Why choose 1-1 Personal Training?

Raffi is truly a remarkable trainer. Armed with his knowledge, guidance, and encouragement I am proud to say that at 36 years old after birthing two children, I am in the best shape of my life. Since having my second baby, I’ve lost 60 pounds, which includes all the baby weight plus a good 30 pounds more! But beyond the weight loss, I am physically stronger than I’ve ever been. Raffi has worked diligently with me to progress in a consistent and sustainable manner. Above all, he is concerned with safety and form. We’d start slowly with new exercises to make sure I was using proper form and engaging the intended muscles, before slowly adding more and more weight as I advanced. For example, many months ago I saw someone in the gym doing barbell squats, and I set my eyes on that as my goal, though it seemed very far off. Raffi heard my goal and assured me that I’d get there. He guided me as we began to integrate squats into my workout-first focusing on just using bodyweight to perfect my form, then slowly adding weight(dumbbells, kettlebells, goblet squats etc) before the day finally arrived that he said I was ready for the barbell-probably one of the proudest days of my life! Not only is Raffi careful in his training, he is also incredibly kind and empowering. His energy and enthusiasm in the “iron paradise” as he calls it (AKA:the gym) is unmatched. He genuinely believes in his clients, and inspires us to reach our maximum potential. He strikes the perfect balance of being tough and challenging while also being incredibly uplifting and motivating. He is also extremely knowledgeable about all things health, fitness, and nutrition. I truly hit the jackpot when I linked up with Raffi as my trainer.

About three years ago I started training with Raff. My goals were to gain strength, increase definition and to create a routine for activity and greater mobility( too much sitting at a desk!) It had been 8 years since I had been to a gym. In the past I’d mostly focused on group classes and a few sporadic stints with trainers. Raff has been the coach behind my gains in my fitness journey. From the beginning Raff tailored my sessions toward what I enjoyed to ensure I remained engaged. Slowly, thoughtfully, and with a plan, Raff helped me progress toward attaining my goals. Working out with Raff is a big highlight of my week. He is enthusiastic, motivating, very passionate about what he does and highly knowledgeable. Training sessions with Raff are fun and challenging. He’s also helped me work through some previous fitness injuries by modifying sessions to include a variety of stretches and more simple exercises until I improved. He is able to adapt to my needs; he observes keenly and ensures exercises are done with correct form. My greatest achievement with him has been the ability to do pull-ups. Not just one, but sets of six! This accomplishment motivates me everyday to push myself further because now I know I can do so much more. I’m so glad that I get to train with Raff every week!

Highly recommend Raffa! He is enthusiastic and his workouts are very effective. He does an excellent job of assessing my needs and explaining the exercises that I can improve on. He is very talented and has a wide range of exercises. He invests the time and a lot of creativity to formulate a fitness program that meets one’s needs. He has the knowledge, expertise, and passion for fitness. Workouts are very challenging but his enthusiasm keeps me motivated.

I can only thank Raffa for having convinced me that exercising is not only healthy, it’s also challenging and fun. In each session he motivates me and encourages me not to give up. He cares about my well being and guides me to do my exercises correctly without injury. He himself is an example of what you can achieve with dedication and discipline. Thanks Raffa, you’re the best!

I’ve seen very definite muscle definition since working out with Raff that I haven’t seen in years of working out with various other systems. He loves what he does and it shows. I like that he corrects form and consistently reminds you what muscles are affected with each set so that you really connect with the workout. I believe this is what shows results and I thank Raff for that. Best of all, his smile and enthusiasm. Even better, he’s in phenomenal shape, and doesn't everyone want to take instruction from someone who practices what he preaches?

Raff is an excellent trainer not only because he focuses on improving performance, but he also makes workouts enjoyable! If you want to have a better body and improve your overall performance, he’s the right guy for you.

When I started training with Raffael three years ago, I never imagined how far my willpower could go. I have now lost 28 pounds and I feel like a new, different woman. I feel stronger and more powerful. Thank you very much Raffi for helping me to achieve something that I never imagined was possible. You are a natural motivator and I love my workouts with you.

If you’re looking for a trainer that’ll push you and deliver results, look no further than Raffi. He’s amazing at what he does and the passion that he has for his craft is contagious. I never though I would enjoy working out as much as I do now. What I love the most is the difference I’ve seen in my body since I began this journey. Thank you Raff! You’re the best!

I came to you because I knew you were the only person that could train my difficult personality who always lived with the words "I can't!" You quickly eliminated those words from my vocabulary and taught me the love of working out. I was simply a skinny girl with no muscle tone in need of much help. In less than three month you've allowed me to obtain beautiful arms and amazing abs. Who would of thought I’d be 53 years old training 4 days a week with you. You are like Picasso. We come to you with blank canvasses and you hold us accountable to show up and train us and transform our bodies. Anyone who is able to train with you can consider themselves one of the luckiest people in the world. Once again, thank you for everything and teaching me to cherish my body through working out.

My name is Eleanor Burgos. I am a 57 year old mother of 3 adult children. We moved to Florida 6 years ago from New Jersey while I was recovering from two cervical surgeries, two knee surgeries while overcoming cancer. I was in pain, overweight, and out of shape. I didn’t have the energy or desire to do anything about it. I started working with Raffi in an effort to regain control of my health and embark on a journey towards better fitness. The journey wasn’t easy but I am grateful to Raffi for being my inspiration during the last three years that he has been my coach. He is a powerful motivator. He leads by example and truly epitomizes striving for your personal best. I am inspired by his encouragement to do my best while knowing my safety is assured. The level of individualized attention he gives to his trainees exemplifies his dedication, professionalism, and expertise. It’s evident that this man loves his work! Raffi developed an individualized plan for me that considers my physical limits, dietary needs and goals. This combination has resulted in an amazing change in my quality of life. Today I feel rejuvenated. My friends frequently comment that I look younger and physically fit. I went from a size 10 to a size 4, no longer feeling lethargic. Most of the muscle discomfort I felt following my surgeries has dissipated. Bottom line and most importantly, I feel good about myself. Kudos to Raffi for helping me reach my personal best.