process, but if left to my own devices, I would never get around to it. I'd always find an excuse. I knew I could start a program by myself, but I also knew I'd stop at some point when it got hard. I needed accountability. And honestly, I needed someone who knew what they were doing. Fortunately, that personal trainer was Ruth Gordon. Working out with Ruth became such an easy habit in my life. She listened to what my goals were and devised a plan to make those goals a reality. And as age would have it, when a 'surgery' would come up, or other physical (often age-related issue), Ruth was there to help me modify and stay in my program. More importantly, Ruth became a life long friend. And now that I've moved away, when I go back to visit, I make sure I book a time to go work out with Ruth. She's a habit I do not want to break!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Just An Exercise Program?
Absolutely not! While fitness and exercise is an important part of our program we also focus on nutrition, accountability and overall wellness.
Can I Really See Results In 21 Days
Yes, you could potentially see results even faster. Some of our members have reported seeing results and feeling better physically and mentally in the very first week. Your results will of course depend on how closely you stick to your program. That is why we focus on accountability with daily check-ins and weekly progress sessions so we ensure you stay on track.
How Much Does The Program Cost
We offer a number of different options for joining FemFitOver40. We believe we have an option that anyone can afford. We tailor our solutions to the needs of our clients. That's why we start off with a discovery call so we can get to know a little more about you and your individual needs. and goals.
What Is The Discovery Session
The Discovery Session is like a get to know you session. We want to know more about you? What have you struggled with. What has worked for you? Do you have an injuries or conditions that can change how you will need to approach exercise and nutrition? Why is now a good time for you to take control of your health and wellness? If it seems like we are a good fit to work together then we'll tell you all about the programs that we feel are the best fit for your individual needs to help you get the results you want.