I've been working out with Marta, and occasionally Christopher, here for about 15 months now, initially once a week and then twice a week soon after. Although I am no stranger to personal training - I've worked with personal trainers pretty much nonstop over the past 10 years, with breaks never longer than a couple of months - I've never gotten such amazing results (even though clearly I am only getting older!). I've noticed a number of improvements to my physique, but most importantly, I have virtually no neck problems any more, despite having them regularly since I was fresh out of college. The problems had gotten progressively worse, even to the point of hospitalization once and regular chiropractic adjustments; they're now GONE. It's great to have more energy and look better, but for the neck improvements alone, I'll be eternally grateful. Add to that their convenient location, their flexibility if you have to reschedule, and Marta's combination of a great sense of humor and toughness (she'll get every last rep out of you...), and you have a winning combination in terms of getting your butt in shape. read more

Update: My situation has not changed. During our last in-person meetup I told him that I would be moving out of town, and it seems that he has conveniently blocked my phone number in an effort to not pay back the refund. I would urge viewers of this review to be very careful when doing business with Chris. read more

Van Buren Personal Training Services - Chris decided to disappear and completely ignore my messages after settling on a $1k refund for my unused commitment hours. - Trainers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Chris and Marta are awesome! I took personal training with Marta for 1 year at this gym and it has been my most productive workout routine ever. I went from not knowing how to do a proper bench press to nailing them and actually enjoying them. She would always push me to do more, take on more weight and never give up. I would have never been able to do that on my own, I would have given up very easily. After training here for a couple of months I started noticing changes in my physique which was a very satisfying reward. Along with the great workouts, Marta and Chris ensure that the gym has a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. So it is not just pure workout but a lot of fun bundled in with the workout. If you are serious about putting in the hard work and seeing changes in yourself I would highly recommend them :-) read more

I URGE EVERYONE TO READ THIS!!! Chris and Marta are scammers through and through. They scammed myself and my elderly mother out of our deposit. As I read other comments, I noticed I'm not the only one they have done this too. After putting a deposit down for training sessions with Chris, I had my big day coming that year so I wanted to look my best. My fiance was killed in a car accident so my whole life was changed. I got my deposits back from the venue of my wedding to the photographers that were hired, everyone was so understanding of my situation. But with Chris and Marta, they obviously didnt care. I never stared the sessions, Chris urged me to put a deposit down because he was very booked. Which was a lie.. He stopped responding to my calls and texts once he knew I was serious. read more

Physically, I lost almost 30 pounds after training with Chris twice a week, for half year and I become stronger of course. Mentally, I became more confident, optimistic about how I view things in life. I met Chris at October last year, after something changed in my personal life, I would like to take a step back in life and rebuild myself, physically and mentally. I was a person didn't do any workout for years, losing weight is like magic to me and gaining weight every year is like a routine for me... I am hesitate whether this could work with Chris, still remember the first day, when he asked me to do some exercise to measure my body status, only 20 minutes, made me exhausted, I walked home and my mind was like: "I was right, workout is not fun, I hate this studio and I will never come back, it's over", after arrived home, I felt asleep for over an hour to recovery, and when I opened my eye, I immediately changed my mind, I think I need go back and do more, no pain no gain. Chris is an amazing guy, he kept my workout session interesting and fun, trying out a lot of different routines and figure out which one works for me the most. And he is a funny guy, we like to share stories and laugh out loud during workout, this is something unexpected to me, as workout never be fun to me before. There is a funny youtube video named "How To Lose Weight in 4 Easy Steps!" by JASH if you viewed it, it's not really 4 easy steps, and I like this quote, "It's not about hitting a goal weight or lifting weights, it's about waiting, being patient, trusting life will slowly inch along and things will get better." Video link: https://youtu.be/9mbp0DugfCA Or search in youtube: "How To Lose Weight in 4 Easy Steps!" by JASH This is exactly how I felt about what Chris taught me so far!. read more

