Phoenix Training and Fitness

I began exercising with Chris in his cycling classes at the Jewish Community Center. I was always an extremely active individual for most of my life, but I got lazy and took some time off. I came to Chris with no knowledge about cycling, out of shape and anxious about starting to exercising again. As I write this post, I am significantly more knowledgeable about cycling, in shape and no longer anxious about exercising.
I religiously attend his spin classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the JCC because Chris is a unique trainer/​individual. As a former Division I athlete, I needed someone who could push me and was form focused. Chris was the perfect individual for this task. Unlike other trainers, Chris has this amazing ability to connect with his clients. I have never been so motivated and inspired by a trainer, coach or fitness instructor until I met Chris.

I give Chris the all the credit for my transformation physically and more importantly mentally. I had always struggled with getting over my mental roadblocks while working out. For example, when I would go on runs and approach a San Francisco hill, I would walk up the hill instead of run up it because I would make any kind of excuse — it’s too hard or I’m not in good enough shape. By consistently working with Chris, I was able to retrain my brain, correct my negative thought patterns and develop more of my mind-​body connection. Chris’s voice replays in head every time I approach a hill saying, «just because it’s a hill doesn’t mean that we stop.» Now, I run to the top of every hill that is in front of me thanks to Chris.
Chris’s massage work is exactly what I need after a long week and pushing my body while working out. Chris’s massage skills and knowledge is unmatched by competitors. He can get in touch with your body, relax the muscles and suggest exercises prevent the build up of the tension/​cumulative damage in the future.
I am so thankful that fate connected me with Chris. I don’t know where I would be today without him!

Christopher «knocks out the knots» from the stressful weeks I have on the job. He is focused and is able to locate all the tension. After I get off the table I feel like a new person — relaxed, chilled and re-​focused on what is truly important in life. It is hard to find a massage therapist who is skilled in their art while strong to work through all the tension. Christopher is that person — if you need to chill and be in a stressless zone you have found the right person. He is genuine, friendly, clam and knows this stuff. Thanks so much. Give him a try and you will be back.

I’m in Chris’ cycle class at Mission Cliffs and can say it has been a big turning point in my life. Let me preface this by saying that I am not a super athletic person and found many gym classes mundane. I have learned more about the bike, my body, and diet than was imaginable. I am hooked.
Not only is Chris knowledgeable about the mechanics of cycling but targets different aspects of riding in every class. He focuses on technique, an overall knowledge of the bike (RPM’s, wattage, functional threshold, etc.) and nutrition. His adjustments also got me aligned to more fully activate my core.
In addition to being a great coach, Chris is a wonderful person. He cares about each and every one of his students and pushes them to exceed their limits. He is easy to talk to, easy to get along with, and knows how to tailor a program for each person’s strengths and weaknesses. If you have a question or concern, he explains it in a straight-​foward, easy to understand manner.
Chris is currently having the group do big gear intervals, sprints, and next week I am taking my first functional threshold test. He does one every 6 weeks to calculate where we are at and where we need to be. All these concepts are new to me, but he is patient and will not give up until it is fully understood.
If you are looking for a professional trainer, take one of his classes. You’ll love it.
Oh yeah, I can’t forget to mention that he has great tunes to ride to as well.

I am but one of the legions of fitness enthusiasts who is fortunate enough to have Christopher as my trainer, spin instructor, workout inspiration and caring and thoughtful friend. He is a true renaissance man who is committed to fitness excellence not only for himself but also effortlessly inspires and encourages those around him to define what fitness is for them.
Christopher trained a large group of us for Urbanathlon last year. With only 6 weeks before the event, he took an eager group of athletes of various fitness levels, and pushed us through all kinds of drills that were right on point. His guidance and positive attitude made for a fun and safe event. He formed a tight and supportive team and it’s no surprise that many of us are participating in Urbanathlon, again, this year.
I’ve witnessed first hand how awesome Christopher is as a trainer and how he’s touched the lives of so many around him. I am a better athlete in great part to him. He is also incredibly caring and a great friend. I’m proud to say that I am a loyal fan.

I started working out with Christopher in a Bootcamp class in January 2012. I’m not athletic and am intimidated by the gym scene. When Chris would take the class outside to run, he always had an alternative exercise for me– such as the eliptical or weights inside while others ran outside. He would also modify exercises for me while the group did the really tough stuff during class. Over time, and without me even realizing it, Chris worked up my skill level so that I felt confident in running the hills and stairs of San Francisco with the group. I was also able to keep up with the class! Chris encouraged me to try a half marathon two years later, and to my surprise, he showed up at that race and ran it with me! I finished it and never felt more inspired. A few months later, I went on a four day cycling trip with Chris and a few other boot campers and Chris took the time to teach me better form and technique while cycling, especially uphill!
My situation isn’t unique– I’m sure everyone in his classes and his clients have a similar story. Chris really cares about our fitness (no matter what level we are at) and he cares about us as people. Chris is a fantastic coach/​teacher/​trainer/​healer and we are so lucky to have him.

