★ 5

I really hesitated to write this review because I selfishly want to gate-keep but my healing experience has been beyond profound and I feel compelled to share my gratitude for Gio.

I’m 36 years old and have had two spine surgeries in less than 2 years for herniated lumbar discs that were impacting my ability to walk, bend, lift, hold my bladder, etc. I went through many devastating periods of excruciating pain and disability since my first spine injury at age 19, and I had literally tried everything since then. I was addicted to hot yoga and Pilates. Despite being “fit” and a compulsive exercise girlie, my spine kept re-herniating and doctors could not tell me why. They treated my injuries with painkillers, steroid injections, physical therapy, and painful surgeries that took months to recover from. I went to countless chiropractors, osteopaths, naturopaths, acupuncturists, massage therapists, rolfers, etc.

After my 2nd spine surgery, I diligently went to physical therapy 3x per week for 4 consecutive months and then reherniated the same lumbar disc again.

That’s when I called Gio. During our first consultation call, I shared very vulnerable info about myself and Gio never even flinched. He approached me with curiosity and non-judgment. He gave me some simple exercises to do while we were on the phone that noticeably reduced my pain levels immediately. That took me by surprise and provided tangible proof that Gio was equipped to help me when no one else could. Everything Gio said sounded completely different than all the other doctors and practitioners I’ve worked with.

Right away, Gio identified multiple issues within my musculoskeletal system and gait pattern that were causing my spine to re-herniate on the left side every time. He identified that I am hypermobile. It turns out all the yoga, pilates, and hiking that I was doing to try to help strengthen my body was actually contributing to my spine injuries. I was humbled to learn I didn’t know how to lay, stand, walk or crawl correctly. I am slowly relearning how to correctly do all of these fundamental movements thanks to Gio. It truly felt like returning to infancy and learning baby’s first biomechanics.

After all these years, Gio is the FIRST and ONLY person who could give me a REASON why this serious injury keeps occurring. Doctors could never identity a cause but were more than willing to treat the symptoms without identifying or addressing a legitimate root cause. Gio’s approach is not cookie cutter or one size fits all. Every exercise and movement that we do during our sessions is tailored to my unique deficiencies and movement dysfunctions. His approach is highly personalized and he continuously goes above and beyond what any physical therapist or doctor has ever done for me.

Over the past 9 months, I have completed 120 hours of training with Gio. While I am not yet completely pain free, my pain levels and bouts of disability have significantly decreased. When I came to Gio, I thought I was going to have to have another spine surgery. I could barely work or drive, let alone go for a walk around the block. Within a few weeks of training with Gio, I was able to return to working and driving comfortably. Day to day tasks that were once extremely difficult (like showering, getting dressed, changing the cat litter box) suddenly became easeful.

I will be honest that the work is not easy. I often find myself feeling annoyed with the workouts we do because they’re nothing like yoga or Pilates. Functional Patterns really challenges my lack of coordination and my tendency to dissociate during exercise, which makes my brain scream sometimes. I like that I can be brutally (but respectfully) honest with Gio and he reciprocates with honesty, tough love, words of motivation, constructive feedback, humor, wit, and esoteric musings. His depth of knowledge is astounding and his salt of the earth personality is a breath of fresh air.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve never written an online review before, but I’m so grateful for Jessa that I had to share.

I grew up playing sports and have gone through phases of pilates, gym workouts, running, swimming, and more. But after having three kids, it was hard to find something I could stick with that actually helped — especially with my posture, neck and back stiffness, and overall muscle tone. I tried a few trainers but nothing ever really clicked.

That changed when I started working with Jessa. She’s calm, down to earth, and incredibly observant — she can spot the smallest thing in your form that needs correcting. The workouts are both relaxing and challenging, and I always leave feeling better.

My posture, aches, and overall strength have improved so much since starting with her. She’s an absolute expert at what she does, and I’ve loved every session over the past 1.5 years.

Reading the other reviews, it's clear just how much the Santa Cruz community treasures Jessa & Gio.

