Rich Barretta Private Training

I started training at RBPT for straightforward reasons. I was four months away from getting married and had gained nearly 30 pounds while working full-​time and going to grad school. I was the heaviest I’d ever been and, even though I was an athlete by nature, I’d only dropped 13 pounds on my own and knew I needed help reaching my goal.
That’s when I started working with Cedric. From the start, Cedric emphasized that we were a team working toward my goals together and that the changes I wanted to see in my body required my commitment beyond the two hours we spent every week together. He put systems in place to help me reach my goals, including daily food logs and regularly measuring my progress. In 12 weeks, I lost 12 pounds — four inches around my waist, two in my arms, two in my thighs, and one in my calves (and I’m only 5’0″!).
Working with Cedric is not just about making changes to your body though. It’s also about learning the discipline of movement and having the mental focus to push past the limits you think you have. Cedric is a meticulous technician when it comes to form. He isn’t a trainer who will just show up and stand over you counting reps. Every movement is intentional and you’ll do it over and over until you get it right. He explains how those small tweaks make all the difference. He understands when to get in your face and when to take a softer approach, and he was as committed as I was in helping me reach my goals.
Getting into my dress was an awesome feeling, but feeling comfortable in my own skin again and being able to push my body beyond certain limits is even more incredible.
The RBPT facilities are top notch. Even at its busiest, it’s never crowded and the vibe is friendly and welcoming. The experience and outcomes are worth every penny!

I can’t say enough great things about Cedric! I have been training with him for almost a year, and he has completely transformed the way I approach working out. He is hyperaware of form, effort, and efficiency, and I am always amazed by his ability to push you past your limit just enough so that you stay encouraged and motivated. I’ve worked out regularly my entire life and am a runner — Cedric has completely changed my form so my runs are more effective and the injuries I used to deal with are a thing of the past.
As a firm believer in the connection between the physical and the mental, I have gained so many benefits from my sessions with Cedric and they go way past just being in the best shape of my life thus far. Cedric is not only super knowledgeable about the musculoskeletal system but he also becomes your personal champion to a point where you feel accountable for your effort and determination because you want to be, not because you’re forced to be. He also genuinely respects your goals and tailors your workouts accordingly. The experience of working out with Cedric is truly individual which I personally think is the most important part of private training. Plus, he is just a good dude.
I initially worked out with Cedric hoping to supplement my running, minimize injuries, and learn a few «best practice» tips. I’ve gotten sooo much more out of it and would totally vouch for Cedric having the same effect on anyone else who was looking for a deeper training experience. It really is a mindset and becomes part of your lifestyle. I would (and do!) recommend Cedric in a heartbeat to anyone else seeking private training.

I hate Cedric. I mean, truly hate him. He watches you like a hawk. You can’t cut any corners! Even if you don’t intentionally cut corners, he tweaks your form and the strain grows exponentially. I bet he’s a master of Kinbaku, Japanese rope bondage. He has a talent for knowing your limit and keeping you right over it. Today, for active recovery he had me jump rope, «along with the thousands of little school girls all over the world» he said. How am I supposed to let those school girls down?!
And he owes me a dress shirt. My new arm muscles ripped the fabric at the elbow. Sure, maybe the shirt was getting a little thread bare, but still!

First, the trainer extraordinaire:
Cedric is one of the most talented and dedicated trainers you will ever find. As someone with a lot of limitations due to chronic illness, I wasn’t sure what to expect initially. Over the course of the last nine months, he has changed not only my body but also my own expectations of what my body can accomplish. He is truly gifted in his ability to quickly assess what your strengths and weaknesses are and challenge you into mental and physical shape. I’m constantly amazed at his creativity in working around and with your issues and in coming up with sweat-​inducing, muscle-​shaking circuits. I have never done the same workout twice with him; in fact, he will often modify the same circuit into a more difficult (or easier) one by the time you get to the next set. Also, he is incredible at correcting your form so that you are actually exercising the correct muscle. Whether you are a couch potato who’s never touched the door knob of a gym or a seasoned professional athlete, you will not do better than Cedric if you are willing to put the work in with him.
The facility:
There are 2 sections — one that houses all the cardio and weight machines with a brighter and louder ambiance and the other which is composed of pods where the trainer can tailor the workout in a quieter environment. This setup allows clients more privacy and flexibility than other gyms I’ve seen. Locker rooms are fully stocked with showers and a separate changing area. They also clean diligently throughout the day so that you are not face-​down on the floor in another person’s sweat.

