★ 5

Training at Functional Patterns has been a game changer for me. I’ve always lived an active lifestyle—cycling, running, and doing CrossFit-style workouts—but I was struggling with persistent knee and lower back pain that kept getting worse. It was frustrating because I love being active, but the pain was forcing me to slow down. I tried chiropractors and physical therapy with little success.
After training with Chris for a year and doing weekly workouts, my body feels great! It didn’t take long for the pain to disappear, and now I’m able to stay active without discomfort. Before, hiking with elevation would cause immediate pain in my lower back and knees, but now I can hike completely pain-free.
Chris does an excellent job of personalizing each session to your needs and meeting you where you’re at. I highly recommend training here!

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is amazing, Courtney is amazing! I have worked with several trainers, been in and out of physical therapy and seen multiple chiropractors and nothing has come close to the experience I’ve had here with Courtney. I’ve learned so much about my body in a short few months. I’ve seen my body change physically and the daily pain from my spondylolisthesis/disc degeneration ease up tremendously. From my initial session I could see a difference in how this journey would be. You will be in great hands, feel supported and protected the whole time while still being pushed. You will get an education and a workout tailored specifically for you. Nothing you do here will be a one size fits all.

Source: Google

★ 5

I attended a two hour introductory class called “From Pain to Performance”. The pros at Functional Performance gave great information about how to reduce pain and improve posture. They also demonstrated techniques and guided our group in the movements and postures to help us implement the techniques on our own. I would recommend this class to anyone living with chronic pain!

Source: Google

★ 5

Very educational introductory session! Very professional staff and clean facilities. Check it out!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Functional Patterns Chattanooga, led by Courtney Smith, is one of those rare places where true healing begins—because it’s not just about fitness. It’s about real alignment: with your body, with nature, and with yourself.

I came to FP after struggling for years with injuries that nothing else touched—crippling low back pain, torn intercostals, and lingering neck trauma from whiplash. The usual routes—chiro, massage, lifting—never got to the root. FP did.

At Courtney’s space in Chattanooga, I found both deeply customized 1-on-1 sessions and intentional group classes that helped me learn how to move with purpose, not habit. I began reconnecting to my breath, to the ground, and to my body in a way that felt human again.

The team here is incredibly diverse and skilled, blending a range of perspectives that meet you wherever you’re at. Whether you’re brand new to movement or already body-aware, the mix of private coaching and small group classes creates a powerful pathway for real transformation.

That reconnection that FP teaches—rooted in breath, gait, and nature-based awareness—was so profound it inspired me to start Honeycomb Cottage MN, a bee therapy and nervous system wellness retreat in Stillwater, Minnesota. The same foundational principles I learned at FP—grounding, rhythm, whole-body coherence—are what I now use to help others heal through apitherapy.

If you’re in Chattanooga, East Brainerd, Red Bank, North Shore, Hixson, or anywhere in the Tennessee Valley, make the trip to Functional Patterns Chattanooga. Whether you’re recovering from injury or just want to move like a real human again, this is the place to start. Courtney and her team make it fun, welcoming, and life-changing.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

If you’re an athlete, a parent of a young competitor, or someone who wants to get out of pain and move better, book a session with Chris at Functional Patterns—you won’t regret it. I’m a former college baseball player and a former competitive armwrestler with over a decade of experience, and years of sports had wrecked my body. At 34, I wanted to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but I knew my physical condition couldn’t handle it. From a bodybuilding perspective, my body looked fine, but I knew that I just didn’t move anywhere near as well as I should have been able to. I felt slow, stiff, and noticed a lack of mobility that was impairing my athletic potential. That has all changed after 16 weeks of training with Chris. The results are undeniable: my biomechanics are dialed in, and I’m now ready to step onto the BJJ mat with improved performance and a much lower chance of injury.
I wish I’d found Functional Patterns earlier. It would’ve made a huge difference in my baseball days—think significantly higher velocity while pitching, faster bat speed when hitting, speedier base running, and more quickness and agility while fielding. My only regret is not having Chris back then. But for you or your kids, it’s not too late. Whether the goal is boosting athletic ability for any sport or just getting a body that works like it should, Chris is the guy to see. His knowledge is top-tier, and his ability to spot movement issues and explain how to fix them is unmatched. I’ve worked with plenty of physical therapists, strength coaches, and trainers—Chris blows them all away.
Don’t wait for your body to give out or your kid’s potential to plateau. Functional Patterns with Chris is where real progress happens.

