I started training with Melissa over 10 years ago. I was in my early 40's and completely sedentary (we're talking size 20 with bad knees, high cholesterol and hypertension). At the time, my track record in the areas of diet and exercise spanned decades and was dismal - lots of starts and stops with the latest trends but never long-term success. The one thing I had never tried before was personal training. It was the usual excuses - embarrassment at my size and lack of fitness, the expense of having someone "count" while I did exercises I already know how to do. After all, hadn't I been a member of a gym since 1984? I knew my way around the equipment. Thankfully, I didn't let that attitude keep me from signing up for one of Melissa's training packages. I was hoping that if I prepaid, I would be more motivated to show up. Best move I ever made! Melissa's energy and attitude were catching. In the beginning I needed more of a kid-glove approach due to my total lack of stamina. As I began to show some improvement, I wanted more of a drill sergeant approach to keep me on track. Melissa was great at sensing what would work best with me in the moment, all the while guiding me towards a complete lifestyle change. Her ability to tailor my programs to my particular physical limitations (bad knees, bad shoulder, carpal tunnel) showed me that exercise is so much more than "counting". Her frequent changes of my workout program prevented me from getting stuck in an exercise plateau. Add to that her knowledge of nutrition and I was well on my way to achieving and maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle. And where am I today? Thanks to Melissa, I have, for the first time ever, maintained my weight loss (now a size 6) and been able to get off of multiple medications. I am happier and healthier than I have ever been. If you want to achieve long-term health and fitness, Melissa is the way to go! read more

I've posted a couple of reviews about Melissa and her skills as a trainer only to have them removed shortly after I posted it. I'm hoping this one stays posted for awhile because the information may help others. I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis at the end of 2009. My lumber score was -3.4 and my doctor told me that osteoporosis could not be reversed, the best I could hope for was to stabilize it. I was put on medication for awhile but the side effects were severe - my jaw bone started to deteroriate and a different medication was prescribed. At that point I decided to try a different approach which excluded drugs but included finding a trainer, increase my Vitamin D intake, take strontium, and of course, keep taking calcium and magnesium. I found Melissa for personal and have been working out with her for just over 2 years. I just had my bone density rechecked and my scores show remarkable improvement - from severe osteoporosis to osteopenia! My lumbar score is now -2.1!! Something my doctor said couldn't and wouldn't happen! I exercise 3 days a week with Melissa because I knew I needed to see the changes I wanted. And Melissa is tuned into what exercises and weight lifting I need to so I could make the changes I needed. I am so grateful that I found Melissa for my trainer - she clearly knows what she's doing! And I am so motivated to continue to work out with Melissa and to do more exercises daily on my own as well. For everyone dealing with osteoporosis or concerned about, I can't say it strongly enough - exercise, exercise, exercise - with someone who knows what they're doing! read more

I have known Melissa for years and met so many of her clients, myself included and the list is like a whos who of San Diego. She has made such a difference in her client's lives, not only helping them to get healthier, fitter, overcome debilitating health issues, you name it... but she also provides a great support system for the people she works with, ranging from friendship to cheering them through their struggles. Melissa and her fitness location have a variety of options and services to fit your fitness needs. You can work with Melissa and the Staff there to get your Yoga fix, core strengthening, boot camp (I recommend this one), custom wellness programs, dietary consulting., You name it. Melissa has oodles of certifcations and education, so she isnt going to BS you. its the real deal. I can say that Melissa has been there for me and my family throgh some very difficult times and helped us to get to where we wanted to be. You will not be sorry you checked this place out. Prices are affordable, the programs are unique to your needs and there is no high pressure, 24 hour GYM, atmosphere!!! this is huge deal for me!!!! I can also say she hand picks the staff she works with, and will involve her clients to help her select (i had a hand in selecting the new Yoga instructor, shes awesome!). very cool place to get healthy or stay healthy! read more

