Forest Vance Training

I’ve been going to FVT for almost a year and a half now and I can’t imagine not being a part of this awesome place! Forest and his team are always making you feel welcomed and pushing you to keep going, which is what you need during a tough workout. There’s been so many times when I thought «there’s no way I can do that» at the beginning of a workout, and I end up kicking butt and feeling great afterwards. I HATE when I have to miss a class that I signed up for. Even if I’m feeling too tired to go, I always leave feeling energized!
When I first started, I could barley do a kettlebell swing correctly (and that was with a 8KG bell). Thanks to Forest and his focus on perfecting my form, I can do Kettlebell swings with a 16KG bell. Since coming here I’ve lost 25 lbs and kept it off. And with my wedding in 9 months, I’m setting another goal of 20 lbs and I’m sure I will be able to achieve that here. Overall, if you’re looking to make a lifestyle change, this is a great place to come to!

Me and My wife loved coming here for training. Forest is a great trainer and I love the fact that he teaches you how to properly do each exercise and pushes you to be better each time. We would continue coming here but recently our schedule has changed and we can’t. The environment is great and people are easy to make friends with. Forest always finds ways to motivate you to do your best. I came in not able to do any pull ups and quickly tightened up my core strength to be able to do 7. I took the skills I leaned home and continue to improve slowly.

This review is long overdue, as I have been going to Forest Vance Training for three years now. I have exercised regularly all my life (running, gym workouts, aerobics, tennis), but his boot camps are by far the BEST workouts I’ve ever had. In 45 minutes just twice a week, I get a complete and effective workout with cardio and body weight exercises, as well as using kettle bells and other equipment. I am now in my 50’s and in truly the best shape of my life, thanks to Forest and his skilled training staff! I love the muscle definition in my arms and legs. Each workout is a challenge, and Forest and his trainers are excellent in ensuring my form is correct so I get the maximum results. I always look forward to working out here.

FVT is the place to train! My wife and have been going here for a little over two years and we love it! Overall our health is better and we are both a lot stronger and fit then we were before we started! We are progressing each class! Love the trainers, staff and people we workout with! Forest has done a great job in training and motivation to keep us coming back for more! No matter your fitness level, Forest and his trainers will push you and help reach your goals! Great place to train!

This gym is close to my home and these reviews made it appealing. However, when I went to gym to meet with Forest, I found him to be unfriendly and not very inviting. In general I felt like I was bothering him or wasting his time. It was uncomfortably complicated to get general program questions answered about cost and there was just a resistance. The whole vibe was simply rude. Just sharing my experience, to contribute to the overall picture.

Best Trainer Ever! Boot Camp is a killer but obtainable for all levels of fitness. Has several clients that have followed him for years. Prices are affordable as well:) Nothing ventured nothing gained.

This place is fantastic! The boot camps are fun, and will kick your ass. There are different levels, and fill up fast. All of the trainers love what they are doing. I see Pam most of the time. She will listen to what your goals are, and help you to achieve them. Everyone is positive and motivating. I always leave there feeling a thousand times better, even when my muscles are sore and I’m all sweaty :).

Forest & his wife and trainers are AWESOME! I was coerced into joining their 30 day rapid fat loss bootcamp program by my friend Carolyn, at the last minute, and SO glad I did! Yes, it can be brutal, Yes, I was on a strict 1200 calorie/​day meal plan, but the results have been amazing! In 30 days, I dropped nearly 12lbs, but cheated a couple days and ended up –10lbs at the end of the 30 day challenge, and lost 2 inches in waist, nearly 3% body fat, and several inches in legs and chest as well. It’s a fun but productive environment, everyone in the classes are good people, the music is good, and it’s 3 blocks from where I live in Land Park!
I highly recommend Forest’s classes and camps, and you WILL see results, but it is up to YOU, he’s there to provide the info and sends out some amazing emails and videos along with positive energy, to say the least!
DO IT.

I’ve just started training here. The facility is clean, comfortable and welcoming. I feel confident about my journey with Forest and his staff. I am an almost 60-​something and would recommend Forest Vance Training to anyone who is sitting on the couch, wondering if they can regain their mobility and fitness.

I started going to Forest in July 2011. I signed up for 2 sessions per week. Admittedly, I did very little outside the classes. I took a break in February 2012. In that timeframe, I added 10 pounds to my frame (In a good way! I toned up and added muscle based on his combination of kettle bells, aerobic and core strength building). I joined a large gym and just couldn’t get in to working out on my own. I tried the group classes, but they were not the same. So I am back. Everyone I’ve met in his classes are nice and supportive. Forest encourages us to focus on form, finish strong and most of all, have fun. You will get results with Forest!

Growing up I never thought I’d get into shape. My defeatist attitude combined with sheer laziness made me pack on the pounds over the years. With my 30^th birthday approaching I decided to make a change — and I’m so glad that I did! I changed my diet and lost a bit of weight and then I discovered Forest’s studio. I’ve been training with him for a year and I’ve lost 60 pounds, dropped my body fat percentage from 30% to 14% and have changed my life forever. He is attentive, supportive, tough enough and doesn’t let me get away with bad form! What I love about working out is how it has impacted my everyday life. Not only is my fitness level drastically here, I am so energetic, vibrant, STRONG and happy. If you have ever thought that you were the type of person who couldn’t get into shape, call Forest now!

