I have always "worked out" from classes to trainers, Pilates, Yoga, running etc. I saw mediocre results. Three years ago, my good friend introduced me to Joel and I have been training with him ever since. "Excellent Trainer" doesn't do Joel justice. He is way more than just a great trainer - he is a fitness guru, motivational coach, and nutritional expert all in one. He personalizes my workout regimes to meet my goals and body type, and is genuinely invested in my journey to achieving maximum fitness. He is reliable, consistent, and inspiring - so much so, that I am willing to go to the financial district at 6am weekly to see him (despite living and working taxi rides away and being a night person! ) I highly recommend Joel for anyone looking to improve their overall well being, fitness and/or outlook on life! read more

4 years later and I am still training with Joel! Throughout the tough COVID year he continued to train in a safe environment! I changed my goals a bit and Joel was very receptive to lighten our workouts in a way that worked for me. I had chronic problems with my lower back and Joel was very cautious to exercise to strengthen it without causing any damage. I can say that my back NEVER hurts any more!!! It's amazing!! Joel changed our workouts depending on my feedback and we found something that increased my endurance, strength and felt great during and after the workout. He is the kindest, most patient, supportive and entertaining trainer I have worked with!! read more

Just Train - Results after Joel's training. FYI: after 2 kids... - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

I started working out with Maria, a personal trainer at Just Train, earlier this winter because my workout routine was becoming a grind. Call it the winter blues. I was bored out of my mind with the treadmill and didn't know what else to do with myself, so I found Just Train by googling for personal trainers in my area and came in for an assessment. Maria immediately made me feel comfortable and came up with a workout that was tailored to exactly what I wanted to achieve. Each session is one hour, but it's the fastest hour I've ever spent at a gym. The workouts are challenging but very doable, and I liked the intimate environment -- it's really just you, your trainer, and maybe two other people working out with their trainers at the same time. It's laidback and you get the sense of a real community. If I decide to work with a trainer again down the road, I will most probably be knocking on their door again. read more

Joel and Andre are great trainers but first and foremost fantastic people. When we first met, they asked me about my fitness goals and worked with me to develop a training plan. They are very knowledgable about nutrition which played a huge part in hitting my goals and getting the body composition that I wanted. As I got stronger and made progress, they continued to challenge me by increasing weights and adding new exercises. They accommodated my lifestyle and continue to encourage me as my goals changed. They are incredibly attentive but also hilarious to interact with and make each training session an enjoyable experience. read more

I've been w/ Joel Thomas at Just Train for approximately 2 years and I have nothing but positive things to say on how this decision has impacted my life. I was quickly approaching 40 when I signed up in 2018, and was looking to improve my body and health. Joel was able to listen to my goals and make a realistic plan for me in order to accomplish these goals. Meeting about 2-3 times a week- I was able to transform my body to a more leaner, stronger, healthier version that I have always wanted. Joel makes the workouts fun and the hour seems to fly by. But despite the workouts being fun- I am getting results and that's what's most important to me. I highly recommend this gym and this trainer. I plan to stay as a client for many years to come. Very grateful I found this place! Definitely worth it! :) read more

I have been training with Joel for about 6 years. I began working out after having my third child. He was sincerely interested in my goals and listened to all health concerns. Joel helped improve my appearance, increased my strength and elevated my cardio fitness tremendously! Importantly, he did it in a very supportive and kind way. Joel has truly had a profound impact on my life! I don't know of any trainer who can inspire people as Joel does. He is extremely careful and thorough in his approach, while still making sessions fun! I am sincerely grateful for his efforts. read more