My wife and I have worked with Melissa as our personal trainer for several years, my wife more so than I. Having been a gym rat decades ago, old habits die hard - first and foremost being that I know what I'm doing in the gym and around weights and don't need a trainer (a woman!) to hold my hand. I had no idea what a difference utilizing a trainer, the right trainer, can make in your physical fitness program. Melissa varied up my routine and kept a close eye on my form. Her upbeat attitude and commitment to exercise and fitness in her own life motivated me on those days when I would rather have called it off. Before long I was showing marked improvement in strength, flexibility, and particularly in my cardio capacity - an area I simply will not do on my own. I was making great strides when I re-injured my back, an on again off again condition I've had for many years. After recuperating for several months, I started up again with Melissa. Her rehab training really paid off for me, as I needed that special knowledge and attention to carefully recover my form and prior levels. Without her encouragement, I'm not sure I would have made it back to the gym at all. I recommend Melissa Allen as a trainer without reservation! read more

Melissa is the best personal trainer I could ever dream of. I trained with her in my personal home for months and used her diet plan as well in order to lose baby weight. I wish I could still have her as my personal trainer but with 2 babies in the house it gets too difficult for now to schedule consistent sessions. Can't wait to train with her again though and this is why: - she is extremely professional: always on time, always prepared (gear, workout plans) and designs custom workout sessions for YOU according to your goals and possibilities. - dedicated: her expertise is far beyond what I have ever seen in San Diego. She keeps in touch with her field and is often writing articles to be published or motivational/informational e-mail letters to her clients. Her knowledge made me feel comfortable right away and there was never an exercise that cause me pain later because she knows how to work around it and/or with it. - excellent motivator without pushing you far beyond ridiculous! - very friendly and personal. Always a smile on her face - finally an excellent role model. She LOVES sports. You can tell she LIVES it! She is very active herself and super healthy. She is the whole package! Isabelle L read more

Melissa, at Optimum Condition, was so great with my son! I was nervous he would never learn how to ride a bike. At age 8 he still would not trust me or my husband to teach him. In less than an hour with her, not only did she gain his trust but had him showing off with no training wheels and even attempting to do tricks. Melissa is a truly patient and amazing person. I later revisited her talents when I needed someone to motivate me. (I had previoulsy hired a personal trainer at the gym and felt very uncomfortable with the way the trainer had pushed me when I said I could do no more and also as if the trainer had looked down upon me) So, we started off small walking Lake Murray which eventually led to a several mile hike in Mt. Laguna. She is the best at what she does, no doubt about it. I have also visited her new studio and love the comfortable setting you immediately feel as soon as you step through the door. I have also had her do some treatments on my back and her bedside manner is just perfect. I was looking for the best of the best and found her!!! read more

I've worked with many trainers over the years, but never found a good fit for my needs. Until now. Melissa is caring and attentive, and keeps my best interest in mind when creating a custom workout for me to follow. I've been asked to fill out paperwork with most trainers I have seen, but rarely did any of them ever refer to the paperwork in creating a plan for me. Melissa went through the paperwork with me, asking questions about medical history, injuries, and limitations. During my workouts, she checks with me to be sure that I am not feeling any discomfort, due to prior injuries, and if I am, she shows me how to modify the workout to avoid further pain. Melissa is enthusiastic about helping others, and her optimistic attitude is contagious. I have thoroughly enjoyed working out with her, and am excited to continue to work with her, creating customized plans JUST for ME! read more

I have been doing personal training weekly with Melissa for at least eight years. Melissa customizes my workout plan specifically for me and completely changes the plan many times each year. Additionally,she helps me work on any areas of my body that are problematic. She has helped me with both rotator-cuff issues and lower back pain. This is all in ADDITION to the outstanding job she does as a personal trainer. Her skills and expertise have really made a huge difference in my life. Melissa has many certifications and degrees and is highly knowledgeable. She is incredibly kind, supportive and encouraging. Melissa new facility is beautiful....clean, convenient and a great change from a noisy gym. I feel like I hit the jackpot when I met Melissa and started working out with her! read more

I have been going to Melissa since March, 2011. I can REALLY see the difference. Friends and family notice the difference, also, and tell me so. I have more energy and my balance is much better. Melissa is very encouraging and helpful. Since I am almost 70 I must work on being more active and try harder to improve my health. Melissa has done that for me. I never have been much of a fitness person and hate going to the gym. I can't tell you how many times I have joined a gym only to drop out. I really enjoy going to Melissa. She motivates me to take better care of ME! She never makes me feel bad about what I can't do just encourages me to try. This is my first experience with a personal trainer and it is the only way to go for me. Of course, I also love her dog :-). read more