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Chris has been a game-changer. His deep knowledge of biomechanics and movement has not only improved how I move day to day, but it’s also helped me overcome pain from old injuries that I thought I’d just have to live with. Each session is challenging in the best way, and I always feel like I’m progressing. It’s been a genuinely enjoyable and empowering experience training with someone so skilled, thoughtful, and committed to helping me reach my goals. I’m so grateful to have found this kind of support and transformation!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you're looking for a place that will help you unlock your body's full potential and achieve long-term results, I highly recommend Functional Patterns in Chattanooga. It's an investment in your health and well-being that you won't regret.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love Courtney. She is so knowledgeable and patient. I've just started working with her and she has filled the gaps in my workout routine to get me moving efficiently and without pain.
Best investment in myself

Source: Google

★ 5

Just two short years ago I was a week away from having my first kid. Not knowing how I’d take care of my kid. At the time I had excruciating back pain, was in the worst mental and physical state of my life. Only my wife, closest friends and family really knew how bad it was. I never really told anyone. I was borderline handicap, it was getting hard to take care of daily work task, running my business. Little did I know I would have to shut down my business the following month. Here I was with a month old baby and no income, not knowing where I would find my next paycheck. Over this time I saw several healthcare “professionals” about my back pain. Not a single one could figure my problems out, they just kept getting worse. In April of 2023 I was 7 months out of work when I started to go to Functional Patterns Chattanooga every week. FP has forever changed my life. My trainer Courtney had me back in business and working after only one 1 month of training. I’ve been doing Functional Patterns training for 16 months now and I’m pain free 99% of the time now.

Source: Google

★ 5

Before starting with Functional Patterns (FP), my physical state was far from ideal. I was living with chronic pain, especially in my back, neck, and shoulders which impacted my daily life significantly. Simple tasks like showering, walking up stairs, or vacuuming filled me with dread, as I was constantly afraid my back would give out. I had tried various therapies to alleviate the pain, but nothing provided lasting relief. To name a few: therapeutic massage, physical therapy, and regular chiropractic visits.

What motivated me to start training with FP was the need for a real solution—something that would address the root cause of my pain, not just treat the symptoms. The previous therapies were great for short term relief, but were more of a bandaid. From the first few sessions, I could tell this approach was different. Although the initial soreness from activating long-forgotten muscles was challenging, I was rescued by the MFR work, which was a godsend. I had never heard of it before FP, but it quickly became my saving grace. It's always there to support me in my pain reduction journey, so much so that I no longer need to schedule expensive massages. And as I’ve grown stronger, I find I need it less and less. If you know, you know!!!

Since training with FP the results have been remarkable. My daily pain, which used to range between 5-8, has reduced to a manageable 0-3. Considering I’ve dealt with this pain for over five years, I count this as a significant success—and it’s only been THREE MONTHS! The training has provided increased strength and support in my body which has drastically reduced my daily pain and increased my confidence in daily activities. I’m no longer scared to vacuum!

The most unexpected benefit of my journey with FP has been the knowledge sharing paired with the exercises. Added bonus! It’s been incredibly helpful to understand not just how my body moves and functions, but also why it works the way it does and how it can work better with LESS PAIN. For example, learning that a pinched nerve under the clavicle can cause neck and shoulder pain was a game-changer for me. Now, when I feel that pain creeping in, instead of pulling my shoulders down (which only made it worse), I know to raise my shoulders to create space. It's been a game changer - especially working at a computer all day.

What sets FP apart from other methods I’ve tried is the focus on addressing the root issue, rather than temporarily easing the symptoms OR attributing pain to emotions or stress (my previous physical therapy experience). This approach has been incredibly validating and empowering, especially after being told the pain was all in my head and there was nothing physically that needed to be addressed. FP isn’t just a temporary fix; it’s creating new patterns, pathways, and lasting behavior changes that will keep me pain-free and protected for life.

For anyone considering Functional Patterns for rehabilitation or any pain-free physical goals, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s a healing and empowering journey that will have you rethinking even the smallest everyday movements, leading to a life of accessibility and freedom from pain. I’m excited to see what the next three months will bring as I continue to build strength and hopefully return to beloved hobbies like climbing and kayaking that I once thought were out of reach.

...also, Courtney and Chris are AMAZING!