I am the opposite of the type of person who works out. I never felt the need to, nor did I want to. I'm one of those nerdy indoor types. But when you get to a certain age, you have to acknowledge that perhaps those desk-sitting and book-hunching aches and pains could be managed better. Also, health. Isn't exercise required for health, for some reason? I knew from past experience that the best way to motivate myself to workout regularly would be a personal trainer (loss of $ if I flake out!), but I didn't want to pay for a gym as well because I knew I would never use it. I only wanted the personal training. Just Train was the perfect solution! I've been seeing Katie Mack for over a year and a half now. Originally I chose Just Train because of how close it was to my office. I've changed office locations twice since then, but I've continued to commute after work half an hour extra each way to stay with Katie simply because I adore her so! She and the owner Joel took my stated goal during my consultation very seriously: to do the bare minimum to stay healthy. After they stopped laughing, they both said that's a first so I'm pretty proud of that. Katie is amazing! She makes working out fun, which is exactly what I wanted. I wanted to enjoy and look forward to my sessions, not be barked at or feel inadequacy or any sort of physical pain. No pain, I'll do it again, is my motto! And yet she manages to gently encourage me and push me beyond my limits. She and Joel distract me with their jokes and while we're all giggling together suddenly I'm doing extra reps and more weight. She also plays a killer hip-hop soundtrack! I've seen so much progress since I've been working out with Katie! All my general backaches and pains are gone. I can lift much more than I used to, and do exercises I definitely couldn't do before. I've also lost 14 pounds! I recommend Katie wholeheartedly to anyone seeking personal training, bare minimum or otherwise. I've seen her get real tough with other clients so she can meet a range of needs and help you achieve whatever fitness goal you may have, whether you want coddling or a drill sergeant! She will make it happen, and she'll make it fun (if that's what you're into)! She also continually develops her skillset through seminars, classes, and her own training, which to me is the sign of someone dedicated to career and personal excellence. Book a session with Katie now! You won't regret it! The Just Train facilities are great! There's all the machines and equipment you need, as well as two bathrooms, one with a shower and stocked with various toiletries. There are freshly laundered towels, full-sized and wipe-your-sweat-sized. There's also a mini fridge and it always has fresh chilled water in a Brita pitcher and paper cups ready to go. Everything I ever wanted and needed! read more

Short story: Functional fitness with immediate results in an awesome environment. Joel Thomas is a very motivating and very knowledgeable trainer. A rare breed of trainers that actually works out with the group (in semi-private sessions) and doesn't make anyone feel like they are at different levels. Form and learning /improving proper technique plays a huge role in every experience. I really like how everyone gets pushed to (and past) their individual potential. The one-on-one training is superb. My fiance and I discussed our fitness goals, and they have been met very quickly. If you are looking for functional training, then this is your place. read more

Just Train is definitely as good as it gets! I've taken several small group training classes and it feels like it's a personal training session each time. The class is broken down into two sections. Part one is a focus on weights and the second section is on calisthenics. In the end, you get a total body workout. During class, Joel makes sure every one has the proper form to prevent injury and to make sure we're actually working the right muscles. Joel is really encouraging and never yells when you cannot do an exercise which just makes you want to work harder. read more

First off - I would recommend Just Train to anyone who wants to see serious results and watch their body transform into exactly what they want - whatever that may be. I've been weight training for over a decade, on and off with various trainers, but it wasn't until I started training with Annie Thomas that I truly started to understand my body and what I needed to do to make the changes I wanted to see. My previous trainers spent hours trying to sculpt me into what they thought would look great, and to be honest, I didn't really know the difference, but I never really saw much of a change - not the changes I wanted to see anyway. Mostly I got huge quads and traps, and bigger more muscular arms. Not ideal. When I started training at Just Train, my first appointment was a very thorough consultation - Joel and Annie asked me exactly what I wanted to look like, which body parts I wanted to improve, what I wanted to achieve with my general fitness, etc, etc. They took me through a comprehensive fitness test and discussed my diet and lifestyle. They told me to come back in a few days and they would take all their findings and design a custom training program to suit my body type and my lifestyle. I did not know I have been doing it wrong for SO long and WHY all these trainers were making me do SO much upper body training!!! I looked like He Man!! In just a few months, and training 3 times a week, the goals that Annie and I set together were achieved: - Bigger, more rounded glutes - Thinner arms - Defined abdominals - Overall weight loss Annie understands that every body is different so she customizes every workout - and I have seen her train other people so I know the work she puts in. So you can be assured that you will get a tailored workout fit for you and your body type. She also talk you through every single movement and educates you on: - How to do correctly without hurting yourself - What body part it works and how it works it - The benefit of the movement both aesthetically and for general wellness Apart from being experienced, knowledgable and results driven (Annie checks in most days to see how you're feeling, any soreness, how was that session etc) she is razor sharp, hilarious, supportive, motivating and just generally an amazing chick! I wish I didn't have to leave NY, and Just Train, the results I achieved there were nothing short of amazing, I look better now than I did at 25 (I'm 37). I had to move to LA for work - but Annie still checks in and has even written me a program to work through on my own. Thanks so much Just Train and Annie, had the most amazing time with you guys and I finally understand my body and how to train it properly! read more