Christopher has literally changed my life. When I initially met with him years ago, we had a consultation about what I wanted out of my workouts, and he tailored my routines to meet my personal goals with an effective mix of strength, balance, and yoga work. He has increased my range of motion, improved my mobility, and increased my strength and endurance. He’s engaging and patient, and he effortlessly shifts gears between encouragement and caution, as appropriate to the situation. I don’t even want to imagine what my life would be like if I hadn’t engaged his services.

Christopher is awesome! He has change my life in body and mind. Positive attitude! He has to be the best trainer in SF. I started training with in in early 2012 and the results have been amazing. When I work out on my own, I feel like he is sitting on my shoulder pushing me. When I thank him, he thanks ME! After a workout, I feel like I can take on the world!

The guy really knows his stuff. It’s been some time since I’ve had a session with Chris. However, the routine we worked out for my body has been really working since I learned it from the man. Chris is a great personal trainer! Highly recommended!!!

Christopher has been an amazing trainer to a very klutzy and non-​athletically inclined client (that’s me). He blends just the right level of scary «I am going to kick your butt» attitude with amusing anecdotes that makes our 55 minutes together fly by. While I look reasonably fit from a distance, the truth is I am famously averse to exercise, and Christopher has done a great job of helping me tone up the bits that started wobbling once I hit 30. I would recommend him to anyone!

I started working out w/​Christopher in January 2012 after being referred by a friend. In 3 months, I’ve gone from a size 18 dress down to a size 6! I’m kidding. I (usually) don’t wear dresses… only on Saturday nights at Badlands
In all seriousness, Christopher has been a fantastic trainer. While I haven’t followed all of his advice and workouts (due only to my own laziness), I can tell you that he is motivating, respectful, and understanding, He definitely pushes you so that you feel like you’ve had a great workout, but not to the point where you feel like the F line streetcar has wheeled itself on you.
The venue where he trains (Alex Fitness) is a joy too… the people are friendly and there aren’t whordes hovering hovering over you (I got tired of fighting off my fans and paparazzi at Gold’s gym :)
I know that I could be better and improve my physique but working with Christopher is a good check-​in point and motivator.

I trained with Chris for 3 months, meeting with him once a week. From our first meeting, I had very high hopes for our sessions and the progress I would make. Unfortunately, Chris’s lack of professionalism revealed itself over time, mostly in the form of him not living up to his promises regarding information sharing and responsiveness. Although I did see results in the form of being stronger and more muscularly balanced, after 3 months of diligent commitment to Chris’s training, I was disappointed with my body shape progress and weight loss results.
Prior to training with Chris, I had worked out regularly with high-​intensity exercise DVDs and had been a runner for almost 2 years. I also ate a very clean plant-​based diet. I was looking for specific information about fitness and food that would help me break through certain plateaus. I wanted a trainer who would answer my questions and help me train the weaker parts of my body. This is what I got:
— During each session, Chris guided me through 50 minutes of strength training. He did a very good job of describing and demonstrating the movements and adjusting my form when necessary. I feel that this was the most valuable part of our training. In committing to a consistent schedule of strength training routines that incorporate the entire body, I gained strength that allowed me to benefit more from the workouts I did at home. Chris saw the muscles I was neglecting and created routines for strengthening those muscles while also challenging my stronger muscles.
Chris also talks a lot during the sessions, which I expected. He told me in our first session that he talks a lot because he wants to explain to his clients why they’re doing the move they’re doing. I appreciate that sort of attention to detail and looked forward to learning more about muscles and movement. During our sessions, I noticed he also talks a lot about himself. I enjoy chit-​chat, especially if it’s distracting me from physical pain, but our in-​session conversations often felt one-​sided.
— I emailed him questions in September (beginning of our training) about diet, which he said he’d answer after his marathon training ended, but he never answered the questions.
— He would tell me to come 5 – 15 min early for body fat testing or diet discussion (which I requested), but some of the times I arrived he was still with his previous client. He had forgotten about agreeing to meet with me earlier and had booked us back to back. This happened more than once.
— I like to run on a path near my apartment and wanted a trainer who would be willing to run with me and help me adjust my stride to have better speed and posture. He said he’d be happy to do so and would let me know when his schedule would be open for that kind of session. He never got back to me about the running sessions. Eventually he had me run on the treadmill at the gym where we trained, and he recommended lengthening my stride by taking longer steps.
— He also said he would take a look at my favorite cardio dvd, which I did regularly, if I could find a short clip of it on youtube. I found a clip and emailed it to him in October (1 month into our training). When I asked him about it in a later session, he said still hadn’t looked at it.
— One of the key elements of his program is homework, which he said he would email to me within 24 hours of each weekly session. As early as our 4^th session, I wouldn’t get my homework for the week until I emailed him asking for it. Eventually, he started typing my homework up on his ipad and emailing it to me after each session.
— After my Christmas vacation, I contacted him in January about resuming our training. In February, he texted me saying he’d call me that weekend to discuss scheduling (which he didn’t) and then he finally sent me an email on February 12^th.
That last incident was the last straw that made me ask for a refund on the remaining 7 sessions from a pre-​paid 10 session bundle. Chris refused my refund request, citing professional policy. For me, the whole experience was more disappointing than rewarding.

