What Our Clients Say
We could tell you what working with us is like.
But our clients say it better.
Every quote on this page is word for word from a client's Google review. Some did 8 weeks with us. Some have been here 5 years.
- Eating more, not less
- When perimenopause changed the rules
- Strong at 50, 60 and beyond
- Results that last
- A real coach in your corner
- At home, with a set of dumbbells
- Worth the investment
Eating more, not less
No calorie counting, no food scales, no cutting out everything you love.
“Like many of us, we are from the idea that more cardio and eating less was the answer, so I kept pushing harder, only to see minimal results and feel increasingly discouraged. … Today, I'm stronger than I've ever been. I feel toned, confident, and empowered. Even more surprising, I'm eating more than I ever have before, yet I feel better and stay full longer because I'm finally giving my body what it actually needs at this stage of my life.”Jillian K., Google review
“What I especially love is the approach to nutrition—it's not about counting calories or restricting yourself, but rather about nourishing your body and building sustainable, healthy habits. I've been following the program for over a year and a half, and the body recomposition results have been better than anything I've achieved with any other diet or fitness program.”Heather R., Google review
“It's not about cutting things out or deprivation, but rather the discovery of what your body can do, and what can be added to optimize it.”Sandy C., Google review
“It's not about a quick fix, it's about teaching me how to properly fuel my body while building strength!”Johanna B., Google review
“The classes are fun, engaging, and motivating, while the meal plan is flexible, realistic, and easy to incorporate into everyday life.”Cynthia D., Google review
When perimenopause changed the rules
What worked at 30 stopped working. Here's what they found instead.
“I joined in April 2026 because I was struggling to gain muscle and lose weight during perimenopause. The workouts I'd been doing weren't giving me the results I wanted, and I didn't understand how my diet and strength training needed to work together. This program put it all together for me. … after just eight weeks, I was already seeing a transformation—and feeling it, too. I had more energy, my mood was better, and I felt better overall.”Danielle G., Google review
“I had just finished training for my 6th marathon and was the heaviest and most uncomfortable I had ever been in my own skin. … I am turning 50 in a few months and had almost given into all the people that told me that I was just going to have to buy bigger pants at this stage of my life and push through it. They were wrong! I have never felt stronger or more confident.”Melanie H., Google review
“If you feel like you're "doing everything" but not seeing results, the structure, workout plan and personal support of this program is unmatched.”Ash E., Google review
“I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone, especially to any friend navigating the world of perimenopause.”Sandy C., Google review
“Everything I needed - from someone who has tried it all - in this new stage of life.”Dayle G., Google review
Strong at 50, 60 and beyond
It's never too late to build muscle. These women are proof.
“Here's the thing. I'm 66. Those push-ups were a bit of a party trick. But what isn't a party trick is that I'm as strong now as I was at 40. … And, as a small woman clocking in at 5'2" and 112 lbs, I can do bicep curls with 17.5 lb dumbbells.”Laurie F., Google review
“I've been training with Chris and Elle for about 5 years and Shari as my personal coach for nutrition who I can text and call at any point with questions and concerns. She's realistic with expectations as a woman in my 50's.”Avia P., Google review
“They have changed the way I used to think about weight training (fear of "bulking up") to understanding that it is imperative for my bones, heart and muscle mass. … I have never felt stronger or fitter in my whole life.”Christy M., Google review
“I've always been petite, so for me, fitness has never been about losing weight. It's about longevity, aging gracefully, building strength, and feeling my absolute best.”Lisa C., Google review
“Last year, in the spring, I could barely put the summer tires in the trunk of the car by myself. However, after training with Forty Forward, in the fall, loading the trunk with the winter tires was a breeze! That's when I knew, it's happening!”C.V., Google review
“his programs got me lean, not bulky, I dropped fat, gained strength and dropped dress sizes.”Lindsay S., Google review
Results that last
The 8 weeks are the start. The habits are what stay.
“It's the best investment I've made in myself that has produced lasting lifestyle changes long beyond the 8-week program, now almost 2 years later.”Ash E., Google review
“I lost 3 kg, and what I'm most proud of is that they never came back after the program ended. For the first time in my life, I truly enjoy training and making my health a priority.”Aizhan K., Google review
“I've never stuck to a workout plan before and I'm almost at 2 years with Chris and Elle and Forty Forward and don't see stopping any time soon. There is something about it that makes consistency almost easy.”L.M., Google review
“Embracing their mantra of 'consistency over perfection' empowered me to lose 30 pounds, cultivate a healthier mindset …”Vings V., Google review
“I've been working with Elle and Chris at Forty Forward for 1.5 years and it has been the most empowering, life changing program I have ever done!”Kyle G., Google review
“If you're a woman on the fence about starting, I'd say just start — sticking with it is what makes the difference, and this team makes sticking with it possible.”Meg C., Google review
A real coach in your corner
Not an app. A person who knows your name, your schedule and your goals.
