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Gym Personal trainer Pilates studioAbout the Club
Conveniently located in the heart of Walnut Creek, Beyond Health and Fitness Studio offers Personal Training programs, Small Pilates Classes and Nutrition plans designed to help you meet your fitness goals in a safe and timely manner. Enjoy private 1-on-1 personal training in our well-equipped studio for a supportive environment and friendly atmosphere in which you can feel confident in achieving your fitness goals.
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Reviews
Katie Ngan
★ 5
I never thought I'd actually look forward to Pilates, but Fred changed my mind. I now try to go weekly because that's how good and unique his classes are. He begins with Reformer exercises, followed up by HIIT circuits, then ends with relaxing hip stretches. Since only 4 people max are allowed, Fred is constantly paying attention to your form, breathing, and skill level. His equipment is top notch, clean, and organized. So glad I found him and his studio!
Source: Google
Gloria Truong
★ 5
Came here with my friend who is a regular at the studio for a weekend workout and was blown away by the class! I always appreciate gentle corrections from instructors so that I can get the most out of my workout. The combination of pilates and HIIT all within one hour kept me engaged and sweaty throughout. It felt more like a 45 min workout so that's how I know I enjoyed it. Fred's energy and care for the class made me feel incredibly supported as a newcomer. The smaller group setting was intimate, yet approachable and I look forward to coming back soon with my friend!
Source: Google
Valerie Randolph
★ 5
Working with Fred has become apart of my weekly routine - and it has been such a pleasure. I have been taking his Pilates HIIT class for the last 4 months and as one whom was new to Pilates, this is the best class I could have chosen! He works with you on form and ensures that you’re fully engaged with each stretch/workout. I would give 10 stars if I could!!
Source: Google
Jennifer Vong
★ 5
Hands down my favorite workout! If you like variety and really care about a quality workout, the Pilates Reformer HIIT class is for you. It's a combo of an excellent core workout on the reformer (usually 30-40 mins), cardio + weights on the floor (10ish minutes) and a solid part of the class devoted to stretching. What's more, the class capacity is 4 which means you get a lot of attention and feedback on doing things correctly from Fred (who is a personal trainer). As someone who gets bored easily and wants to make sure I'm well rounded in my workouts, this class is really perfect and intimate for me to feel comfortable to ask questions and make sure my form is correct to prevent injury. Fred is super cool, personable, and really cares about client experience. Protips: you can sign up for his class on his website or classpass. Parking is pretty plentiful but his studio is a little hard to miss because it's tucked in the corner. Overall 10/10 would recommend! :)
Source: Google
Eileen Dawson
★ 5
Source: Google
Jennifer zhang
★ 5
It’s a very pleasant surprise seeing Fred’s class now available on class pass ! I trained with Fred before as a good start of my weight training journey.
When I first saw the Pilate class available on class pass from Beyond health and fitness ,I thought it’s a mat Pilate class , turns out it’s with brand new reformer! What I love about this class is , it’s not a large group class ( there are 4 pieces of reformer total , so it feels more like a well designed/focused small group class) you get to train with the reformer majority of the time during the class , about 40-45 minutes, and Fred has always been a great trainer / instructor with patience and encouragement. Afterwards, you get access to some other forms of exercise in another room of the studio , like ball slam, battle rope , stair climbers …etc , which are all very fun ways to add variety to the exercise experience, for about 10-15 minutes. Then Fred will end the class with a 5 minutes stretch, back using the reformer.
Being an active person myself and enjoy exercise as part of my daily routine, by far , the Pilate class from Beyond health and fitness is my favorite among all other Pilates / lagree studios I have tried out.
Source: Google
Dominique Hutches
★ 5
Training with Lana Startseva:
When I started training with my first trainer Fred Merrida, I had a LOT of health issues and was in the process of trying to lose a bunch of weight. I had heard a lot about how great a trainer Fred was, so I was willing to try. I wasn’t sure how my body would hold up to the physical aspects. He was terrific, and after several months of training it was going well. And so I was a little hesitant when one day Fred asked me if I’d like to try working out with Lana. Lana was an unknown to me, and I wasn’t sure if she’d be willing to work around some of the glitches my body likes to throw in the way of getting fit and strong.
It turns out Lana is AMAZING! She is extremely knowledgeable, and can switch exercises on the fly. She took the time to figure out where I was physically and mentally, and started to work on getting me stronger. Slowly, methodically, but never repetitively, we worked on getting my positions correct and my range of exercises broadened. There were never any recriminations if I couldn’t do something - Lana simply worked around the problem until we could come back and try that exercise again, usually with successful results!
Then the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality and we could no longer meet in person. When Fred and Lana suggested that we try training by Skype, again I had some hesitation. Lana was so meticulous with my positioning and making sure I was using the correct muscle groups - how could she do that over a video feed? Where would the workouts be held? What equipment would we need?
As it turns out, Lana is even MORE meticulous in her training now! We work together twice a week for an hour each session. We do the entire body, head to toe, including warmup, exercises and stretch out. She is constantly aware of my body positioning, and gets feedback after every exercise as to where the effort was felt, which muscles groups were worked. She also requests frequent feedback as to the level of effort (1-10, with 10 being the hardest), and adjusts the exercises accordingly. Again, the exercises are NOT repetitive week to week, and so the body is constantly having to face new challenges.
These workouts have been tremendously successful. I am much stronger now, and can do things I haven’t tried in YEARS! The biggest change is that before I had no strength and no ability to balance on my right leg (two of the calf muscles had atrophied due to a constricted nerve). I can now stand on the leg completely securely, and can walk unassisted! My back is MUCH stronger, as are all my muscles. I feel so much better, it is amazing! I genuinely look forward to every training session, and feel strong and energized after each one (although I gotta say I also feel completely exhausted at the same time, does that make sense?).
