I have been training with Archi for almost six months now and my body has never undergone a transformation as drastic. My body is in the most aesthetically pleasing shape it has ever been and has given me the confidence I desired to pursue a modeling career (part-time). At the reasonable price Archi offers training, I consider my training with him to be one of the best deals I ever scored. Previously, I had been a high school and college athlete involved in swimming and tae kwon do. After college I was left in that awkward post-athlete fitness limbo. I no longer had the opportunity of relying coaches spoon feeding me training and nutrition sets, and I lacked the resources and confidence to find solutions independently. As a result, my body degraded and I was left at 185 pounds with 27% body fat at my worst. That was the point I knew I needed to change. I recently moved to DC for work and immediately went to find a trainer that could use athletic background and discipline to help me reach me goals. I found Archi and he made it clear the path to my personal fitness goals would not be easy. He walked me through, step-by-step, the nutritional and training requirements he foresaw to achieve my goal, and offered background information sources to lay a foundation to my own independent research and understanding of fitness. The first month went smoothly. I had rapid fat loss and weight drop due to the nutritional changes I made mixed with altered fitness regimens. My the end of the first month I was 10% body fat at 172 lbs. This progress abruptly halted my month 2/3 where the body fat loss stopped at 6% and I was whittled down to 165 lbs. I was hungry, tired, and frustrated beyond belief. But, Archi encouraged sticking to my plan by explaining, bluntly, this is how it works. This would be the hard part of the training and if I wanted to reach my goals I need to suck it up and power through it. He offered small tricks to help ease the struggle, but the process was still a challenge overall. By month 4 I had thought I had plateaued, maintaining 6% body fat, but in reality I was gaining muscle as evidence by my gaining weight (170 lbs). I finally had breakthrough in month 5 reaching 5% body fat and resting at 173 lbs. My abs began to show, my arms were visibly defined and larger, and I was no longer craving junk foods or large portions. My body was finally reaching a steady state towards my goal. I'm in month 6 now and have continued to build muscle sitting at 5% body fat and 176 lbs. I am aware that I need to maintain a high level of workload to maintain this figure long-term, and it is not easy some days. However, Archi's constant encouragement and willingness to support my progress by whatever means necessary gives me great confidence that I will reach a steady state at my desired fitness level. Overall, I have loved my experience working with Archi. Is it easy? No. Archi can't give you the motivation and determination to reach your goals. He can only give you the tools to help you achieve your desired fitness level, with helpful reminders and tips during those hard times. If you have the motivation to truly change your body, and the means to afford a trainer, I highly recommend Archi to get you to your dream fitness level. read more

I'll begin by saying I lost over 20 pounds in just 1 month, of working with Archie. I started training with Archie because I felt as though I just needed someone to hold me to my own fitness goals. My main goal when I met Archie was to lose weight, and get myself back to where I was in college at the very least. For most of my life I have been pretty skinny, but I started putting on weight after graduating college. As a 24 year-old male, I had been lifting consistently since I was 19. So the weight training was the easier element of the plan we had laid out. What I did not expect, though, was the breadth of knowledge that I could gain from working with him. I learned new techniques for exercises that I already knew, in addition to tweaks to those exercises that pushed me to my limits. Archie is big on high repetition and low weight. The new dietary plan was the harder element. Archie proved to be incredibly knowledgeable, and provided me with the information that I wish I had when I was still in college. He helped me better understand my specific caloric needs in addition to explaining the importance of tracking what foods I am consuming. He also gave me some cheats to help me better enjoy some foods that I may find disgusting. I came in to this process expecting to only lose a couple of pounds per week which was fine by my standards. Progress is progress. What I did not expect, was that by sticking to the diet six days per week (I threw in a cheat day every once in a while) I could lose about 20 pounds in the first month! Before I knew it, I moving multiple notches up the belt. It became commonplace for me to be able to lose at least three or four pounds per week. I got down to a weight that I haven't seen since 2016, and despite taking time off for the holidays, I can soon be in the best shape I've ever been in. Archie has done an incredible job of teaching and supporting me, and I can't thank him enough. read more

