I needed help. I couldn't afford a trainer for an ongoing routine, but I needed to know how to use…read moregym equipment. I've worked with Chika twice. She's matter-of-fact. She gets straight to the point. She is kind and compassionate. Truly, she wasn't anything like I expected. There was no yelling or overly perky encouragement. She listened to me. She watched me move. She showed me how to do exercises that were in keeping with my poor physical condition. At no point did she make me feel ungainly or out of place. And I am ungainly. Ha! I also loathe loathe loathe exercising. I've been driven to it by a health condition that responds best to weight loss. I will be going back to Chika occasionally because of her calm yet energizing personality. I felt completely comfortable and wish I could see her on a weekly basis. She will help you. Don't be scared like I was. Call Chika. :D

Let me say right away that trainers like Chika are incredibly rare. You probably already know how…read moremany trainers are out there who just immerse you immediately into physically demanding cardio without understanding the state of your body, what your tolerances are, and without regard for proper position during exercise. I have been taking private sessions with Chika at South Congress Athletic Club for eight months. Her knowledge of the human body is amazing and she is committed to your improvement, injury-free. She understands every twinge, every little strange sensation in your knee or back, and teaches you that you should pay attention to these messages from your body. She will help you if you already have injuries and teaches you how to prevent them. I'm a dancer--a ridiculously old dancer. But as much as I love it, the injuries, the pain, and Cortisone injections in my knee were getting me down. I had a membership at a gym and had been trying various machines trying to strengthen my legs to support my knees, but everything felt like I was damaging my knees further. I also had a shoulder injury that needed help. I went to Chika to find out what movements were destroying my knees; to get help with flexibility and strength in one shoulder; and to develop a general strength-building series of personalized exercises for what I wanted to do that I could learn to do on my own. She spent the first session observing how I move. I was so anxious to dive into strength-building, I didn't even realize how important this was. She identified the crazy imbalance between my left and right side that I didn't even realize was going on (and mind you I dance looking at a mirror constantly). She told me we had to correct this first in order to keep me from injuring myself. That did not take long and soon I was constantly employing the little tricks she showed me to balance myself out and I began functioning equally on both sides. That's when the real fun started. Her workouts are truly fun. Have you ever had fun doing abs? No crunches! I am so much stronger and I'm able to lift quite a bit of weight with my legs with NO KNEE PAIN. She also worked with my chiropractor to further develop a shoulder exercise and we worked that into my routine. Because of Chika I avoided a costly knee operation and I've strengthen my legs to prevent future injury; I understand the value of listening to my body when it is telling me something is a little off; and I have way more fun doing my strength-building workouts on my own. And when I go to my sessions with Chika, I look forward to it and we have fun, we laugh, but I'm still working my butt off!

Coach Ashley is an amazing running coach along with being a wonderful person. Her programs range…read morefrom very beginner 1-2mile run walks to full marathon training. I'm a person who could do a 2mi but anything more than that would leave me sore for DAYS and ready to puke... I'm happy to say just two weeks ago with Ashley's help I ran The Cap 10K!!! Seriously! Not just jogged but I completed the whole race with 12min miles and her by my side the whole time helping with visualizations and breathing techniques. She was so wonderful during the training, but I did not expect her to coach me side by side through the whole race. It's really a testament to her beautiful spirit and commitment as a coach.

Coach Ashley has changed my life. Become A Runner program was a great way for me to start running-…read morefirst time runner. She is knowledgeable, not intimidating and knows how to motivate and support!

April is the best personal trainer I have ever had by far. I hired her last January (hello New…read moreYear's resolution) after several moms at my sons' school recommended her. She came to my house, brought all the equipment, and made my life and reaching my goal easy. I lost 20 pounds and 16 inches in 12 weeks and have kept it off for eight months and counting. Her nutritional education, insights and advice are amazing. Also she is personable, encouraging, and so fun to be around. Absolute best investment I made in 2009.