Rich Barretta’s concept of one on one personal training is great. Your personal trainer identifies a training program based on your needs and wants as you have identified them to him both at the start of the program and as it goes on. His trainers are knowledgeable and skilled.
I have worked with one of his trainers, Chris Campbell, for over a year. He knows his physiology and exercises. He explains each exercise and sets of exercises to you so you know what to expect as to each muscle and body part affected. One of my goals was core strengthening. Over the year my core has strengthened. I am now readily doing exercises that I could barely do at the start. And I am seeing muscles I didn’t even know I had. In addition I have lost some 20 pounds.
I have lumbar stenosis. Chris developed a program for me so that now I am barely aware I have it. My doctor sent me to physical therapy to strengthen my balance. Chris works with me to continue the exercises my physical therapist prescribed.
Chris is very supportive and encouraging. He compliments and encourages you as you try the various exercises. He is also sympathetic and wants your training experience to be enjoyable. You can always contact him for advice if after a workout you are sore or experience any pain.

Christopher is absolutely amazing! He is the first personal trainer after my left wrist injury from the ski trip in January 2015. I didn’t do any work out since the ski accident because I couldn’t put any pressure on left wrist. He understands my need to be in shape and works with my injury that helps recovering faster. I feel much better and stronger since I’ve been training with him. He also checks what I eat so I can have healthier diet especially I dine out every day. I’m so glad that he is my trainer. Thanks, Christopher! :)

This is the best private training in all of NYC. Private one on one training with the best personal trainers in NYC. 2^nd floor, never crowded and great trainers. Even the other trainers are supportive to their non clients. Yes, the owner does have two large dogs that appear from time to time and sometimes bark, but they are harmless and do not bother you at all (and this is coming from someone who does not prefer big dogs). Great location, great team of people, beautiful location. Love my trainer Mike Maloney, super supportive and kick ass trainer. This place is perfect for those who are serious about training and see the value in it.

Cedric is amazing!
After arthroscopic surgery in 2011, I lost full range of motion in my left knee. Post surgery and after Physical Therapy, I could no longer sit in a kneeling position, squat all the way down, or perform lunges without losing balance. My Doctor said if I wanted to perform those movements again then I would need a second surgery.
However, Cedric proved my Sports Doctor wrong. Within 3 months of training I gained full range of motion. Now I am sitting in a kneeling position as I type this review :-)
What I was impressed with the most, is that I never told him about my issue, he identified it. As a fighter, I was never comfortable with pointing out my limitations. I was ashamed. People expect you to «tough it out» or assume you are being lazy. Im not sure what made him passionate about rehabilitation, but its a blessing. Not every trainer knows how to modify exercises or rebuild lost muscle tissues. Training with Cedric is making me feel younger again. There is nothing like being able to train and feel 100%.
Since I wrote this review, I received messages from people who are inspired. I would like to announce and add that Cedric has his own company called «break build athletics» which is inspired by his method and trainings to help rebuild! If anyone is interested feel free to contact him via email at
Furthermore, big shout outs to Garnett Srother! Another trainer there that I highly recommend!
Garnett’s workouts are unique in a way that you literally «go at your own pace»
which leads for a lot of room for improvement,
He also keeps the training sessions focused on what YOU want. If your goal is to be able to do 30 pull-​ups. You will reach your goal. What better way to keep your clients happy?
Overall, great place, awesome trainers and facility :-)

