Before training with John, I had been inactive in the gym for about a year and a half. I had a rugby injury that tore my ACL and damaged my meniscus and really affected my confidence in getting back to the gym and outdoors. I had some strength training experience, played sports my whole life, and did a bit of CrossFit but never had a personal trainer. In our first consultation, I let John know my injuries and my goals and he listened and developed a plan tailored to my needs. We started training February 2026 and have continued (now August 2026) and he has been really helpful and encouraging during our sessions and has also been really flexible with me which I appreciate as someone with a super busy schedule. With each new cycle, he takes time to research what my next plan should look like based on my performance and any lingering pain which I appreciate because it takes the guessing out of the equation when it comes to lower body exercises that impact my injured knee. He really pays attention and knows when I'm ready for something, when I'm not, and when I'm just not pushing myself hard enough. John has also taught me how to count my macros and become more aware of portion sizes and caloric intake which has helped me in my overall body recomp but also knowing what I'm putting in my body and how much of it. I really appreciate that he shares delicious and nutritious recipes that fit into my goals and my daily needs. Training with John has increased my confidence in moving heavy weight since my injury. I have a long way to go but I feel really prepared knowing I have a trainer like John to help me out and provide adequate tailored workouts, support, and research I need as a recovering athlete. John is the type of person that genuinely cares about his clients growth and that's why I've stuck with him for so long. It's been my first personal training experience and it's been pretty solid. If you're looking for a personal trainer I definitely recommend John. He's professional, consistent, and supportive. Overall super solid and dope coach. You are not losing anything by investing in your best self with John. read more

I HIGHLY recommend Coach John Clemente. As a full-time working mom and a mom of a toddler, finding time and energy to workout felt impossible most days. My schedule is packed, and I constantly struggled with balancing self-care. Coach John Clemente (aka Coach DC) completely listened closely on what my struggles were and what goals I wanted to achieve. He gave me the power to learn how to structure out my workouts, and now I can go in for as little as 30 minutes and be able to get in all of my hit workouts in such short time. I've been following that plan which works perfect for my schedule. I feel stronger and like I can keep up with my son since joining his program. Truly a game changer. Shout out to John Clemente! read more

I had a consultation with Coach John after I was recommended by one of my favorite fitness influence Peach. She really pushed me to come to Coach John. After my consultation last year I became super motivated to come back once my finances are stable. Thank you for your time Coach John. read more

I came to DC for guidance and accountability on how to add more size to my upper body, main focus was on my chest. Keep in mind I'm a trainer myself. Man, im glad I reached out because DC mapped out a specific program for me and educated me in different ways that I can now pass down to my clients as well. I highly recommend training with DC, the man definitely knows his stuff! read more

DCA Performance - Trainers Near Me - Orange, California

It's been a little over 6 months and more than 70 workouts since I signed up for training with DC. I could not be happier with my progress, and the overall experience. I came to DC with a moderate amount of experience, as I've had 2 other personal trainers throughout my "fitness journey". Because DC has experience with competing (powerlifting), I knew I wanted to hire him as my coach to see how I could increase my lifts and build more muscle. He is incredibly knowledgable, and he always takes the time to explain things to me when I have questions. I appreciate that he goes through each phase of the program that he writes, so I understand the assignment and can go after my goals. He also uses an app that is included when you sign up for training. The app let's you track your workouts by entering the weight/reps for each day in your program. I love that it tells me when I hit a "personal best" (PR) because I can see my progress and how I'm getting stronger after every workout. What sets DC apart from other trainers is his motivational approach. He strikes the perfect balance between pushing me to my limits and providing the encouragement I need to stay focused. He brings positive energy to each session, and makes working out something I genuinely look forward to. Aside from the physical aspect, DC has been a great resource for nutritional advice and lifestyle changes. He takes a hollistic approach to each person's program and he knows that fitness extends beyond the gym. Each client, including myself, gets a comprehensive wellness plan that aligns with their goals and lifestyle. It's not a one-size fits all approach. It's really tailored to each individual and your wants/needs. DC is also one of the most professional and reliable coaches I've had. I love that my sessions are on the same day, same time, each and every week. He is always punctual, organized, and ready to make the most of each session. The positive and friendly atmosphere they create at the gym makes it a comfortable space to challenge myself. Overall, I've seen significant improvements in my strength, endurance, and overall fitness level since starting with DC in April of 2023. Whether you're a beginner or someone looking to take your fitness to the next level, I wholeheatedly recommend DC. He is not just a trainer, he is your partner and will do anything in his power to see you reach your goals! read more

