I am a 47-year-old man who has been training w/ Martin for about three months now. It is life-changing! I am way stronger than when I start (5 push-ups the first day to 30 today!), and I have lost fat thanks to his focus on nutrition. My favorite thing - under Martin's direction I haven't gotten injured once! I recommend him highly! read more

Last summer I decided to hire a trainer. My 50th birthday was about nine months away and I was determined to meet this milestone in the best physical/mental condition possible. Coming from a family that lives almost forever (Grandpa died at 100) I had to imagine that if is the midpoint for me then I owe it to myself to make the next 50 as smooth as I can. I've always had a strong core, but for the past few years I've had more padding than was comfortable. I also knew myself, how much I love sugar, how I feel deprived if I can't have dessert every day! I found Martin Mapoma and he agreed to take on this 49 year old Cuban sugar-lover on a mission. I signed up for his 12 week program and committed fully, obsessively at times. BUT, rest assured, if he had told me to go down to zero sugar from day one I don't think I would have stood for it. He didn't do that. Instead, he had me send him photos of EVERY meal I ate. No judgement, but it was a requirement. And gradually I found myself following his directives. "Now, let's let go of the half-bagels." Ok, I can do that." Later, the nine-grain toast. And so on. Now, as I edge toward the close of my initial program with Martin, I do not eat a bunch of sugar every day, or every other day. I just don't eat it. And guess what, I don't miss it. But I will say again, it was not a zero to sixty situation. It was a natural progression. The strength training/stretching/HIIT elements of my work with Martin were also revelations for me. I followed instructions and teachings with curiosity and became fascinated with how my body/muscles operate. The fact that Martin does not work in a "shred every day and push yourself to death" fell right in line with the wisdom of my almost 50 years. I know not to push through pain if I want to keep doing something. I reserve the right to stop at any time. This mantra has kept me coming back to exercise because I require a humane approach. And that is Martin's approach exactly. It ensures longevity, which is why I'm doing this, right? I'm down 16 pounds so far, with muscle and tone that makes me giddy, did I mention that? I train in some way almost every day. I sleep more soundly. Migraines are a memory. Life should be enjoyed. Physical well-being is a gift we give ourselves. If you have your health you're a rich human. If you have a body that works but is weighed down by habits and inertia, I recommend investing in it/you. Martin has been a great investment and I am grateful. Thanks, Mapoma. read more

Long term health was one of my main objectives when I decided to hire Martin as a trainer. I had a hard time staying consistent because I'd always follow the same pattern. Workout too hard - Get sore - Rest for extended periods. Life would get busy and those rest periods would get longer and longer. Getting injured would make things even worse. Martin helped set me up for long term success and consistency. He focuses on all aspects of training including diet, form, technique, and most importantly recovery. He is also one of the most knowledgeable trainers I've ever worked with that is certified in damn near everything. A year after my initial session with him, I've been more consistent with working out than ever before and I give credit to Martin for helping me get there! read more

I've attended Martin's Tuesday/Thursday kettlebell class for the past 3 months and it's changed my body. I've developed lean muscles, feel stronger,and am in better shape than I was at 20. Martin's class is always changing, incredibly fun and gives me the energy to take on the day! He is a patient and caring trainer who pushes you (without getting injured) to make the most out of each workout. Thanks to Martin I'll be in top shape for my wedding in a couple months. The kettlebell class is also very affordable. read more

Physique Factor - Kettlebells under the Christmas tree. - Trainers Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Martin is my coach and I really enjoy training with him. Great course with nutrition guide and doable homework. I feel growing strong and fit every week and my body looks the way I expected. read more

Martin Mapoma's Physique Factor is the finest upholstery business in Los Angeles. In me, trainer Mapoma transformed an old, overstuffed couch with legs into a well-conditioned human being. I couldn't be more grateful. Mapoma's success at breathing life into students lies in his extraordinary abilities as an instructor. He wove into each of my kettlebell sessions elements of cardiovascular movement, boxing, kenetics, nutrition and circuit training. It was apparent after just one class that I'd burned fat, built muscle and improved my endurance. The trainer's impressive creative skills are outmatched only by his strengths in assessment, motivation and communication. Rebuilding someone - changing a person's life - does not come without a student's putting in hard work. Mapoma's expert, energetic guidance made the struggle fun. Pasadena is home to a constellation of the nation's best gastronomic, educational, artistic and horticultural institutions. But Physique Factor and Martin Mapoma are the city's brightest stars. read more