Forest provides both private and group workout sessions. I have had great results with both. He takes the time to understand your goals and is willing to shape the style and intensity of the workout to meet your needs.
A few months ago, I purchased some kettlebells and a TRX for my home and booked a private session with Forest to get suggestions on how to design an in home fitness program. Forest crafted some effective routines that are great for when I don’t have time to hit the gym.
The FVT group sessions provide a great workout in a fun and positive environment. Forest makes use of a wide range of equipment and varies techniques to keep things interesting. I appreciate the fact that he checks that clients are doing the exercises properly and have good form. As another reviewer stated, he limits the size of the group sessions so you still get a lot of personal attention.
I highly recommend FVT for your fitness needs!

Forest is a great personal trainer. He pays attention to detail and constantly makes suggestions to your form to make sure you get the most out of your workout. He has a positive attitude, is very professional, and keeps things fun.
His bootcamp classes are kept small to make sure that he is able to give each person the attention that they need. The classes are 45 minutes of intense circuit training which includes kettlebell, band resistance, body resistance, and cardio training.
He puts out nutritional and workout challenges every month which constantly gives you something to work towards. He also emails newsletters with tips and advice at least once a week and provides a library of literature on his website in case you want to read up on additional workout and nutritional regimens.
He takes his business seriously and it shows. I highly recommend Forest Vance Training.

Forest is amazing! I knew nothing about Kettlebells and thought the boot camps would be too hard but gave it a try. Forest makes everyone feel at ease right away. He is knowledgeable, encouraging, kind and has a sense of humor! Forest also is very accommodating when scheduling classes or makeup appointments. If you miss your class he will call you :) His classes are never boring and they are challenging but so worth it. I’m already making a lot of progress and it’s all because of Forest. I can’t say enough good things about him and the way he runs his business.

I added 1 day per week to my normal 6 day routine so I could get a nice change of pace, additional stretching and kettlebell work. Forest has not disappointed in this respect; each class is always different, so there is no body/​muscle memory. As a bodybuilder for 27 years, I wanted an extreme challenge to move muscles in ways I don’t normally activate them with my current routine. Everyone in the class is very enthusiastic and I enjoy the philanthropic events as well. Thanks, Forest and everyone who comes to the Thursday AM class.

Forest is very knowledgeable and makes a workout fun… he is a kettlebell guru!

«1 minute left!» –Forest
I have found that going to Bootcamp with Forest twice a week is my self-​care. When I miss a class, I am upset! It is addicting… in a good way. I always leave feeling better about myself after working so hard in class. Forest makes class fun with: 1. fun music. 2. Different routines and circuit training every class so it does not get boring. 3. He’s funny. 4. It is allowed in class to make loud «in pain» noises and no one laughs at you.
I have found that I can run longer without it hurting after doing Forest’s class for a few months. My friend touched my arm recently and said, «wow! you’re ripped!» (not in a masculine way). He sends emails out all the time to give health and fitness reminders, sends us articles, facebook quotes to keep us motivated, and is always focused and ready to help us reach our fitness goals in class. I am so glad I joined Forest Vance Training!
**Update**- I’ve been training at FVT for about 3 years now! I’ve lost 18 pounds and made wonderful friends at Bootcamp! Each workout is challenging and I leave feeling accomplished and energized. There is a great community that has developed and so now I’ve lost fat and weight, gained muscle and made new friends with FVT. I would recommend Forest Vance training to anyone and everyone!

I trained with Forest at 24h a few years ago. Even though I don’t live near Land Park, I’m willing to commute to work out with him. Each bootcamp session is a bit different and we always listen to good music to keep us going. I saw great results the first few weeks :) Great place!

Just noticed the other day how easy carrying a 5-​gallon water jug into the house is for me now or that I’m at top of the fifth flight of stairs before I’m noticing the effort… after years or hiking and yoga, adding strength workouts has actually made a big impact.
Forest also provides solid and useful health, nutrition and training advice by email and his web content… just enough to keep you engaged and encouraged. And to keep your focus on reshaping your habits. Nice, even personality and an actual dedication to keeping the workouts fresh means after six months I’ve never been bored and I’ve come to respect his knowledge. Also its a great environment in which to learn and to push yourself, with an emphasis on proper form. Encourage anyone looking to check him out; whether you are new to this type of workout or looking to change it up.
Once read that in order to change the course of your life, if you want something different than what your family and those around you have shown is in store… you have to DO something differently than you are now. That’s been my motivation for choosing a trainer and I feel I’ve chosen well.

As beginner who was looking for a simple weight-​training program, it was important to me that I find a trainer who could break things down and teach me the basics. Forest is patient with me and clearly explains how to do each exercise and the purpose behind everything we were doing. His extensive knowledge of physical training, especially kettlebell drills, makes me feel comfortable trying new exercises.