I am currently working with Lauren in preparation for my wedding next year. She's incredible! My…read moregoal for the wedding was to have toned arms and back-- well, we've achieved that AND MORE. She's motivating and encouraging and I feel the burn after every session. It's doesn't matter your skill level, Lauren will create a workout that's right for you and your goals. It's the best investment I've made-- for my health and for my confidence.

I participated in CHT's new injury prevention for runners program, which you complete at your own…read moreconvenience at home using an app on your phone. I had a great experience, as a moderately serious runner who has not given enough attention to strength and stability training in the past. Long story short, the program really helped support my running and I don't think it was a coincidence that in the half-marathon that the program was helping me build toward, I ran a PR. Some might be skeptical of a program that is not in-person. However, I found it convenient to be able to complete the workouts at a time and place that worked for me, and also found that I still got a lot of benefits that I wouldn't have gotten just working out without the support of a trainer. Cody designs and structures all the workouts to gradually build in difficulty level, and records great videos himself to explain them. Most importantly he is super available to answer questions via the messaging function of the app - I had a few questions over the course of the program and he always provided illuminating, detailed answers and thoughtful suggestions. It's also possible to come into the studio to work on specific things or with questions, and Cody offered this option to me - in the end it turned out not to be necessary, but was good to have as an option. Additionally, the check-in function on the app, so that Cody can see your progress, provides accountability for those who, like me, don't have the discipline to stick to a training schedule completely on their own. Overall the program is perfect for those who, like me, want a program that is more flexible and affordable than in-person training, but provides more support and accountability than doing it all yourself.

I'm usually the person who joins a gym, or an exercise class, and then keeps finding excuses not to…read morego!! That all changed when I started working with Caitlin at Alexander Pilates. The studio itself is in a little cottage nestled in the woods, it is warm and homey and doesn't feel 'gym like', good news for someone like me!! That's not to say that the private classes with Caitlin aren't focused, challenging, and fun! Yes, fun! Caitlin knows how to find the balance between no nonsense and letting me be me. She pushes just enough that I feel it the next day but I'm not in pain. I get exercises to do at home, and she is really encouraging and non-judgmental. Even the days I don't want to go I end up being happy that I went. I highly recommend the studio and especially the wonderful Caitlin! Oh, and there's TONS of parking on site!!

I can't recommend Diana enough as a Pilates instructor. I really respond to her mix of sweetness…read moreand ability to challenge me. I leave every session with a smile on my face, feeling lighter and for me with my history of depression and anxiety, mixed with a hatred of exercise, that's a big deal!!!

Kent is an amazing trainer, motivator and teacher. He encouraged me to make needed changes in…read morenutrition and to push myself at strength training and running (a new skill for me) and that has helped me make huge changes in my fitness level and to lose weight. If you are ready to learn more about fitness and nutrition and make changes in your lifestyle, Kent will provide the support and encouragement to help you succeed.

I had two hip replacements and was unsure what kind of exercise routine would be safe and…read morebeneficial after being discharged. I worried about further injuring my joints but still wanted to stay active. Since training at Renu, my strength has increased significantly, and my mobility has improved. I also feel less stressed and anxious, and my mental well-being has never been better, and my sleep has improved, too. I ride horses and need to stay strong for all the related chores, these workouts help me do exactly that. I truly appreciate that every session is taught by knowledgeable instructors who adapt exercises to everyone's needs. They ensure everyone can achieve results without pain and get the most out of each workout. The wide range of equipment available at Renu is fantastic too, I'm so glad to have found a fitness approach that keeps me healthy and active after hip replacements." Michelle

Before Renu, I was frustrated by my failure to find a trainer or gym that understood the needs of…read morean older exerciser with some old injuries. As I recently retired, I was determined to improve my strength, mobility, and flexibility, and the difficulty I had in finding a place or person that felt appropriate was surprising. I feel super lucky to have found Renu. At the end of every session, I feel challenged but not beaten up. Dino is not only great at working around limitations but also working on improving those limitations (and has the credentials to back up his approach). I'm pretty new to Renu, but I feel like this approach will help me improve at a pace that's good for me and will help my consistency (which has been an ongoing issue). In the short time I've been going, the most significant change has been mentally. I just feel better in body and mind. What also stands out is the supportive environment; there is zero intimidation when walking into Renu. Everyone starts from where they are, and Dino is skilled at designing workouts and modifying them to each individual's strengths and weaknesses. It's like personal training in a small class environment, which I find uniquely motivating. If you're looking for a program but are worried about any limitations you may have, I recommend trying Renu.

I believe Kyle is the best kept secret in personal training in the Triangle…read more I want to tell you he is terrible, so you won't try to schedule with him. But, that would be a lie! He has listened to my goals, my challenges. He creates a weekly practice for me and one for me and my husband that is a thoughtfully planned workout, each session building to the next. I look forward to each challenging session because Kyle encourages me to exceed my best without pushing me beyond what is safe and reasonable. I feel safe, seen and know I will exceed my fitness goals with Kylie's guidance! Kyle is one of two trainers I work with at Empower ... I can't imagine any there who do not meet this standard ... if you are thinking of giving personal training a try, just go to Empower! You will be matched with a wonderful trainer who will do the same for you!