This has been an amazing experience. I'm 2.5 months in on a 6 month commitment with Chris. I'm at that wonderful stage wehere I'm really beginning to see and feel results :) I'm so happy I found him and made the decision to invest in myself in this way! Some things that really stand out: -I had ACL surgery many years ago, and over the past year or so my knee was really starting to bother me again. I kept putting off going to the Dr., as I feared it would lead to surgery and I'm too busy to afford any down time. On our first meeting, Chris made sure to get my history and so I brought this up. He paid particular focus to the knee during our sessions and made sure to do exercises that would strengthen the knee and surrounding area. And... voilà... knee is all better! I'm running again, no pain, full mobility. I'm absolutely certain had I not found Chris I would have had knee surgery. -I've also had a shoulder issue which has mostly resolved but is still a bit stiff. When I started, it was too painful for me to do some of the exercises, so Chris focused on increasing my mobility and strength. I have no limitation now with the exercises... mobility has also improved greatly. I have no doubt this will fully resolve very soon. Beyond this, Chris is really great to work with. Very nice, funny, and passionate about his work. I also appreciate that he does his best to accommodate my schedule. Do it. You will not regret it. read more

When I lived in this neighborhood I would walk by this gym everyday with my dog and every single time he would try to go inside. Well I got curious about personal training once I got engaged and wanted to get in shape for my wedding. It was a tough commitment, but I worked hard and was able to lose about 15lbs. All of my friends & family kept saying how amazing I looked & I felt so proud of all my hard work. I even influenced some of my friends to start working out. I can honestly say that Christopher & Marta are amazing. I worked specifically with Marta & she constantly made me laugh & pushed me to do things that I didn't think I could do. My whole mindset about working out has changed. Marta really taught me how to work out and build muscle without having to do a lot of cardio. Anyone who is interested should try it and at least give it 3-6 months to see results. Not only do I see Marta & Christopher as my personal trainers but I consider them family. They even came to my wedding and are super dog friendly. They leave a water bowl out & have treats ready. I highly recommend them!!! read more

After years of struggling by myself to be in a shape, I decided to get a personal trainer. I came here, since it was close to my work, and has a good review. After the first try out, I know that Chris can help me achieve my goal. I have been training with him for several months now, and it has been great. I was in a bit slim shape, and wanted to build muscles. I have gotten10+ pounds, and I can see my body strength has been noticeably increasing. Chris keeps the training sessions very challenging, but it's rewarding. If you want a result, Chris is the guy. read more

There's not much I can say what other yelpers are saying about Chris! I met Chris exactly 30 days before wedding and he told me that he is going to help me look good on my wedding day. And in a matter of a month, not only did he help me look good and lose weight, he also made me mentally and physically stronger! I hated working out, but after working out with Chris, I am always looking to add an extra physical activity to my day when i am not training with him! He always makes me laugh during our workouts and i have met some amazing people to work out with as well! he makes training fun and he pushes you when he knows you can do more. He texts you to make sure that you're doing well and to help keep you on track! Example: I was out with my cousin for lunch one day & I was about to order a slice of pizza - Christopher texts me with an encouraging message to keep up the good work & to make sure that I eat clean. I then ordered a salad with the dressing on the side! If you want to become a healthier version of you, Chris and his team are the way to go. read more

I started working out with Chris 7 months ago on Beale St in his new gym. He asked me to give him 6 months, 3x per week to get the results I was looking for. To give you a bit of background, I've worked with trainers before. I've done everything from private Pilates sessions to swimming to gym workouts and group classes. I've worked out everyday of the week and no days of the week with the same results. Nada. I told him all about my history. And told him I was bored with the regular routine, so he'd need to spice it up. He was up for the challenge. I was skeptical. But I was also desperate for the numbers to move in the direction I wanted. So, I signed up and showed up. Every week. 3x per week. I'll let the numbers speak for themselves... At the 6 month mark, my waist had shrunk by 3.5 inches, arms shrunk 1 inch a piece, hips 2 inches, chest/back 2 inches, thighs 1.5 a piece, neck .5 inches. My BMI went down about 5% and my weight dropped 17 lbs and is still dropping. I finally broke the plateau I've been stuck on since 2002! Granted, I found a doctor and a nutritionist to help with the diet transformation, but Chris is the reason that I've looked toned for the whole journey. AND I have FUN during our workouts. I get to punch the living daylights out of him for 1/2 of the session with some high speed sparring! Who wouldn't want to do that to their trainer after a session of killer abs and arms? ;-) read more