I've never had a REAL trainer before - not until I started working with Martin. By the time I got to him, I was ready to give up. It was a last Hail Mary before my wedding. What I've gotten out of it is so much more than I expected or even hoped for. Pretty quickly it went from wedding panic to a complete lifestyle and outlook change. I was never in unbearable pain, but the changes in my body were consistent and evident. I'm stronger than I've ever been at any age - and I'm 41. And I'm just getting started! No more boo-hooing about my 40+ body. It's going to be better than I ever was at 25 because of the things I'm learning from him. I never thought I'd see myself swinging giant kettle bells and doing pushups, but I'm loving it! He ACTUALLY makes it fun. As a long-time gym hater, I never thought this would be possible. read more

To say my workout with Martin kicks my ass every session is an understatement. I do kettlebell and boxing workouts. Both condition my entire body and leave me feeling strong and powerful afterwards. Although my arms and legs may feel like jello the next day, I definitely feel and see the difference. Martin is easy to talk to, and fun to workout with. He is able to work with my ever-changing work schedule and is able to give me tips on what kind of workouts to do while I'm on business trips. Come join his kettlebell class, you won't be disappointed! read more

Best workout ever. The turkey day workout got me moving and let me feel like I could indulge for Thanksgiving. Martin is the best!!!! ~Kyla

Workouts with Martin are ones that I save up for and savor every minute of! He makes the pain of intense exercise melt away with a positive attitude and can do encouragement. I've done his private sessions (focused primarily on boxing), group kettlebell classes and holiday group workouts. All the time I've spent with Martin has kicked my butt, left me sore and hungry for more!! I appreciate his knowledge for health, safety and fitness, especially since my old elbow injury requires special attention. I also love the gym he works out of, Reflex Performance. All the trainers and clients are friendly, focused and make you feel like you're welcome. Can't wait to go see Martin again soon and get my muscles moving!! read more

Martin: great guy! Really spends the full time with you and has a genuine desire to assist you in reaching your goals. I definitely see a difference when training with him. He is not only focused on actual movements and workouts during my hour with him, but he also offers great feedback on nutrition and stretching outside of the gym. Definitely recommend trying him! Tell him Jason sent ya! read more

Martin is a fantastic strength coach! He's a certified RKC Kettlebell trainer which is the gold standard in this specialized training. He is incredibly patient and is always so upbeat and positive. He is an amazing boxing and kickboxing coach as well...my sessions with him are definite stress relievers! Martin also knows his craft well and is methodical in developing customized training programs for each of his clients based on their goals. read more

When I first started working out with Martin I was close to 400 pounds and I had a broken arm and wrist from falling off of my bike. Martin worked with me to increase my flexibility, endurance, and made a big difference in my recovery after injury. I have lost almost fifty pounds in a year and a half, and I have learned a lot from Martin about avoiding injury and staying on a program. Martin and I train with a heart rate monitor and he tailors what we do so that I am always challenged but never pushed beyond my capabilities - he also works in exercises that I enjoy (like boxing and heavy battling ropes) so that I have fun while I train. Martin works with a wide range of clients, and can make a big difference as long as you are serious and committed to your goal. read more

Working out with Martin is a great stress-reliever. We focus primarily on boxing and kickboxing. It's very empowering to be able to kick and hit with accuracy and power. I enjoy the intensity of the work out. read more

Martin was highly recommended to me by one of my fellow xc teammates at school. I'd do the same for anyone else in a heartbeat. I started with his one on one training program around Christmas of last year with the intention of getting stronger for the upcoming track season. I'm not even a month into the season now and have PRd in the 800, 1600, and 3200. Martin is the best one could hope for in a trainer and a friend! Thanks for helping me get to where I want to go! read more

Martin Mapoma is the best personal trainer ever. He is extremely knowledgeable about his field and spends a lot of time and energy in the area of professional development. As a result, his clients benefit from the most up to date and most effective training sessions; individualized to meet their specific goals. I lost weight and reshaped my body due to my sessions with Martin. Originally a size 14-16, I am now a size 10, toned and much leaner. I enjoy exercise for the first time in my life and feel the satisfaction of a job well done when we finish our sessions. This is due to the variety and the challenges that Martin employs with each client. He is an exceptional trainer, who loves what he does. He will change your body and improve your health! read more

