I don't think there is just one adjective that would do Paula justice.  She has such a passion for fitness that you really can't ignore, she simply won't allow it.  I was 51 years old and worked out about 3 days a week when I first met Paula.  Watching her evolve into a true athlete motivated me to raise my own standards.  At age 52 she convinced me to sign up for the Governor's Triathlon for beginners.  You have to understand how hard it is to resist her willingness to help you reach your goal.  Well, I agreed but was scared to death.  I woke up that morning wondering if I had lost my mind.  I told my family and swore them to secrecy.  Paula was there bright and early that cold morning ready to help me and anyone else that needed her.  I finished the triathlon, and it felt wonderful to have accomplished something I never dreamed of doing.  I felt really great until Sunday morning when I picked up the local paper, and there I was on the front page in my bathing suit running for my bike!!!  So much for keeping my secret.  I know without Paula's encouragement I never would have attempted a triathlon, and I would have missed out on such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.  She transformed her body through hard work, sweat, and tears-and through it all she kept her beautiful spirit and found a way to help others.
 
                                             Cindy (member of Gigi's Fitness Center, Lake Charles, Louisiana)

I opened a gym in a small town that does not have health and exercise in their top 10 priorities.  I knew that I needed to show women the importance of living a healthy life; therefore, I invited Paula Bruchhaus to speak at a seminar entitled, "Confidence in Weight Loss." Paula's story is remarkable.  Many women feel like they can never reach weight loss goals because they are too old, too busy, or too big, but Paula proved to them that an excuse will only keep you down.  The ladies were awestruck by Paula's before and after pictures, but more importantly she gave them hope and encouragement.  Thank you Paula for inspiring me and other women who have watched you struggle and succeed.
                                                                                       Billie  (Owner of Billie's Fitness Center- Kinder, Louisiana)

Paula reaches out to anyone and everyone who expresses and interest in improving his or her life through exercise and healthy eating.  She shares her very personal story-never omitting the humiliating nicknames and low self-esteem she suffered throughout most of her life.  And for those in total disbelief who think instead this beautiful athletic-looking woman has been graced with good genes, Paula shares "before photos" of herself.  She is an average person with a very real day to day life of work, husband, children, and household responsibilities who has used sensible eating and exercise to reclaim her life.

Regardless if a person wants to lose a few pounds or begin training for an athletic event, Paula is a great source of support.  She doesn't quit encouraging others, even when they backslide or become discouraged.  Paula is just as enthusiastic about the exercise beginner who can walk 10 minutes before breathing hard as she is about the accomplished triathlete.   She does not only stand behind them but beside them-encouraging and praising every small step or mile.  She believes that anyone can improve his/her life with exercise.  Paula is living proof!!!
                                                                                    Jami (member of Gigi's Fitness Center, Lake Charles, Louisiana)