Source: Google

★ 5

Went in for an MFR crash course and loved it! The team was so engaged with all participants and excited to help everyone with their personal goals.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you want training that will get you out of pain and help you look better, this is for you. For years I did home or class functional training like cross-fit or LesMills thinking that it would improve my low back and knee pain, but I actually just experienced more injuries. Functional Patterns as trained by PrimaStrong has helped me identify my muscle imbalances and areas where I had almost no conscious control of my muscles, while still providing very intense workouts. I’ve gained more muscle mass in the 8 months of training with Courtney than I have in the years of doing functional training classes. And my posture has changed and my pain very much lessened.

Source: Google

★ 5

Experiencing pain daily was very humbling. I was an athlete in high school and always kept myself in decent shape. But training hard without diagnosing my dysfunctions led to lower back pain and poor posture. My regular weightlifting and CrossFit routine contributed to severe lower back pain every morning when I woke up. Simple tasks would cause days of soreness. I tweaked my hamstring almost every time I sprinted full speed. Hinging at the waist was always an adventure. Basically, I could only live life at 50% due to fear of hurting something. I've been working with Courtney for almost 3 years now, and it has been life-changing. After a few months of training, I realized I hadn't been feeling any back pain. Some days, I perform tasks without even thinking about it which would've left me crippled in pain in the past. I feel like every session of Functional Patterns adds quality years to my life. I highly recommend using a practitioner to get the best results from FP.

Source: Google

★ 5

After going through many chiropractors, PTs, massages, rolfings, yogas, stretches, gym classes, etc., I finally found Primastrong. Courtney/Primastrong is the only one who always trains the body as a whole even when we have a specific target - say, to work on the shoulders, her training still involves the whole body as none of our body part is completely isolated. Many therapists gave up on me and some doctors told me I need a surgery but after training at Primastrong, my body became stronger. I no longer need a surgery. Courtney is also a great health and nutrition coach. I'm so glad that I found Primastrong.

Source: Google

★ 5

Primastrong trainers and training are amazing. I have never seen any physical therapists nor trainers as knowledgeable, skilled and detailed as Primastrong trainers (and I have seen many). I was in lots of pain when I started but I felt very safe and most of the pains are gone now. I don't need a shoulder surgery. For me and my husband, this is one of the best investments of our life. Any serious athletes, anyone interested in building healthy body at any age should learn. It's fun!

Source: Google

★ 5

When I started working with Courtney, I was feeling pretty hopeless about my pain and the dysfunction in my body for the past seven years after having back surgery, especially being a fitness professional myself. I've been to so many bodyworkers and doctors for help with my pain and always felt dismissed or nothing would help. Courtney is such a great listener, and I always feel supported in our virtual sessions. One year into working with Courtney, I feel stronger, and my body moves better, but the most important thing to me is that I now have hope that I can heal and get back to the best and strongest version of me.

Source: Google

★ 5

When I was 13 years old, I had a snow skiing injury that left me with two fused vertebrae and a bone graft. For years and years, I medicated with Advil and sought PT, other therapies, and surgeries to try and fix the pain. Thirty years after that traumatic injury, I found PrimaStrong and Functional Patterns. After starting with my PrimaStrong trainer, I was pain-free in six months, and at eight months, I had the most enjoyable ski trip of my life! My body is pain-free, and to someone without chronic pain, this may sound simple. But if you’ve experienced the way pain interferes with your physical and mental health, you know that this feels like nothing short of a miracle.

Source: Google

★ 5

Training with Courtney helped me bring more awareness and balance to my physical patterns in a way I definitely could not have done on my own. She’s extremely knowledgeable and passionate about this work and I would highly recommend her and Functional Patterns to anyone looking to improve their functionality, coordination, strength and overall wellbeing!

Source: Google

★ 5

Courtney is an amazing trainer. Not only is she very knowledgeable about the human body, but she cares about her clients and works hard to ensure everyone achieves their best possible results.

Source: Google

★ 5

I thought I was doomed to a life of chronic pain until I started training with Courtney. Physical therapist have told me there was nothing more they could do for me. But in the last six months Courtney has accomplished more than all the doctors and therapists put together. It feels like living in a different body. Through her incredible knowledge of anatomy, Functional Patterns, and work ethic, tailoring the training and homework to my specific needs, she is transforming my body into a pain free and stronger form. Getting stronger without injury and healing at the same time is something I thought could never happen. But Courtney has showed me different. I cannot recommend her enough, I wish there were more than five stars I could give her!

Source: Google

★ 5

Courtney is a welcoming, knowledgeable, highly detail-oriented, compassionate, patient, completely non-judgemental, and professional coach with a variety of strategies and tools to address any mechanical issue at a level far beyond the average personal trainer (thanks to specialized training in Functional Patterns).