What can I say? This place changed my life. Specifically, Max changed my life. I cannot recommend this place (and Max) highly enough if you are considering a trainer and want to get serious about your health.
I did all the standard googling and considered a range of options (from NYSC to private studios), but RBPT stood out for its outstanding reviews (as evidenced here). I went through the onboarding process and for the first time was forced to actually consider what my goals were (in my case, it was re-​establishing my health and fitness after my time in investment banking). I was matched up with Max, and I really could not have gotten a better trainer (though all of the trainers are great and create a great workout environment).
I went weekly for a year+ in the mornings to stay honest and to continue to learn, and with Max’s guidance I quickly reached a place where I was confident in learning and training hard on my own. I’m still training hard on my own 18 months after beginning the journey, and Max has continued to be a source of inspiration and guidance even as I have wound down as a client.
Again, if you really want to make a healthy change in your life, stop searching now and a book a session at RBPT. There’s no commitment and I guarantee you will not regret it.
THANK YOU MAX, DAN, AND EVERYONE ELSE AT RBPT!!!

Have worked out with Cedric since June. I’ve had multiple personal trainers before him at numerous locations, and I can say with confidence that he is fantastic. Not only am I more toned, I’m also smaller in size. I was a size 28 in pants when I signed up and now I can fit in size ²⁵⁄₂₆. But most importantly, I feel confident, healthy and happy. It has become a lifestyle change, not a temporary fix. Cedric holds you accountable not only for your workouts but for your diet too, which is such a huge factor to weight change that a lot of my previous trainers ignored. Highly recommend if you actually want a serious change and are committed to results.

I’m not new to working out. When I joined RBPT, I’d been lifting on my own for about 10 years. However, I joined looking to maximize my training in order to get the most gains from the time I was putting in. I was also on a mission to gain muscle and drop my body fat percentage. Rich paired me up with Dan W. as my trainer. First off, Dan’s a great guy. Super easygoing. Fun to train with and just a nice guy overall. In terms of the training, Dan was always prepared with a brutal workout for each session, to really put me through my paces. Honestly, I have never worked out harder than during these sessions. I really had to stay on top of my diet and sleep to make sure I was prepared for each one. But the results were worth it. I saw a big increase in my muscle mass, decrease in body fat, and improvements in my posture over the few months we worked together – all three of which were my goals when starting out. Friends made comments about the change, and overall I felt great about the shape I was in.
I think what really made the difference was the fact that (1) Dan always had something new and challenging for me to try (2) he was always careful about monitoring my form and even making workout adjustments on the fly when necessary based on my own limitations and (3) he made sure to keep the intensity high, knowing what I could handle, and making sure I took just enough rest between sets to keep going strong.
I eventually had to stop training at RBPT for personal reasons, but would love to go back. It’s difficult to make the same rapid progress on my own. In short, I highly recommend this gym and Dan W. in particular as a trainer. If you’re serious about reaching your fitness goals, Dan will make sure you get there.

The best personal training experience I’ve ever had. The studio is clean and not crowded at all. RBPT is appointment only, which is very different to other gyms in that you won’t have an excess of people crowding machines or the floor. Everyone there is there for the same reason you are — to work out seriously with their trainer. (The locker rooms and amenities are always top-​notch, too!)
The atmosphere of the gym is very comfortable and without distractions. All the staff and trainers are incredibly friendly. I never feel pressured by anything but myself and my goals, which is great.
I’ve been working out with Garnett (Strother) at RBPT for a few months now and it’s been fantastic. He’s incredibly knowledgeable — he really adapts your workouts to your goals and schedule. I’ve been going twice a week and no two workouts have been the same. And the results are amazing to me; as someone who hadn’t worked out seriously for a quite a while before this, in the two-​three months I’ve gone I’ve had to get clothes tailored, lost weight and inches, and become much stronger and confident overall. He has this very cool idea where we take pictures of our meals and send them to him, which I haven’t experienced with another trainer. In my case it helps me quite a bit in thinking about my meals and overall health daily.
In short, I would absolutely recommend Garnett to anyone looking for a great personal training experience, beginners or experts alike!

I’ve been training with Rick since the summer and he’s been great. I’ve had a huge confidence boost ever since joining this gym.
I decided to go to rich baretta because the office was making me flabby and weak. When I would sit down I could feel the buttons in my Oxford straining to hold my belly in. After training with Rick my buttons are now safe but more importantly I feel great.
Rick knows when to encourage you and when to push you which I really appreciate. When I first joined I was worried I would get a drill sergeant as my trainer so I’m glad he’s not like that. He still manages to kick my ass but at least he’s super nice about it.
Would definitely recommend this place if you need help getting off your ass and into the gym like I did. Would also recommend Rick if you’re trying to work on your core.