“My favourite part isn't even the workouts, which kick my butt in the best possible way! It's the one-on-one coaching and the community support. They've made such a difference in helping me stay consistent and believe in what I'm capable of.”Danielle G., Google review
“One thing I really appreciate is the support and guidance from Elle and my coach, Shari. They have been incredibly supportive and have helped me look beyond the number on the scale to understand what else I can do to help my body function at its optimal level.”Jennifer P., Google review
“Shari is an outstanding coach. Her gentle, thoughtful approach, combined with her knowledge and insight, makes her truly exceptional. She has a wonderful ability to encourage and inspire without ever making the process feel overwhelming.”Cynthia D., Google review
“The Coaching support is unmatched, and tailored to my specific needs!”Kyle G., Google review
“Shari was perfect at staying in touch with me. She checked in regularly, sent encouraging messages, and answered every question I had. That personal support made a huge difference and kept me motivated even on busy days.”Aizhan K., Google review
At home, with a set of dumbbells
No gym membership. Follow-along workouts that change every few weeks.
“If you had told me that I would be getting up at 5:00 a.m. every weekday to work out, I would have laughed. I am NOT a morning person! Yet here I am, 16 months later, having missed only about 6–10 workouts. That alone says a lot about this program!”Jennifer P., Google review
“the workouts are challenging yet convenient enough to do anywhere with just a set of dumbbells.”Heather R., Google review
“I have been working with the FORTY FORWARD team since 2021 and haven't stepped back into a traditional gym. … I love the four-week workout blocks - they're challenging and motivate me to lift heavier and push myself each week.”Julie T., Google review
“Chris is an amazing trainer and curates a new program every few weeks. The music is great and the workouts put me in a good mood every morning.”Karin E., Google review
“In the years since, I had a baby and stopped working out. After just eight weeks, I feel so strong, energetic and more like myself again.”Sofi P., Google review
Worth the investment
Their words, not ours.
“I know the cost may be more than some people are willing to spend, but for me, it is absolutely worth it.”Jennifer P., Google review
“Forty Forward gives you tools, not just for a long lifespan but for a long healthspan. And there is no price tag you can attach to any of that.”Laurie F., Google review
“I've had incredible results but it's so much more than the physical transformation. If you're thinking about joining, just do it, its the best investment you will ever make.”Gloria D., Google review
“I've gained a confidence in myself and what my body can do, a newfound ability to prioritize myself and my own self care, healthy new habits that have created a new way of living and new commitment to myself.”Alana W., Google review
“Forty Forward is worth every workout and every investment in yourself!”Lisa C., Google review
Watch their stories
Five clients sat down on camera and told us everything: where they started, what changed, and what they'd tell you.
- Sari: 44, marketing director, 16 lbs of fat in 8 weeks
- Erin: 41, mom of two, 25 pounds in 8 weeks
- Sarah: marathoner who stopped under-eating
- Ashley: 44, mom of three, more food and better sleep
- Franny: 44, off restrictive diets, results through the holidays
Ready to start yours?
- Watch the short video from Chris and me on the homepage.
- Apply for a free call with Chris. It takes a few minutes, and there's no credit card.
- On the call, you'll both decide if it's a fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Forty Forward legit?
Yes. Forty Forward was founded in 2020 by Chris Smits and Elle Daftarian and has coached 1,000+ women. It's rated 5.0 on Google, and every client works one-on-one with a real, certified coach.
What do Forty Forward clients say about the program?
The themes that come up most in their Google reviews: eating more instead of less, getting stronger in their 50s and 60s, one-on-one support from a real coach, workouts at home with a set of dumbbells, and results that last years after the 8 weeks.
Do Forty Forward clients keep their results?
Many of our reviewers have trained with us for one to five years. One wrote about "lasting lifestyle changes long beyond the 8-week program, now almost 2 years later." Results vary with your starting point and commitment.
Where can I read every Forty Forward review?
On our Google Business Profile, where Forty Forward is rated 5.0. This page quotes those reviews word for word, with first name and last initial.
Every review is quoted word for word from Google, with the client's first name and last initial. “…” marks where we shortened a review. Results vary with your starting point and commitment.