I had an awesome experience working with Mark in preparation for my wedding this past June. Each session was challenging but incredibly motivating. I certainly became stronger over the course of time, I lost weight but also gained the muscle I needed. I was very happy with my workouts and felt great leaving every morning. It was certainly the motivation I needed to get in to great shape for my wedding. read more

I was in the Southbay for 4 months and wanted a gym/ trainer to kick my butt and stumbled upon Mark at Body By Design. It turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. Not fussy- just straight forward personalized weight training. And, I didn't have to sign up for a year. I loved it and will miss it but will be back in a few months. Added bonus is the music he plays and the people he trains! ‍ read more

Body By Design - Mark got me ready for 4 day hiking the Grand Canyon! - Gyms Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Great work out, great equipment (old school) and great Trainer. One hour training with Mark and you know you had a workout experience.

I can't say enough about Body by Design and the owner, Mark Gontar. I'm not a big gym person and this 1000sq foot gem is perfect for a fantastic, intimate workout experience. Mark puts his heart and soul into devising the best workout tailored especially for your specific needs. The gym is super clean and everyone there is friendly and welcoming. I'm so happy to support this local, small business and my body has never been in better shape. read more

Mark runs a first class operation. I've been going to him for years. His gym is run with small group sessions however with individual workout plans. Everyone is doing something different. When you have an injury, he modifies your plan accordingly. The gym is always kept clean, no smelly gym odors here. When working out, he adjusts fans to your liking. He really wants you to succeed and works with you to get there. read more

Mark Is awesome. He makes you work hard but is always watching over you. There are usually other members there to help inspire each other. He truly cares about his clients and wants to guide us in our goals of working out. After decades and thousands of clients, you really feel he knows his stuff and keeps you focuased on the goals. I tried going to the gym by myself with no results. I feel 1000 times better and will keep working out with him for a long time. read more

Mark is such a great trainer! I like his gym because he welcomes all ages and fitness levels. He assesses your fitness goals and makes sure to tailor your workout program appropriately. I came to him for the first time about 4 years ago, and after the pandemic and gaining weight I knew I had to come back. He definitely pushes you and is tough on you but only wants to see you succeed. I personally love his training style and it keeps me coming back. Highly suggest trying him out! read more

I highly recommend Body by Design in Manhattan Beach! I have been working out at the facility for the past three weeks and it has been such an incredible experience for me. I am thoroughly impressed! I can honestly say that I have noticed a difference already. Mark, the owner/coach/trainer is highly knowledgeable in ALL things fitness related. Once you meet him you will instantly recognize that this is truly his passion. His workouts are individual and custom-based per client, his fees are more than reasonable, the facility is always clean and it's packed with updated equipment. I don't normally write reviews but I had been looking for a personal trainer for quite some time and I am super excited I was finally able to find one whom I plan to commit to (long-term). I wanted to share this info with others who may have spent some time looking as well. You will not be disappointed! If you're contemplating whether you should try it or not ...just try it and see for yourself. Mark is truly one of the best! read more

Owner and Coach Mark takes the time to assess where you are in your fitness level and goals to make sure the workouts he customizes for you get you results. His East Coast, dead pan humor mixed with his experience in strength training and overall fitness make training with him so.much.fun. Mark gives his clients time to get their cardio in because he knows that it is just as important as the weights. The vibe is chill but focused. If you want the time and attention to your workouts in an intimate and clean setting that has a good combo of different types of free weights and machines, definitely check out this gym. As with any personal training, you get what you put in. Mark is one passionate trainer who truly cares about his clients! So if you're serious about what your goals are and are willing to put in the work, then it'll be a match made in heaven! Oh because people may want to know, Mark is super conscientious about keeping the gym clean!! You can check out the gym for the first week at a reduced rate so don't wait! read more