I joined Just Train for personal training, after suffering an injury to both my knees, and one resulting in surgery. I was a college athlete that was used to lifting and intense training, but after leaving such a routine, found it hard to put a lifting routine in place that worked for me and the goal I was trying to achieve. Also a place that was close to my apartment! I was paired up with Kenny for personal training. I started with an all-body routine and workout that was catered to my goal: which was gaining muscle, and confidence in my technique that I could execute core exercises independently (which I never had to do as a college athlete). Kenny helped me perfect my movements, and stressed the importance of mind/body connection - which really helped me along the way. After a few months of training weekly with Kenny, I found myself hitting new highs and maxs I never thought I could do on my own. I visibly looked healthier, stronger, and my body was forming to exactly where I wanted it. I was walking into the gym more confident each day, and approached lifting with a different mindset - focused on each part of my body. Kenny also helped me with stretching, and post-workout needs with my knee. Designing special workouts that catered to my injuries, which worked better than the physical therapy I had received post-op! I went from not squatting, to squatting over 200 pounds in months....with no pain. After relocating for work, I still use the Just Train App, and connect with Kenny weekly to check in on my progress. I am still on the up and up and so happy with the way things are going! Kenny is awesome - just really cares about the client, and building a relationship that ensures you are getting the all around support you need to reach your goal. I would 100% (and more) point you to the team at Just Train, and to work with Kenny - I could seriously not be happier with my overall experience with Just Train! read more

Fine, I'll let the secret out. JUST TRAIN is amazing. I REALLLY didn't want to review Joel's classes just yet. I was being selfish and hoarding this amazing little secret to getting sculpted and strong for myself and close friends. Joel is a wonderful and experienced trainer. I've only taken the small, semi-personalized classes. Every class is challenging in its own way, but the end result is that I am always out of breath, sweating, and know that I burned a ton of calories. I can not recommend Just Train enough. After coming steadily for at least 2-3x a week for 2-3 months, my clothes feel better, I am leaner and stronger. I have tried many different types of group classes , but have never stayed committed to them. Just Train is different. It really feels like a small family with Joel, Thea, Annie and all the people that come to class. read more

I have done personal training sessions with Joel and have also taken the small group training classes. Both are GREAT! Joel is not there to chit chat and is not there to put you through whatever workout HE feels like doing. He is there to customize workouts for you and what your fitness goals are. He is a great trainer for women as he has an amazing knowledge of exercises that will lengthen, tone, and strengthen muscles without adding bulk. If you want to look like Lady Gaga or Rihanna, Joel can make that happen (as long as you show up and do the work!). The small group training classes are fun, and competitive. While they are not as personal and hands on as one-on-one training, they are a great way to get a kick-ass workout that is more tailored to your goals than a run-of-the-mill class at Equinox or Crunch. They are serious full body workouts and you will be sore for a few days afterwards. I definitely recommend trying a class with Joel or taking a personal training session. read more

I have worked out for years in group classes - you name it, i tried it (soulcycle, exhale, barry's). I had also trained with various personal trainers. Joel is completely different. Other trainers give everyone the same circuit. Joel fully tailors the workout to your target zones, and he notices the slight imbalances in your body that could use improvement. I now have great definition just where it counts! No bulky quads or broad shoulders. On a personal note, Joel makes an hour go by very fast. He strikes the perfect balance between helpful feedback on the exercises and keeping you entertained with good stories. I originally sought Joel for getting in "wedding shape", but have no intention on giving him up now! read more