Fit Steady is the answer. If you're reading this review you've probably been considering getting a…read morepersonal trainer or joining a gym. Stop. You've searched enough, Melanie and the Fit Steady team will connect you with the trainer that's perfect for you. About 6 months ago I started my journey to fitness (again). After searching Yelp for reviews, Googling trainers and gyms near where I live, nothing looked all that appealing or different than what I'd tried before. Until I came across Fit Steady. After taking 5 minutes or so to read through the website and browse the list of trainers who were available (the list was much shorter back when I joined...) I decided to go ahead and fill out the Contact Us and ask for a consultation. Melanie set up an appointment very quickly got to the point, she was going to find me a trainer. One that would take their time, fit my personality, and tailor a program what I needed. That's just not something that sales people at the big box gyms will do, or even consider doing. Ever since that fateful day when I first spoke with Melanie I've been working with Anne Walker (my Fit Steady match!) and have nothing but great things to say about the experience. I'm closer than I ever have been to meeting my fitness and health goals, I credit this success to the time that Melanie spent to get to know me and my needs, and her ability to find a trainer who matched up perfectly. I wholeheartedly support and recommend Fit Steady!

FitSteady is awesome! From my first contact, Melanie was on it! She worked with me to learn about…read morewhere I am today and what my goals are for fitness. She used my specific data to find the right trainer for me. The trainer that I am paired with is great! He is focused on my success, and we work together at a level that is right for me. If you are serious about fitness and have had trouble finding the right starting point, FitSteady is your answer. You will be glad you did it!

If you are looking for a personal trainer who is dedicated to helping you change the way you work…read moreout and get better results, you have to contact Phil Gephart. His approach is based on an in depth assessment of each individual - using bio signature modulation to allow you to address your individual goals. Before my first workout, he spent two hours with me to find out if my body was unbalanced or I needed to increase strength or range of motion in any area of my body. The nutritional recommendations and the training has made such a difference in results, it's amazing. Thanks Phil!

Back story: I went through a bone marrow transplant due to lymphoma a year and a half ago. After…read morebattling my way back into life I want to get my body running in tip top shape. I found a deal on Zozi offering personal training and the gym was right across the street from my work so I thought "what the hell?" and bought it. I am so thankful I did! Phil is awesome! Not only do I always feel challenged in my workout but I always leave feeling great! His ability to mix strength training with cardio with flexibility is second to none. Today: I feel my old "athletic" self coming back and its all thanks to Phil and his training!

This is a response to my previous review. To be honest, I would like to be done with this company,…read morebut I cannot let a business owner leave a reply that is not true at all. Nicole, your reply to my review is not true. I honestly cannot believe the audacity that you have to blatantly not tell the truth in your response. 1. I did not lose a "good amount of weight" by working out with you and I was not even close to my goal weight. I'm not sure why you would even say that. 2. I did not quit for "personal" reasons. I had to stop because of medical reasons for a period of time. My goal was to only stop during the duration of my recovery from radiation per my Oncologist's/Endocrinologist's request. If you are talking about personal: I did share with you that my father in law had passed away during the time of my recovery, but that had nothing to do with us continuing to train. 3. Yes, I did ask for a refund because of my unforeseen medical situation. I had been in the hospital twice and I shared with you that my father in law had passed away and I could use that money to help with arrangements and I would have gladly picked back up my training with you when I was 100% better. - You never responded to my text - When you finally did (almost a week later) you were rude and very cold - You made things VERY awkward - You got upset when I started to hold you accountable for promises already made in regards to my training, training session times, and money arrangements. 4. I DID NOT CHOOSE TO END MY TRAINING. YOU CHOSE TO END MY TRAINING BY GOING BACK ON WHAT YOU SAID TO ME. You didn't like that I was holding you accountable for things that you said and did during the duration of our short time training. You said: "I was trying to be kind and let you keep them indefinitely even though I didn't have to. To be honest when you come at me like this it makes me regret doing so" and by coming at you, you must be referring to me keeping you accountable for what you said, trying to figure out when I would get my last training sessions in with you, and not just let you keep my hard earned money. 5. You have NEVER sent me my workouts! EVER! I have asked you at least 4-5 times and you never sent them to me. As a matter of fact I finally had to tell you never mind I will type up what I can remember from the workouts. You are 100% not telling the truth by saying you would "resend" workouts that you provided me because YOU NEVER SENT THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. 6. Per your contract, which I'm sure you're familiar with it states: CUT CLAUSE: Invictus Fitness reserves the right to end your program at any time for any reason. If this should happen with paid workouts remaining you receive a pro-rated refund. Well, you cut me. WHERE IS MY REFUND? If you didn't cut me, then why did you block my number? Why did you make promises and then go back on them? How can an honest business woman do that? HOW DO YOU EXPECT ME TO TRAIN WITH YOU AGAIN AND GET WHAT I PAID FOR WHEN YOU BLOCKED ME AND WON'T RESPOND BACK TO ME. Lastly, I do not need a copy of my contract because I have one and clearly you don't follow your own contact anyway, I do not need to train with you ever again and clearly that wasn't your intention either because you blocked my number, and I don't need any workout information from you because clearly you would have given me the information the first time I asked for it. What I do need is for you to be an honest business woman and for you to have integrity within your company to fulfill your end of obligations when asked from a client. I would also like for honesty to be spoken. There is no need to not tell the truth when handling business arrangements and fulfilling promises made between two people when your client is just trying to hold you accountable for your words and actions. *I added a picture of Nicole's first response* *I added another picture of Nicole's second response* ***UPDATE TO NICOLE'S SECOND RESPONSE*** I asked for a refund and you said no, ok that's fine. This has nothing to do with that, it is everything else, but I get it, you're trying to save face. I'm not frustrated. I'm just letting everyone know what type of person you are and how you run your business. I didn't refuse an offer because no offer was given to me. You blocked me. It's ok, I have proof of all my "claims/events". I hope you can find it in your heart to run your business better and stop taking people's money. Thanks!