I have never written a negative review but I feel anyone considering purchasing training sessions with Mark Gontar needs to be warned. Unfortunately for Mark, he is only a good trainer when he wants to be. On most days he is too angry to even respond to a simple good morning. If you ever disagree or challenge him, be prepared to be humiliated. There were many times I left Mark's gym feeling defeated. The worst came after I told him I would not be purchasing more training sessions. Although I still had ten more prepaid training sessions, he hardly spoke to me and when he did speak to me, it was in a condescending tone. Before my last training session I asked Mark via text for a receipt of the services I'd paid for. I paid Mark in cash and had no proof of payment to submit to my employer for reimbursement. After ignoring my request for a day, Mark responded that he did not give receipts, however, if I wrote him a nice review on Yelp and he liked it, he'd give me my receipt. I immediately refused, accused him of extortion and advised him I'd report him to the IRS if he did not provide me with a receipt. He arrogantly mocked the situation. I was not asking him for any special favors, I just wanted a receipt for services I had paid for. Despite my multiple requests, I never heard from Mark again. I never set foot back in his gym to finish the training I'd paid for from fear of being embarrassed and kicked out. From what I've come to learn of Mark, I fully expect for him to use his usual tactics and accuse me of lying and call me crazy just like he's done with everyone who has written a negative review of him. I highly advise you see the attached screenshots of our conversation before deciding to purchase his services. read more

Body By Design - Screenshots of my conversation with Mark. - Gyms Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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This is one of those business which requires a lot of interaction between the trainer and the client. Meaning that it is probably more telling to look at who is writing the review as opposed to whom the review is about. Although Mark may not be everyone, he's definitely for those who want results. Because this involves physical training, the results can be easily measured. My results are off the charts and for me to get results, I have found that a regimented and disciplined personal trainer is necessary. I like that when I leave the studio, I am spent. read more

Excellent trainer. Very motivating and flexible with my busy schedule of two jobs (im not a stay at home manhattan beach wife and this facility is for all folks who want to train hard of any age or employment). Sessions are with others but no more than 4 at once. This is all disclosed and explained when sign up. He offered 1 on 1 training but I prefer the group for my budget. He always is paying attention to form and technique. Never cancels. I like the music he plays, saw comments on that and I think those folks are just unhappy at everyone and everything. Definitely recommend. read more

Tried out Mark's gym to learn new lifting techniques and work out more regularly. His semi-private gym has been the right balance of motivation, personalized coaching and flexible scheduling to keep me consistent and fit. I hadn't been able to stay regular in my workouts for more than a few months until this and my results have been better than I expected. Mark pushes the right amount to get stronger without getting injured. Highly recommended read more

Mark is really good at pushing people hard. You start with cardio and then get into your workout. If something doesn't feel right just let him know and he will adapt the workout to your needs. He sets the workout for you and checks in with you at the beginning of the workout so that you're on the same page. read more

Be very careful with Mark, he gets angry very easily and does not keep his part of the deal...7 sessions for 49,00. I even gave him 50.00 cash and only got 3 or 4 sessions. I suggest you get a receipt for your money and an agreement, poor guy, he will not be able to get new business this way. I will keep him in my prayers. He s suffering and it is projected onto his clients. read more

Mark and Body By Design have really worked to help me build muscle, gain strength, raise my metabolic rate and lose fat. And stay completely motivated! Here's WHY his system works: (1) you have a time and date set, so you go, no last-minute putting it off (2) You can actually do it 3x/week month in and month out, because it doesn't completely blow your budget like going to a Bay Club personal trainer for $150/hr. (3) Just you and max of 3-4 other people in the gym at a time--no waiting for machines (4) the social aspect of a small group means people are friendly and FUN--you ENJOY going! (But you are still doing your own individual training, guided by Mark.)I I (5) Unlike gyms like 24 Hour or Bay Club you don't waste time traipsing 200 yards across the gym to get to the equipment. (6) Extremely limited number of people who go there means you're not as stressed about breathing in cold germs/viruses. I never enjoyed sharing air with hundreds of people at Bay Club. (7) Mark is like your uncle or big brother. He CARES and wants you to succeed and finds a way (often humorous) to get you to push harder. You can joke around with him, and the banter makes the whole experience fun and entertaining. To address a couple of potential concerns: (1) No you are not TIED to a day and time--I have to move my schedule a lot due to work travel or meetings--so I just pick another open day and time. It's still easy to get 3 workouts in each week. (2) If you have to cancel within 24 hours, just make it up within a week. (3) Yes, the gym is perfectly clean. I strongly encourage anyone who wants to get in shape and stay in shape consistently to sign up with Mark. I'm super happy I did and I don't see quitting this gym--ever. read more

Good energy in this place. Mark has years of personal training experience. You get a good workout and targeted instruction. Plus the vibe is up and motivating. I saw this gym for years and decided I needed weight resistance training again and Voila it has really been great. I'm a fan !! read more