I've been training with Chris for over two years. I was so out of shape when I started I could barely do 20 "lady" push ups and had a very hard time finishing the first 30-minute evaluation workout. With Chris' help I made quick improvements meeting the specific goals that we had discussed, including weight loss (25 lbs) as well as improved endurance and strength. I'm an avid snowboarder so Chris even tailored my workouts to improve my strength and endurance for snowboarding. Chris also has the knowledge to work with injuries (like a dislocated shoulder) to improve strength alongside the healing process. He is very in tune with your energy level during the workout and tweaks it accordingly so you get an optimal training session. I continue to train with Chris to maintain the goals that I achieved so I can continue to do the activities I love to do. And frankly I'm someone who needs to be motivated to work out, and Chris excels at motivation and enthusiasm. It's also fantastic how flexible he is when it comes to rescheduling. Chris has one of the strongest work ethics of anyone I know, and he always puts his customers first. I would gladly recommend Chris' services to anyone. read more

I've only been going to Chris Van Buren for six weeks, but he is absolutely fabulous. He is super creative and always changes things up so they never get boring. He will push you, but keeps it fun at the same time and he has a great personality, making him a pleasure to be around! He always finds a way to make scheduling work, and has been great about re-scheduling sessions. I work out at both SF locations, Brannan and Moss Street and they are both clean and well equipped. Bottom line, if you are looking for a good trainer, I HIGHLY recommend Chris, give him a call today! read more

You want results and have a good time while doing it? Chris is your man! It's been almost a year since I started training with Chris. I decided to focus on my body and health after going through something personal. Over the course of 9 months I have put on about 15 pounds of muscle, dropped about 2% body fat, gained strength, endurance and confidence - all of that while having a great time and experience. Chris' style is unique - he makes you work hard every time and pushes your limits for continued growth (whatever your goal might be) in every single workout. He does this in a way which is highly encouraging. He draws a nice set of clients who are all friendly, encouraging and inspiring. If you want to change your life in a meaningful way go and train with Chris. All you will have to do is show up for each session! read more

After my wife made googly eyes at Dwayne The Rock Johnson in the movie Jumanji I decided it was time to bulk up. Chris asked for 6 months to work his magic. It has now been 6 months. The results speak for themselves: 24 lbs gained (+1% body fat, so let's say 22 lbs muscle). 3.5" added to chest. 2" added to arms. I didn't think I was skinny before, but now looking at my 'before' pictures maybe I was a bit skinny. In any case I've definitely bulked up and am very happy with my experience. Chris is a good guy, but more importantly, he got me the results I was looking for. Highly recommended. read more

Among the handful of trainers I have had over the past few years, Chris is the one who so far has given me the most results (and I expect more to come!) He listens to my need and tailors the training program to best fit my desire while being super stringent about all the moves and requirements and makes sure I don't slack off whenever I complain or I feel out of breath (both happen pretty frequently). I would say that Chris is the right trainer for you if you are really determined to make a change to your body and want to feel good about yourself. Even before this Yelp review, I have already referred my colleagues and friends to train with him. Would absolutely recommend this guy. Hopefully he won't get too busy and still has time to train me though. read more

Christopher Van Buren provides the best personal training in San Francisco. I've had trainers at various locations -- the Equinox, Crunch, Dogtown Athletic, etc. -- doing a variety of styles from CrossFit to HITT to body building. *No* *trainer* has been able to give me such an outstanding training experience. I've got 4 reasons for this: (1) Results -- Chris listens to your goals and makes sure you surpass them. This is personal training in the true sense; he coaches your diet, your exercise and even checks in during off hours to make sure that you're following through. In less than 9 weeks my gains were absurd: from 40 lbs on the dumbell chest press to 70 lbs at 10-12 reps, from 30 lbs on the bicep curl to 45 lbs at 10 reps, from 45 pounds on the sumo squat to 65 lbs at 20-25 reps. (2) Personality -- Many trainers fail to adequately balance motivation with toughness. Sessions with Chris are the right blend of getting pushed mentally and physically while receiving the proper positive motivation to push harder. What's more, the other trainers (e.g., Mario, Millie, Roger, Sam) make the place seem like a family and your private gym all at the same time. It's very much the type of place that makes you excited to get up in the morning to exercise. (3) Trust -- Chris has been in the business for a very long time, and rest assured, he knows exactly what he's doing. I'm never concerned about an injury or a strain because he himself has never been injured -- in over 35 years. Furthermore, Chris has been a bodybuilder, a distance runner, a boxer and a football player -- he borrows from a wide swath of fitness knowledge and brings all of it to bear in a way that inspires confidence and trust. He's a trustworthy trainer, and someone you can rely on for consistency in scheduling and avoiding / rehabilitating an injury. (4) Prices -- Chris prices his sessions fairly based on your needs and schedule, and it's my understanding that the other trainers do as well. His prices are the best that I've received. No matter your fitness needs or goals, Chris and the team at Van Buren are undoubtedly the best option. I highly recommend this business. read more