I always believed that personal trainers were a waste of money. I was also scared to train one on one with someone because I felt like it would be awkward. Joel changed my mentality completely! I have always been active with a good cardio base (I run and spin on the regular), but felt like my body wasn't showing the results I wanted -- I was able to run and do sports, but I still felt and looked "soft". I knew that I would have to suck it up and add strength training to my exercise schedule. During my first session with Joel, he gave me a quick workout to get a feel for my current physical condition and also gave me a body fat percentage test. After, we sat and talked about my top goals. For me it was: getting a bigger butt (for mine was concave) and losing body fat. I remember that I went home at night feeling really optimistic because he was explaining to me the different exercises we could do to achieve my goals and why the exercises would work -- this was impressive because it was the first time a trainer took the time to explain the science behind the workout. I also received a very detailed email from Joel a day later containing a list of exercises, youtube videos, and stretches that I could do in my free time -- this was great and showed that he was providing me with as many resources as possible for me to succeed. I only worked out with Joel once a week, but I was able to continually improve all my lifts week after week. My squats, deadlifts, and single leg deadlifts all started at well below 100 pounds, but after a month or two of lifting with Joel, my lifts went to above 100 pounds and my butt went from concave to convex! I was also NEVER bored during my workouts -- Joel creates custom programs week after week in order to keep your body guessing and to achieve the best results. TL;DR Joel is a great trainer who knows the science behind what he does and he listens to his client's goals. Also, my butt went from concave to a shapely one! read more

I have been taking boxing session and training session with Kenny for more than a year now. Kenny is the BEST trainer I ever had. He is very knowledgeable in terms of designing exercise plans for individual. Kenny knows a lot about muscles and nutrition. He not only helps me during the work-out but also teach me how to eat, how to sleep better. If you ever have any questions about health, you can always get a good answer from Kenny. I will definitely recommend Kenny for my friends. After taking class with Kenny, exercising become an essential part of my life. Thank you Kenny! You are the BEST! read more

I love this gym! The classes are super hard but you feel amazing after each one! Challenged and strong! I also cannot say enough good things about the private training sessions with Joel and his whole training crew. The attention to detail on your program, the sensitivity to injuries and the correctional exercises are the best you will find in all of NYC. As a bonus treat for your healthy they also have vinyasa yoga classes. A great way to stretch each muscle to stay strong and lean. read more

I was never a big fan of classes because I normally get pretty intimidated. I used to always be a gym goer so I could workout by myself. Joel is not only a great and encouraging trainer, he makes each class super fun while you get the most out of your workout. The classes are small and consists of up to 7-8 people. Each person gets focused attention and Joel always checks in to make sure everyone is doing okay. Just Train is amazing. It was able to help me develop muscles I wasn't able to do on my own at the gym. The trainers are encouraging and always make each person feel comfortable with the workout. read more

Was compelled to create a Yelp account to support Just Train as I've had a fantastic experience here. I started training with Kenny about a year ago, and have been been very happy with the results! Kenny is fantastic, and provides the right mix of challenging workouts (he knows how to get you to push your limits) as well as the encouragement to get through them. Particularly love the boxing sessions. Kenny also gives me workouts to use at my home gym, which has been helpful in reinforcing the training sessions. Joel and the other trainers are very friendly as well, and the gym never feels too full even when others are working out at the same time. Definitely recommend. read more

Originally I joined JT due to some slipped discs. Since then I've been training here for years and not only have my injuries healed but I've been able to push myself past what I previously thought possible. Thanks Annie you are def the best. read more