22lbs and 11% fat lost in 3.5 months! Arkadiy (Archi) has had an incredibly positive impact on my life. I've been working with Archi for the last three months, after my weight had started to get out of control and I needed a kick start back to health. After growing up as the skinny kid who could eat anything and never had to work out, I gained about 30lbs over the last three years. I never learned to work out, and have always been a bit nervous in gyms. Archi has a great personality, and he helped me feel comfortable in the gym, which was really important to me. In addition, he makes our workouts feel fun, and needless to say, he's helped me get results I want! Finally, because I travel a lot for work, it was really important to me that my trainer could teach me how to use the equipment, so that when I'm traveling, I can do the same (or similar) workouts at any hotel gym. I was a bit skeptical about taking a solely weightlifting approach to working out when we first started, but the results I've had have really proven to me that it works! Archi has also been really helpful on consulting me on my diet. Again, I had never had to think about food until recently, and the way he has walked me through how to stay on track with my diet (even when traveling and living out of hotels) has been really helpful, and I think a major part of the success I've had. I'm excited to see my results after the next several months! I can't recommend Archi enough! read more

Look no further, Archie is your trainer. The proof is in the pudding--I've been going to him for just over 4 months and have already lost nearly 40 pounds (and counting), dropping from around 230 to 190. I hope to drop another 40 in the next few months. And it's not just me: I've been doing the sessions together with my wife, who's also lost around 30 pounds. Along with the weight loss, we've both seen significant muscle gains. Archie keeps things incredibly simple. Restrict calories and weight training. That's it. No gimmicks. No endless hours doing cardio (unless you want to, which I emphatically do not). No fad dieting. Just eat less and lift weights. It works. Another thing I love about Archie: he's not doing a bunch of new stuff at every session. He instead focuses on developing some core exercises/movements, so you can perfect them and do them on your own. In other words, he's giving you the tools to better yourself--precisely what a good trainer should do. To top it all off, he's a great guy and he's hilarious! Seriously. My wife and I are often cracking up during our sessions. It is not a chore at all. We look forward to them. He's also very flexible in terms of scheduling. It's no exaggeration to say that going to Archie has changed my life. If you're looking for a trainer who will help your achieve your fitness goals, motivate you, and give you tools you can use for the rest of your life, go to him! read more

I have been working out with Archie for the past 2 years. His professionalism and passion for training are so strong that it makes you want to try harder. After all these years I still rely on him for the extra push I need to finish a set instead of just giving up. It's his dedication that drives me to push through. It also surprises me how he comes up with new exercise routines that challenge my body and at the same time bring new energy to our training session. We train twice a week and because of his enthusiasm I got inspired to finally start working out by myself too. Now, I pretty much work out 4 times per week and this has to do mainly with Archie. His way of explaining and showing to me the appropriate form for each exercise, teaching me how to understand my body and how much to push or not, made me be more conscious when I train and be more aware of how my body works. Another important point of his professionalism is how he dealt with a recent injury I had on my right shoulder. Instead of ignoring it, or even pushing me, we worked out methodically on ways to improve my physical condition and after a few weeks I can see a big improvement. In my opinion what makes him a great personal trainer is his commitment to my excellence and my evolvement even when I don't feel like trying hard. This is what I appreciate the most and what makes me to looking forward to every training session. Thanos read more

I never understand why someone would hire a trainer who looks like they ate the previous trainer who held the position. My goal was to be in the best shape of my life. And who would be a better person to guide me than a national champion. Arkadiy (Archie) is a great personal trainer in large part because he is an excellent teacher. His personal training sessions have taught me how to create a varied and effective workout. Archie consistently explains why we're doing what we're doing. He is very proactive too! He provides good information about healthy diets that is useful in everyday situations. Most importantly, Archie is just a cool guy, who is easy to talk to, and makes you feel very comfortable. His customized approach, attention to your form, and motivational style make him a great choice for anyone interested in living a more healthy lifestyle. In addition to fitness, Archie is an expert in nutrition; helping me take the steps to build healthy habits for the long-term. Archie has changed not only my body but also my own expectations of what my body can accomplish. Whether you are a couch potato who's never touched the door knob of a gym or a seasoned professional athlete, you will not do better than Archie if you are willing to put the work in with him. If you're serious about reaching your fitness goals, Archie will make sure you get there. I highly recommend him! read more

