This place rocks. It's a private gym that is clean and well managed. There's no B.S, no wonky fitness strategies. The emphasis is on hard work and accountability. George is the head of the aptly named Hillinger Personal Training. His rare combination of integrity, grit, and humor combined with an exceptional work ethic makes his training system second to none. He is a class act. When you work with him, you are working with the best. I cannot recommend this place more highly. Make the investment in yourself and your health. You won't regret it. read more

Where do I even begin? Working with Janice has been one of the most supportive, healing, and empowering experiences of my entire health journey. I originally found Janice online after struggling for a full year with a painful shoulder impingement. I had injured myself in an intense cardio gym class where no one was really checking form or offering personalized guidance, something that unfortunately happens far too often in the fitness world. I knew I needed someone who could bridge the gap between physical therapy-level care and the kind of strength training I wanted to pursue for long-term health, confidence, and longevity. That's exactly what I found in Janice. From day one, she was that perfect hybrid... She was incredibly knowledgeable, attentive to every detail, and deeply invested in my well-being. She helped me rebuild strength safely, correct my form, and get back to moving in a way that felt good for my body. Training with her was an absolute joy--encouraging, challenging, and always rooted in care. Then life took an unexpected turn. After about a year of working together, I got severely sick from food poisoning. That episode uncovered a whole cascade of underlying health issues I never knew I had. Suddenly, my entire quality of life changed including my ability to train consistently. I had to stop and start multiple times, not because of anything related to the workouts, but because my health was unstable and unpredictable. And this is where Janice truly showed what makes her extraordinary. She didn't just support me physically, she supported me emotionally, mentally, and compassionately throughout the entire ordeal. She was patient when I had to pause. She checked in on me with genuine care. She listened to me, really listened, when I was scared or confused about what was happening with my health. She encouraged me when I felt discouraged. She helped keep me grounded and motivated during some of the most challenging months of my life. Her empathy and kindness became a lifeline. She didn't treat me like "just a client" she treated me like a human being going through something difficult and when I was finally able to return to training, she met me exactly where I was and helped me build myself back up again, safely and sustainably. Janice is so much more than a trainer. She is a healer, a coach, a motivator, and a genuinely compassionate soul. She cares deeply, shows up fully, and manages to make you feel supported every step of the way, both physically and emotionally. I am beyond grateful for her. She has been a huge part of my recovery, my strength, and my renewed confidence in my body. If you're looking for someone who truly goes above and beyond, who understands the human side of fitness, and who will walk with you through the ups and downs then Janice is that person. I couldn't recommend her more highly! read more

Hillinger Personal Training - Me with Janice - Trainers Near Me - Irvine, California

I am so fortunate to have found this place on Yelp. George is an amazing instructor who genuinely cares about his clients. No matter what your physical or medical challenges are, George patiently works from where you are now and points you in the direction you want to go. The gym is clean, safe and private with no distractions. George takes the time to explain everything in simple terms because his goal to educate you so that you can be self-sufficient. I look forward to each and every session. George is kind and a lot of fun to work out with. He loves what he does and it shows. I can't thank George enough for how much he has helped me. After years of false starts on my own, he finally showed me how to make real progress and gave me back the confidence that I lost. Thank you George! read more

I started working with Janice a year ago, when I was 62. My goals were general: improved fitness, balance, and strength, and after one year, I'm really proud of my progress in all three areas! The studio atmosphere is friendly, yet always very professional. And the place is immaculate! Janice's workouts are always different, so they don't get boring. She plans them meticulously, but she observes, listens, and has the experience, knowledge, and sense to modify an activity instantly when needed! She teaches, explains, encourages and motivates me to keep coming back! I've watched George with some of his clients, and I'm impressed with him, too! I'd strongly recommend this place to anyone! read more

