Randy barno is the man. He changed my life. This isn't your typical training session. I've seen the…read moretrainers at various gyms and they're nothing compared to this. I lost 50 lbs in under 4 months. Girls started showing me attention. My dad started telling people i was his son. His workouts are far from your average workouts. You'll be doing things you never imagined and go home and feel good about it! Definitely worth it.

Randy is an amazing individual and a phenomenal coach. He has worked with our teenage son for the…read morepast year. He cares about his clients and knows his stuff. Our boy has experienced growth in strength, understanding of fitness, and most importantly CONFIDENCE. He takes on tweens and teens so reach out because there isn't a program like Randy's anywhere.

I go to Human Elite to work out & have met Caleb there. When my trainer is on season or not…read moreavailable for training, I tend to go to Caleb because it does show such a huge difference. Next few days after training session with him still feeling pump! He definitely knows whats up & is so knowledgeable about everything no BS. I'd recommend his training frfr if you want to be sexy, slim or big & bad !!

I started on Zepbound in December 2024 and a year later had achieved some success with it, having…read morelost 30 pounds. However, it seemed I was on a plateau when I learned about Kari's GLP-1 Strong program. While prescribed by my PCP, I had always felt there wasn't much structure other than take this every week and watch the pounds melt away. While this is all good, I wanted a plan to progress more quickly and to utilize once off the medication. I cannot say enough good things about this 12-week program and Kari's knowledge on fitness and nutrition. Kari customizes her plans for each individual and focuses on accountability, consistency, and behaviors to focus on. I am an additional 12 pounds down and have gained the strength and confidence to finish my journey, including after stopping the jab. I will most likely sign up again during this transition.

I started working with Kari in December 2022, originally to lose weight for my wedding. I was…read morefeeling stuck, out of shape, and unsure how to actually get results without burning out. Spoiler alert: this wasn't just a wedding prep plan, it turned into a total lifestyle shift. The first year wasn't perfect (life happens...hello, wine nights and takeout!), but Kari never judged or gave up on me. Instead, she helped me reset, get real about my goals, and build habits that actually worked. By my wedding in June 2024, I was down 40 lbs and 10% body fat and I felt strong, confident, and truly proud of how I looked and felt walking down the aisle. Since then, we've shifted to strength, mindset, and maintenance and let me tell you, that's been just as empowering. I've learned how to stay consistent, lift heavier, eat more without guilt, and care about so much more than just the scale. Working with Kari isn't just about macros and workouts (though those are dialed in); it's about learning how to show up for yourself even when life gets messy. I cannot recommend her enough if you're ready for change that actually lasts.

I joined Hardcore Fitness of El Cajon shortly after having my second child at the beginning of…read more2023. Now, in 2026, I'm still here, and that says a lot about this amazing place. Hardcore Fitness is far more than just a regular gym. From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed and supported. Every trainer has encouraged me throughout my fitness journey, especially Athena, Giovanny, Hesham, and Jose. Each of them has made a significant impact on my growth, confidence, and success. What truly sets this gym apart is the genuine care the trainers have for their members. If you're dealing with an injury, such as a shoulder or knee issue, they will always provide alternative exercises and modifications to help you continue progressing safely. They want to see you succeed, no matter what challenges you face. That dedication, support, and sense of community are why Hardcore Fitness of El Cajon holds such a special place in my heart. I'm incredibly grateful to be part of this fitness family.

Well... let me start with a confession: I've spent years avoiding private gyms like they were…read moreextended car warranties. We had a perfectly good home gym. I also work out at the fire station consistently. Life was structured, predictable, and free of the "let me show you around" tour. Then last summer happened. I decided to temporarily join a gym. You know, the classic three month commitment that absolutely never turns into anything longer. This was mainly to support my daughter as she headed into her high school soccer season while rehabbing from ACL surgery. So I reluctantly agreed. Signed the papers. Mentally prepared to count down 90 days. Then we met Brittany, the gym manager. Problem number one: she was actually great. Super friendly, respectful, and did not hit us with the usual high pressure sales pitch. Honestly, she could have sold ice to a fire crew without trying. Next thing you know, we are signed up and showing up. And here is where things went sideways in a good way. Hardcore Fitness El Cajon is nothing like the other gyms we have tried. Brittany sets the tone. She is not just behind a desk, she is in there working out with everyone else, keeping the energy high and making the place feel legit. Now the trainers. Diego. This guy is dialed in. I am there at 0530, barely functional, and he is making rounds correcting form at every station like a fitness sniper. I used to hate being coached. Now it actually helps and somehow does not annoy me. Hesham. Equal parts coach and stand up comedian. Keeps things light, keeps you moving, and somehow makes you feel like a champion even when you are questioning your life choices mid workout. Gio. Pretty sure his mission is to make everyone sweat out their entire life story. I hear he writes the workouts now, which explains a lot. Respectfully brutal. Johannes. Top tier coach. He worked with my daughter during her knee rehab and did an outstanding job. That alone says a lot. Athena. High energy, funny, and very easy to stay focused around... or at least try to. She brings a ton of motivation to every class. I know I am missing a few, but the entire staff is solid. What really stands out is the community. No ego, no weird vibes, no cliques. Does not matter who you are or where you are from, everyone gets along and puts in the work. And here is the part I did not expect. For the first time, I am actually consistent. Not "I worked out twice this week so I deserve a reward meal" consistent. Real consistent. And I am seeing results. Strength is up, agility is better, and apparently I now have what can only be described as beach muscles. I am not entirely sure when that happened, but I am not questioning it. So here I am. A guy who avoided gyms for years... actually recommending one.