I just wrapped up 7 months of personal training with Nicole. After some pandemic weight gain, much…read moreless activity and a difficult year, I knew I needed some help and support with my fitness. I wanted to drop some weight, get fitter, and feel stronger. Nicole came to my house twice a week to train me, and she was the right balance of encouraging and challenging. She never made me feel bad for not being able to do something but trained me at the level I was at and pushed me to do better week after week. She also gave me pointers on my diet, which was immensely helpful in helping me drop weight. In addition to training, Nicole is just an all around awesome person and I enjoyed our time each week to chat and catch up while we worked out. I've lost 30 pounds, 17 inches, and 14% body fat, and I've never felt better. I'm motivated to continue on with my healthy lifestyle and to keep getting fitter. I wish I could give Nicole more than five stars in my review-she's amazing!

If you want to get in shape, get in the habit of working out, and learn new workout techniques…read morewithout someone screaming in your face to motivate you, or without running around carrying tires, you'll enjoy Athletic Blast. This was my first training/camp, and after going for a month, I'm now in the habit of working out regularly. Another plus: my clothes now all fit, which means I have more outfits to choose from without having to purchase new ones. :) Overall: enjoyable, personable trainer, individual attention. Definitely do it for a month at minimum.

Anthony was the first step that I took into starting a massive life-style change…read more Upon our initial meeting, Anthony and I discussed my goals, what I wanted to focus on and what I wanted to achieve. Granted some of my goals were unrealistic and a bit comical, but Anthony was able to reel in the reality of what we could work on now! Anthony's workouts never fell short of being a challenge. If it looked like the exercise was too easy, Anthony would make a suggestion on how to pick up the intensity, and reminding me that it's my workout. There are always modifications that could help the workout become more challenging. The best part of the workouts, aside from the workouts themselves and getting into finer shape ;) was Anthony's attitude and encouragement. When he notices you struggle with exercises and reps, he would use positive reinforcement to remind you why you were there and why you were working, and helping you achieve the goals that you set for yourself. I definitely have changed my life-style to a healthier and more fit path, and I'll never look back! Jorge V.

I've done a number of different boot camps in Austin, TX and SWAT Fit Camp is by far the best in…read moreAustin. SWAT Fit Camp is the toughest camp, taught by the best trainers, who successfully challenge every single person in the camp, regardless of their fitness level. As a lifelong soccer player, I recommend this boot camp for experienced athletes as well as those people new to training. Carol was able to challenge me at camp while also training both of my parents - who lost a lot of weight and changed their diet as a result of the boot camp. I am such a fan of SWAT, I've been a camper for 3 years! It is the best workout in town and Carol, Bobby and June have helped me with everything from recovering from ACL surgery to helping me get in shape for my wedding. I wouldn't go anywhere else for my fitness - these trainers are the absolute, #1 best in the Austin area.

June Morrow, owner of Lean Images, is an amazing personal trainer. She kicks A**!…read moreShe lives what she teaches. Just look at her picture on the website. That's really her! She puts her 20 years of personal training experience to work every time I enter her personal studio. Imagine having a fully stocked gym all to yourself, just you and the trainer. How do I know she kicks butt? I've gained 12 lbs of muscle and lost body fat. Growing up I never had upper body strength and just assumed it was my body type, but she helped me DOUBLE my bench press. She also runs Boot Camps, although I haven't gone to any of them I hear they are the best around for cardio and losing weight.