One day back in June 2014, I made the decision to get myself in some sort of shape. I didn't have a clue what I wanted to improve nor did I have any idea how I would go about accomplishing these goals. I joined a local gym and never went realizing I really had no clue what I was doing. I mean, I could follow the pictures - sure. But, was I really maximizing my time and potential in a safe way? So I looked around for a personal trainer in the area to ensure I could learn to exercise correctly and make the impact I sought when I began. In early July 2014 I walked into Just Train originally thinking it just trained women. Boy was I wrong. Upon entry, I was greeted by the great, the honorable, the awesomeness that is Annie. I came back for an evaluation and my first session later that week leaving with the most satisfactory full body pain I've ever endured. From that day forward, as painful as the early going was (I hadn't worked out consistently in life), I never looked back. I have taken breaks from training for various reasons (vacation, schedules, travel, etc.), but results and fun have kept me going for 2.5 years! I'm a completely different person. I mean I can't leap buildings in a single bound (though sometimes I'm pretty sure I can in two or three), but I am stronger and more amazing than I've ever been. Personal training is expensive, let's not even act like it isn't. But if you take the money spent monthly on Starbucks, eating junk, and drinking, you can afford to train - putting off short term goals for long term BETTER goals. Outside of the personal achievements, Annie and the trainers at JT know their stuff (I've trained with just about everyone at one point or another). They are patient (I complain a lot when working out). And honestly, they are just good people to know with senses of humor, turkey jerky, and even a little free sarcasm. Bliss. If you need motivation to go, try it once. Take an Advil when you get home after your first session. Give it another 3-4 sessions at least. Motivate yourself to change your diet (eat protein, drink water) workout on your own, and then commit to 12 session plans to force yourself to go. It's worth it. I promise. Do it. Do it. read more

Joel Thomas is an above-and-beyond amazing trainer and I honestly don't know where I would be without him! When I first met Joel, I had recently taken up running and completed my first marathon but had not really trained properly at all, leaving me with a stress fracture as well as underweight and lacking development of the proper muscle groups to run those types of distances. Even having been an athlete all my life, I was pretty much clueless as to why I was having so many issues, but Joel figured it all out in our first session and got me on the right track, not only to being healthy and fit but to running another marathon, 20 minutes faster! A year later, I suffered a fractured pelvis in a ski accident...but again, Joel guided me to recovery and running a third marathon. It was a tough road coming back from that injury, but Joel was there for me: encouraging, understanding, and very calculated with every single exercise and workout (as he always is!). On top of the actual training, he also keeps me in line on my nutrition, sleep, and work/life balance, weaving tips and anecdotes throughout the workout along with his random funny stories that really keep things entertaining. I now eat better, sleep more, and leave work on time (or try to!). In and of itself, this is a huge value to me. Joel is much more than my trainer - he is my LIFE COACH! read more

Joel is an excellent personal trainer. He puts a lot of thought into both the exercises and sequence. I previously had a trainer at NYSC and I never felt that my workout was planned with me in mind and that my trainer was completely focused on me. I go to the semi private group training classes and I love them. There is a community atmosphere amongst all of the participants with everyone cheering each other on and chatting before and after class. The group atmosphere makes the hard workouts pass quickly and actually be fun. Even though it is a class setting, Joel still manages to personalize the workouts according to each participants level and give personal attention and corrections. I definitely recommend Just Train by Joel Thomas. I am seeing results and always feel challenged during class in addition to enjoying myself. read more

Just Train is awesome! Joel is an exceptional trainer and I can't recommend him enough.

I had never set foot inside a gym until I decided to try working with a personal trainer and found Just Train. Kenny was assigned to work with me and in the last six months, I've learned so much and feel much more confident about my body and how to work out properly. And even better, it's been fun along the way! Kenny is very patient, friendly, and knowledgeable, and takes away any discomfort for newcomers who may have been a little intimidated by working out. Kenny has been especially fun to work with because he's trained in boxing and incorporates boxing into almost every session that we have. I find that being able to do some boxing really breaks up any potential monotony or boredom from just weight/resistance training. I've had a great time, seen improvements in my body, and would highly recommend Kenny or any of the great staff at Just Train! read more