Christopher was a amazing personal trainer. He really did a great job in starting my new heathy life style and getting me back on track to being a new healthier and fit me! I encourage anyone to start with him and see what a change he can bring to your life. He makes it simple, straightforward and brings results. I'm glad I met him! read more

Chris Van Buren is life-changing. I came to him feeling incredibly out-of-shape from a brutal work/study schedule, accompanied with back and hip pain that hindered my ability to run. Ever since I started training with him, he has been able to accomplish what no physical therapist can do--set me free from my injuries so that I may strengthen my body and feel more physically confident and stronger than ever before. Better be careful though! Chris' boxing workouts are addicting!!! There's nothing like punching the living lights out of a moving target that doesn't punch back!! Beyond being an amazing trainer, Chris has a fun personality to work out with, pushes you but knows your limits, and is great with his clients. He's very understanding with last minute cancellations and rescheduling. I would recommend Chris to anyone who's looking to invest their money in a personal trainer who actually understands the human body. read more

Gyms and I have never been friends. I was always the scrawny, lanky, nerdy type that shunted going anywhere near big burly types. But earlier this year I decided to overcome my phobia and get a trainer to get myself into shape. I looked over the reviews on yelp and decided on Christopher Van Buren. Boy did I strike gold!!!! In four months Christopher has helped me reach a physique that I never thought I'd have. I started out as a total beginner; was doing bench presses with the bar only! Since then, Christopher has taught me how to effectively utilize the gym and push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of; and does so in a manner that is supportive and encouraging. Christopher is alway accommodating of scheduling issues and goes out of his way to offer a complimentary bootcamp on Saturdays. He's a great all around guy and I'm very happy with the results I've had with Christopher thus far! Can't recommend him enough! read more

Chris has been the best trainer I've worked with in the past 4 years. I've been working with him for the past 6 months and the results have been incredible. I've been amazed by the results, and even when I took a month off for travel over the holidays, my strength gains did not disappear which has happened ever year with my prior trainer. So here's the rundown of why you should work with Chris. Results! I gained 8lbs in 6 months (all muscle, no fat) with strengths gains all across the board. The best part is even when I take some time off, the strength gains remain. Never had that happen before - his programs work. * Chest Press: 25lb dumbells (15 reps-20 reps) to 60lb dumbells (10-12 reps) * Biceps: 15lb dumbells (15 reps-20 reps) to 35lb dumbells (15-20 reps) * Shoulder Press: 15lb dumbells (15 reps-20 reps) to 30lb dumbells (15-20 reps) * Back (Rows): 25lb dumbells (10 reps each side) to 55lb dumbells (10 reps) * Legs (Sumosquat): 25lb (20 reps) to 50lbs (20 reps). By product of this is I can do box jumps on to a box 42 inches tall Training Center Culture! Everyone that trains clients at his gym is incredibly nice. You know everyone's name and they are always incredibly welcoming. What's great is they collaborate if one of the other trainer's has some expertise in an area that can help a client. I had some muscle tenderness and Chris was quick to ask Mario for his thoughts on what stretches were best or other activities would help heal the soreness. Everyone seems to get along and work together to provide all clients that are training a great experience. Chris also has the right balance of making you feel good, but also keeping you honest, and pushing you. At times I have been known to get a little frustrated with the extra reps when I can't move my muscles or the heavier weight, but a week later, I'm always amazed by the results. Personal training for your goals - not their goals! Chris structured a program for me which was strength training for the most part, but when I told him I was heading out on a snowboarding trip, he suggested that we modify the program a bit to make sure I worked on strengthening the muscles I was going to be using when snowboarding. It's a slight deviation from my initial goals, but it hasn't sidetracked the progress I've seen and I'm ready for snowboarding season! Price! Chris was reasonably priced relative to other trainers I've worked with on an hourly basis, but have to say it was a steal because he helped me achieve my goals on a faster time line and now I'm surpassing the goals I had for myself when I started. He's willing to do some group training every now and then if you have a friend you like to work out with, which I'd suggest to complement at least one or two one-on-one personal training sessions each week. Bottom line - you work with Chris, and as long as your committed, you'll get amazing results! read more