I have had the pleasure of working with DC for the past 6-7 months, and the transformation in my strength, physique, and overall fitness has been nothing but remarkable. To me, DC is not just a coach; he is a motivator, mentor, and a true fitness expert! (sometimes he's a therapist too) Before I started my fitness journey, I was unhappy with my eating habits and how small my physique looked. I began to look for a personal trainer that best suits my wants and needs. After experiencing the training process with two different trainers, I wanted a personal trainer that is able to motivate and guide me in person as I am a visual learner. Fortunately, I ran into DC at my workplace. From day one, DC took the time to understand my fitness goals and tailored a personalized workout program that specifically targeted my strengths and areas for improvement; he even included a variety of exercises I had never tried before. DC's knowledge of powerlifting techniques and programming is evident in the amazing progress I have accomplished under his guidance. I personally like DC's ability to keep the training sessions diverse, challenging, and engaging, especially during the filming process-although, I like to think it's my hilarious personality. What sets DC apart from the rest is the dynamic approach; every session is thoughtfully planned, incorporating a variety of strengthening exercises and intensities that not only target specific muscle groups but also keeps me wanting more. DC has an eye for form and technique as he ensures that each lift is not only powerful but also safe! His attention to detail and constant feedback have been extremely helpful in refining my forms and preventing injuries, especially in the powerlifting sport. Before training with DC, lifting weights was just a mandatory activity to make me mentally feel and physically look good. If I had skipped a day, I would have felt guilty about it. With DC, it's not just about lifting heavy weights; it's about building confidence, mental toughness, and a sense of accomplishment. DC creates an environment that fosters growth, both physically and emotionally, making each session more than just a workout-it's a step closer to becoming the best version of myself! I wholeheartedly recommend DC to anyone looking for a powerlifting trainer or is interested in strength training as he is someone who goes beyond the weights and truly invests in their clients' success. I have received many compliments and recognitions from others on how strong I've gotten, especially those who have been with me through my journey. With DC, you're not just gaining a coach; you're gaining a motivator and "friend" in your journey to strength and self-discovery! (I said "friend" because he likes to bully me for laughs. I do the same so it's okay :)) read more

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tl;dr - DC's is amazing to work with. He's a super chill guy, but he also knows how to hold you accountable. Working with him has been nothing but smooth sailing and we've been working together since December 2021 Mood going in... Anxious - I've only ever done boot camps like OC Fit and F45. I never have worked directly with a personal trainer before. I wanted to regain a body that I could use to conquer the Tough Mudder again! Must Tries: 1. Go every day you can. Consistency separates those who reach their goals and those who don't. Try your best to push yourself even on the days you don't want to go because those are the most worth it! 2. Nutrition plan. It's true about what they say of weight loss. 80% in the kitchen. 20% in the gym. I've had to hold myself away from eating fried chicken sandwiches with much restraint. There's LITERALLY a shop next door that I love to go to. Reasons to go... 1. DC's a bodybuilder and personal trainer. If you're looking to get strong, you'll get crazy strong. If you're looking to get lean, you'll get great proportions. 2. DC's friendly. Trainers can be harsh at times which is justified. But DC does it in a way that's very considerate of me. He's a friend in and out of the gym. Reasons not to go... 1. If you're not looking to get fit and build a fitness lifestyle? There's honestly no reason not to try out DC's free trial just to test the waters! Takeaways/tips... 1. DC has a website at DCA Coaching where you can sign up for a free trial! 2. I've had to train online with DC a few times. His online services are awesome. read more

John is one of the best trainers! I had lost weight and was looking to tone and gain muscle and an a$$ lol With him I was able to lose body fat went from a 40% to a 32% Training at DCA Porformance has helped me learn how to properly do my workouts and staying safe and not hurting myself. Before I would go to the gym 5x a week and I wouldn't see any gains. Through John I learned that less is more, you only need to workout 3 to 4x a week. I really recommend DCA Performance! John also makes sure your eating healthy and checks up on you making sure your mental health is good too! read more