I have been training with Kenny at Just Train and the results have been amazing. Kenny is not only a phenomenal trainer but he is truly passionate about health and fitness. Kenny's attitude and personality is what really sets him apart, he strikes the perfect balance between challenging you to push yourself while keeping you motivated to continue. Kenny is extremely knowledgeable and pays attention to what your goals are and will tailor the workout program to reach them. In addition to the gym session, Kenny can also provide a separate program via an app for you to do on your own to do at home to supplement the gym sessions. Also, unique to Kenny, is that he incorporates boxing into his sessions which is a nice change of pace, very hard and lots of fun.The training studio itself is great as well and the fact that it is mostly private is a major plus. Bottom line is if you are looking for the best trainer and gym, Kenny and Just Train cannot be beat. As for the results, I'll let them speak for themselves... I went from a high of 205 and 32.7% body fat in March to 165 and 15% body fat in July. I am looking and feeling better and healthier than I have in years and I have Kenny to thank for that. If I could do it, you can too. At the very least get in for consultation session with Kenny and see what its like for yourself. read more

I was looking for a personal trainer to help me stay in shape and that is when I chose to come to Just Train. Despite the fact that I did not expect much due to my crazy schedule that only allowed me to work out twice a week, I started seeing results within two months of training with Kamille! I can definitely see that my body have got more toned --I now have a flatter stomach and a bigger booty! What is even better is the fact that I have become so much stronger, which I now believe is what fitness is all about. Before training here, I never thought that it was possible to be small and strong at the same time, as people often expected me to be quite "weak". Yet, Kamille changed that by constantly telling me how strong I am, making me believe in myself. In fact, this supportive approach of hers is shown in every session, as she always pays close attention to my form and technique. And because of this, I trust every workout she gives me and I feel really safe doing new things. Moreover, Kamille is well-prepared for each session and she is flexible if the routine needs some changes. As for the gym itself, the space is small However, the trainers are super nice and they know how to use the space. Thus, I find that the space is usually well-managed and it is never really crowded. Overall, the gym environment is friendly and supportive, I really enjoy being there! read more

I have never written reviews even for a restaurant on Yelp but this time I would definitely write what I have experienced here at Just Train! :) I came to NYC for summer internship and I searched gym and personal trainer on Yelp because I really hope to improve my body shape during summer time. And then I found Just Train, which is nearby Fulton Street. The first impression that JT left to me was their efficient message reply to my questions. They are easy to reach and after I signed a first class at JT, hoping to have a try, I decided to keep training at here. I would earnestly recommend trainer Kamille Deowhat who is super responsible and caring! During the first meeting, she had asked me every details about my body and health condition. She made detailed notes about what I aimed at improving, such as decrease body fat percentage, lose body weight, but also build a bigger butt. And throughout the two months meeting twice - three times per week, she truly helped me realize my goal based on my needs! I am very impressed by how caring the personal trainer could be here at JT. I had personal trainer experience before at a much bigger gym club but I would say JT provide the best person to person training care compare to many other general gym trainer I had ever had. Kamille asked me every time the next day after the training session how I feel, sore, in legs, butt or shoulder back. Not many personal trainer would be such caring further after training session. The trainer really provide time privilege for clients' preferences, early morning, late night or weekend. In addition to follow her instructions during the training session, Kamille had many times emend my stereotype about losing weight by no eating and the lighter the better. She wrote long emails to me recommending what I should eat and various stretching exercises I should do at home. I learned a lot from her about HIIT (High intensity interval training) instead of intense cardio exercise all the time. Moreover, Kamille often let me to do some challenging exercises and remind me what my goals were. She really helped me build a bigger butt ! :D You would follow personal trainer's lead during class, but also you need to be self-disciplined in other days of the week in order to increase your improvement and really see the progress, because diet also plays a very important role in your fitness. One salient improvement is not from the feedback of the body measure machine or scale, but from the comments of many friends! When I posted my pictures on social channels, many of my friends told me I seem much slimmer ! This surprised me a lot because as I look at myself everyday, I could not tell big changes, until, I compare my own before and after photos. I am happy to see healthier line muscles on my arms and I waist become much much slimmer. I could also tell that my butt become bigger when I wear the same one piece dress. Throughout the two months training, I have decrease at least 2-3 percent of body fat percentage and I lose 2 kg weight ( I believe that when I burned lots of my fat, I have also gained more line muscles) Kamille also appraise me how many challenging exercises I have crossed. These progress in such limiting time was really rewarding. Furthermore, I have remembered many of exercises that I could exercise by myself after leaving. If you were searching for personal trainer, not a general gym in lower Mahanttan, I would definitely recommend you at least visit Just Train, and very possibly you would fall in love with this team. The trainers here are very polite and nice, and most importantly you would be really known by them and gain very caring training and help from them. I gained much faith to myself and would keep fit in future! read more