Chris was referred to me by my coworker who swore it would change my life. Knowing I had a wedding coming up, I was willing to try anything. Even after my first week training with Chris, I saw instant results. He knew what my goal was and worked hard to mold me into a toned, thinner me. After 2 months of training, I lost 3% body fat (which is A LOT for a woman), fat around my waist, back and even neck. The day of my wedding I got dozens of compliments of how great and toned I look. What really impressed me was seeing my wedding pics, because you could really see results. If it weren't for Chris, I would have been a fatty, flabby mess on my wedding day. I will continue to rely on him to stay healthy, toned and in shape. Thanks Chris for everything you've done! A++++ read more

I've been training with Christopher for over a year. While improving my overall strength and conditioning, he also solved a persistent knee issue with a customized training plan. And, I appreciate his professionalism and flexibility, Christopher is someone that understands the value of customer service. I highly endorse Christopher to anyone looking for a friendly, professional and experienced trainer. read more

Chris is a great trainer and really cares about his clients. He knew what my goals were and worked to help me achieve them, as well as try to work around my schedule. I definitely improved my fitness level and it kept me on track to train with him. He will listen to what works best for you to figure out a plan. He is also really responsive and always lets you know if he is going to be out of town and is very understanding when you need to reschedule too. I moved out of the area which is why I stopped training with him, but I would definitely recommend him. read more

Christopher Van Buren is the real deal. He expects a strong warmup then pushes you during sessions. I started with him almost a year a go at 2 sessions a week; after 3 months I upped it to 3 times a week. We've successfully maintained my overall fitness while packing on more weight and muscle (which was my goal). Like any good trainer Christopher can read your energy level; switch up the next exercise accordingly. He always remembers and records how much weight / reps you've completed in order to consistently add more on later (if needed). I've never stuck with a trainer as long as I've been with Christopher. He's rejuvenated my excitement for fitness. I'm in the best shape of my life. read more

My body has transformed since I started working out with Chris. Chris is very experienced and push you in the right way. He is also super fun to talk to and make the whole training experience very enjoyable. Highly recommend!! read more

I can't say enough great things about Van Buren Personal Training. I was a client at this gym for about 2 years until recently when I moved out of the area. My husband and I started training with Marta about 6 months before we got married. My husband and I lost more than 40lbs together and gained a lot of muscle before our wedding. Marta was always so much fun that she made the hard workouts as pleasant as can be. We were always laughing and enjoying ourselves notwithstanding that she was pushing us in a way that we couldn't have done on our own at the gym. When we had initially signed up, we thought that this was going to be a short term plan to lose weight just for the wedding, but we stayed on as clients long after the wedding. I never thought I would enjoy working out and never understood how anyone could enjoy it. But, Marta really changed our minds and more importantly our lifestyle. There's no doubt that we'd still be going to get personal training from here if we were in the area. It is a very worthwhile investment to a healthier life. read more

CHRISTOPHER VAN BUREN has been my trainer for almost a year and I have had great success reaching my fitness and health goals with his encouragment. Overall, he keeps me motivated and offers great tips and advice to help me stay focused! As an added bonus, he practices what he preaches and I appreciate that in a trainer. Hes always available for consultation or to vent about a hard day dodging carbs! I could not ask for a better trainer. I work with Christopher in the Hayward location and he is always on time and dedicated to his committments and day or night is only a text message away. I wake up everyday lucky (and sore) to have a trainer who cares so much about his clients and their goals! I!! read more

Chris was phenomenal! I initially went to him in the fall to get help with getting into shape for a Cancun trip three months down the line. He helped me build muscles, get leaner and feel better about myself! In terms of results, Chris helped me lose about 5lbs and cut down my body fat by 5% - which is a huge accomplishment for a woman in three months. I not only learned how to work out better with Chris, he also helped me change and maintain a healthier lifestyle - now it is super easy to sustain the results he helped me achieve. Also, Chris is also super personable and funny to talk to, making all the 7AM workouts so much more fun and bearable! Thanks Chris! read more