Optimum Condition provided the personal and tailored personal training that i was looking for. Melissa's knowledge, smile and personality drive the results that i've been looking for. She gets to know each client and pushes them, with a smile to accomplish the goals that we set in our consultation. Family and friends have been sharing that i look healthier, leaner and seem to have more energy. The secret I tell them is: Melissa's advice, tailored training program and emotional support is what is working for me. I would recommend Melissa and Optimum Condition highl to anyone looking for results. read more

Melissa is the most positive & professional person I know. She is an expert in her field. I highly recommend anyone looking for a personal trainer to give her a call. She will make you feel comfortable, as opposed to going to a big gym (which can be intimidating). She specializes in dealing with sports injuries. Therefore, you can rest assured that your workout will also be safe, in order to avoid those injuries in the first place. Instead of the bare minimum training session you might get at a gym, Melissa will go the extra mile to be sure you have the best high quality fitness program possible. read more

I have known the owner, Melissa, for about 10 years now. She has been training Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu under the direction of my husband, Charlie Kohler, at the San Diego Fight Club. Not only does Melissa have mad Jiu-Jitsu skills she also has phenomenal people skills. She is very easy to talk to on many levels. She is a good listener and is always able to provide useful fitness advise, whether it be on specific grappling moves or help with an injury. She is a reliable and trustworthy individual who just has a way of making someone feel better just by being around her. read more

When I walked in I was greeted by the trainer Melissa with a pleasant smile she explained all the programs offer and how they work. I was glad it was a one on one type of environment. Not like those big type of gyms where you get lost and don't know where to start. The room was very functional and clean with corrective equipment that suite your needs. The location was easy to find because it was located near a known shopping center. The best part is that whatever program you decide was money back guaranteed so i was free to take any class of my choice. read more

I started training with Melissa to lose inches and pounds. Her workouts were developed for my specific needs. She varied the workouts and worked with me to continually go further in my fitness. When I developed severe plantar fasciitis, Melissa used a technique she received training in to relieve my pain. She also led me through stretching exercises to help relieve the condition and insure that it would not flare up again. I have now completed a half marathon and am running three times a week. Melissa is tops when it comes to personal training. read more

I dont live in the San Diego area but wanted a training program I could use on my own as I travel. Melissa was refered to me by a friend in the area. Melissa designed a program for me that I can do on my own, at home, or in my hotel that was realistic and easy enough manage with great results. Melissa is one of the most caring, honest, down to earth trainers I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Always has time to answer my email and phone call questions on the program and what I can do to improve my results, which have been fantastic. read more

I wanted to get a set of training sessions for my father - he had recently been diagnosed with diabetes and was in need of a tailor-made program that took all of his health issues into consideration. Melissa was highly recommended to me so we went with Optimum Condition. We had a great experience - Melissa was helpful and understanding - she set us up with the gift certificate for the training sessions and then later met with my dad and made him feel comfortable. She helped him get more fit and deal with his health issues. read more

I am not a person who typically enjoys working out but I signed up to have Melissa train me, I was totally out of shape and was finally willing to hit the gym. Melissa showed me how to work out smarter, not harder. The things I was doing in the past were not getting me results because I was not doing them correctly. Melissa is an extremely knowledgeable and well seasoned trainer. She works with you to develop a training plan to target your goals that is workable for your skill level without making you hate the gym! read more

Melissa is an awesome trainer! I met her through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training about six years ago and we have been friends and training partners ever since. Being in the health and fitness profession myself, I found I could always come to Melissa for training and professional advice. She is very knowledgeable about her profession and extremely passionate about helping people reach their goals. Not to mention one of the friendliest people you will ever meet. read more

Optimum Condition is a great place to take yoga. It is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays in a small, personal and supportive environment. The yoga has helped me recover from a sports injury. It is always modified to what my body can do and challenges are offered too. I also love that my teenage daughters enjoy going to the classes with me. It also offers a great sense of community because the classes are a manageable size not a mass of random people. read more