Dave is an amazing coach! He makes sure to teach you about proper and corrective form rather than just going through the motions. He really cares about his clients health and well being. Not to mention he has many years of experience. Highly recommend! read more

I'm a new client with David so will have to post and update in a couple of months to report on my results. But I can say that he is tough and has the goal of making you STRONGER. I am sore for literally days after a session with him not because I'm out of shape (I'm an avid marathoner) but because he finds every single weak, less developed spot on my body and targets that. Upper back? Check. Lower core? Check. Never done a pull up in my life? He promises I'll be able to do 10. He's also really nice and the Velocity Gym is a convenient location to meet him. Bonus: I would've paid him just for the stretching session he worked me through after our workout. Bonus for having a big, strong PT! read more

I have always considered myself someone who is in relatively good shape and often pride myself on my discipline. With that said, I have never felt so out of shape in my life as I did when I trained with David Waters for the very first time. I needed a challenge and I got that and more! One year and many muay thai, combat fitness, and personal training sessions later I feel stronger and more confident than I have ever before. Before I started training with Dave, I couldn't do a single push-up. Now, I can do 232 push-ups without dropping to my knees. I have lost 20lbs and lowered my body fat percentage from 32% to 9%. Dave is an excellent trainer because he recognizes the potential in his clients. He leads every person to meet their goals and will push your body beyond the limits set by your mind. He is a personal trainer for both those who want to learn their way around a gym and others who are in need of a greater challenge. I cannot recommend him enough! read more

I've been to many gyms, and I have had a number of trainers. Waters is among the best, if not the best I've known. He is first of all very knowledgeable with strength training and nutrition. He is personable, punctual, polite, and best of all fun. The hour flies by. His education and care he exudes makes you feel comfortable when a gym can be intimidating. He is a gem of a trainer and a class act. David also trains my 15 year old daughter who runs track at Santa Monica High School. He his terrific with teens. He is young at heart and truly knows how to keep her interested and having fun. She always looks forward to training with him. Her friends often ask to join her to meet him because she speaks so highly of him and he is a great coach and good friend now. I believe we found a trainer and friend for as long as he'll have us :) I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM! read more

I found Dave through Yelp and started training with him in August 2018. I hated exercising and I thought I was going to quit 3 weeks in, but Dave kept me motivated. He's professional and very approachable, and knows his stuff. I was what you would call "skinny fat", but now -15 lbs so far and a lot stronger and less tired at work. I also like that Dave doesn't do much chit-chat either, which I notice a lot of other trainers do with their clients... if you're able to have a full conversation while exercising, your trainer isn't pushing you hard enough! He also includes boxing sessions in workouts, which are always fun. read more

David is professional, top of his league. I am a very focused person so the usual idle chit-chat trainers can sometimes engage in does not happen with my time with David. All work and no play, makes Naureen a hot girl:) read more

David is beyond the best trainer I ever had! I have done boot camps, spin classes, gym classes etc and I get better results when I train with David. He has transformed my body to look better than it was in my athletic years. Every workout he switches up the exercise which shocks my body, and that's reason I get the best results. It's never a boring workout! He knows what he's doing and also knows all about nutrition. I definitely recommend him!!! read more

I found out about David from a friend a few weeks before I was leaving LA and was interested in taking some lessons in boxing/muay thai. One of the hardest parts about leaving LA for school was leaving the training. David was great about motivating me early in the morning and making me work incredibly hard the entire session, every time. After just coming off rowing in college, it was difficult finding something to supplement the workout, but David pulled it off. Despite only being able to do a few sessions, I was already able to see changes in my body and my fitness level and hooked to using boxing as a new training tool. I've been following his training and blog to keep up with all of his advice across the country. Needless to say, when I return to LA I will be going back to David for training! read more

I have been an active gym goer for the past two years. Always took spinning classes, always lifted, but for some reason I could never get the results that I wanted. Until I met Dave, I have been training with him for the past 3 weeks and within those 3 weeks he has managed to help me lose 13lbs! (and still counting) The great thing about working with Dave is that the work outs are always different, which means your body will never get used to it, you will never stop making your gains! He also combines isolated and compound exercises which make you burn those calories even when you are lifting! But above all he sure knows how to motivate his clients! He recognizes your strengths and weaknesses and works with both, to make you an even better athlete! There is no goal that can't be reached with Dave working with you. read more

I trained with David for several months. Muay Thai kickboxing once a week and regular personal training once a week. The guy knows his stuff and is always experimenting with innovative ways to kick your butt into shape. Muay Thai with him is hella fun. Learned a lot and got compliments on my arms all the time while training with him. read more