I started working with Archie several months ago and highly recommend him without the slightest reservation to anybody who is looking to pursue fitness or health related goals. When I did my first consultation with Archie, I was initially reluctant to work with a personal trainer: part of this was out of embarrassment for how out of shape I had allowed myself to become, and another part was simply ignorance - I'm happy to say that after just a few sessions with Archie it became clear to me that I have never been more wrong. Within the first two months of working with Archie, I lost 20 lbs. Beyond weight loss though, I have watched myself grow stronger and have seen improvement in almost every one of our sessions. If you are looking to lose weight, grow muscle, or just learn new exercises, you will not find a better trainer. Archie will learn what your personal goals are, tailor a work out regimen to your needs, and hold you accountable to it. He's also just a generally great guy, and the good conversations we have every session make the hard work at the gym not only easier to endure, but something to look forward to. Whether you are new to the gym or have years of experience working out, if you have goals you want to achieve and are having trouble getting there on your own, Archie is your guy. read more

When I came to Arkadiy (Archie) my fat percentage was 11% with a waist size of 35. Now I am at 7% with a 32 waist. My boss calls me 7%. Archie changed my diet, and even though I was somewhat skeptical about his advise, he kept saying trust me, trust me and give the changes in my diet a chance to work. Now, of course I am no longer skeptical. So much so, I have been advising co-workers, who were so impressed with my changes, with diet advise. Another goal is too add more muscle and thickness as a preventative measure against aging. Archie having been a super heavy weight competitor in bodybuilding is an expert in that field as well. He is great at making sure the proper form is executed during the exercise. He is not only concerned with increasing the weight of the movement, form and number of reps completed properly are his priority. Slow and steady wins the prize and limits injury. So if one is seeking a personal trainer who is extremely knowledgeable both in diet and weight training, who genuinely has his clients goals as his priority and who is very likable and easy to talk too, then look no further. Archie Makarov is the trainer you want! read more

My waist size had gown 3 inches. Pants didn't fit. Needed to do something. A friend suggested that I try her trainer, Archie who worked out of Gold's Gym on 19TH street. Best suggestion I ever received from her. At Archie's suggestion I radically changed my diet and stared an exercise program with him. Over time I dropped 3 inches from my waist and added solid muscle to my frame. One of the things that I am really impressed with about Archie is his diligence in making sure that the proper form is followed. He doesn't worry just about increasing the weight used. Slow and steady, results will follow and less chance for injury. Archie used to compete in super heavy weight division. His knowledge about nutrition and weight lifting is extensive. My goal now is to continue with adding muscle size. I like the transformation I have achieved. Archie is a Transformer. So my advise, if one is seeking a trainer who is very knowledgeable with nutrition and exercise, attentive to his clients goals and aspirations and very personable then Archie is your man! read more

Hi, I am forever grateful to Archie since he's a wonderful trainer and a life coach. I stumbled on Archie while I couldn't find my ways amongst the intimidating machines at the gym. Archie provided great guidance since the first day I met him even when I was not his client. Archie's love and passion for his career are very apparent in his everyday interactions with the general public. He wants you to be healthy and happy. I just started this weight loss challenge at work and was so fortunate and happy to meet Archie who gave me the extra boost and gave me confidence that I could achieve my goals and succeed. He believed in me when my the people closest to me didn't know how to. At the end of the journey, I had lost close to 50 lbs. It gave me the happiness, focus and new life that I was looking for. For these and many other reasons, I would recommend Archie since he cares about you and your goals, not your $ like most other trainers I have met. He'll meet you where you are but will push you to new limits without you panting and suffering. read more

I had my first meeting with Archie in June 2018. In just seven months, he has transformed my body and made me stronger and healthier than I've ever been. When I started, I was about to turn 50. I am 6'1 and was just under 200 pounds. I thought I was pretty fit from doing vigorous yoga the past decade, but wanted to get stronger and a little leaner. Archie took my body fat percentage and it was much higher than I realized. From that point forward, Archie put me on a nutrition plan and I started lifting with him twice a week. In just seven months, I dropped 30 pounds of fat, and added significant muscle. And Archie has helped make it far easier and more enjoyable than I ever imagined. Archie really knows his craft and is a great motivator. Just looking at him and you can see he practices what he preaches. He is also very responsive, has been flexible on scheduling, and his gym set up at Bench is great. Highly Recommend. read more

