Kelly and Denise are absolutely incredible. My wife Kiki had a Hemi-Pelvectomy (hip removal surgery) and has been coming to Fit Monkeys ever since she completed her initial physical therapy. They've been able to increase her strength, mobility and endurance through an individually curated recovery and workout plan. Their services continuously go above and beyond what we could've ever expected and we appreciate the time, effort and care they put into every session we have with them. We have been working with them for a full year and see them 2-3 times a week. They are incredible and we cannot recommend them highly enough. read more

I worked with Denise for in person training while I lived in CA. She was incredible. Whipped me into shape and challenged me in a wonderful way to stick to my commitment of exercise. When I moved I started seeing Kelly for virtual sessions. I was a teeny tiny bit skeptical of how much I might get out of virtual sessions but nothing is lost !!!! Kelly has great knowledge of the human body and helps me make correct adjustments even virtually. I have seen her weekly for a year and have no plans to quit !!!! Love love love !! read more

I have worked with Denise and Kelly for about 6 months 3x a week training. I love the personal training. They use a variety of exercises to get you engaged and have fun. Every training was different and they worked me enough to feel sore, but not so sore that I can't move for 2 days. I really liked how knowledgeable they were about muscles and how to stretch certain parts of the body. When I didn't understand verbally, they were able to show me with pictures and books that helped me visualize it. They would ask me where I felt the work to make sure I'm working the right muscle groups. Also, based on my day to day life, we did lots of mobility work to keep the tendons active and doing their job. They really helped me learn to balance my body and really drilled into my body the corrective things I have to do. To this day I'm still conscious of my feet posture when I'm standing. Denise really helped me fix my ankle when I rolled it crossing the street rather than just being conscious of it for her exercise plan. But she also helped strengthen it so that I'm not as likely to roll it again. Denise also gave me moves that I was able to take home and work with so that I can continue to strengthen my body for when I moved away to help me continue my workout journey. read more

I've been training with Denise since undergoing back surgery more than a decade ago and it's been one of the smartest decisions I've ever made. She listened to the problems I had and created a personal regimen designed to strengthen my core muscles. While we've continued to maintain the focus on core muscles she has also helped me work on posture, footwork, and conditioning. And the best part is that it's never the same workout twice. Cannot recommend Fit Monkeys enough. read more

I am a very satisfied customer of Fit Monkeys! I came to Denise (and Kelly) having recently passed my 80th birthday. I was a bit depressed about my age and physical condition but other than taking regular walks was not able to muster the initiative to make any significant changes to my routine. Deciding to engage Denise as my trainer and coach has paid many dividends. I feel better about myself, I stand up straighter, my mental outlook has improved and I am now looking forward to reaching 90. Denise tailors my workouts to my abilities; they are challenging but never the same. Fit Monkeys is very well equipped and I've loved getting familiar with Pilates. Fit Monkeys is in Carlsbad, near my home. It is immaculate and seems to have every kind of equipment imaginable in a very compact space. I recommend Fit Monkeys to anyone who wants a personalized, rigorous workout from someone who really knows her stuff. read more

I used Fit Monkeys for a short-term personal training course over the summer and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a trainer in Carlsbad village! They were super friendly and professional, and they listened and responded carefully to my specific needs and goals. The studio is immaculate and welcoming. Even though I was only buying a four-week term, I felt they were giving me as much care and individual attention as if I had been going there for months. Great service!! read more

I just loved working with Denise. She was so very caring and attentive ensuring that I understood which muscle groups I should be feeling, how to engage muscles and how to ensure I had proper form. She also helped me with my posture (too much sitting in front of a desk) and with various other ailments. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to get fit!!! read more

Denise has basically saved my life. I went to the studio to address severe hip pain. She was able to stabilize the issue but eventually I had to have hip surgery. She prepared me so I would recover as quickly as possible with strength conditioning. I had both hips replaced with 7 weeks of each other. I got rid of my walker 9 days after the first surgery, and 11 days after the other. I have not felt this healthy in almost 20 years, and I am almost 60 years old. Denise has done nothing short of saving my life and giving me the opportunity and determination to live a better, healthier and happy life. It's been almost two years and I'll be at this beautiful and safe studio forever!! Thank you Denise and Kelly!! read more

I found this place accidentally when I was getting a key made downstairs and just happen to be looking for a place to work out. Due to the fact that I am older and have several injuries I wanted some one on one specialized training. Then I found out, one of my daughters used to train with For Monkeys when she lived in Oceanside. Then my masseuse and now my wife and I both do! Small world! What I really like is the one on one personal training so as to avoid injury. It is not always easy at my age, but I have found it is more than worth it for this type of top notch training. Highly recommend! read more