Chris is «the business.»
And by the business, i mean hes an awesome trainer that above all, simply has your best interests at heart. I went to Chris looking to make some solid lifestyle changes. i had horrific posture, and lower back and shoulder pain.
Chris designed my progression around these «inconveniences.» Anytime i worked out with him, priority one was avoiding further damage. In fact, he diagnosed said back and shoulder pain and attributed it to the bad posture. We then set a plan to fix it through workout, massage, and general physical therapy. Nearly 2 months later, most of the pain has dissipated, and i am in the best shape of the life. Literally.
Chris is motivating, supportive, and again very in touch with how you are feeling throughout your workouts. I’m stoked to go the gym even on my own.
I have recommended him to my roommate and girlfriend simply because he is not just a trainer. He is a 360-​degree wellness consultant.
If you are looking to get legitimately in shape the RIGHT way, Chris can get you there.

I have never felt more comfortable, safe, and supported by a trainer before. In addition, Chis has picked a great place to offer gym training. REAL people workout at Alex Fitness. I have been working out with Chris for over a month now, and the results are showing. He is caring, funny, a motivator, and really careful with you. His attention to alignment, proper form, and making sure you are not pushing too much has really supported me for where I am at. I am motivated to workout in between our sessions and enjoy the «homework» emails I receive. Chris knows his stuff and is continually learning more. If you have been uncomfortable with working out or with a trainer before, you have not worries with Chris, check him out!

Christopher has been an awesome trainer. I came to him with a goal of putting on some muscle and feeling more comfortable and confident in my body, and he has helped me to achieve it! He kicks my butt and pushes me when I need it, and is also conscious of my limits. Many of the exercises he chooses also develop agility and balance in addition to building and toning muscle. These are things I never focused on on my own, but I realized are important in order to feel more in my body. He also makes sure my heart rate is up throughout the session so that I get a good cardiovascular workout at the same time. I leave feeling beat, but also energized, strong, and confident, like a sexy beast! It has been so helpful to have a trainer to guide me in reaching my goals, and I really look forward to my workouts with Christopher. He’s fun, energetic, and obviously takes good care of himself, which is helpful motivation. ;-) I recommend him highly!

So, what do you do after losing 100 pounds? You start working with a trainer! I suppose that sounds backward, but that was my reward to myself for reaching the end of one long journey and beginning a new one. Chris’ energy, wit and intuition are surpassed only by his knowledge of the human body and what it can and cannot do. He has worked around my setbacks and injuries (I wiped out on a rainy day in the Tenderloin walking to my first session!) When I tell him I can’t do something he insists that I can, and guess what? HE’S RIGHT! Our mind puts limitations on our body and Chris helps us power past those limits.
We can achieve anything with the proper guidance and Chris is there to guide you to your goal, whatever it may be. On the days when working out is the last thing I want to do I find myself moving forward because I want to make Chris proud of me.
The results my body has seen in just five months have been remarkable yet, seamless. My balance is better (no more wiping out in the Tenderloin) my strength has improved, and my energy has soared! I could not have come this far without his help and I will keep setting new goals knowing he will be there to help me achieve them.