I have been training for over 8 years now with 5 other trainers. While I learned a lot with the other trainers, my results were limited and I had pain all over my body. I decided to work with DC, because after our first meeting I knew he had the experience and expertise to help me. I have worked with him for a year and a half and achieved results I was starting to think would never come. He not only helped with my muscle gains, but also helped fixed the pain in my back and helped strengthen it. He teaches you everything you need for you to do this yourself. He will not hold your hand and he can be a little cold, but he will work with you and help you through any mental and physical blocks you may experience. He is one of the best trainers I've had. If you need a trainer who knows how to train your unique body and offer you the tools to do it yourself. He is the person to talk to. read more

DC was the first to help me with my physical transformation when I had no clue where to start. He was patient and attentive and truly cared about my well-being. He was knowledgeable and taught me the importance of stretching and breathing and mind-body connection and always made sure I felt comfortable with what I was doing while pushing me to do better than I thought I could because he saw my potential before I did. He's the best trainer I could ask for and funny as hell. You really can't go wrong with him and if you're shy like me, he'll make you feel like a beast by week 3. DC took me in as a client when I was in a bad place and made me realize what I could be capable of mentally and physically and made losing weight feel easier and fun. I started looking forward to making my meals and working out with him through his program and lost my first 30lbs of fat with it. I used to be intimidated by the weight section and now I go to the gym feeling confident knowing that he taught me right and I now know my limits weight wise and I'm not afraid to lift heavy anymore. read more

Before working with DC I would do the typical diet of I'll start Monday and when "Monday" came I would fall off the wagon. I finally wanted to get my shit together so I started working out and was loosing weight. I was stagnant for a good 3 weeks and was starting to feel frustrated but didn't know what I was doing wrong as I wasn't eating much and I was working out. I have known DC for years but I was able to get to know him and appreciate him in another light. I began working with DC in December 2023 and was looking to loose weight. I had little knowledge of workouts and nutrition but DC helped me. He was able to work close with me and help me come up with a meal plan that was realistic and doable for me and when I would get tired of a meal he'd help me revamp my new meal plan. When I first began working out I had to have someone with me as I was intimidated to go to the gym and workout alone. With DCs guidance, words of encouragement and workout program that began easy and as time went by was tailored to meet my needs at the current level I was at I felt more confident in the gym. Not only was I loosing weight but building muscle. Training with DC helped me feel confident inside and outside of the gym. My energy is up and i do whatever I can to take extra steps and stay active. DC has always been an amazing person but he's an even better trainer. He made me feel comfortable, heard and confident overall and for that I will always be grateful. The 11 months I trained with him were fantastic and set me up to become independent on my fitness journey. DC is always willing to help and continue to answer any question. I would highly recommend and encourage those of you who would like to see results, become knowledgeable and confident inside and outside the gym while having a compassionate, understanding and bad ass personal trainer with a little sass ;) lol DC is truly passionate about what he does and is invested in helping his clients achieve their goals. read more

DCA Performance - Trainers Near Me - Orange, California

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I started training with DC sometime last year and have been training with him ever since. I decided to train with him because of his training background/knowledge and professionalism. My goal was to tone my body, build muscle, and learn how to properly work out. Before training with him, I had no motivation to work out and had no idea what I was doing at the gym. I needed someone to push me and hold me accountable, and that's what DC did. I was immediately very impressed with DC. His enthusiastic approach was very helpful and made me feel at ease and comfortable. He guided me through each step and explained everything in finer detail. He makes me work hard but also makes it enjoyable. He listens to what you want to get out of his sessions and guides you through each step. I went from lifting 25 lbs. to 165 lbs.! Training with DC has not only helped me look like my best self, but it has also helped me acquire my confidence. Thanks to DC, I discovered my love for lifting and working out. He truly is an amazing trainer. If you're considering hiring DC for whatever the reason is. DO IT! You will not regret it. DC will not disappoint you. Thank you for not giving up on me DC! read more