Source: Google

★ 5

Within 3 virtual visits Giovanni has helped my low back feel better than it has for 3 years. I have significant scoliosis and didn’t know how to move anymore to avoid injury. I am a physician and will recommend Giovanni to all of my patient in need.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve used the services of a variety of personal trainers, local fitness programs, Pilates providers, massage therapists, body workers, and physical therapists since undergoing a lumbar spinal fusion in 2006 - and to counteract the effect of sitting eight hours per day in a sedentary job. I was referred to Giovanni two years ago by a very well respected, highly educated acupuncturist I had been working with for years, who was moving out of town. He described Giovanni as a “highly skilled and knowledgeable body worker”. Boy was he right! And that didn’t tell half the story. Giovanni, and the Functional Patterns program he employs, has helped me more than any program or body work I’ve ever done. I started with Giovanni shortly before my retirement at age 70. I was a reasonably good athlete- played tennis competitively and A League Men’s basketball up until my back surgery. But sitting all day in a high stress job did a number on me. I was moving and walking stiffly - and looked like an old man getting up from chairs and into and out of my car. Giovanni’s program is highly technical. He’s both teacher, body worker, and trainer. He starts with the basics- like teaching you how to walk properly and begins to work on correcting your posture. From day one the emphasis is on building your core and programming you to use your entire body together in all movements, whether under resistance or not.
His studio is pristine and his equipment is top of the line. Everything is done in front of mirrors and mastery of form is what he’s after. Each workout presents a new and exhausting challenge- even those that seem simple or routine when you start them. I think I’ve gained an inch in height since I’ve started with him because my spine has lengthened with his workouts. I’m moving painlessly, and more freely and effortlessly. Everything feels better. His workouts are fun. You leave more educated about your body after each session. He’s not cheap, but his program and the benefits you get from it are worth every penny. I can’t recommend him highly enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

I went to SCBM on the recommendation of a friend who had dealt with scoliosis dysfunction and had dealt with chronic pain for a lifetime until finding Functional Patterns. I have a very activity lifestyle (dance, surfing, yoga) and a number of injuries, including those brought on by carrying and birthing two children. Chronic hip pain, throwing out my back and consistent shoulder pain where what brought me to Jessa at SCBM. I started to feel almost immediate relief just one month in but now after a year of training I am almost completely pain free and know how to get my body to work optimally to address any reaccursnce of pain. Couldn't recommend them any higher! Thanks for all you do to keep me motivated and the positive encouragement.

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Giovanni is such a gift. I am constantly impressed by his knowledge and dedication to this work. Gio and his work with Functional Patterns is changing the way I move and how I feel about my body. Each session empowers me with more body awareness that I bring to my every day movement. My posture is improving. I feel taller, stronger and more grounded. I walk with more confidence everyday and it feels so good! Thanks Gio!!

Source: Google

★ 5

This review has been in the works for a long time, and I owe it to Jessa to share how grateful I am for my experience working with her since January 2024.

I started FP at six weeks postpartum with my second child. I came in with lower back pain, head and neck stiffness, and plantar fasciitis. That's the short list. After doing FP for 7 months I have come to learn so much about my body's unique dysfunctions as a result of doing activities that cause more harm than good. I have recognized that my extreme flexibility (now re-branded as hyper mobility) and posterior chain weaknesses in my glutes, hamstrings, calves, upper back, are mostly to blame for my pain. That, coupled with stress-related tightness throughout key muscle groups, and also somewhat poor/lazy eating habits has led to years of discomfort.

I continue to learn about my body's movements, the brain/gut connection, and about the consequences of some of my lifestyle choices. I love working with Jessa because she never passes any judgement on me, but rather re-directs me back to my goals and explains how activities like excessive cycling, wearing improper footwear or consuming certain foods will set me back and prevent further progress.

I appreciate each session I have with Jessa because it's not only a time for me to put in the work, but it's also my brain and body's way of re-connecting and healing. I can really step away from work and the craziness of motherhood to pay attention to just myself. The studio is a calm environment and Jessa's gentle way of guiding me through movements is therapeutic. It also helps that Jessa is so down-to-earth and really understanding when life gets in the way of our weekly sessions. She is super responsive and willing to re-schedule if work/parenting/illnesses come about.