I have been going to RBPT for over a year now and I am very happy with my trainer (Rick B.), the place, and ofcourse, the results. Rick does a combination of strength training and Muay Thai that makes working out both challenging and interesting. I like that we change the routine up to focus more on different areas that I think need more of a workout. He’s been really good about being flexible the weeks that I’ve been very busy at work, which is super helpful. And, he’s funny and social so each session has been fun.
The studio itself is very different from your typical gym. The workout areas are mostly private (so you don’t have to look like a fool while working out) and you never have to wait for equipment. Personally, I think this is a huge plus.
Their philosophy is to let you train at the frequency that is comfortable for you — 1x, 2x, 3x a week — whatever fits your life. No pressure to come more often or sign up for a package.
Highly recommend the place and my trainer.

Awesome. I went here thinking I was in decent shape and quickly learned that there are, indeed, many levels of «in shape.» And I had many levels through which to crawl.
Rick B’s a great trainer. After a tough 45 minutes of working out, he works in some Muay Thai punching/​kicking/​bathing in a pool of your own sweat/​wondering how long three minutes can possibly take. It’s fun and humbling at the same time. Rick’s funny and motivating, makes every session a good time.
The gym itself is spotless. Clean locker rooms. Much bigger than I thought, but also nice and uncrowded. It’s not a membership gym, so everyone there is working in their own private space, one-​on-​one. You don’t need to buy 10-​packs of sessions or any crap like that. It’s one day at a time, one workout at a time. They keep you coming back because they’re great at what they do, not because they suckered you into some contract or package. Highly recommended.

There is a reason why Rich Barretta PT gets 5-​star reviews … because they’ve earned it! This is NOT some «sell you a workout package» kind of place. This is NOT some meathead hangout. These are professional and dedicated trainers helping their clients build confidence, health, endurance and strength. They don’t try to strong arm you into buying some package of workouts. You want to work out? They make the time. You don’t want to work out? Well, that’s your decision. There’s no sales pitch. It’s just about your health.
I was always very intimidated by gym culture because I wasn’t very strong or confident. I got lazy and hit 35 years old a little out of shape. Max, my trainer, took the time to learn about me and my health, both physical and emotional. His workouts are specifically tailored to my needs and the progress has been insane. We work on body, mind and spirit (but not in a crunchy granola hippie way either). And even though I work out with Max, the other trainers take an interest in my progress and cheer me on when I reach a new goal.
Individually I can only speak to Max as a trainer in detail. He’s incredible at what he does. He motivates, teaches, coaches, and pushes me to become stronger faster and better. He doesn’t slack and he doesn’t let me slack. He’s always there, always prepared, and always mixing up my workouts to keep me working as hard as I can. He also coaches me on diet and gives me workouts for when I’m not at the gym. He cares about my health, not about my credit card.
And this isn’t some «in name only» kinda place. Rich Barretta himself is always in the gym working with clients and keeping on eye on everyone’s progress. The facility is clean, modern, and always in perfect working condition. The locker room is equally as clean, where they provide you space and a lock if you need it as well as a fully equipped shower and bathroom. They make it easy, and fun by creating a welcoming and thoughtful atmosphere. I look forward to my workout days.
If you’re on the fence, don’t be. These guys probably saved my life in the long run, or have certainly added years to it. It’s worth every penny.

I used to train at RBPT and I have to say it was an outstanding experience. My trainer was Adam and he is as good as it comes.
Crowd: Since it’s a private training gym, there is never a crowd. Every patron is always so focused in her/​his workout that it’s truly inspirational.
Trainers: you get 1:1 attention and superior experience with trainers. Always. Given the non-​obtrusive environment, your trainer and you can work uninterrupted on your routine.
Facilities: spotless clean. To me, that is paramount. They have «training capsules» which is basically a separate space with your own weights, equipment, climate control and even your own music. This was a great feature.
I don’t train with a trainer any longer, but once I’m ready to do it again, I will undoubtedly choose RBPT.