I started coaching to manage scoliosis and a few areas injured in the past, as well as get back into fitness after several years of severe illness and a sedentary lifestyle. The work has been incredibly helpful and in less than 10 sessions so far has made me feel more confident in my ability to move safely both in everyday life and in specialized movements like barbell lifting and rock climbing, which I feel empowered to finally begin doing again.

I absolutely recommend training at PrimaStrong and genuinely believe Courtney can help literally anyone achieve dramatic improvements in their relationship with their body.

Source: Google

★ 5

Courtney Smith is the best trainer I have ever had. She is a great teacher and believes passionately in her methodology. I probably should have paid her more.

Source: Google

★ 5

I came to Courtney in January 2020 after looking for a trainer who would suit my needs. I have a spinal injury that makes high impact and heavy weight training exercises difficult, and gives me a good deal of pain if not cared for. I was also carrying about 30 pounds of excess weight that I wanted to shed, but needed nutrition guidance to make better choices.

Courtney has a fun, easygoing, non-intimidating personality, and put me at ease immediately when I began working with her. After about two months of sessions with her, the CoViD-19 crisis and Stay Home orders started. Happily, Courtney was able to transition me to virtual training sessions via FaceTime, so i can feel safe in our weird current environment, but keep building on what she’s teaching me.

After only 3 months, I’m down 10 pounds, I feel stronger and fitter, and I haven’t had any back pain practically since my first training session. The system Courtney trains through, Functional Patterns, focuses on posture and movement to build strength and power in a usable way, not just in muscle bulk. I can see and feel real results, but I think the best part of training with her is that I feel *better*, in every way.

Source: Google

★ 5

Before I started going to Courtney I was going to the chiropractor at least 2 times a month. I have suffered back pain due to scoliosis. It increased while I was pregnant. During pregnancy I went to the chiropractor once a week) the pain did not go away after I had my baby. Since I started going to Courtney and doing functional patterns I no longer go to a chiropractor and my back and ribs have majorly improved. I also have been able to strengthen my body as a whole. She is super flexible worth her schedule and she takes time to listen to your complaints and concerns and makes sure that you feel comfortable. I would recommend anyone to go to her if you are looking for a personal trainer.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am so much stronger since working with Courtney. After having my third baby I had back pain and struggled being as physically present as I wanted to be with my kids. I am bounding up the stairs now, easily picking my kids, and moving without pain. I really enjoy working out and feel great about all that I can do. I have gained more confidence and started running, also without pain. I was really resistant to the idea of getting a trainer because it was intimidating to me. I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and starting working with Courtney. I liked working out before, but she has taught me so much about how my body works that it would have been impossible to learn without her expertise. She truly cares about helping me reach all my goals and I am so thankful to have her as a teacher.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working with Courtney for almost a year now, and functional patterns has changed my life. I suffered from a back injury that left me in constant pain and made simple things a struggle. Even injections and physical therapy never worked to lessen the stress on my spine. I started working with Courtney and learning how to even properly stand (yes even that can be something we need to relearn) and working out in a way that let my body naturally improve itself and build back up to a healthy range of motion and mobility. You dont realize how much of your body has become unused and left to worsen over time because of how life is today. My pain went away after around month 4-5 and now one year later I am still pain free. My spine decompressed (I've grown a half inch) my posture improved, and I've lost almost 40 lbs. I haven't felt this good since freshman year of high school. Functional patterns is not going to the gym and running and exhausting yourself then to not get any results. Courtney adapts your workout to specifically what you need, and what your body needs. Your not running till you crash or lifting weights endlessly. You're using your own body and natural human movements, and yes, it's hard sometimes. My overall health has drastically improved compared to one year ago! Working with her has been amazing and shes honestly become a friend and a mentor to me. Whether its diet, nutrition, body health, mental health, or anything you need guidance with living a healthy lifestyle, shes there to help. I love her and all she does! I highly recommend her and her company Prima Strong, and I probably will never go back to a gym again. Plus, her dog and cats are adorable. But that's besides the point. If want a more one on one session where you're the focus and comfortable in your own zone, rather than a crowded gym full of weirdos, then Courtney is the way to go! Keep up the good work girl I'll see yah next week! ❤

Source: Google

★ 5

Courtney is my hero! She spent time with me showing me the ins and outs of nutrition and why it's important. I learned things about food I never would have know. Courtney has a way about explaining things in an easy, understandable way. She is extremely passionate about being primal which makes her so patient when teaching her knowledge. The knowledge she gave me is priceless and I will forever be thankful for her.

Source: Google