I have found Lana to be very considerate and kind, while at the same time pushing me to do muscle work that I never thought I could do, not in a million years! She pushes me farther than I ever would have, while NEVER pushing me beyond what my muscles can do. She gives me excellent feedback and encouragement, and on those days when my body throws up roadblocks finds ways to work around them. I cannot recommend Lana Startseva more highly as a personal trainer - she has changed my life for the better, and I am extremely grateful! Now I’m off to practice a few squats before our next session!
Source: Google
fishrman557
★ 5
When COVID-19 hit and I found out that I would no longer be able to go to Fred and Lana for training, I was very unhappy. I had come so far and did not want to let fitness lapse. They suggested I give training via SKYPE a try, and to be honest I was skeptical that it could be as effective as the in-person sessions. I really wanted to stay fit, so agreed to give it a go and set up the first few training sessions with Lana.
There were the initial hiccups that you would expect as we got used to this new way of doing things, but that was very quickly resolved and we got down to business. I was actually very surprised at how closely Lana was able to watch what I was doing, and she constantly had me make very small changes in my positioning to ensure that I was working the right muscles and not putting myself in a position to get injured. She keeps careful notes on what we have done, and makes sure that we are progressing at a rate that builds a solid foundation that allows us to progress to future steps.
Not having all the equipment available in the gym did present some challenges, but Lana is very creative about using household things such as chairs, walls, railings and even cardboard to take the place of some of the gym tools. The SKPE process really has been an easy one to adapt to, and I have progressed significantly in my fitness since we started it. I would strongly recommend giving it a try as at this point, we don’t know when we’ll be able to get back into the gym.
Source: Google
Jill Andrews
★ 5
My husband searched for a private trainer and found Fred. From then on my husband came home with a smile on his face, excited about working with Fred. I needed to get back into exercising and went to see Fred hoping he could help me. Fred was a fantastic trainer. Fred is very knowledgeable and committed to helping his clients. From the start he listened to what I needed and found the exercises that were appropriated for me. He encouraged me all the time and I would walk away believing in myself. After 4 – 5 weeks I could feel the improvement.
Fred’s fun and uplifting manner gives me inner confidence. I too leave each day with a smile on my face and belief in myself. Thank you Fred!
Source: Google
Ciera Neilson
★ 5
Fred is an amazing personal trainer! I highly recommend! He's easy to get along with and really knows his stuff. He'll definitely get you to your goals. His studio is in a great spot and has everything you need - just follow his instructions! Worth every penny!
Source: Google
Cassidy Rombough
★ 5
LEGIT...I think I started working out with Fred back in November at the insistence of my P.I.C. to check him out. I'd been going to Orange Theory forever and felt like I needed something to help kick things up a notch. Fred will KICK YOUR ASS! AND he lets me playfully, verbally assault/vent at him when things get a little painful ;) Great sense of humor, keeps you motivated, super knowledgeable and makes the workouts fun. My bestie and I go together twice a week to hold each other accountable. We've both seen and felt some serious results. If you need someone to take you to the next level, Fred is your man!
Source: Google
Debra evans
★ 5
I started working out with Fred back in October. I was looking for someone to help me really push myself, help me change by body and get stronger. If you want a super knowledgeable trainer that will KICK YOUR ASS...go here!! I have dropped a whole pants/dress size already. I feel stronger every week, and people are noticing my results. He goes above and beyond by giving nutrition guidance and “homework” workouts. I love that it’s a private training session, so you don’t have to worry about being in a big crowded gym. It’s truly one on one. My best friend comes with me now, so we do our duel workouts together. That way I have a friend to die with me during the one hour killer workouts. Hahaha.
Source: Google
Kristen Lomasney
★ 5
I have been going to Fred Merrida for personal training for more then two years, and I cannot recommend him enough. I am an avid bicyclist, and I was having a lot of pain and difficulty with my knees. Fred focused my fitness training on strengthening my hamstrings and core, and now I'm able to climb stairs without looking like someone who needs a knee replacement. And no more love handles (thanks to all the planks and push-ups). Everything in the studio is brand-new (mats, weights, Bosu balls, equipment like their Jacob's ladder and vibrating platform), and it's such a pleasure to go there. If you're looking to increase your fitness, try Beyond Health and Fitness' classes (they have boot camp, circuit training and yoga) or personal training. They're even offering yoga and massage now, too.
Source: Google
thomas crenshaw
★ 5
This is a first-rate training space. Fred has worked with me to develop a specialized training program that allows me to continue my cycling workouts while strengthening my core and other neglected areas. It is this type of personal attention that motivates me and forces me to get healthier. The space is just the right size for classes and individual training. If you are looking for a gym and personal trainer, you owe it to yourself to give Beyond Health and Fitness Studio a try.
Source: Google
Maria Pettit
★ 5
This is a first-rate studio. It is not a gym. Instead, it is more of a personal fitness studio geared towards everyone at every fitness level. For those that want to work out in a social atmosphere, there are classes available. For those that want a more individualized program, there is personal training. The class room is spacious and the workout room has a nice mix of old school (dumbbells, ropes, medicine balls etc) and new high tech equipment (Jacob's Ladder and a fancy vibrating machine). I have been working out with Fred for more than 3 years and have since rediscovered my powerful athleticism and learned a great deal about health and nutrition. I receive numerous compliments daily as a result of Fred's training regimen and nutrition advice. As owner and operator of this studio, Fred brings with him many years of experience and is now able to pass his knowledge and training along to his very talented staff. I work out at Beyond Health and Fitness three times per week. Along with the great workouts, I can also always count on individualized nutrition advice and conversation that motivates me to achieve more.
Source: Google