Outside of the studio, Jessa works behind the scenes to manage my own digital folder of images, session videos, and training logs to document my progress and give me additional resources to use at home. As a visual learner, I find so much value in having this available to me 24/7. It also gives me confidence to replicate movements at home and bring back my skills to the next session.

If you are considering FP, I highly recommend working with Jessa or Gio. Trust me, your mind/body will thank you for many years to come.

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is very unique. I am very lucky I found Jessalyn. She is very professional and dedicated to getting results. I have found her sessions are very efficient and she is very patient with any misunderstandings and mistakes I have. She has a gentle but strong approach. I have been working with her for one year and a half and am very impressed by her knowledge about the subject and her strong will to help. I am having a lot of improvements in my posture and gait cycle. I definitely recommend this place to everyone!

Source: Google

★ 1

I live an active life and have physical responsibilities including child care and care for a sick person, and Jessa wanted me to eliminate these activities as a condition of sessions with her, which is obviously impossible. I am also on a diet recommended for my specific health conditions by my doctor and a certified nutritionist, and Jessa wanted me to follow a diet she proposed. When I explained that my caring responsibilities and my medical condition meant that I could not adhere to her movement or diet protocols, she refused to work with me. I want to make sure that people in similar situations are aware that her practice has these requirements.

Source: Google

★ 5

Gio is amazing! I visited him for two sessions while on vacation. I walked away with many important lessons and realizations about the state of my body and what I need to do going forward. My journey with pain has been extremely stressful and confusing but Gio’s approach provided clarity as well as support. Along with the knowledge he shared, his delivery of that information was graceful and soothing. He speaks positively and with passion and this provides another layer of healing. After both sessions I experienced a level of settling that I have not felt ever from a single session. There is no doubt that with more of those sessions I would experience serious unwinding and relief. My only regret is that I could not spend more time training with Gio (as I live in NY). I think doing so would greatly improve my condition and well being. Thank you Gio for everything!

Source: Google

★ 5

I was suffering from years of constant neck and upper back discomfort that chiropractic care only temporarily relieved.
After researching “Functional Patterns” and the results people were experiencing, I decided to give Jessa a call. To my surprise, after just a few visits I noticed relief and visible progress. After 4 months working with Jessa, I’m thankful everyday that I decided to make that call. Jessa guides with a calming energy and an approach that is patient and supportive. Santa Cruz is lucky to have Jessa and her dedication to helping people feel and move better.

Source: Google

★ 5

I met Giovanni in 2022, he did a massage for me and it was unlike any massage I had ever had. We clicked, we talked and I was interested in his approach to health and wellness. We started our journey together and we are going on our third year. I have had weight problems for decades, self esteem issues and chronic pain.
I am in my 50’s and wanted to take a leap of faith with Giovanni. Giovanni is gentle, understanding and has a wealth of information. He helped me figure out the foods I needed to eliminate to help with inflammation.
I feel like some of our weekly work outs were like a therapy session. Giovanni put up with all my break downs and resistance. I didn’t know anything about Myofascial release, and functional patterns.
I have about 15 pounds left to reach my goal and I will have lost 50 pounds. It was a slow process but I feel it’s the way I needed to go.
I can’t imagine doing this any other way or with anyone else.
I would recommend Giovanni and his wife at Santa Cruz biometrics. I’m so glad I started this journey with them and I’m forever grateful.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working with Giovanni for three years. The changes in my body from then to now are remarkable. Gio was referred to me by a friend who thought his approach might help my chronic lower back and hip pain. When we started, I didn’t know anything about myofascial release or Functional Patterns. During our first meeting, Gio asked me to trust in the work we were about to embark on. I did, and as a result, Gio has evolved my understanding of what it means to be fit. As my trainer, he thinks critically and thoughtfully about what is going to work for my unique biomechanics and life history. He is committed to continuing his own growth and is an endless well of ideas, variations in movement and information on health, fitness, and anatomy. He doesn’t push gratuitously or judge. It is a gentle approach, but has been the catalyst I needed to push myself harder because I see and feel changes in my own body. In my opinion, this is the best was to make significant, sustainable, long-term change because (in my 50s!) I love how my body is connecting and I want to keep progressing. Most importantly, I am not in constant pain anymore and on the rare occasions when I am, Gio has given me tools and skills to get myself back on track. Other important qualities: the Santa Cruz Biomechanic's space is well appointed with high quality equipment, and the space is well maintained and pristine. Gio is a good communicator (reliably answers texts, phone calls), always remembers where you are at, and is smart, dependable, punctual, easy going, and professional. If you are lucky enough to work with Gio long-term be prepared to be challenged, supported, work hard, and to just enjoy hanging out. I highly recommend Santa Cruz Biomechanics and Gio!

