I'm a 45 year old woman in reasonable shape (with gravity most definitely playing it's roll and has been for the last few years) but was not satisfied with the way I was looking or feeling. I was working out a little bit at home but nothing too rigorous or consistent. I was searching for a program that would get me in top shape in the quickest amount of time since I'm taking a trip to Tulum, Mexico and will be in a bikini for 6 days. I looked at a few other programs but then I saw an add for The Change fitness and although very skeptical I decided to call Chris. He told me that although working out just 30 minutes, twice a week sounded too good to be true, he assured me I would achieve my goals. Okaaaaaay, so I took a chance and low and behold, he was right! I've been going just under 5 weeks now, twice a week (one on one with Chris) and doing no other form of exercise except for the odd hike to Torrey Pines every once in a while. I haven't changed any of my food intake but since I eat a mostly clean diet, I didn't think i needed to. My body has already changed, it's more toned, my arms are looking tight (I was starting to see saggy 45 year old skin that kind of hung......that's gone!), my legs are slimmer and my strength has amazed me. I'm lifting weights I never thought possible for me and Chris carefully increases the weight every time I go so that I gain strength exponentially. My back fat has almost disappeared and despite me not being able to see my back view very much, I'm assured that this is working ;-) I haven't "bulked up" like some women worry about when we life weights, in fact quite the opposite. Now, before you think that this is too good to be true, this is most definitely not an easy peasy workout. It's the hardest and most intense workout I've EVER done. I come out of there every time with a smile on my face but a body that feels like a noodle. He finely tunes the amount of weight and asks that you do a count of 4 seconds up, 4 seconds down, on his machines. The weight is heavy and we go to muscle failure..........muscle failure is where your muscles can't do one more rep..... it's suuuuper hard but that's where you really need to go to get the results the quickest. It blows my mind every time, haha, but I'm getting the results I want and I'm out of there in 30 minutes. I never thought that I would be able to push myself to this point to be honest, I've always just dabbled in weights without too much effort, so for me to say I'm going to muscle failure is really cool. Chris is ultimately professional, he's encouraging and positive and believes wholeheartedly in what he does. He pushes me but keeps things safe and knows how to get results. I look forward to my workouts every time I go and despite me wobbling out of there, my body just loves it and it shows. In a nutshell:- If you're looking to get into tip top shape in the least amount of time, in a safe and controlled way, give Chris a call. read more

Chris has reversed the aging process for me. Because of my workouts each week with Chris I am getting younger, healthier ... and stronger each week. I've been doing this for more than seven years and will continue for the rest of my life. It is the ONLY workout program I've ever known that has delivered on ALL its promises. When I started I could barely press 65 pounds with my legs and about the same with my bench press. In a couple of years I went off the machine after reaching 410 lbs with my leg presses and started doing squats with heavier weights. I'm now bench pressing 310 lbs. (10 reps lasting more than 3 minutes). Not bad for a seventy year old! My cardio tests in at ten years younger than my chronological age and all my doctors marvel at my progress. Most of my doctors have taken up this program because of me. This is the only workout I do ... once a week for half an hour. If you don't do this ... you're simply not taking care of yourself as well as you could. Everyone I have referred has had similar results, and all are glad that I referred them. You should start today. read more

I began working out with Chris at The Change Fitness almost one year ago. I am a very active person but have to be careful due to back issues, some knee pain from years of running and osteoporosis. I wanted to find a program and trainer that would tailor the workout to my individual needs. I needed weight bearing exercises for my osteoporosis and I also wanted to strengthen my core without hurting myself. Chris is extremely knowledgeable and put together a work out that has been phenomenal!!! Just 20-30 minutes twice a week and I feel fantastic.I am 62 years old and I have never been in better shape. I have way less aches and pains, more strength and endurance, increased muscle tone and my cholesterol levels have never been better. Your entire body benefits. Once you start, you just can't stop because it makes you feel so good and strong and positive. Chris is the BEST and is completely dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and beyond safely and effectively!! read more

My husband and I have been with Chris for over 10 years. His slow burn method of exercise is very effective! My husband is proof that it works. After doctors diagnosed him with osteoporosis, and muscle wasting in his legs form his exposure to agent orange in Viet Nam he was told he would probably be in a wheel chair within 2-5 years. After working with Chris for 2 years his muscles stopped wasting and he had no more osteoporosis. He now actually has a BUILD. His doctor is so impressed with his progress, he himself has signed up with Chris. For me I believe it has slowed the aging process to almost nothing. People tell me I look much younger than my age. We have made up our minds that Chris is our trainer for the rest of our lives. It's only 20-30 minutes per session and very effective. However, it is a long term commitment. Don't expect to see results after just a few sessions. read more