Hillinger personal training is an amazing place to get expert advice on fitness. You get to work out in their amazing private personal gym with attentive one on one training. My wife and I both go to this gym, and we love it. George and Janice are wonderful people and can create individualized workout plans for you. Money and time well spent on a part of my life that was lacking until I found Hillinger personal training! read more

Out of hundreds of available training centers I picked the absolute best! Both George and Janis are the best. They did a great evaluation of this post stage 3+ Cancer 75 year old female and put me on a program that has allowed me to do 50 mile bike rides. Wow!! You cannot go wrong and that is a promise! read more

George is a consummate professional who has helped me learn the proper methods to approach fitness as well as challenging me on a personal level. He takes his role seriously, and does a wonderful job of educating people. His approach ensures that you are never bored during your workout. He sets goals and expectations which are easy to meet and designed help you succeed. George is very approachable, easy to speak with and shows a genuine interest in your well being. I don't think I've ever seen him without a smile on his face. His gym is of a high caliber, providing a wide assortment of exercise equipment, weights and other various training tools. Each workout he introduces you to new routines and equipment, encouraging different methodologies to keep the pace fresh and to ensure that your body never adjusts to the same routine. It's a refreshing approach from typical trainers who simply puts their clients through a routine using the same equipment and weights time and time again. I highly recommend the Fitness Connection if you're looking for a trainer and/or place to workout in the Irvine, Newport Beach or Tustin areas. His gym is very easy to find and is minutes away from the 405 next to John Wayne Airport. Go and check the Fitness Connection out ASAP. read more

If you're looking for a personal trainer that can create a program that will work for your individual needs, you've come to the right place.  I've trained with George for a few years now after struggling to find a trainer that could work with my individual needs. He is an amazing trainer.  He is very professional and knowledgeable about fitness, health and nutrition.  He has so much energy, such a good attitude and is a great motivator.  He strongly believes in living a healthy, active lifestyle and definitely practices what he preaches.     His training sessions can be very technical.  He explains in detail how to do each exercise and often explains what each exercise is doing for you and how the progression of each exercise works together to achieve your goals.  He is a stickler for form and is constantly correcting you to make sure you know how to do things correctly and so you don't injure yourself.  I have issues with my ankles and shoulder from a car accident that I was in physical therapy for.  The injuries left me unable to do many standard exercises that my other trainers were always struggling to work around.  George is knowledgeable about anatomy and bio-mechanics to help him understand how to work with injuries.  He adds therapeutic exercises into my workouts to strengthen those weak areas and has no problem creating new ways to work around those problem areas to keep me in shape. Overall, I have had great results with George including losing 15 lbs., increasing muscle tone, strengthening my weak ankles, getting better sleep, having more energy and generally just feeling happier and healthier. In addition, the gym is nice, clean and has all the equipment you need.  It is very well organized, taken care of and maintained.  There are several different trainers at this gym and everyone is super nice, but it never gets overly crowded like other gyms.  It is located near John Wayne Airport in the Koll Airport Business Center business park with plenty of parking. read more

This place is great. Have been training here for the past few months. Started off training in the facility then during the covid shut down trained via zoom. Can't say enough about this place. I've been weight lifting for years and using the StrongLifts 5x5 program. I could never break through my plateaus so I thought I would give personal training a shot. George came highly recommended by a friend and I can see why. He brings a very evidence based approach to training. I am an Orthopaedic surgeon by training and treat musculoskeletal problems for a living but George's understanding of exercise science and fitness is on a different level. I've broken through my personal records in terms of weight and have put on a significant amount of muscle in a few months. I also really appreciate his professionalism and caring for the safety of his clients and facility during covid. We trained via FaceTime and it worked out very well. Now that he's open he takes health and safety very seriously and is going above and beyond in terms of covid precautions and making sure his clients get a safe and clean experience. Highly recommend him especially if you're looking for someone who takes your health and safety seriously. read more