I started training with ELAD SHEFFER last year with 3 goals: 1) lose weight, 2) improve nutrition, and 3) get back on skis after 12 years.
Why I am still with ELAD: RESULTS. 1) lost ## lbs, 2) know what to eat (protein!) for my body, and 3) got back on the slopes in February and killed it.
Why ELAD SHEFFER is the BEST PERSONAL TRAINER IN MANHATTAN:
*Credible & Customizes — ELAD understands the body and customizes my workout each and every time. I have had a variety of injuries which can limit certain movements, ELAD understands there’s not one way to get the muscle to react, so he is constantly modifying and catering exercises that work specifically for me.
*Goal Oriented — ELAD knows what I’m aiming for, and he takes on my goals as if they were his (he’d say they ARE his goals). Therefore, we stay focused and manage our time well.
*Inspiring & Fun — ELAD walks the talk, pushes me to do more, while at the same time making the hour enjoyable. ELAD has a great personality and is funny. I have never walked out of the RBPT regretting that I walked in that day or feeling I just wasted my time/​money. I walk out ready to take on the day!
I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the studio itself because it rocks… Rich Baretta Private Training is fantastic — from the music (5 stars for this alone!!!) to the overall esthetic (urban/​modern like a cool Soho loft), clean locker rooms, super nice people (trainers and all of the staff) and bonus is that Rich brings in his dog (5 stars for him too!).
Great trainer. Great studio. Highly recommended!

There is a reason why Rich Barretta has received such amazing reviews.
Stu was my initial contact in the beginning. He was very clear and very understanding about my needs and the best part is there is absolutely no pressure, no hard sell and no commitment to buy training packages. There is no better philosophy! I truly appreciate not being «forced» or pressured to buy and spend.
The cost per hour of personal training starts at $ 90. Stu will help pair you with a personal trainer that suits your personality, needs and price point.
I was paired with Elad who is really incredible. The first session is 1.5 hours long because the first 30 minutes is spent on discussing the types of workouts I like, dislike, and determining whether there are any injuries or special considerations we needed to take. The hour after was spent on short simple reps. I barely broke a sweat BUT oh — my. My body was screaming in pain for the next 2 days! That to me tells me I had an extremely effective workout. He showed me that you didn’t need to do 1,000 sit ups to feel that burn. A few crunches on the ball, a few planks and my abs were feeling the heat for days.
In addition, the facilities are really clean and provide you with a comfortable feel. There are lockers (you don’t need to have your own lock. They do loan you one during your training session) for you to store your things. There are cotton balls, qtips, mouthwash, shampoo, shower gel, towels, etc.
I LOVE everything about this company and cannot wait to reschedule!

I’ve been training with Anna since the beginning of the year and I love it! I would do more sessions if they were more affordable, but they are absolutely worth every penny. I used CrossFit on and off for about 6 months, but I had a steep learning curve and felt like I didn’t improve fast enough to keep up (plus, it was expensive for me). Some things I love about RBPT:
1) ANNA! She gives me a good variety of workouts and keeps me challenged. She helped me keep track of my food intake initially, but not obsessively. I’m anti-​diet and she helped me make small but helpful adjustments to the way I eat. I like that they make you fill out a short but structured survey when you first start to match you up with the right trainer, who can help you toward different goals.
2) Results! With the small dietary adjustments and once-​a-​week workout, I saw better results than anything I’ve tried. RBPT sessions feel very focused. As long as I can drag myself in here, Anna makes sure I work my butt off. I didn’t have a weight-​loss goal and had been a happy size 6 since middle school, but not complaining that I’m a 4 now. I feel good and just completed my first half marathon this past summer with little training.

3) No pressure — at all. Unlike personal training at other gyms I’ve been to, I didn’t feel like I was pressured into buying more sessions. You can do one session a week, a month, a year…
4) The nice extras: Nice folks. Clean facility, locker and shower. All the towels you want to wipe off your sweat and tears (of joy).
Check them out. They did 2 Thrillist Rewards deals this year, such a terrific deal if you can get them.