Like many who start the new year, I thought about getting in better shape. I could have easily joined a gym like LA Fitness or Equinox. Knowing myself, I would get bored, stop going frequently, and ultimately lose money. I researched classes, but I found that many of the classes out there didn't cater or customize to my personal fitness goals and/or didn't fit my work schedule. I came across Body by Design in Manhattan Beach. What struck me immediately was that this small, private gym has been in business for nearly 30 years. I emailed the owner (Mark) about my interest in personal training. He offered me time slots in existing sessions. When I expressed that such time slots didn't fit my schedule, he worked with me and offered me a time outside of his typical schedule. Most importantly, he heard my fitness goals and developed a specific workout routine for me. Twice a week, Mark gives me one-on-one demonstration, guidance, and support with my exercises. He even logs and records the number of reps and sets I do for each exercise to monitor my progress. Mark is straight-forward, tough, and expects the most from those training with him. Likewise, I expect the most from him when he trains me. So far, he's developed workout regimens that have surpassed my expectations and delivered results. In just 3 months, I've already received comments from friends about how good I look. And of course, I feel stronger than ever. I highly recommend Body by Design for anyone looking for one-on-one training. Additionally, the more sessions you buy, the cheaper the workouts will be. I find that committing to more classes guarantees a long-term lifestyle change and undoubtedly better fitness outcomes. read more

Mark is rude to people and it's obvious personal training is not his passion. I cannot believe how I was treated when I told him I wasn't going to buy any more sessions -- very hostile and uncomfortably passive aggressive. He also doesn't tell you up front that your sessions are not necessarily one-on-one sessions. He'll often double, triple AND quadruple book an appointment!! It's sometimes quite literally becomes a group class. You do not get what you pay for here. I do not recommend. read more

I started training with Mark at his gym eight months ago. I have definitely gotten stronger and leaner. I like the discipline of working out there two days a week, knowing that I will get a full body workout every time. Mark provides instruction, personal attention and encouragement at each workout. Mark can be a tough coach when I need an extra push - this is the reason I go to a trainer. Let's face it, sit-ups are not fun, but a stronger core is! I enjoy the small group workouts and have met some really great people there. A+ read more

I have been a client for the past two years. Mark does a great job customizing the workout while pushing you to achieve maximum strength and conditioning. He knows his craft like no other! Erin read more

I really appreciate how Mark motivates and pushes me to my limits. I've never been one to frequent a gym but this place is ideal for someone who wants to come in and get your workout done efficiently. read more

Body By Design is definitely the place to be! Mark is an amazing trainer that provides just the right amount of push and motivation that you needed while working out! read more

I love working out with Mark! He really understands how to train each individual person. My boyfriend noticed that I looked different pretty quickly and of course I felt more confident and more toned after about four weeks! The gym is clean and safe and that's a priority for him. I know I need to increase bone density for long term health and he's helping me achieve that goal. Mark is such a good person and genuinely wants the best results for every one of his clients. I'm a huge fan! read more

Mark is one of the best motivational trainers I have worked out with since I had been an athlete. He is old school with his training - and has you do what he has done and had success with for years! Obviously he doesn't have you do exactly what he does - he adjust to your abilities. He is goal focus and truly helps you get to where you want to be! All I can say is thank you Mark. read more

Walking into Body By Design 3 years ago changed my life. Forty two pounds later. I look like I did 20 years ago. My plan was not only to lose weight, but to look athletic as I have enjoyed sports my whole life. Mark Gontar is serious about what he does and he tailors each workout to his client's needs. Taking copious notes, he trains up to 4 clients at a time which works for me as I don't want a trainer breathing down my neck the entire hour. Clients are welcome to come 20 minutes before their hour to get 20 minutes of bonus cardio in which I always take advantage of. I have met some great friends at the gym and the experience has been life changing for my health. The only thing I had to get used to is Mark's East Coast "charm". He can be a bit gruff at times but we all know that deep down he cares and just wants to train and for you to follow his directions. Love the gym, the trainer, the clients, and the classic rock music!! Going to BBD is something a look forward to and without a scheduled appointment with a trainer, I would never have achieved results. Thank you Mark! read more

Came here for two months, used Groupon for the first month, great deal and Mark is a great trainer, work me hard and push my limit, if I didn't move away I would continue, and if I move back that area will definitely go back!! read more

I highly recommend Mark at Body by Design for whatever your fitness goals may be. I have been going there for the past few months and while it is very hard work, I'm already feeling a difference in strength and confidence. He tailors workouts for whatever your goals are and makes you stick to them. And it is a very friendly and fun environment to workout in, but you will work hard. Very hard. And it is all worth it. read more

