“I had the pleasure of working with Erwin John as a supervisor and receptionist at the East Bank Club. Erwin was in a class by himself as a trainer and a swim instructor at the East Bank. He is a true professional, thoroughly knowledgeable in the mechanics of the human body with high emotional intelligence that assures his clients receive the results they are seeking. As a co-worker he is unsurpassed, someone you can always rely upon. I highly recommend Erwin John in any endeavor he chooses to pursue.” Genevieve Joyce, Club Supervisor, July 20, 2010 “Erwin Tan is an expert swimmer and outstanding swim coach. He can take swimmers from the beginner level to advanced swimmers training for open water competitions. I was a beginner swimmer when I started with Erwin, and with his extensive knowledge of technique and keen eye for detail have developed my swimming strokes immensely. Many of the good swimmers I know have worked with him. He is the best!” Joy Degani , May 31, 2010 “Erwin is a great trainer and swim coach. He will help you with anything you need. His skill set and education of the body would help anyone advance to their next level. Hiring Erwin would be an asset to your training regimen.” Greg Walzel, May 4, 2010 “Erwin is the best swim coach ever! He knows what he is talking about and can break it down and explain it to even the most inexperienced swimmer. He has helped my swim stroke improve vastly and has increased my confidence in the water!” Patti Hennif April 23, 2010 "Erwin was an outstanding trainer for my Ironman training, specifically as my swim coach. He helped me improve my technique and overall performance to reach an 11: 23:31 in Ironman Florida. A great person to have as your coach." ~ Dave Kuhnau ~ April 7,2010 ~ "Erwin is a great coach who motivates and encourages you to reach your potential. He can break down technical aspects in an understandable way and make things fun. No matter what you're trying to learn, Erwin can get you where you want to go, and do it with a smile!" ~ Gail F. ~ March 14,2010 ~ Comcast Sports ~ "Erwin is an excellent trainer and swim coach. He is dedicated to his clients and is very knowledgeable in all areas of fitness. He customizes his workouts and you will get great results working with him!" ~ Margaret L. ~ March 10,2010 ~ "Erwin has a vast knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology and the ability to impart that knowledge in ways that are relevant and clear to his clients and colleagues. He approaches his clients with both confidence and humility and is able to craft massage sessions that will address the needs of the individual. He is also a loyal and conscientious friend." ~ Rebecca S. ~ March 10,2010 ~ Licensed Massage Therapist ~ "Erwin has a warm personality and a fun demeanor, on top of that, he is an excellent trainer who specializes in persona fitness and aquatics. Erwin takes time to understand your personal goals, injury limitations, and schedule to devise a plan that equals success. Whether you are trying to drop a few pounds or finish an Iron Man-Erwin will motivate you and devise a training plan that is attainable! I love that he is not an "in your face" screamer but motivates through positive action and goal setting. He was able to teach me to swim for an open water triathlon following a head/neck injury in 8 weeks!! I could not swim one lap of the pool, but through pool and open water training, weight lifting to build strength, and massage to help my injury I was able to reach my goal and find a great trainer who I continue to use for the last 4 years." ~ Aimee T. ~ March 2,2010 ~ "Erwin put together a great water work for me. It was a pleasure to go to the club and jump in the pool and get a workout that combined the resistance of the water with cardio. I would recommend him to anyone." ~ Richard L. ~ March 1,2010 ~ "Erwin is a great swim coach/instructor. He's patient and methodical. Great pricing, as well." ~ Barrington R. ~ March 1,2010 ~ "Erwin has a phenomenal work ethic. Always willing to help or to offer suggestions to help lead to a healthier you. Very knowledgeable and extremely professional." ~ Ben F. ~ February 28,2010 ~ "It is a pleasure to provide an endorsement for the work of Erwin John. As a swimmer (8-10 miles per week), I have known Erwin for some time, greatly respecting his observation and commentation on my swimming, which has motivated me to sign on with Erwin for personal training (PT). Since having started PT, Erwin has shown remarkable intuitive observation of mobility, for which I clearly need improvement. In the brief period of a few months, he has made me aware of my habitual movement patterns, not in my best interest. Working on core, strength and balance, he has developed exercises which are clearly helping and making me more stable on my feet. Erwin's knowledge of physiology and movement is outstanding, demonstrating exceedingly impressive ability to utilize that knowledge for positive/productive teaching purposes."  ~ Andrea S. ~ February 26,2010 ~ "I highly recommend choosing Erwin for massage therapy and personal training. He is very professional, knowledgeable, and hard working. With an extensive knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology, he can create a treatment plan to achieve your goals." ~ Colleen F. ~ February 26,2010 ~ Licensed Massage Therapist ~ "I recommend Erwin as an extraordinary swim coach without reservation. He is dependable: always on time, if not early. His programs are well-thought out and customized for you and your goals. His knowledge and experience is invaluable, and he's ability to articulate the nuances of such a technical sport is truly impressive. He is a pleasure to work with - focused when needed, yet relaxed and fun when appropriate. Best of all, with him on your team, you get results!" ~ Annette G. ~ February 25,2010 ~ "I took swimming lessons from Erwin for a number of years. He's far and away the best teacher I ever had. He understands your abilities and goals and ably customizes his lessons so you can learn at your own pace. I especially valued his patience in working with me. He's the best!" ~ Tom S. ~ February 25,2010 ~ "Get your suit on now! Shower off, jump in the pool, wet your head. If you're luck enough to be in Chicago and know Erwin, perhaps you'll be looking up through the water to see his warm, supportive smile. Don't let his warm consistent approach fool you. He'll be moving his arms, insisting your form be this, and be that . Runners may get the note: "Hey, you move your legs too fast, you're a runner." Guess what? Erwin is not only right about form, but his approach to coaching works, even on us toughies. Swimming means different things for different folks. Some choose swimming for something different, some to heal injuries, some to build strength, some to enhance competitive results, some because the suits are cute and the list continues. . . I CHOOSE to swim regularly because Erwin made it better, breathing, strokes, counting, balance, consistency. Chicago didn't get the Olympics, but we do have decent professional, athletic cats. . . Thanks Erwin! Cheers, Karen" ~ Karen B. ~ February 25,2010 ~ "Erwin Tan offers excellent insight to my training regimen while also offering much encouragement. He is professional at all times, easy to work with, and has excellent experience. Because of him, I've made some marked improvements." ~ Susan Helfrich ~ February 25,2010 ~ "Having not done any swimming since I was a kid - other than playing with my own kids in the pool at East Bank, I hired Erwin to re-teach me how to swim in preparation for doing a tri this year. He was great - very knowledgeable, easy to work with and patient. I highly recommend him." ~ Aaron G. ~ February 25,2010 ~ "I have known Erwin for nearly 10 years and have been consistently impressed by his strong work ethic and generosity. We became friends while working at East Bank Club. Throughout the years he has shown me what a kind and professional person he is. Recently, I hired him as a personal trainer and have been very pleased with his work. He is a prompt, upbeat and knowledgeable trainer who challenges me to meet fitness goals. If you're looking for a personal trainer, Erwin is a fantastic choice." ~ Josannah B. ~ February 25,2010 ~ "Erwin is a real professional who not only has impressive credentials but is also a lot fun to work with. Let's face it - there is nothing fun about squats! He always took time to ensure I was using proper form so that I was able to get maximum benefit from our sessions and not get injured! He mixed things up regularly and continued to challenge me. He kept me on my toes and fitting into my favorite jeans! What more could you ask for?" ~ Terrie W. ~ February 25,2010 ~ "Erwin Tan cares deeply about the services he provides. He makes sure things are just right for his clients. His wide range of talents allows him to see things from a very different perspective. He has a lot to offer to his clients besides teaching, his knowledge of bio-mechanics allows his approach to help you get the most efficient work out." ~ Alyssa W. ~ February 25,2010 ~ Pilates Instructor & Massage Therapist ~ "Erwin Tan is an amazing Fitness Trainer and Massage Therapist. He is very professional and focus on any thing he is involved with. I would highly recommend Erwin for any job. Anyone who works with Erwin will see how amazing he is. Using his brilliance, his people skills and charisma to succeed, Erwin is an asset to any work force." ~ Adina Reichlin ~February 25,2010 ~ "I worked with Erwin to fix my swim stroke in advance of doing my first triathlon. He was a great partner in every way, providing the technical knowledge and encouragement that I needed to swim for distance in open water. Would highly recommend him." ~ Katherine Erwin ~ February 25,2010 ~ "Erwin has been a superb swimming coach for me.  He provides excellent verbal instruction including highlighting key words and modeled movement, which has helped me implement his suggestions and refine my stroke.  He uses just the right amount of positive reinforcement and constructive critiques to promote my ability to modify my swimming technique during the lesson and then independently.  