I wanna train every day.
Christopher is one of the main reasons I do. After years of slacking off and slowly letting my muscles melt away into fat, I finally decided to get off my arse and work it. This is where Christopher comes in. Before training, he gave me a complimentary evaluation, where he analyzed my form, body fat percentage, measurements, and even my medical and physical history. He was enthused that I had a martial arts background, because he himself was/​is also a fellow ninja. I’ve never had such a thorough evaluation done by a trainer, and I’ve worked with several. Christopher was the first to use all of the information he gathered from that one evaluation to create a truly customized workout for me. My goal was simple, lose the squish, and gain ninja status once again. He knows what he’s doing. In just 3 months I can see my body transforming back into its original sleek sexy self. That had everything to do with the knowledge I gained from my training sessions. One of my favorite things about Phoenix Training and Fitness is that Christopher wants you to get fit, meet your goals, and gain confidence. What he doesn’t want is for you to be dependent on him. He’s training you to become confident to workout on your own and fully understand that you can take control. I didn’t realize it at first, but training with Christopher has truly changed my life. …In fact I’m going to keep going with the program and post before and after pictures in 3 months time. I see the changes within and am confident that I’ll be more than satisfied with the results outside. If you’re looking for a trainer, he’s well worth it. He comes packed with a lifetime of fitness information, an incredible gift of communication, and a spirit that motivates you to do better than your best.

The truth is I don’t like working out… but really… who does? I started seeing Christopher in April of this year because I needed a boost to get back in the gym and back into my body. I am 46 years old and have always been thin and working out was super inconvenient when it wasn’t a necessity.
Enter — 40^th birthday… As if on a magical timer everything began to change in my body. So after 6 years of waiting for it to go back to the way it used too be I began to realize… it may need a little pushing. So I started asking around and Christopher came highly recommended so I decided to call him and see what might happen. –Poof– it was love at first sight. Christopher responded quickly by phone and we had a great conversation about his philosophy and my soft stomach. Within a few days I was in his studio getting evaluated and educated.
The Studio is beautiful, clean and private. Those are all so important to me. I love the individual attention I am able to get in this space and I don’t feel at all self concious working out. Christopher knows that this whole scene is new to me. I don’t know my way around a gym and I am not a sports guy. I am just a regular guy wanting to get back into shape and Christopher has made that attainable.
I have learned so much about my body and how it works from Christopher. He knows his stuff and is an excellent teacher and motivator. He works in my language set and knows how to push me and when to pull back. I have never felt more powerful in my body then I do today. While that is because of hard work… it is also because I trust Christophers methods and knowledge. I see his integrity and intentions. He is not just running another work out joint… Christopher is pulling out the best of me in my workouts and it spills into other parts of my being.
I know I am gushing here… but it’s not a line. I love this guy and I am so happy that our paths crossed. My body, diet, sleep, attitude and life have all improved over these 5 months. That is what health and fitness can do… it is waiting inside all of us… Christopher helped me remember that and access it again and I am grateful.
Give him a call… you won’t be sorry.
Peace,
Brad

If you’re reading this and you know me, then that means one of two things: Either (a) You’ve read my testimonial on Christopher’s website, or (b) you’ve read my review of Popeye’s Fried Chicken. And while I stand by a (now very long distance) love of fried chicken, I’ve also begun a metamorphosis. I can tell lots of sappy stories like I did in my testimonial, but instead I’ll tell an inspiring one.
6am today, (March 23^rd, 2011), I got out of the shower, and got dressed for work. While still in my undershirt, I got a glance of myself in the mirror — more specifically my arms. What caught my eye was that I looked like I was flexing, but I wasn’t — I just have muscly arms. Sound insignificant? Try being 60−100lbs over weight your entire life and then notice that the body fat that has surrounded your body since you were 9 has started to disappear! I was walking to work today, so excited about the fact that things I’ve always been used to (stretch marks, old lady flab, Moobs!) are becoming replaced by rippling muscle. Here’s the kicker — I’ve been at it for FIVE (5) months! That’s it! I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to update this in a year!
Now I’m not going to lie — getting in shape is hard. I’ve tried every get skinny quick scheme on the books, and this is the only 100% guarantee I can stand behind. Starting out was terrifying — I was so afraid of my big fat-​ass running around in front of a perfectly fit trainer, pooping out after 5 reps of a simple leg exercise, or the ultimate embarrassment of not being able to do a single push-​up! But Christopher was patient, extremely respectful, and always encouraging. Now I do one-​legged push-​ups every day when I wake up because it’s fun and better than coffee! I get texts from him after every workout asking how I’m doing and how I’m feeling, advice on stretches I should be doing, and even the occasional hand-​written letter just to tell me how much he enjoys training me!
Here I am 5 months later, 30% less body fat, and 100% more confidence. Dammit! I got Sappy! Oh well — it’s how you feel when you make this kind of progress. I know Chris will get plenty of great testimonials on here from in shape people, or almost in shape people who just wanted to tone up a bit. But this is my testament, and I really did start from the bottom. If you are willing to take the plunge, if you’re looking to finally stop being «the fat kid», give Christopher a call. If you’re afraid of making an investment in a trainer, just remember how much the results of an unhealthy lifestyle will cost you 20 years from now.