Brian Wijas

I am an 82-year-old woman who stopped attending the Center during COVID-19 and returned this fall. I lost an enormous amount of fitness and realized I needed a trainer to help me build strength and flexibility. I also am plagued with osteoarthritis throughout my body.

Brian listens to me when I explain what I want to work on. For example, when I told Brian I had trouble going up and down the steps of the public bus, he arranged a series of steps with the equipment. I practiced. My friends could immediately see that I could get on and off the bus more easily and step on the escalators more confidently. He helped me improve the quality of my life.

Brian is sensitive to my difficulties using the exercise machines and teaches me alternate methods of exercise, sometimes using bands, hand weights, or straps. I am able to perform many of the exercises on my own and understand why specific exercises require him to be present for safety reasons.

Brian has an enormous knowledge of how to train people, which I find reassuring. However, Brian also has a calm, easygoing demeanor that makes my workouts pleasant and leaves me with an enormous sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

Because Brian is my trainer, my sessions are happier and more productive.

Brian Wijas is an exceptional Personal Trainer. I first met Brian during my introductory session. After a few weeks after the intake, I was unsure whether I was doing the exercises that Brian recommended correctly, and often, I didn’t know how to set up some of the machines necessary to do the exercises on my “menu.” Also, each time I came to the Center, I was doing the same exercise routine over and over again, and my experience was becoming boring. At that point, I decided that if I was going to keep up an exercise program, I needed a Personal Trainer. I was 79 years old, and given my profession and habits, I was leading a pretty sedentary life. Taking Brian on as my Personal Trainer changed that.

His expertise and personalized approach have helped me increase my strength and put me on the road to healthy exercise even after I meet with him at the gym.

Brian is methodical in helping me gain strength and core fitness. He knows the body well and checks in with me before we begin a workout about anything that might be painful (not the “burn” of exercise) or harmful to me physically. If he or I feel something might be a problem, he readily and creatively changes our exercise program.

I have been working out with Brian for almost two years now. Beyond his expertise in physical training, Brian has a wonderful sense of humor and a gift of gab and charm. Time spent with him is not only physically beneficial but very entertaining.

I highly recommend Brian to anyone looking to achieve their fitness goals safely and efficiently, with the added pleasure of his company.

After my first meeting with Brian, I knew we would be a great fit. I currently work with Brian once a week, and I look forward to our sessions each time. He is personable, flexible, and knowledgeable. Brian comes prepared for the sessions with an individualized workout that maximizes our time together. Brian never lets me give up and has taught me that I am stronger than I think. I’m proud of my progress, and I thank Brian for the guidance he has given me. I provided Brian with goals I wanted to achieve in our first meeting, and I’ve been meeting these goals ever since. I have more knowledge about different exercises and machines at the Center. My upper body feels much stronger, and I have lost a few pounds. I can’t wait to see what else I can accomplish while working with Brian. Thank you for being such a great trainer and reminding me that I am okay during the intense/heavy workouts!

I first met Brian while he was doing his own workout, and I was impressed by his intensity. When I needed a new trainer after my previous one left the Center, I asked him if he trained his clients as hard as he trained himself. He responded that it was possible. After watching several other trainers, I chose him, even though he was new to Personal Training. I have no regrets about my choice.

Brian was willing to follow someone else’s exercise plan for the first six months of our sessions, as I was part of a six-month program focused on exercise and nutrition. However, at the end of those six months, I felt I had not gained as much muscle as I would have liked. I told Brian that I wanted him to take the lead from that point on. My goal was to gain muscle and lose fat, which is not easy at my age!

Now, I train three times a week. Brian comes to every session with a specific plan of exercises, weight limits, and rep counts. He keeps track of my progress, ensuring that I am constantly challenged. He pays close attention to my form and is encouraging; especially when I doubt, I can do another rep. Brian makes me believe in myself.

Purchasing a Personal Training package with Brian was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself. I struggled to maintain the motivation to go to the gym on my own and often felt lost during my workouts. After my first session with Brian, I looked forward to working with him regularly. We discussed my goals, and he developed a workout plan accordingly. Throughout our sessions, he constantly pays attention to my form to ensure I get the most out of my workout and advises where I need improvement. He implements various exercises into our sessions to change things up and make things fun. He has helped me realize that I am stronger than I think and is always challenging me to be my best self. He has a wide range of availability and always tries to work with any changes in my schedule. I would recommend Brian to anyone anywhere in their fitness journey.