He has been a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and effective coach to me." ~ Sue Ellen ~ February 6,2010 ~ "I will always be grateful for what Erwin has taught me about swimming. Apparently it is very difficult to become proficient at swimming when you start later in life. Thank goodness Erwin never told me that. He helped me overcome my fear of the water and had me swimming sidestroke,freestyle, backstroke and butterfly in just over one year! Erwin has a unique ability to break down a highly technical activity into workable components, enabling the student to master each before progressing to the next level. Our coaching sessions were always enjoyable because of his warmth, sense of humor and patience. I recommend him without reservations. ~ Annette G. ~ January 20,2010 ~ "I was a hack swimmer for years, and one day I started noticing all the good swimmers at my gym.  I asked them who I should take lessons from, and hands down, they all said that Erwin was the only "real" serious swimming instructor. I started taking lessons from Erwin last spring, and continue to train with him in the pool weekly since then.  Erwin is an amazing teacher.  He deconstructed my sloppy stroke, and started from the beginning with me.  He is extremely knowledgeable about classic and more modern techniques for each stroke. He has been very smart about knowing how and when to get me to the next level. He has been very in tune to my life schedule and ability and kicks my butt when I need it!  We are currently working on the butterfly, and it's my very favorite thing to do! Next step...open water!  He's the best, and if you're serious about swimming or racing, he's your man. ~ Joy Degani ~ January 18, 2010 ~ Physician "I trained with Erwin for about 2 years. He got me through 1 full pregnancy and the aftermath (losing 25 pounds!). He was amazing both during the pregnancy and during the postpartum period. We worked together to set reasonable goals. He kept me in amazing shape during my pregnancy (I trained with him the very day I delivered my baby!) and he inspired, encouraged and motivated me when it was time to get serious about getting all of that baby weight off. He was extremely knowledgeable about prenatal and postpartum training and very conservative with his approach to safety and wellness during this fragile time. And to boot, he is an AMAZING massage therapist! I would HIGHLY recommend him for both personal training and massage therapy!" ~ Melissa Novack ~ January 15,2010 ~ "Erwin is an extremely talented trainer.  He helped rehab a knee injury and moved me seamlessly from the pool (non weight bearing) to the weight room.  His education surpasses the typical trainer and I was never bored.  The exercises were incredibly varied.  Erwin is fantastic." ~ Julee Mertz ~ January 13,2010 ~ Big City Swing, Director "I met Erwin at East Bank in January of 2007.  Upon meeting, he asked me what my short and long term fitness goals were and we devised a plan!  I was recovering from a back and neck injury and had to get in quick shape for a live TV show and also wanted to complete a Triathlon that summer (even though I could not swim.) With Erwin's guidance, I achieved both goals!  Erwin took me from not being able to swim a length in the pool to swimming a mile in the lake in a short amount of time. He was even there to cheer me on at 6:00 am for my race!  I have continued to train with Erwin and not only am happy with the results but enjoy his demeanor and company.  His positive attitude and smile motivate me to get to the gym-it's like seeing a friend!  He also really pushes me to exert myself without an "in your face" type attitude!  I have strongly encouraged friends who want a great workout, need help with swimming, or are recovering from an injury to seek out Erwin's expertise. Erwin is kind, fun, and knowledgeable about health and fitness. ~ Aimee Trottier ~ January 12, 2002 ~ Apprentice Participant, Triathlete, Marathon and Half Marathon Runner "I have been a client of Erwin Tan for over two years and am extremely happy that I have had him as a personal trainer.  To me, a good personal trainer challenges you beyond what you think you can accomplish and does so without hurting you.  He tests my mettle.  Erwin has done this with me. He varies my routines and adapts my workouts to my needs, constantly encouraging me to work harder. And, most importantly, Erwin has a great personality -- very "up" and optimistic, which makes our sessions together even more delightful. I would highly recommend Erwin to anyone looking for a very good personal trainer." ~ Penny Brown ~ January 8,2010 "When I wanted to learn to swim, my friend said there was only one person she could highly recommend.  Erwin.  He has a personality that immediately puts one at ease upon meeting him.  His lessons were informative, fun, and relaxing.  I often felt I was not in the midst of a lesson, but spending time with a long time friend who just happens to be well versed at aquatics and is taking the time to show me.  He tweaked the little bit I already knew and soon had me swimming the length of the pool!" ~ Israel Antonio ~ Screenwriter, Playwright, Actor, Triathlete ~ January 7,2010 "For the past 5 years-- working with Erwin as personal trainer has been a wellness motivator for me and my husband. He is great in exercise, of course, but also educated on diet, massage and a most importantly has a generous spirit. He is the best." ~ Helen K. ~ January 5, 2010