Martin is an excellent trainer and physiologist. He borders on restoration qualities that a good physical therapist would have. He is both knowledgable and intuitive about his clients abilities and needs. My Wife and Children (23,17,16) have been training with him for about a year, and they finally got me through the door in the last few weeks. Originally I found Martin on Yelp as we moved from Santa Barbara, and my wife wanted to continue with her Kettlebell program, and he was highly rated, and he acceled in knowledge and skill. My Children started shortly thereafter and worked with Kettlebell, and kickboxing. They found a new motivation for working out with the fun and challenge of kickboxing. As I got started, Martin was able to quickly diagnose my restrictions, and started me slowly with stretching and mobilization, and listened to my aerobic restrictions, always cogniscent of my heart rate. If you are worried about starting a new regimen, and remaining injury free, Martin is the trainer for you. If you have injuries and need a trainer to help you restore function, Martin can help you through. I am a medical doctor and interventional pain management specialist, and deal with work related injuries in my practice. I have suffered with back pain myself and been injured by another trainer in the past, even after I warned him of my previous injuries. I am learning kettle bell and some kickboxing from Martin, who is willing to push you just enough to keep you improving, but keep you safe and uninjured. If you are needing a personal trainer, or even group sessions (as I do with my family), you should try him, even if you have tried someone else, you should give him a try before committing to anyone else long term. Most importantly, this is not a solicited or fixed review. I often wonder if someone is a friend or family member, and just boosting reviews. I found Martin through Yelp, and the reviews were true. I am just paying it forward as we are extremely satisfied clients... although it already feels as if we are more like new friends of Martin's. read more

I continue to enjoy working out with Martin! Our workouts never get old or boring! About a year ago, I finally started listening to Martin's nutrition advice as well and cut out gluten from my diet. The result: I dropped 40 lbs and have kept it off. I look and feel so much better than I did a year ago and Martin's workouts have really complimented my new look with strengthening and toning. If you're looking for a caring and dedicated trainer, look no further! read more

I've been taking boxing lessons from Martin for several months now and he is the best! He makes workouts fun so you don't feel like it's a workout even though you are working really hard/sweating/getting in shape. He is able to drive you to perform your best while making it fun. Also - he's equally great working with kids - I bring my friend's 12 year old daughter for boxing lessons and she LOVES it!! Highly highly recommend!! read more

I've been working out with Martin for about six years now, and I still look forward to each session. Martin has a lot of energy and is easy to get along with. This is important if you want a long-term relationship with your trainer. Martin is very knowledgeable about the best training techniques for various sports. We've recently been conditioning for tennis and building strength and flexibility with body-weight routines. Martin is also one of the few certified kettlebell trainers in the area. If you want to get strong with kettlebells without getting hurt, you should contact Martin. I also recommend boxing. It's good for cardiovascular conditioning, and it's a great stress release! read more

I have been training with Martin for just over one year and am very happy with my progress. Lost 20 lbs along with improving mobility and strength. I attribute my success to his vast knowledge of how the body works. The twice-weekly workout is enhanced with his creativity of body-wight exercises and the most important strength tool a human being can utilize: the Kettlebell. I mentioned all my challenges in a previous review and never thought I could achieve much but Martin was patient and encouraging with me. If you are any age but particularly 50+ you must consider Martin as a trainer as I have achieved many personal physical goals but it could not have been without Martin's help. read more

Great workouts are what you get with Martin. Whether it's a kettlebell class or a bootcamp burn, Martin is professional, knowledgeable, personable and a terrific motivator. Always challenging with endless variations, you will leave a Martin workout feeling accomplished and strong and ready to come back and do it again. read more

I had always wanted to incorporate boxing into my workout, so after my sister found Martin for kettle bell classes, she and I started partner work-outs with Martin with boxing as the main focus. Martin is so knowledgeable about boxing (and all aspects of health and fitness), but he introduces things into our workout at a pace that is challenging but that he knows we can handle. Martin totally has a knack for keeping workouts fun, interesting and shaped to me, to the point that I don't know how hard I've been working out until we finish. Another great thing about Martin is how positive and supportive he is. He's genuinely involved and cares about his client's success. He's always in my corner, pointing out my victories while at the same time pushing me to go further. With Martin, I totally see my body transforming. I'm not only losing pounds, I'm also so much stronger and reshaped. I don't think I would have been on this road without him. Thanks, Martin! read more