I have been working out at The Change Fitness for 8 years now. When I started the super slo workout with Chris, I did not realize how much out of shape I was. When done right, Chris keeps the workout below 30 minutes, twice a week is all you need. Like brushing your teeth twice a day. Don't think about it, just do it: like any other healthy habit. Chris makes it an enjoyable experience and keeps track of your progress for you. As a bonus you get access to Chris' vast knowledge on healthy living: healthy eating, relieve joint pains, posture adjustment, and even self defense. Since being coached by Chris I have had no more back problems on long car rides and I have replaced all my shirts because they have become to tight around my chest. I have kept my weight under control, and feel more energetic. read more

My husband and I both work out at the Change Fitness! We prefer an individual session, as opposed to a crowded gym setting. Chris, our trainer " has two locations, one in Poway and one in Mission Hills. He is thorough, honest, and super knowledgeable about strength training and nutrition, including access to an extensive library of books on health and exercise. We have attended for approximately four years. Simply show up for a half hour twice a week and you will be amazed at the positive changes. We can lift things easier, hike farther, have better balance, improved bone density readings, decreased blood sugar results, and overall feel absolutely fantastic. Just a half hour twice a week. It's a win win situation. Best thing we've done for our overall health read more

I am 76 years old and have done 20 minute MedX workouts twice a week for several years in the RB/Poway location. Chris is an excellent caring trainer who is most knowledgeable in his SuperSlow training method as well as diet, nutrition and how our bodies should work. He keeps me on track which I wouldn't do on my own. His workouts aren't easy and he will accommodate for occasional physical limitations. He's tough in a nice way and genuinely cares about his clients. His one-on-one studio has every piece of equipment needed for a successful personalized workout. It is immaculate and sanitized after every client. MedX works. You will be amazed how you look and feel with 20 minute sessions once or twice a week. Try it - you will like it and Chris! read more

Chris' method of slo-mo training with heavy weights simply makes your body workout intense in a very short time. Since I'm overweight with type II diabetes and knee problems, the workout he's given me is both safe and effective. What I use to do with weights and multiple reps and spending an average of 2-3 hours in a gym has now been cut down to less than one hour with excellent results. Chris is such a great coach. He's sensitive to any pains you may be experiencing and he alters the workout to help you achieve the same benefit without injuring yourself further. His calm but encouraging demeanor makes you feel supported. If you are looking for a good trainer, come on over and try Chris. Let him know Sheldon sent you. read more

CHris Kanakaris is not only a master of physical change but his work ethos and knowledge of all things physiological and anatomical exponentially expands his capabilities as a personal trainer. He counsels additionally on nutrition as solicited. One day I had skipped breakfast and coffee - he inquired regarding need for protein benefits prior to a workout. I've been able to participate more fully since that time. A friend has been a client for 8 years. Although older than I am, her svelte physique she attributes to Chris. In addition, he is an excellent listener re: client concerns. Two times / 20 minutes a week delivers amazing results! Both family /friends compliment me on new & improved physique! read more

At 81 I'm feeling good, mobile, and look forward every week to working with owner, Chris Kanakaris. Comments in previous reviews continue to be "right-on." One-on-one coaching appealed to me and I'm committed to continue. A 30-minute twice a week, no sweat workout, customized for client's ability and goals is what Chris delivers. In a friendly and supportive way, he gets me to push beyond what I thought I could. Chris listens to health concerns, helps with researching solutions, and provides a newsletter that continues to inform. Can't say enough about the positive, caring and supportive service offered. Yes, men workout with Chris as well. read more

I began working out with Chris Kanakaris at The Change Fitness years ago to help strengthen my back and reverse or stop osteoporosis, which it has. I love the fact that the strength training he teaches is most effective by increasing weight, not duration. I work out twice a week for 30 minutes each, and have seen great results. Chris is very knowledgeable about human anatomy and physiology, and adjusts my exercises when I have aches and pains. He also practices Egoscue, which has been a lifesaver when I have back, neck or shoulder pains. I've referred a number of people just for the Egoscue, and they've become clients. read more

I have been going to the Gym ,for over thirty years, and never experience such results as I had with The Change Fitnness.You work for thirty minutes, twice a week and that is all you need. I have more muscles, more endurance and even my body posture has change. Chris Kanakaris is an excellent instructor with lots of experience. I highly recommend this type of exercising for any age. I'm sixty four years old! Did I mention that he has two locations? read more

Chris' MANY "5 star" reviews speak for themselves. The fake SJ review by a desparate and unethical fitness competitor is an unfortunate flaw of the yelp app. The Change Fitness guarantees client satisfaction so if you decide any of the services (weight training, toning, flexibility, back pain therapy) are not for you, you are encouraged but not obligated to finish. read more