Testimonials

As a mom of two young sons, life left little time or energy for exercise.  But as I watched my weight climb and my shape change, the day came when I was tired of thinking about it and I was ready to take action.  I went in search of a trainer and at the front desk of the Weight Club I met Jake (I like to think fate played a part there).  In him I found an understanding, patient, and empathetic listener with a positive let’s-get-to-work attitude.  I signed up for a few sessions thinking I just needed help to get started, but Jake has become a trusted and critical part of an amazing transformative personal journey that continues on. 

My initial goals were really vague and minimal – just to “get in shape” – whatever that means.  Over time, Jake helped me explore my interests and further define my goals.  With his encouragement, I discovered a love of running and have completed several half-marathons and am training for a full marathon.

As a faculty member, I recognize excellence in teaching.  And Jake is an extremely gifted and passionate teacher, trainer and coach.  He is organized and systematic with his approach while making adjustments to my routines based on my feedback and his own observations.  I appreciate the detailed plans he provides for my solo workouts and I have learned to follow them closely to stay healthy. I love being able to walk into the gym knowing exactly what I need to do; it's one area of my life where I can leave the decisions to someone else! The workouts offer a great variety and I never get bored. 

I am grateful for the nutrition counseling Jake has provided.  He encouraged me to keep an online food log and through his frequent feedback and suggestions I have been able to meet and exceed my weight loss goals while feeling empowered and not at all deprived.  But more importantly, I am learning how to make better food choices for myself and my family.

I do not believe you will find a more dedicated, hardworking, and passionate trainer than Jake.  He lives a healthy lifestyle with integrity and honesty and teaches others to do the same. 

Blacksburg, VA

I first heard about Jake from a friend who had been working with him for several months. At the time, I was frustrated with all my attempts to lose some weight and get into better shape. I was just at a standstill. I had never even entertained the idea of working with a personal trainer before. That was for "other people".

I began working with Jake in December and am so happy with the results. He has helped me so much with nutrition information and a specific plan to follow to continue the gains I've made. I now know how to use the weight equipment on my own so I can continue to work out on my own as I have recently moved. Jake worked up a personalized program that met my specific needs for what I wanted to accomplish. He was well organized and efficient in helping me get the most out of my workouts. I actually have fun working out now and look forward to my time in the gym and out running. Jake helped me get motivated and enjoy exercise again. I can't tell you how happy I am that I made the choice to work with Jake.

Azra Surhio
Blacksburg, VA & Germany

I first met Jake in January of 2008 after my doctor recommended that for my physical and emotional well-being, I get involved in strength training. I had, over the past few years, not been kind to my body and had no idea of what "healthy living" meant. Lack of nutritional knowledge and subsequent weight issues, poor self-esteem and absolutely no motivation contributed to hiding myself away from family and friends.

During our evaluation session, I was very honest with Jake and told him everything that had been going on--the good, the bad, and the ugly! He was very understanding and encouraging, and he let me know that together we could make things better and that we would take things one step at a time. It was then that I knew he had been placed in my life to be part of my team that would help in my recovery process.

Jake makes me feel very comfortable and confident in what I am doing. In the last 7 months, he has motivated me to push myself to do things I never thought I was capable of doing nor would ever have the strength to do. Through Jake's guidance, I am learning to eat to fuel my body, my endurance has increased ten fold , and I am even sensing a return of my self-esteem.

Jake's knowledge and training in nutrition and exercise and how they both work together to bring about success in my workout amazes me. I am so thankful that I found Jake, and I would recommend him to anyone. Because of his help and pushing me to go that extra mile I am becoming that strong, healthy person I am meant to be.

Sheryl Spencer
Christiansburg, VA