DCA Performance - Trainers Near Me - Orange, California

My name is Aramis Castro and I'm a 19 year old from Anaheim. What I was looking for before I booked with DC was someone to help me with strength and to teach me the correct form and best ways to lift and gain more knowledge in the lifting process. I have been training with DC for the past 4 months and my experience has been amazing with DC teaching me the correct form from squats to bench press all the way to basic ways to prime your body to keep any injury's away. In general a great guy with an excellent training program to help your performance. Overall the experience has helped me gain more confidence in myself because at one point I had a very low self esteem and low confidence and by listening to DC and following his program he has helped tremendously. To anyone who wants to think about training with him I would say yes, 1000% I would do it. The time this man puts into research and knowledge on the best ways to train for your specific needs is amazing. If I were you I would get talking to him about any questions you have asap because he is THE BEST trainer. read more

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Before training with DC, I had little experience with weight training. I had little experience with lifting, maybe some beginner knowledge. I also participated in some semi-personal training and signed up for a few classes here and there but those high energy classes just weren't for me. I would go to the gym, but I didn't really know what to do. I've always wanted to become more active, but nothing ever stuck. I wanted to become more confident with my workouts and have it become a part of my everyday life. I have now been training with DC for about two years. My experience with DC has been life changing, for the better. When I first started seeing DC, I could barely do a proper deadlift. I wanted to stop, but I kept coming back because DC was able to walk me through each of the movements and modified my workouts as needed. I never thought working out would actually become a hobby of mine. I just thought it would be that one thing I knew I had to do to live a healthy lifestyle and I just had to get used to it. I can't say that I look forward to working out everyday, but it's something that I truly have learned to enjoy. It also helps that I can see and feel the results because of it. I am the strongest that I have ever been. I am way more confident in my workouts. I can comfortably go to the gym by myself and I know what to do and how to do them. I don't think I give up as easily as well. If you are reading my review questioning if training with DC is right for you, just take the leap and try it. I wish that I had started sooner! read more

I never had a trainer before but after Covid I decided to take the step and get back in shape. I was recommended by a friend to look into trainers here at this gym and I messaged John DC fitness and I explained to him that I wanted to get leaner and grow in muscle as well. He gave me a free session and explained what he can do to help me reach my goal and saw where my physical fitness level was at and made a complete program for me and adjusted it as needed. He was very patient and I took about half a week to make my decision and I'm glad I did, I'd say the only regret is not starting sooner. I was about 240 when I started which has been about a year and now I'm at 226 and I look way leaner and better and feel better as well. He helped me a lot with my nutrition and helped me with recipes and weighing my food and logging in all meals. He's very flexible with schedules as well, which was a big help, and especially with motivation when your feeling lazy or if your struggling to push to the last rep. He's very open with talking about anything as well while you workout so it even feels like you working out with your friend that pushes you to be the very best version of yourself. I'd say if your on the fence for a new trainer I'd highly recommend John DC, my mindset when I train now even on days on my own has changed drastically, I push myself to the limit and with him consistently asking me "are you satisfied" "Is this the best version of yourself", has stuck with me in the gym and it has changed my everyday life by the way i look and feel! If you want something to change and don't know how or are nervous I wouldn't hesitate to ask John DC. read more

I first knew of John Clement through my friend, his girlfriend, Peach. Peach has been my trainer for a little during the pandemic virtually. But then she referred me to John! And I've known of John before this point. I see Peach post him all the time on her Instagram page. Man is just throwing up heavy weight. Absolutely ripped, pumped and just an absolute monster. When I decided to finally go pay John a visit, he asked me questions such as my goals, what I eat, what I do for work, basically what does my lifestyle look like? He's not a regular schmegular trainer at some commercial gym. This guy watches your entire body movement and sees where you're hurting, where it's not supposed to be sore. I came in lifting with lower back tension and now like Jesus he took it all away. Im currently throwing up heavy weights as well, making progress at an exponential rate. My physique has improved as well! Boosting my confidence like never. Not only confident in my body but also my ability to throw up heavy weights when I'm working out by myself. Thank you DC!!!! read more

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Working out was kinda new to me I was not looking to get or lose weight I want to Control my weight and build muscle, I been working with DC for almost 2 month and so far it's been an amazing experience always looking for my next workout, in 2 month I changed my day-to-day activities, I would really recommend it because Dc will explain everything and have a special program to get you to your goals read more