Chris is a magician - Last ten years, i tried many gyms and workouts and maximum i did was for 2-3 weeks. Either I get bored or it was not encouraging. Last year July , I joined here to give another shot and today i am completing 6 months!(without a break and regular)!! Chris is great, he always push me to do that extra mile and it helps me a lot. He focussed on gaining muscle without increasing fat and i gained 10 pounds in 6 months(all muscles no fat Yaay!!) read more

I started working out with Chris about a month ago and I already feel significant increase in my strength and endurance. The effects easily transferred to other aspects of my life, such as yoga, running, rock climbing and even walking. Chris designs a great variety of exercises to ensure that the whole body gets strengthened, especially core muscles. His signature Saturday bootcamps at AT&T park are absolutely amazing. Imagine working out with a bunch of fun athletic people in fresh air, and enjoying the Sun, gorgeous view of the Bay and a hearty breakfast at Java House afterwards. A nice start to a weekend, don't you think? read more

I was referred to Christopher by a coworker and I'm glad I was. Christopher has been training me for about a year and I'm very pleased with the results. I've been working out since college and have worked out on my own, with other trainers and even done Crossfit for a year. Christopher whipped me into better and stronger than I've ever been in my life. The bottom line is he gets results. So he gets results, that's clear. But he is also the customer service king and he's always in a good mood. He's ready to go right when I walk through the door. He even has towels ready. No time is wasted - which had been an issue when I worked out with other trainers in the past. All time is spent focused on you achieving your goals. Working out with Christopher is time well spent. read more

Christopher Van Buren is one of the best trainers I have ever worked with. I was in good shape before I met Chris. I had been doing outdoor bootcamp 4x a week for 1.5 years already and then I decided to do personal training with Chris 2x a week additionally. Chris exceeded all of my expectations. I didn't think I was going to lose as much weight and body fat as I have, and all without dieting! I am noticeably skinnier and have gotten a lot stronger. Chris introduced me to boxing, and I have fallen absolutely in love with it. Everyday is something different. He changes it up so you don't ever plateau. Chris is really personable and is super flexible with his schedule. Also, he is one of the most polite people I know. I definitely recommend Chris! :) read more

Christopher has been my personal trainer for over 6 months. He is everything I was looking for in a trainer and more. Accountable, professional, on time, and most importantly, he knows what he's doing. Christopher is extremely knowledgeable. To his dismay I'm sure, I ask a lot of questions. He always knows the answer, and is very patient and thorough with his explanations. Under Christopher's training I've seen vast improvements in my strength as well as muscle size, both in a short amount of time. Christopher also got me in top shape for abdominal surgery which made my recovery a breeze. read more

I worked out with Christopher for 1.5 years and due to personal reasons had to quit. There is not a day that goes by when I miss working out the carbs, fat and toxic elements. I hope I can get back to working out with Christopher ASAP. Over that period of time Christopher became a friend, adviser and confidant. You are missing out if not working out with him. Wish him the best! read more

I have been very impressed with Chris for the last 18mths that I have worked out with him. One of the best personal trainers I have had, he is very professional, polite and experienced and really produces results. The workout sessions are fun and interesting with enough variation so you never get bored. He pushes you just to the right level, he won't let you give up on yourself but never overdoes it so that you come back ready for more. In addition, he is very accommodating with his schedule, a rare quality in personal trainers, and always follows up promptly. Last but not least, his pricing is very reasonable and he always puts quality first. Stellar trainer with stellar service! read more

Christopher is fantastic!!! I started working out with Christopher by chance before my wedding and I am SO happy that I did. In the past, I have tried a lot of different fitness activities - but nothing that I look forward to doing everyday. Christopher changed that. His workouts were by far my favorite - always varied and always effective. And Christopher is extremely motivating; he learns your workout personality and pushes you in a way that makes you achieve more instead of shut down. He is amazing with scheduling and making connections amongst his clients. If someone had a similar goal as mine, he made sure we met so we could exchange tips or led us on mini challenges. He also got me doing many exercises I never thought I could do. Hiring Christopher as your personal trainer is the best gift you can give yourself. read more