We all have different fitness goals and objectives, and that's what Body By Design specializes in. Mark, the owner is excellent! Mark is a great listener, and takes a custom approach to training. I already train on my own, but that's not enough. I go to Body By Design because of the custom workout plan Mark provides, and for the discipline he instills in his clients. Body By Design training is designed for all walks of life, and I highly recommend you go see Mark as summer is approaching soon! read more

If I could go with a negative 5 stars I would. Absolutely the worst trainer I have ever seen. Hands down. Sucks. I've trained before so let me tell you there's no weigh in. No bmi. No medical history. Zero nutrition info. I'm t1 diabetic and every other trainer I've had knows something that I can use and learn from. And they helped me loose just under 90 pounds. I was very lucky to have the time to change my life. Also to meet amazing people that wanted to help me change my life. That said Mark had no idea about diabetic needs. But let's just go with regular needs. Zip zero nada. I met with him and knew immediately that this wasn't going to work. There's no connection. He's rude disinterested and brisk. We set an appointment up. Oh yeah almost forgot no answer to my emails trying to set an appointment before my Groupon expired and I finally got him on the phone. That in itself was a weird conversation. I tried my best to get this guy to loosen up but mark just doesn't have the ability to interact with people. Told to come in early to stretch I did. 15 minutes early. Oh no. No time to stretch. Up onto the treadmill where mid stretch this guy starts the fucking treadmill!!!! Why ?well because he's looking into the parking lot for the other person he's training with me ! This is not a personal training session kids !! THESE ARE GROUP TRAINING SESSIONS!!!! And this guy cannot put his phone down. It was simply downhill from there. The most unprofessional trainer I've ever had. Whatever is so intriguing in his phone I suggest he save that for after hours. Because when you have a client you devote your time and energy into that person. Believe me I know I work with people everyday day. Straight up wtf is more important then the person right in front of you that showed up? We know you aren't answering emails! I ended up walking out. Antiqued training with a washed up trainer is a waste of time and money for me. The funniest thing was when I walked out he says " I'll refund your money " 3 weeks later no refund. Keep the money mark I could care less. However those of you that care about $ save yours. DON'T WASTE IT ON THIS GROUPON!!' what a joke seriously. He's using Groupon as a cash cow. read more

I purchased Marks program from Groupon and what a nightmare this has been. The first time I spoke to him it was all about Mark and his time he had to do the training. I expressed that I was just as busy and needed to have certain times within the time slot documented on the groupon. Well he can only come to the gym in the am (I have a job too) and it would be a bother for him to come back in the evening to train one person. Update your Groupon schedule so it can stop misleading people. As of today that has not been done. I reach out to him yesterday to set up my 7 sessions and we went through the same scheduling situation. I'm not putting myself through the process and just lose my $50.00 so I can keep negative people at bay. There are much better people with positive personalities that can do a great job without making everything about themselves. Good luck if you are considering this person for your training. read more

I started working out with Mark in October, here we are end of May and I am still there, although I also have a membership at The Bay Club. Mark is a great trainer, though, but good. He pushes you to do your best and backs off if you really can't, not if you think you can't. You are there to get results and you do get them. The Gym is clean, motivational sayings all around on the walls and the music is great too. The few bad reviews do not do this Gym or Trainer any justice; I recommend this place to everyone who is serious about getting in shape and want to get stronger and healthier. read more

I am having a great journey with mark. He has been very helpful and thoughtful in all of his assistance. There have been many times that I would have given up if I was by myself, but something in me doesn't want to let mark down. He has a great facility and helps you to feel like you are working towards your goals at all times. I would recommend anyone to at least stop by and see the gym. He is always welcoming and accommodating. Starting up is so easy, and his promotions make joining a no brainer. $100 for 12 sessions is 10x cheaper than other gyms would charge. Worth trying out to say the least! Thanks for all the help mark! read more