I have been working with Denise for about 9 months and cannot say enough great things about her. She has many years of experience and it shows! Denise has a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system. Initially I began training with Denise because of a rotator cuff injury. Denise's knowledge of anatomy and how the body builds and heals muscles is above and beyond what I expected. I no longer have any issues with my shoulder and still train with Denise. Every session with Denise is different, working different parts of the body in the most innovative and fun workouts. Yes, they are fun, but also intense, I often have a pleasant soreness after our workouts, but have never been injured from them. Her methods involve weights, pilates, yoga, a little bit of everything, they are fun and very effective. Recently I attended a "bootcamp" type training session at another gym just for fun, but without Denise's guidance on the correct form (her mantra) I injured my knee :-( Mea culpa, won't do that again! Go now while you can still get in! She is THAT good! read more

Fit Monkeys is an awesome studio duo with Kelly and Denise! They are extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and understand the fundamentals and how to work with each individual and their needs. I'm so glad I found them! My core and posture have greatly improved since I started training with them. read more

I worked with Kelly for a couple of months to wake up my muscles after two years off of the 'go to the gym every day' wagon. It was my first time working with a pilates personal trainer and it is a very different style than what I have experienced in a standard gym setting. The exercise style is perfect for strengthening stability muscles and the core work is excellent. I particularly like the use of springs for shoulder work. The loss of one star is only due to a feeling that Kelly didn't have a full understanding of a body's needs for the type of athletic activities that I do and how to accommodate for and old back injury. And for an 8 week x3 a week training period I expected my body to be in better shape. In the past I have had successful results with meeting overall training goals with a trainer that understood the components of outdoor sports and in a shorter period of time. Also for the price I would have liked to have had a nutritional plan and a more formal training plan for the entire time, like a plan written out on paper. That way I would know what I'd be doing for training ahead of time and have a better understanding of the reasons behind the planning. Also a way to track progress would be really cool too. Overall though I would have to say that I do feel stronger and more balanced. I just expected better progressed based on past experiences. Kelly is excellent with providing instruction on form during each session. She always kept a close eye on how my body was positioned and made corrections as needed. She is a very positive, professional, a friendly person and I really enjoyed working with her. The gym is clean and has most every thing needed for training. It is easy to get to in Carlsbad Village and has plenty of parking. I really liked the small personal space. It is nothing like a big gym with all the noise and tons of people. It was a nice change of pace and a great way to get me ready for going back to the gym every day. read more

My mom and I have been doing yoga together now every Friday for 5 years! We decided we needed to try a new place closer to home and we found this place on Yelp! Not only do we love monkeys and our favorite color is green but this mom and daughter run studio couldn't be more ideal for my mom and I. They make you feel right at home, from the relaxing setting and decor to the personal set up of your yoga mat and blocks customized to your bodies needs. We are super excited to have a new yoga studio close to home and one we love the yoga teachers style and how much she helps you perfect your poses. We definitely recommend this place!!! read more

Kelly is very knowledgeable in both Pilates and yoga. I started training in Pilates with her three years ago. She is very attentive and understanding. She takes into account my personal injuries during training. She customizes and modifies work outs based on how my body is feeling that day so that I can get the best workout. Kelly is also a wonderful yoga instructor. She emits a very calm and peaceful energy during her sessions. She incorporates stretching exercises with traditional yoga poses for a very balanced work out. I always feel restored and relaxed after her yoga classes. Some yoga and Pilates studios can be a little intimidating but Fit Monkeys is quite the opposite. The environment is very welcoming and relaxed. Both Kelly and Denise reflect that positive and warm energy. If you are new to Pilates/yoga or looking for a new place to train I highly recommend giving Fit Monkeys a try. You will definitely not be disappointed. read more

Fit Monkeys was the perfect answer to my extensive search for a skilled Personal Trainer. I was seeking someone who was around my age and had a good understanding of my issues e.g. back and knees. Fit Monkeys is a wonderful studio that's locally owned and run by mother and daughter team, Denise and Kelly. They are both highly skilled personal trainers and have a diverse skill set and a solid background in the health and fitness world. Workouts are private to semi-private and are designed specifically to fit the needs of their clients, this might include a combination of Pilates, weightlifting, cardio, mat work, dance to yoga and much more. Today, as a result of working with Denise, I rarely have any back and knee pain and I'm in much better shape. I feel healthier and stronger than I have felt in years. During a session, Denise provides clear detailed instruction and is constantly checking in with me watching and modifying my session to address any challenges and opportunities ensuring I get the most out of my workouts. Denise is an extremely skilled personal trainer and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to make a changes or to improve on where you are today. I've also been taking Kelly's restorative yoga classes which are overall delicious (relaxing and challenging)! I've taught and have taken yoga for many years and Kelly's classes are a wonderful treat! What Denise and Kelly bring to my practice is focused strength building, toning and relaxation that makes a huge difference in my overall health. read more