Just Train, specifically Liz Diamond, who is a gem, sets the example all personal trainers should aspire to. The secret is that all the trainers do what it is scientifically proven, however it is then completely tailored to the individual. Liz helped me regain my strength and confidence after battling a serious illness. In three months I've gone from struggling up a flight of steps to pushing a sled, banging the ropes and rowing to a personal best x 4 (and that's just one set...there are typically four). This weekend we added my 21 year old daughter into the mix...you know how that goes, it could be good or bad...it was awesome. She'll be joining us moving forward. For anyone who wants to know what they're made of, and want to do it with really cool people who know their stuff, go to Just Train...and I'm biased so I'll tell you to go to Liz, but truth is they are all pretty awesome. read more

Kenny trained me for nearly three month and helped me lose 5% body fat (120lbs, 5'4"). He was not just an outstanding trainer, but also a friend who instilled strength and positivity into me. I am very happy about my change, both physically and mentally. read more

JOEL THOMAS is an amazing personal trainer. I have known and trained with Joel for almost 5 years. He structures the-work out to what your personal fitness goals are. I was at my hottest when i was training with Joel. Now it is even better with his own gym. The gym has great equipment options and I can bring my ipod to blast my favorite workout music. Joel also has a great personality. He motivates and inspires his clients. JUST TRAIN is a perfect name for his company ;-) read more

Joel is top-notch and hands down one of the best trainers I've dealt with! As a former personal trainer and one who doesn't always trust a lot of the fitness "gurus" out there, I have to say, when I met Joel I knew within the first 30 minutes he was one the best trainers I have met. The past 3 years I have not used a trainer regularly, for a few reasons. But after meeting Joel I knew that he was the type of trainer I needed to push my self to another level. I'm just beginning my journey with Joel and already his pointers and recommendations are making a difference. I'm looking forward to hitting my new goals and enjoying the results. I would say anyone looking to get a REAL trainer, that has the knowledge and expertise to get you where you want to go. Hire Joel. read more

This is the best gym in FiDi and probably all of nyc. I have done private training with both Liz and Joel for a few months now. Both of them are extremely qualified and very motivating both in and out of the gym. Joel and Liz both design challenging programs that progress each session. They are both so knowledgeable that you know you are in good hands. Its amazing the things I am doing in the gym with them. I never thought I would be able to dead lift over 100 lbs. but they both knew I could and pushed me. They both push you and motivate you in the best way possible. They are both so positive and friendly and easy to get along with. Joel also checks in with me to make sure I am on track with my cardio outside of the gym and my diet. A few months ago Joel told me to take up yoga to help with balance and stretching. I hadn't done yoga and was skeptical. I eventually went to a class with Josh and Nikki and was immediately hooked. They are both fabulous instructors that can teach to both beginners and advanced students. They ask if anyone has anything they want to focus on for the class before beginning and modify it when necessary. Their cues are so on point its hard to mess up the poses. Nikki leads a great meditation at the end of each class which always leaves me feeling a little less stressed. I haven't taken any of the classes yet, but Joel and Liz are getting me in shape to start taking those! read more