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm a long-time yoga practitioner and teacher. I consider myself an adept movement professional with a solid knowledge of functional movement based in biomechanics as it applies to tissue adaptation and functional alignment, and a strong foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

During the pandemic I started running and doing sprints, HIITs, and weight lifting. After a while I developed pain in my left hip and began to notice certain asymmetries and compensation strategies in my exercises. I decided it was time to work with a knowledgeable trainer. I found Giovanni through a google search and have been working with him consistently for just under a year now.

I have since fallen in love with Functional Patterns. It's been a long time since I was exposed to such a comprehensive, holistic and effective fitness program. I felt great after my first session and wanted to come back. It reminded me how I used to feel after taking a yoga class.

Giovanni is an excellent trainer with a keen eye for alignment, inefficiencies, and muscle recruitment. I have not had the pleasure of training with his wife and fellow FP trainer Jessa, but am impressed by their attention to detail in all things business, including in the training space they share.

Functional Patterns as a method comes across as dogmatic on social media outside of Gio and Jessa's own marketing, and tends to be critical of other systems --so much so I was initially turned off. Those coming from systems who have learned other 'strict' ways of doing things will feel challenged to embrace some of the concepts for sure. Yoga tends towards dogmatic too. So I decided to reserve judgement and let the results speak for themselves.

I have not been disappointed. The sessions start slow in the beginning with a tremendous focus on core and breath. Over time they build towards heavier workouts with resistance, weights, and increasingly more complex movements.

It has been 100% worth investing in the methodical approach and learning the fundamentals. It can often feel like we are doing very little, and yet I'll find myself sweating and panting. Over the last months my body has changed visibly. My gait and posture are improved, and my pain is diminishing. I've also lost a few pounds. In general I feel like a stronger and more intelligent mover ---Recapturing some of that prowess I had when I was younger.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working with Jessa for over a year now. She has a very comprehensive understanding of functional biomechanics and her attention to detail is incredible. She has been a fantastic trainer in helping fix my back pain and helping me move better.

Source: Google

★ 5

Gio offers a unique set of services that has really helped me get connected with the deeper muscles in my core that helps with day to day movement. With his help, I have much less pain in my neck and better posture.

Source: Google

★ 5

Training FP has been a life saver! My pain is significantly reduced. I am substantially more comfortable and joyful in my own body. I have periods of time where I am strain and struggle free. I feel empowered and equipped with how to get my body out of a challenging pattern and into a functional one when that arises. My body is now a source of curiosity, opportunity and power instead of something to recoil from or be burdened with. The moments of challenge are now met with a plan of clear action to get me on the right side - into hope and even exhilaration. Feeling physically light, free, and fluid are of extreme importance to me and FP has got me back to that in a way nothing else has. I am INCREDIBLY thankful to Jessa. I cannot say enough about how much her trained eye, her awareness of the systems of the body and her skilled vocabulary of movements impressed me. She is truly a gift to anyone who is interested in relating to their body in a healthy and balanced way. Sessions with her felt like a gift. Each and every one. New insights, careful thought and examination, encouragement, a belief that effort produces growth, permission to try new things, to go with my instincts, to push myself with internal wisdom and see what happens….. These are all things Jessa offered to me and for which I am truly eternally grateful.