Kelly does an outstanding job as a trainer. I am healing from a bulging disc in my neck, and I also have fibromyalgia. Three rounds of physical therapy hadn't helped me, but after just a few months of working with her, I found myself stronger and in significantly less pain. She knows how to challenge my muscles in a way that is never painful, but always more than I would have believed I could do. Kelly has helped me become more attuned to what my body is telling me, which has benefits beyond the workout itself. I am so thankful I found Fit Monkeys! read more

I have been working with Kelly now for a few months and feel amazing! Before now I was always pulling out my back and having other pain related issues. Kelly evaluated my alignment was able to target my weak muscles and designed workouts specifically to my needs. She is awesome and the top of her trade. She is very observant and knowledgeable giving her an advantage in this line of work. read more

Kelley is a SKILLED personal trainer. She gets to know what you want out of the training and makes is a mutual goal. I have bad knees and previous trainers wanted to push through the pain and it would hurt to walk for days. Kelly knows my limitations but designs work-outs (with cardio, pilates, & yoga) with my goals in mind. The studio is located Carlsbad Village and sessions are either private or semi-private; meaning Denise (her Mom) may also have a client but there will be no more than 2 clients in the studio and you will have either Kelly or Denise's undivided attention. No dealing with trying to keep up with others at the gym or feeling like you shouldn't be there. And you don't have to worry about getting wrapped up in the pilates machines because, again, Kelly & Denise will be paying attention to you every step of the way. I was surprised when Kelly asked me to stop a movement because she saw a muscle "firing"/cramping even before I really started to feel it! I feel better, I feel stronger and my doctor is also happy. read more

Kelly is a great personal trainer!!! Each day she customizes the work out to where you are physically and emotionally. Kelly is an expert in safely rebuilding a body. She's an expert in physiology and is a great motivator. I've tried many different kinds of exercise routines and personal trainers. Kelly is the BEST!!! She keeps the sessions moving, changes up what we do, and keeps me going. Her workouts include pilates, aerobics, strength training and yoga. I've been soooo impressed!!!! Her new studio is fab!!! Love it!!! read more

Kelly is an excellent, creative, highly skilled Yoga and Pilates trainer, whether in private or group sessions. She is always positive, encouraging, and just a wonderful, sweet presence to be around. She will give your body the most beneficial workout it needs. read more

Kelly truly shines as a Yoga and Pilates instructor and trainer. Her positive demeanor and depth of knowledge makes training with her a pleasure. Kelly is a caring listener who works with her clients to create a training program designed to achieve one's physical goals. Her knowledge affords her the ability to modify training sessions as necessary to accommodate injuries or increase the intensity of any workout session. I've found Kelly to be supportive and encouraging in my time working with her. Her routines are creative and I always look forward to our time together. It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Kelly as a personal trainer. She is simply amazing! read more

This past fall I began an internship here at FIT Monkeys in Carlsbad, I have been able to see Kelly and Denise work with many clients ranging in all ages. All the clients have achieved their desired goals through personal training, pilates, and yoga. Through my internship I have not only learned so much about pilates and personal training but I have decided to peruse the similar field in the future. Kelly and Denise are very dedicated to their clients and create personalized workouts that challenge and fun!! read more

Kelly is a good listener and I feel like I'll never get hurt with her. She's always engaged with my body and asking me what I feel in my body, which I think is so important. Everyone has a different body, and I always feel like Kelly creates a custom work out for me. I am never bored and the time flies by, which is always a plus when working out! read more

I have been taking Kelly's yoga classes for the last few months and they are exceptional. First off- Kelly and her mother are so welcoming and the space is great. The studio is tailored for smaller more private classes; you can appreciate this if you have historically practiced in packed rooms with no personal attention. Kelly is adept in anticipating your flow and gives great adjustments if you prefer. One of things I like most is that every class is different. This is not something you can do on auto pilot like some others classes that are repetitive. Kelly has a great working knowledge of the body and always focuses on the individual needs of her clients. Each class with essential oils and it is an exceptional way to start or end the day. I would suggest Fit Monkeys to anyone looking for an authentic and varied experience. I only wish there were more classes available! read more

I began working with Denise about 8 weeks ago. The studio is a nice, bright, clean space in downtown Carlsbad. During the first session she evaluated my body and weaknesses and has designed workouts to improve these areas. She incorporates Pilates, Yoga, weights, cardio, and body weight exercise (did I cover it all?!) into her personalized workouts for me. Our sessions are one on one which means you have her undivided attention. In the first 6 weeks I lost almost 2 inches! My attitude is much improved and I feel WAY better! Fit Monkeys is awesome! read more