I have been working with Joel for about a year and a half and could not be happier! I initially decided to work with a trainer because of a running injury that left me unable to do most forms of cardio. I've had the recurring injury for over 4 years, so after my third bout of physical therapy my PT recommended that I take a long break/rest period. After 6 months off, I was still injured but restless and needed to build muscle around my core, fix my posture, and get back into overall shape. I found Joel on Yelp and decided to go in for a consultation. I explained my injury to Joel and he immediately came up with a plan. Within three months I experienced almost no pain and was stronger than ever before. My main goals were to get healthy and build muscle--I accomplished both. I was then able to make new fitness goals, such as dead lift goal weight, pullup numbers, tighten the core, strengthen the glutes, etc. Over the past year, every session has been different and extremely challenging, but, honestly, a really good time! Joel will play your favorite music, talk to you during lengthy reps to distract you from the pain, and continuously introduce new exercises every week. Joel knows exactly how hard to push you and really understands each client's limit. I have never had a trainer, PT, or coach that worked this way, or really catered to my personal body. The results are amazing. Not only am I stronger and less prone to re-injuring my core, I also lost weight as a result of the training and could not be happier with my body. I train with Joel twice a week, and for a few months last fall I did the group sessions in lieu of the personal sessions just to switch it up. Both options are phenomenal, and all of the trainers I have met and worked with in the group sessions are truly fabulous! Joel works hard to make sure you reach your goals, and celebrates wins with you as if they were his own. I love coming here, and recommend Just Train to everyone. read more

Kris is a fantastic trainer. Figures out your needs, benchmarks you safely, helps you grow progressively towards your goals and then exceed them! He gets the craft of personal training and is flexible across disciplines to adjust your program on the fly. Big focus on safety and stability. As I've hurt my back or foot, he's gotten me back to good shape. read more

Kenny is the GOLD standard of personal trainers - he motivates and challenges you without pushing you unnecessarily beyond your limits, he's attentive and genuinely cares about his clients, he celebrates your victories (even the small ones) and, most importantly, he knows his stuff. If you want real results and want to have fun getting fit, Kenny is your guy! read more

Kenny is a wonderful trainer! He is very knowledgeable, changes the routine in each session and has really gotten me into boxing. I really look forward to every work out, knowing that I will always be challenged in a fun way! read more

I've been doing personal training with Just Train since July and it's awesome! Annie and Joel are the most amazing and understanding people. I have so much fun working out with them! I work specifically with Annie and she is a great motivator and never pushes if something seems too hard. I basically sit in a chair Mon-Fri from 9-5 so I was looking for a trainer because I wasn't seeing any results with what I was doing at the gym on my own. I was super scared of the weight room too because I had no muscles but now I've gained more muscle (deadlifting 95lbs...more than half my own weight, woo!) and cut down on some fat around my tummy and muffin top! I'm super happy with that! I also have really weak knees that get exhausted really easily but I've improved so much with the specialized workouts that Annie plans! And an added bonus - my butt looks awesome! I would definitely recommend Just Train for whatever type of goals you have for your body. They're the best at targeting the areas you want to sculpt and will get you results with consistent training! Bottom line, go to Just Train! Best trainers in the biz. read more

Joel is an awesome trainer and all around great guy. I have known Joel for only 2 months and have gone though a 10 pack of personal training and 1 semi-private class and can tell you...you WILL get your money's worth with Joel. I have tried everything NYC has to offer in terms of group fitness (Soul Cycle, Physique 57,. Equinox classes etc) and found Joel to be the most hand's on, giving me the best results. I do private training with Joel twice a week and after 3 weeks I lost 3% body fat. His workout's are effective and he is a great guy..he is tough but not mean and has a good sense of humor. Looking forward to continuing my training with him. If you are a music lover like me, bring your iphone or ipod and you can play your own music during the session read more

This review is only for classes, not for personal training... Joel is great to work with! He is upbeat, professional and friendly. He pushes you to preform at your best without being aggressive, pushy or yelling like some trainers do. I am recovering from an injury and Joel modified the workouts for me, as well as giving me some really great targeted exercises that showed how much he knows about how the body works. The classes are different every time, and having only a few people in the class with you ensures that you get feedback on your form so you're working out safely. The 1:1 consultation was awesome, we talked about my goals and did a through fitness assessment. After the consultation I got a detailed report about my areas of strength and weakness and some suggested exercises and stretches. read more