Source: Google

★ 5

I feel much more confident than ever in my new structure thanks to Jessa. She has made me aware of so many variables of good movement and corrects dysfunctions with a high amount of detail. Very highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Jessa is incredible! Since we’ve started working together I’ve never in my life felt better!! The sessions are tough, Functional Patterns is unlike any other rehab or exercise but she is always supportive and makes each session a positive and uplifting experience. I’m so grateful for her and her expertise. If you’re in pain, even if you’ve tried everything under the sun, go see Jessa!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Gio is the Man!! His equipment was top notch, he sent me home with exercises, and I am glad to say with his help my posture has improved significantly.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been working with Gio for the better part of 2022, and I’ve been really happy with the good that’s come out of our twice weekly sessions. Not only has my body been able to heal some lingering pain and instability from old ankle injuries, but in general I’m waking up with none of the stiffness I’d previously attributed to aging and assumed I’d have to live with.

The Functional Patterns methods have me making small - but incredibly meaningful - adjustments to the way I’m standing, moving, and doing familiar exercises like planks. Every session, I feel more of my muscles participating. Every session, I’m doing a dynamic range of activity. Every session, I’m laughing and having fun. Gio pays close attention to needs that I might not notice. He makes sure we focus on healing and regenerating as much as on new challenges. My posture’s better, my hips don’t hurt, and I’m seeing improvements in my other sports and activities. And although my primary goals are not aesthetic, I have noticed better visible muscle tone, too.

As someone with decades of experience in the weight room, tennis lessons, and HIIT and kickboxing classes, I was concerned that we were starting a little too basic. I was wrong - slowing down to focus on balance, myofascial releasing, and resistance training has helped my body get “unstuck” from years of ineffective exercise. This is not traditional strength training, but I feel stronger than ever thanks to Santa Cruz Biomechanics.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have trained and studied with hundreds of movement professionals…even personal trainers who regularly work with gold medalist Olympic athletes. Giovanni guiding me with Functional Patterns is top notch. Gio is especially skilled at grounding me in my vision for gaining power, freedom, and new possibilities in my body as I age. Thankful to have you as a local treasure!

Source: Google

★ 5

Jessa is an amazingly knowledgeable trainer. I came to her with chronic shoulder pain at a point where I felt pretty hopeless because I tried physical therapy, yoga, and received many different medical diagnoses over the years.

After a short time working with Jessa, my chronic headaches and pain disappeared. She approaches body imbalances in a unique way, identifying muscle weaknesses and using self myofacial release to improve overall movement.

Very impressed with the glute and core strength we have also built. Highly recommend. Thank you Jessa!

Source: Google

★ 5

Jessa is great and I'm so glad we found her. My wife and I have booked massages with here for the past 3 years now and will continue to do so. She is very friendly and very professional. I would highly recommend Jessa and have been to all my friends and family.

Source: Google

★ 5

Outstanding massage! Jessa has years of experience and continues to learn more. I have gone to her for years and she is consistently incredible. She listens to her clients and can provide a relaxing massage and also deal with problem areas or sports injuries.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started working with Jessa and the Functional Patters training she provides about a year ago. She is a great trainer and has helped me improve myself tremendously over this time. I feel stronger, fitter and free of body pain despite working on a computer 5 days a week! I have tried other forms of strength training in the past but this has usually lead to increased body pain and discomfort for me. Jessa creates a great environment to learn completely new ways of using your body. She always is patient and gives great feedback. On top of all of that, she is a great massage therapist as well. Thank you Jessa for helping me improve myself.

Source: Google

★ 5

I just love Jessa! She is an awesome trainer and made me realize how strong I could get. I practiced with her, for 6 months and definitely saw improvement. She takes the time and listened to my concerns and still worked through a wrist injury! I had tried different modes of training previously and just never felt satisfied but with Jessa, it just felt natural. I would recommend anyone to her. She really makes the effort to work with your needs.

Source: Google