Fitness Connection is all about INDIVIDUALIZED attention to each client. Both George and Janice are seriously committed to the trainee. They are the consummate professionals. The training sessions are geared to YOU and your needs. It is a full hour of focused attention on your previously, mutually agreed upon, realistic, discussed goals. The gym is fully equipped with anything you require. It is different than a regular gym in that there are only 2 clients there at most, at one time, so you are not distracted by others working out. Scheduling sessions is tailored to your availability. Parking is easy and close. Work -out tunes can also be individualuzed which seems to enhance motivation to work out to your fullest capability. Check it out. You are worth it. read more

After suffering from chronic back pain for several years I was looking for a personal trainer that would help me improve my condition without creating more damage. George is a total professional with clean and private training facility. He was able to work with me and develop a custom training program to improve my condition. I am always learning something new as he routinely switches up exercises. After three months of training at Fitness Connection, I had a significant improvement in quality of life and continued to improve from there on. When I have had relapses, George switches to therapeutic exercises and uses the DMS to work out any pains. Going on two years and I have had a huge increase in muscle mass and my back rarely slows me down. I am very lucky to have found The Fitness Connection! read more

I had great results training with George at The Fitness Connection. He's very knowledgeable and helped me to achieve my fitness goals. I lost weight, gained strength and learned a whole lot about diet and exercise. I would recommend The Fitness Connection to anyone looking to make a positive change in their life. read more

I have been working out with George at The Fitness Connection for nearly a year. He has done an excellent job working around some functional issues that I have, but at the same time keeps changing it up and keeps me challenged. Because of his training and experience, he knows how to do things the right way and ensures that my posture is correct in all exercises. He also listens when something is not working for me and adjusts my workout accordingly. I have noticed positive changes in my physique since I have worked with him and I am stronger. The gym is well equipped and I appreciate the privacy of the setting. George is fun to work with and is flexible with my schedule. I would recommend him to anyone who is serious about getting fit. read more

George is an awesome and unique trainer! Very knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and has a great quiet gym with virtually everything one can ask for. He absolutely knows what he is doing. Not to be confused with those trainers that just set up a fits-all program regardless of your body type, sports background, and medical history. I came in following two sports injury related back surgeries and George knew exactly what set of programs to implement to rehabilitate and get me back in shape. He offered tremendous diet advice and created workout plans to do in my crossfit box style home gym when I'm not seeing him. After two months, I am much stronger, have lost 5 lbs of body fat, and gained 16 lbs of muscle mass. Very happy with the results and looking forward to working with him to go a lot further. read more

My wife and I (both in the 70 range) have been using George as our personal trainer for almost a year. We've used other gyms in the past, but the results with him have been the best ever. Our strength has doubled or tripled while we've been with The Fitness Connection. My wife started using George at the suggestion of her nutritionist to increase her bone density with resistance training and I started using him to get in shape for last year's ski season. I skied hard on all my trips and while I was tired at the end of the day, I did not have sore muscles. George makes the workouts fun, not drudgery. He has a sense of humor that makes the time go by quickly. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of personal training. He is willing to work around clients personal situations; in my case, it stems from back surgery I had 4 years ago. I have to be careful about what I do and how I hold my body to avoid injuring the fusion. In the year we've been with him, I have not had to worry once that an exercise would be harmful. In fact, my core muscles have gotten stronger, making an injury less likely. I can, without reservation, recommend The Fitness Connection. read more

I spent a lot of time and effort seeking out the right trainer, before I signed up with George. It was a big step for me and I wanted to get it right. As I enter my third month of training with George I have already exceeded all of my expectations. Aside from the fact that his knowledge and experience is impressive, he goes out of his way to help and inform you on the universe of possibilities in the arena of fitness and health. In passing, I asked him if he could recommend a good brand of road bike, since he was an experienced cyclist. A week later he had taken time out of his weekend to meet me at a bike store and help me get the right bike. He is a genuinely good guy with immense training skills and experience, operating out of a an outstanding private gym facility. I'm happy to say that I did get it right. read more