Dave knows his stuff and puts you through an amazing workout. When I'm training for a fight, I always use David to help me prepare with pad work ,cardio and improve my explosive style. Overall, his workouts can cater to all types of people. Whether your the average Joe or the serious athlete, you should contact Dave. read more

It's been great working out with David. His workouts are intense but also really fun! I didn't want someone who would make me do the same repetitions every time but someone who would challenge me, keep things interesting and someone I would ultimately learn from. David has done all of that! I particularly enjoyed doing Muay Thai with him. It's great to work out and be challenged while learning a new art. I highly recommend David!! read more

David is is a great trainer if you want results. His approach seems simple but it really works (just make sure to follow the plan!). I started working out with him last April and within 6 months I'd lost 30 pounds and double digits in body fat percentage. Now that my focus has shifted to building muscle, I'm doing things - like pull-ups - that I haven't been able to do in years. Highly recommended! read more

Been training with Dave since 09, he is an amazing trainer. Prior to training with Dave I hated running and was stuck in a rut. Now I run every day. Dave incorporates boxing with cardio with circuit training! You can never get bored!. He's seen me through a broken femur even doing water training so I didn't gain 100 lbs while I was recovering. He's really patient but really pushes to work hard. He knows his stuff and unlike any other trainer I've worked with he is willing to teach you so that you can do the workouts when he's not around. I just started a regime with Dave a month ago because I'm getting married and my wedding is in 4 weeks and already I see my arms and booty looking better than it did when I first bought the dress. read more

If you wanna get into shape, definitely get pushed to your limit & without feeling like a trainer is gonna make you faint. Then david might just be right for you. Besides being a really great & genuine guy. He has an extensive amount of personal training experience that also incorporates a lot of Martial arts & Boxing skill. His new Combat fitness class is a cross between cross training & weight lifting. You'll be drenched by the end of it & ready ta call MOMMY!. He has a lot of different types of classes & his one on ones are fantastically structured for any individuals needs. I've been working with him for over 2 years now through Muay Thai & Combat fitness. Definitely check the man out read more

First off, I was not the personal trainer type before I started working out with Dave. Now, 1.5 years (closer to 2 years?) later and I'm singing a new tune about this whole personal trainer thang. Here's what happened: I've always been athletic, but I had gained some weight after some thyroid issues, and I was ready to get back in shape. I started hitting the gym alone and felt alright about my workouts. Waters reached out, and I took him up on a trial session...I had no idea that I had no idea how to work out in a gym!!! I started training with Dave 2 - 4 times a week and actually enjoyed his crazy, intense workouts - he really knows how to keep it fresh, and I have learned so many things! (about workouts, gym equipment, and my body). Dave makes sure that I really get as much out of every workout as possible. He pushes me beyond my "limit" and toward my potential, full throttle. Optimizing potential seems to be his general M.O., and he's damn good at it. Also, I had no idea how much I'd love muay thai boxing! Meanwhile, I lost the weight, and became STRONGER (not bulkier!) than I've ever been in my life. I feel so good about my body and I really do have Mr. Waters to thank for that. Dave is truly a wonderful trainer. He's also a good dude. (And a funny one...which is so necessary in this intense context). Every workout is an investment in my health and overall well-being, and it continues to pay off. I give my highest of recommendations to Mr. David Waters! read more

I've been through some tough workouts being a former Marine and the closest anyone has come to really testing me is this guy. A great trainer who recognizes the potential in his clients. Utilizing everything in the gym to have a different and fun workout each time you train with him. read more

I have been training with Dave Waters for over 2.5 years, twice a week. Even after approx 250 sessions with him, every session feels different. He is an expert at changing it up and keeping the workouts feeling new. He works great individually but also if I bring a friend or two to tag along. In my opinion, his best trait is his ability to motivate. I cannot believe even to this day I am able to complete his workouts. That is why I stick with him. I have a stressful job. Training with him is the healthiest way to combat work stress. Not just working out in general, but specifically training with Dave. He is also respectful, friendly, and attentive. Stick with Dave, you will NOT be disappointed. read more