We have been with Kirk for a year and a half now, and I couldn't recommend anyone else more highly…read more Within 2 months, I could do a paleo squat and stand back up without pain, where I hadn't been able to do that for almost ten years because of knee pain. Within 3 months my husband had lost 40 pounds - safely and healthily - without even having weight loss as a goal. One of the biggest indicators of Kirk's passion for helping people is how much time he and money he spends keeping up with new research and developments in medicine, nutrition, and fitness. He is always attending training conferences (functional stretching, Titleist Performance Institute, TRX, etc.) and implementing new ideas/approaches to help us clean up our form in an exercise or get more strength, stability, or mobility in a certain plane of motion. While he doesn't rely on fancy equipment to do the training for him, the equipment he buys is top quality and safe. Yes, he's not cheap. But I don't want to train with someone who just wants to fill a room and couldn't care less whether we showed up. His rates reflect the quality of his coaching, and that reflects in our health.

Kirk really wants to help you achieve your goals. One on one personalized exercise training. I…read morelove the results. I am down 60lbs. and keeping the weight off. The best investment I have made. I believe self-care is very important. I am strong and healthy. I have tons of energy. I used to get tired in the afternoon, no more. Kirk has over 30 years in the physical fitness field. I really like that he lost 105 pounds and has kept the weight off for 18 years. He knows first hand about over eating. I strongly recommend you hire Kirk to help get the results you want.

Cannot recommend Define U enough! Tommy the owner of the gym is incredibly knowledgeable, helpful…read moreand professional! I called the gym 4 years ago, searching for someone to guide me into starting working out (which I had been afraid of since being diagnosed at 30 with a heart condition). Tommy understood my condition and has helped me become confident, stronger and approach my health in a whole new way! You cannot find a better personal trainer! I'm now in group training and running consistently which I never thought was possible!

I paid for 6 months of nutrition & measurements services & only received 3. After first 3 mos…read more impossible to get an appointment, text or email response. I'm still owed $360. Fitness class was offered but again when I tried to contact them multiple times to schedule, my requests were ignored. Very disappointing!

I had the incredible opportunity to work with Coach J for a 12 month virtual program. She is well…read moreeducated and a vet in the fitness world. She doesn't sugar coat or beat around the bush when it comes to pursuing your goals and doing the hard thing -- she's truly your biggest cheerleader. She coached me through mental obstacles during the program and helped me overcome them. She also didn't just prepare me to go through the program successfully, but also taught me how to continue taking care of my health after the program was completed. I was able to drop from a size 18 to a size 12, lost and kept off 15 lbs, and lost 9.5 inches off of my waist. I'm so grateful for the impact she made in my life and I suggest her for anyone I know who is serious about improving their health.

GREAT ALL AROUND THE BOARD, my go-to trainer when needing an extra push in my workouts! Helps me…read morewith my strength and conditioning and keeps my form right to see the best results! 5 STARS!

Burke is one of my favorite trainers. He has helped me get in shape and get stronger. I had pretty…read morebad muscle spasms in my back when I started going to Burke some months ago and he listened to my concerns and we slowly got my strength up in my glutes, abs, legs, and shoulders to help with back relief. I used to get accupuncture done every other week for my back spasms and I still get a massage once a month, but I really believe that strengthening my core with Burke has helped my back a lot! Working out with him has helped me not only gain strength but also gain confidence that I have less chance of re-injury in the future. Burke makes you feel very comfortable and is super accommodating to different types of clients. He sends you an email after every exercise to let you know what exercises you did. He works out of a training gym and every person there is with a trainer. There are some people there that are in great shape but also alot of people in average to below average shape that workout there. I've never felt uncomfortable in the gym, all the trainers there are really nice!

Burke! What can I say that hasn't already been said about this amazing trainer. I trained with him…read morefor a few months as I was beginning my fitness journey. He's still one of the few affordable trainers in SD and i was able to keep up with sessions on a social worker's salary haha. Every session was unique to whatever I wanted to focus on that day and he always sent the workouts to me after so I could do them on my own. Even though I wasn't able to continue our sessions, he still checks in with me to see how I am, which I appreciate!! Sending my love to you and the family, Burke!