Great people, trainers, environment! Good for your body. The value in knowing what to do and how to…read moredo your training is of great value. Money is reasonable in maintaining your health.

One of the best classes I've ever taken. Most men may think Pilatees is only for women, I say try…read moreit for one week and you will change your mind. Pilatees with Linda will get your body in tune.

Linda is a gem of a Pilates instructor. Her knowledge of different exercises that will work for you…read morethe best seems limitless. Very personable and enthusiastic, yet perceptive enough to know just the right amount of encouragement without pushing too hard. She's very experienced working with seniors and youthful clients alike. Just give her a try. You will not be disappointed.

I was at the Diet and Fitness Center (DFC) for over 6 weeks. I had come to DFC with medical…read moreconcerns and had been very overweight. DFC helped me to lose a lot of weight. This was really important to me and therefore I think my stay was, overall, a success. DFC is a great program on paper (lots of quality people, good food, not a fad diet place at all), but having spent a pretty long time there, I now feel that the program itself has some serious issues which cannot be ignored. There shortcomings involved the staff, including the Director (Dr. Sha), facilities, and even fellow patients. DFC patients plan all of their daily meals based on their recommended calorie intake. So, the meals served at DFC are key ingredients in your potential success. Imagine my surprise when I encountered the incompetence of the cafeteria staff who served us our calorie-controlled DFC meals! There were, routinely, foul-ups of the portions or the foods we had calculated following DFC protocols. Sometimes food offered on the menu was out-of-stock, sometimes the wrong quantities were given, sometimes the cafeteria servers did not know what to do. I pointed out these concerns to the staff but pretty much nothing got fixed. It was distressing. The gym facilities include a variety of workout machines and a salt-water pool. The salt-water was a nice surprise, which I enjoyed. The gym machines (which are heavily used), however were not the most modern or up-to-date. I work out at a gym where I live in the midwest and I was surprised to see that several pieces of equipment are more modern than what DFC has. In addition, I had reported a hygiene problem concerning the presence of little black flies in the showers in the mens' locker room to staff, including to Dr. Sha, but even after several weeks, the flies were still there. While many DFC patients are serious about losing weight and provide a supportive group atmosphere, others can become a little frustrated and try to undermine other patients' success. I, unfortunately, encountered this situation more than once. For instance, after I had started to lose significant amounts of weight, other program participants asked me to my face "why" I was at DFC and whether I belonged there. I replied that I had the same reason for being at DFC as they did, namely to develop healthy lifestyle patterns and improve my health. Many of the staff at DFC are really good, and contribute to a strong program with excellent support for those trying to lose weight. The nutrition department staff, for instance, serve as solid resources for any questions about food and are highly motivated. There are, however, shortcomings at DFC about which people need to be aware. Housing Tip: DFC does not provide housing, so one has to shop around for housing in Durham. Trinity Commons is right nearby DFC, but you over-pay for being able to walk to DFC. Other accommodations in Durham offer more things for the same, or lower, price, and also provide daily shuttles to DFC.

A good, medically reviewed program but not for everyone…read more First let me say that the staff are very professional and the program is medically sound. Not a fad diet program. That said, the program may be frustrating for those who are younger, are a bit more physically active already, or not as overweight. The number of exercise classes could be increased to provide more options for those seeking a more challenging or intense work out. There are some good ones(boot camp, cardio circuit etc.) The lectures are helpful-especially regarding nutrition/portions/restaurant meals but if you are there for more then 2 weeks the classes repeat and it would be nice to have a greater number of offerings. Classes geared to the specific needs of younger clients would also be welcome. I found that I had a lot of down time and would have liked more structure. If you are not someone who will say "I have 3 hours of free time-I guess I should get on the treadmill or go swim some laps" you'll end up not doing much. Also-I understand that it is a temporary situation but sharing the facility with the Duke health and fitness center was annoying at times. For a younger person it gave the impression that you were in an assisted living/ retirement community. Not exactly a high energy vibe. Food is better then one might expect but there was always a off putting order in the dinning room that reminded me of hospital or other institutional kitchens. I'm not sure how to prevent that(more ventilation?) but it was really bothersome. Again, the program worked and I did lose lbs while there, and its a program that is realistic for maintaining at home, but if you're going to spend a lot of money and take time off it would be nice to have a more current and energizing feel. The atmosphere seemed more like a nursing home at times(why are there tables w/ jigsaw puzzles?)The class could be updated and expanded. Also-avoid staying at the Trinity Commons. While they are lovely units and conveniently located the manger seemed too aggressive and was uncomfortable to be around.

I've lost weight with the help of Luis Guzman. He's an independent personal trainer with his…read moreprivate gym. I've taken his Trampoline classes on Mondays and high impact Kickboxing classes on Fridays. Luis also teach salsa dancing too!