I can't say enough good things about this gym, the owner (George) and my trainer (Phil). I was having serious physical health issues for years, brought on generally by lack of exercise combined with a sports injury in my hip that, despite surgery, had never fully healed. For my birthday, my wife (sly move on her part) researched gyms and personal trainers, and bought me a session. I had a phone conversation with Phil, who wanted to know about my various conditions (especially my hip). We scheduled an appointment, and I've been going ever since (about 4 months now). I'm not going to lie: it's not cheap. But what you get for the price is the best personal training money can buy along with fantastic, clean facilities. You get a trainer who takes into account your physical limitations and crafts a constantly-evolving set of exercises to overcome your physical issues. We even started doing some boxing, which is something I've wanted to try for years. What you don't get is a personal trainer who just yells at you, thinking that yelling is a form of motivation (been there, done that, no thanks). I just can't think of what a better experience would be. In just four months, most of my hip pain is gone, I'm significantly stronger in all areas, and my body looks better in the mirror than it has since I was a young adult. I'm super impressed by these guys. So much so, that I almost don't want to write a review because it'll be harder to get an appointment... read more

The Fitness Connection is a cut above every personal training option I have utilized in the past. Specifically, George Hillinger and the other trainers associated with the Fitness Connection offer a combination of training expertise and experience in managing acute and chronic injuries that is very difficult to find anywhere else. I had a serious knee injury after a wake-boarding accident 6 years ago, which has lead to significant degenerative arthritis in the joint. I came to George initially to improve my overall fitness and to introduce strength training into my routine, which I avoided due to boredom. 6 weeks into my training, I fell at home and re injured the knee. George worked with me throughout the rehab period to build strength in the muscle architecture of the knee, and coordinated my workouts with my physical therapist to get me back to where I want to be physically. He is motivational, funny, and really understands the needs of each client. I have been very impressed with the way he has handled not only my training but my rehab. I was very depressed about this injury and he has built my confidence that I can attain my previous activity levels. i see improvement constantly. I recommend the Fitness Connection for those clients who value the professional integration of a variety of training modalities and nutrition into a personalized program that works. As a previous reviewer noted, the only way this program fails is if you don't go. I also appreciate the privacy of the gym, and the fact that for every minute I am working with George, I have his undivided attention. I love this place! read more

I've been working with Janice for 5 months now and she is fantastic. I am your typical middle aged woman who needed to get back in shape after never losing baby weight. I needed someone who would create a program for me that was safe for my back and was aggressive enough to see results without being too hard core. She pushes me but always ensures I have good form to prevent injuries. I never feel out of place despite me being extremely uncoordinated. I have noticed tremendous results with Janice in a short period of time and look forward for what's to come. read more

George is knowledgeable and helpful and easy to be around. His approach keeps things interesting and challenging. I am doing more almost without noticing. I wanted someone who would make sure I was doing the right things in the right way and help keep me motivated. Someone with credentials and experience with people of all ages and physical circumstances. I did not want a cookie-cutter routine but something tailored to me and in a quieter setting than the big gyms. I'm seeing improvement and I'm happy I found The Fitness Connection. read more

Steady, consistent progress, encouragement and some laughs along the way. That's what The Fitness Connection provides. I'm doing the work but George is showing me how to do it without killing myself - and it works. He practices what he preaches but he's approachable and not at all preachy. I get the impression that he enjoys working with people like me that may have a longer way to go in that they need to lose weight, get in shape, address functional weaknesses or other challenges. And when I hear George speaking of his other clients it's as if he's talking about his friends. Really. Ask him about 87-year old Ed and it's like he's talking about his granddad. The gym is quite clean, private and well equipped with all the machines, weights, etc. I also belong to one of the big gyms and enjoy doing cardio there, but am SO glad I didn't try to use their trainers. I watch what these big gym trainers do with their clients and it looks like they're just going through the motions. read more