I started training with Dave as preparation for my wedding. Prior to working out with Dave I was addicted to classes (everything from spin, barre, bootcamp, etc.), within 2 weeks of working out with Dave I started seeing better results than years of taking those classes. He helped transform my body, helped with eating suggestions and helped me surpass my weight goals for my wedding. I lost over 15 pounds, and felt so strong and confident on my wedding day. He is amazing to work with, and truly makes himself available for his clients. I had many pre-wedding freak outs about my weight, and Dave was always there to help reassure me I could do it. The workouts are always new, he switches it up which makes it fun and interesting. Even though my wedding is over, I am still training with him! read more

David waters is champ! He will customize your workout routine completely and work with you directly to get the results you want. For me personally, I am not a gym person. I love being outdoors and breathing fresh air. David created an outdoor routine and I couldn't have been happier! He is positive, tough, and you will see results. :) read more

I've only been training with David for about a month, and I'm already seeing results. Although I have been active and health-conscious throughout my life, I had never worked out with a trainer at a gym before; I never expected how energized, happy and strong it would make me feel. David is always coming up with creative, fun and effective workouts that challenge me and leave me with a sense of accomplishment and a nice endorphin buzz. read more

Dave is absolutely fantastic!! I've played sports my whole life and trained in so many different ways but he still managed to come up with new (and really hard) things to try every time! I complain often when I am scared to try new things but he is so good at inspiring and helping push me to new levels and do things I never thought I could do! That being said, he's really good at working around injuries and not forcing you to do anything you truly can't do....He kicks my butt and it looks amazing! I've never had a trainer make me so sore after my workouts!! read more

I never thought I would have a personal trainer. I am an athletic person who tries to live a healthy, balanced life but I am not at all obsessed about fitness. I recently moved from NYC to LA and decided to go for a trial to kickstart my new life the right way. I did a little research and David had a 5 star rating and great reviews. Well the trial turned into a membership because he is that good! He's exactly what I need to stay motivated to get the results and balance I am looking for. Plus he is a nice, genuine person and keeps the workouts fun and interesting. I actually look forward to going even if I feel like my butt was kicked the time before. It's ok if I am sore after because I know it's necessary and working. Believe me you won't be disappointed! read more

So, I thought i was reasonably in shape. It had been awhile. I'm 52. My first session with David i wanted to show what i could do. 40 minutes in, i was on my back in a dizzy fog, with delusional thoughts about rising from the mat for more. Yea, i thought about getting up for 25 minutes. David fed me a recovery drink which snapped me out of it. And so began a indispensible journey of discovery, limits, and personal goals redefined. I was hooked. David leads by example. His example is naturally inspirational. I've nicknamed him, "Dangerous Waters." I tell my girlfriend on session days..."I'm heading into Dangerous Waters..." followed by the typical..."Uh oh, good luck!" She loves him for the physical results and mental boosts i'm getting. Besides the female nods, a byproduct of David's work has included a return to the tennis court -- an injury had kept me out of 5.0 tourneys since my mid-thirties...now i'm back, stronger than ever, hitting the hell out of the ball with better mobility -- the dead arm symptoms are gone--newly discovered brute force has prevailed. David focuses on functional strength, way beyond the "vanity" muscles -- my core, trunk, back and legs have never felt stronger. His methods are basic -- perfect form, challenging weight amounts, and those haunting rep requests..."I want 20, just like this..." Buyer beware -- if you're looking for someone to socialize with, to give you that extra minute or two to recover, and someone to delude you up with empty props around your progress, don't sign up. If you're serious and want to discover your fitness potential and love a challenge, David's your man. Jump on the yelp offer. I'd tell you more, but right now i have to plan my next-day eating and get to bed. Heading into Dangerous Waters tomorrow...somewhere between love and hate, i can't wait for what the rapids may bring. -Pete read more

Dave is a great trainer who will get you in shape. Period. Plus, if you are interested in learning about MMA, Muay Thai or Wrestling he is very knowledgeable about all of it . read more

Dave's a good trainer. I was gone for about a month and came home bigger than I should be so Dave and I got to work. I lost about 20lbs in 3 weeks, fixed a lot of my diet as well, and gained muscle/tone. Dave's also a good choice if you want to learn MMA, Muay Thai, or Wrestling. I have a fair amount of experience so he's been good to work with and he is still able to show me new stuff all the time. While he knows his stuff he's not a "fitness geek" like a lot of trainers in LA are. read more

I have been attending Dave's classes at Velocity for about half a year, and I feel much stronger now than I did 6 months ago. His intense workouts push me past my comfort zone, but they are always super fun. If you want to look and feel stronger and fitter, I would highly recommend training with Dave. read more

Great workouts and a great motivator as well. He not only helped me reach my goals but SURPASS them as well!!!