I've been training with DC for 4 months now, I don't have much prior experience with weight training, so needless to say when I would try on my own I did not progress and would be one discouraged from lack of results. My goals were to increase my strength and to lose some weight while doing it. During the process together DC has made it a great experience, he's patient, coaches well, is flexible, and will always make sure your doing what your body is capable of when your mind thinks you reached your limit. I have a physical job and wanted a training program that was tailored to this, and I have been more than happy with my overall results I've achieved thus far. The biggest obstacle of getting to the gym and getting results is yourself. Deciding to hire a professional to mentor, train and coach me is one of the best decisions I've ever made. I would highly recommend DC to anyone wanting professional training. You will be more than happy with your results. read more

I've been training with DC for a few years now. Before I came to him I didn't know much about working out, in the beginning my goal was just to lose weight but when I did I realized I wanted muscles, I wanted to learn more about my body and see how strong my body could be. Dc over the years has taught me a lot and pushed me to become a better stronger me physically and mentally. Eventually it became my passion. I've never been more confident about my body and confident about myself since having DC as my personal trainer. I would definitely recommend DC to anyone that wants to learn more about working out or who's struggling reaching their goals. read more

if you don't want to read the rest of this review the main point is this: if you're on the fence about starting your fitness journey or curious in any way about how to start, DC's your guy. before training with DC i had no knowledge about strength training and just wanted to lose weight. i was seeing stars from even just 25lb goblet squats on my first day. but after training with DC i not only cut down 12% body fat in 3 months-- but i also achieved it sustainably and found a love for lifting. the same girl who got dizzy from those goblet squats now loves the sport of powerlifting and is even looking to compete (something I never imagined I'd want to participate in). i always looked forward to training. DC is genuinely so encouraging and this made me want to do better and be stronger. lifting became such a huge part of my lifestyle and my favorite outlet to destress. i went from feeling intimidated by the gym to feeling right at home in it. and because of his knowledgeable instruction, I feel confident working out alone. he really helps you understand the lifts, the form, the science-- so you're not just doing something to do it but instead you're doing it in an intentional way that is conducive to targeting your goal. and he's always a message away when i have questions about my form, my fitness goals, anything. there are personal trainers who charge you the most and give you their least.. and then there's DC, who goes absolutely above and beyond his call of duty, who goes the extra mile to make you feel supported in your goals, informed on how to get there, and equipped with the proper knowledge and routine to sustain it. whether you're well versed or only a little informed or know close to nothing about fitness and whether you want to lose weight or build muscle or a combination of both-- your best first step to take is to do a consultation with DC. i am confident he can help you not only attain your goals but also maintain them. :-) you won't regret it read more

Before Training with John my knowledge of proper technique was barren. I felt the results from working out on my own were little to none. My goals coming in were to lose the "pandemic" weight. With John's help I have shed some major weight and now geared toward to building muscle. I have been working with John for almost 4 months. He makes things easy to understand is very encouraging! I take what he teaches me with me to the gym. If you are looking for a great trainer I highly recommend John! You will not be disappointed. read more

Before coming to DC I had been training for a few years with little success. I struggled to build muscle and stay on a consistent eating and training regimen. I was looking to put on size and strength as I had always been smaller compared to my friends and wanted a trainer who understood that feeling. I was introduced to DC by a mutual friend and we got started from there. Since then I've been training with DC for about 6 months and have had a fantastic experience. He is extremely knowledgeable on all things fitness and has helped me immensely. Not only that, he's also an easy person to talk to and someone who truly cares about the people he trains. Currently I'm the most muscular I've been in my life and and feel amazing. My confidence has definitely grown outside of the gym and had a positive influence on my work and social life. To anyone who's unsure of whether or not to train with DC, I promise you won't regret it and it'll be the best decision you can make for yourself. If you want to better yourself, feel more confident in your appearance, and get stronger, there's no one better to get you there than DC. He's the man! read more

DCA Performance - Trainers Near Me - Orange, California

I had never done anything with a personal trainer before. I played sports my whole life but lost my motivation in the gym before starting with DC. My goal was to lose all the weight I gained from my lack of activity/poor diet and get the beach body everybody desires. Since starting with DC in just a month I have lost significant weight and gained solid muscle mass just from his help with my diet and intense workouts. I'm going to happily continue this journey and transformation with DC and am so thankful for him consistently motivating me and keeping me focused on my goals. His training has given me more energy throughout my day and increased my confidence in just a short amount of time. I can't see myself ever ending this experience. read more