For over 15 years I've worked with male and female trainers to prepare for triathlons, half marathons, and overall fitness. However, I'm proud to say my greatest results came while training with Archie!!! I'm all seriousness, working with Archie from Jan 2017- October 2017 I lost a total of 40lbs, from 201lbs to 161lbs, and got down to 4.5% body fat. In that same span, I completed in my first physique bodybuilding competition and placed 2nd in the over- 40 and the novice categories. While the results were great, the real story is in how Archie helped me get there. He prescribed a 1600 calorie meal plan and the strategy to make it work. Not to mention motivation and confidence to 1)keep coming to the gym; and 2) kept me pushing through every set (typically never less than 12 reps per set). If your goal is real results and real fitness, trust me, Archie will help you get there!!! Darrel (Capitol Hill) read more

Archy is a great trainer. He loves what he does which make the sessions focused and fun. It's been like going to the gym with a friend who just happens to be really knowledgeable about training, health and nutrition. I've worked with other trainers before but the main thing about training with Archy, that has led to better results is that he doesn't just tell you which exercises to do next. He helps you establish longterm, holistic health habits. During our first meeting, he gave me a crash course on the human body, diet, nutrition and how it all specifically related to my body and my goals. Armed with that information, I've seen faster gains then I had with previous trainers. In about 3 months, I've steadily lost weight while gaining muscle. It's all because of Archy's efficient workout sessions and knowing now what to do outside the gym, in my daily life to promote good health. read more

I've used multiple trainers in the past 15 years but had yet to find someone that can help with a healthy balance of nutrition guidance, strength training and overall education of a healthy life style, until I met Archie. He truly has a gift of pushing you hard during the training session and making you feel good about it, and helps you to get the best results possible. While maintaining focus on the goals we had set for me in the beginning. His knowledge of the human anatomy and how to slightly change a simple exercise to get higher results is amazing! Archie has undoubtedly changed how I view my diet and physical health which has resulted in a much healthier, energetic lifestyle, not to mention a much leaner body and increased muscle mass. On top of which, I am able to maintain it very easily. I would recommend Archie full heartedly. read more

Archi is so wonderful to train with. His knowledge about nutrition is what has helped me get into the best shape of my life at the age of 35. So many of my friends as me how I did it. I owe this to Archi's expertise with recommending the right diet and exercise for me. All I had to do was follow his direction and I immediately saw results. I was an instant believer after just a few weeks of meeting him and dropping 10 lbs. He is very easy to work out with and makes going to the gym fun. I am very small (95 lbs) and he doesn't try to overload me with weights, but keeps it at a difficult, yet workable pace. I appreciate his attention to my form and how he always corrects me if I am doing it incorrectly. Overall, Archi is the best trainer I've had over the past 20 years and I really owe my body development and happiness to him. read more

I don't need to be held by a hand all the time but when I started with weight lifting I didn't know much about it, not the right technic not the nutritional part of it. I had been recommended by a friend to see Archie who has been training with him for a while and his body changed incredibly. On our first session, Archie created a nutritional plan, giving me tons of tips and recipes which makes it very easy to follow. He keeps weekly report on my body fat percentage which is very encouraging to see results since diet is one of the most important parts of the process. Besides, he is a really sweet person and he makes training go fast and fun. I highly recommend Archie for people looking for one on one customized training to meet t individual goals. read more

I have been working out with Archi over the last 4 months and I can tell you that i have seen the result of hard work in my body. Archi is a passionate health professional who will get you to your fitness goals with velocity. He is extremely knowledgeable about health and physical training and he's very creative with exercises that have full body engagement so that you are maximizing the time spent working out. Archi is the best trainer I have ever worked with (hands down). He kept me motivated and helped me to build muscle and stay fit. If you are looking to complete a triathlon, gain muscle, drop fat, run faster, jump higher or achieve some other goal you have always wanted to realize then Archi is the guy you want to work out with. read more

Archie is the BEST! I've been training with him for a little over a month and the experience has been SO much more than just learning to lift/tone- he is really passionate about nutrition and has helped me better understand what I should be eating to get the results that I want. I always felt overwhelmed when trying to diet on my own, but I've learned more in the last few weeks than I have in years of trying to break it down by myself. I cannot recommend him enough and couldn't be more proud of the transformation I've started to have in such a short amount of time! read more

I am really happy to write this review about Archie and the way his method works out. He is extremely accurate into pinpointing the areas that you need to built upon, and his methods along with the dietary tips,helps to completely transform your body to a way that you would never being able to achieve on your own. Before I knew him my weight was 265 pounds and rising. With his systematic workout and dietary discipline I am now bellow 200 pounds and extremely happy for myself that I found the right person for the right job!!!!!!!!! read more