The experience I have had with Body By Design thus far is incredible-almost indescribable. I joined 6 weeks ago as part of a ReDesignU Challege. I wanted to be get in shape for many reasons one of them being overall health. I have gone to other gyms, done other boot camps, done a variety of nutritional programs but never really felt motivated to stick with one thing or another. That is until I found Body by Design! When I came in for my first consult with the owner Joey Huber, I was motivated by his excitement, his knowledge and his desire to help people to change. Listening to him I kept thinking to myself this is "the real deal". His program incorporated fitness, nutrition & accountability. He was actually more determined to help me meet my goal then I was and it was refreshing and inspiring. Everyone has a "why" and everyone's journey is different but the trainers at BBD are the BEST of the BEST! They motivate you and believe in you when you don't even believe in yourself. They are there step by step to help you succeed and pick you up when the wheels fall slightly off track. This wasn't just a 6 week program or just any gym or just another boot camp or just another fitness expert. Every class is different, every workout is different but the vibe is very much the same - motivating, inspiring, challenging and fun experience I have ever had! The members and the staff are remarkable and what keeps me coming day after day. This program has help me achieve goals I never thought were possible and it has shown me a life I never envisioned having. My journey with Body by Design has just begun and I highly recommend this program, this gym to anyone and everyone. read more

I hate giving reviews like that (I know you've heard it before). I would probably give more stars if I actually got into a single training session. First time when I tried to set up our first session I had Groupon (that I had to return later). The only time slots available were 5-6am twice a week. Maybe he was right, I "did not want to have a beautiful body THAT much" at that point. No big deal. Second time in couple months (when my schedule got more flexible) I called again and the trainer suggested to come by and look at the schedule board together and asked where I lived. I said I lived around the corner, 5 minutes walk away. He started asking who told me last time about limited time availability and whether I actually had a car (why?..) and we suddenly got disconnected. I called back right away (to ask what would be the best time to come over) and left a voicemail, but nothing in response. However, this time I was very determined so I came by and the place was closed (5pm). That was the day I finally found out the actual schedule because there is no info on their website and google/yelp business hours info is obviously incorrect. Came by again today during business hours (what and idiot, right? But I wanted hot body, remember?). Closed. Nobody answered my emails (sent one in back May and one in August) or called back after I left a voicemail. Ok, got the hint. I will still be crying at night and wondering what exactly happened. I was very polite (repaeating "hot body" mantra in my mind), but maybe he hated my accent?..))) P.S. He talks a lot about how busy, hardworking, successful and popular he is. He can talk all he wants as long as he trains people well. Never got to that. read more

I found Mark on Groupon--I am always a little skeptical about purchasing services such as this through the site, but I just moved to Manhattan Beach, and decided to try something new! I just had my third training session, and so far Mark has been fantastic! I'm not looking to lose a ton of weight, but I definitely need some extra motivation to get from thin to toned. Before this, I never had very much experience with weight lifting, and I am so excited about everything Mark has taught me thus far! Additionally, to counter a couple of the negative reviews I have seen on yelp...Yes, Mark does train in group settings at times. However, I don't personally see that as an issue. As far as I know, people come to personal training for that extra push they need to see results--if you don't have the discipline to continue reps if your trainer walks away for 5 minutes to help someone else, maybe this wouldn't be the right fit for you. However, if you want to find a good, personable, trainer who will create a workout for you and push you to work harder than you have before, this could definitely be the place for you! Overall, loving this place so far. I would definitely recommend it! read more

The worst gym I've ever visited. Tiny, dark and super crowded. The equipment is dated. The "personal" training sessions I was sold turned out to be group sessions. There is awful 80's music BLASTING through the stuffy play pen this man calls a gym. And then there's Mark... the most clueless, abrasive, out-of-shape excuse for a trainer I've ever had the displeasure of meeting. After I let him know (very sweetly) that I wouldn't be able to train with him, HE SENT ME HARASSING TEXTS. But I think what struck me most about my very brief visit to this disgusting den of sweat was the overall vibe...the people working out there seemed so hopeless and depressed. And after meeting Mark I totally understood why they all looked like they'd given up on life. I cannot understand how this man has even a single client. He's repulsive and his facilities are too. read more

My wife and I started working out with Mark about 3 months ago. So far, so great! This is the first time I was able to stick with an exercise regimen in my entire life. Mark is patient, professional and adjusts the workout to your level. Also, he's makes it fun and keeps you motivated and moving forward. I highly recommend Mark and his perfectly-sized gym. read more

With each visit I feel stronger and stronger! Mark, the owner and trainer, challenges me during each session. By the end of the week, it feels like every single muscle in my body has had a workout. The gym is well equipped to fulfill all my weight-training needs. Mark also instructed me in exercises using my own body weight and provided me with cardio training. read more

Been training there for about 2 months now and feeling a big difference already! Mark the trainer knows his stuff and keeps an eye on you and your form. I am signing up for another 3 months and look forward to even more improvement read more