Fareed The Trainer

Less than a year ago I was attending another gym with no real guidance or understanding of the concepts of developing a workout routine. I was not achieving the goals I had set for myself with no guidance from a knowledgeable gym instructor.  I finally found a gym that offered classes that focused on full body development.  These classes were taught by Fareed The Trainer.  My first class with Fareed started intense.  I was a little nervous considering I had never attended a workout class before in my life.  Well to be honest, I had to step out 15 minutes into the workout to get my composure together and return with a new approach.  I really saw after all the "work" that I did not do at the other gym.  But I returned and finished the class.  Fareed did not scold or ignore me for stepping out, but pushed me harder.  He knew it was his job to get me to where I wanted to be and there was no shame in taking a break.  But, the real importance to him was that I returned and was ready for the challenge.  Now, I  am routinely attending Fareed's classes and his motivation (bad counting) and passion for healthy living resonates throughout the class.  I feel after just 5 months of classes with Fareed I feel like and am new person with new outlook on working out.  Fareed has taken the time to describe and shown the functions of the human body and how his workouts compliment those functions.  At the end of every class I'm dripping sweat and drained, but I'm proud on the progress I have made from the first class and each class beyond.  I appreciate how Fareed acknowledges the progress I have done and continues to push me to the next level.  Whether it is kettle balls, TRX straps, Swiss balls, bosi balls, or your own body weight, I have learned so much about fitness through Fareed The Trainer that now workout is a lifestyle. Thank you Fareed! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

If you're only looking for a trainer to sculpt your abs, if you're not willing to crawl before you walk, or if you're just looking to lose weight; you might want to find another trainer.If you are willing to work extremely hard, give 110%, realize that fitness does not end the minute you leave the gym and completely overhaul the way you used to think about working out and nutrition, then Fareed is the trainer for you!!Fareed will turn everything you think you knew on its head as he runs you through your training. His approach to training is wildly different from any other method I've ever come across.  His workouts are very functional, and with formation being key; you will develop muscles you've never used guaranteed!! Fareed trains you the way elite professional athletes train and therein lies the difference between his method and all the other trainers out there. He cares about you and how you're doing; although this may be hard to believe when you're scrabbling across the floor and swear you're about to drop dead....but he really does care. He will email you, text you and check in on you routinely to see how you're progressing and will alter his plan accordingly.After working out with Fareed for a little over 6 months and I am officially addicted!  I've mostly done boot camps with him but have also been lucky enough to have a couple of personal training sessions. He is an extremely nice person, which goes a very long way when he's kicking your butt!!  No matter what kind of shape you are in, he makes you feel welcome, strong, and proud of your results. He will always push your body to its limits and is great at recognizing people's different abilities and coming up with modifications - either to push you harder or work within your limitations.  I've gotten much stronger and leaner since working out with him, yet the workouts NEVER get easier because he is always finding new ways to challenge you and make your body move more effectively and efficiently. With his determination on never letting me quit and pushing me further than I ever thought possible I recently conquered a half marathon in just over 2 hours! With his guidance and perseverance I was able to overcome the challenges placed in front of me.All in all, I really can't imagine working out with anyone else.  Fareed is extremely positive, knowledgeable, hard working, innovative, and kind.  What more could you ask for in a trainer?!? More...

Reviewed on Yelp

The past year I have struggled with keeping my blood pressure at a healthy reading. I am 27, female, 130 lbs, size 4- not your typical pre-hypertensive candidate- but stress and hereditary have not been my friends. The past 6 weeks I have worked with Fareed 3 X a week doing weight training, cardio and high intensity interval work-outs. In only 6 weeks I have lowered my blood pressure enough to forego prescription medication, increased my speed from a 12 minute mile to an 8.5 minute mile, and dropped 5 lbs. Through his program I also acquired the knowledge necessary to maintain a well-balanced diet. Through his combination of knowledge, expertise, creativeness and will-power if you have the will- he has a way!Bring on bikini season! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I started off with a size 42 waist and now I'm down to a 36. If you're strict with the routine you will get in shape pretty quickly.

Reviewed on Yelp

I moved to Virginia about two years ago and injured my lower back.  By the time I spoke with Fareed about setting up personal training sessions, I couldn't bend over and touch my knees because I was in so much pain.  I saw Fareed 2 -3x a week, and by the third week, I was able to touch my shoes.  Fareed gave me mobility in under three weeks.  I couldn't believe it.  He not only gave me mobility, but he used his extensive knowledge in nutrition to help me create a diet plan.  He held me accountable in both exercise and diet, and that helped tremendously, as I saw weight loss in just a week.  I knew I was doing these things for my health, but having Fareed there, checking on me every once and awhile, answering ALL of my questions, made me even more successful.  He really cares about his clients, and that is a word I am using.  I've never heard him utter the word, "client."  He treats everyone like a friend.Big side note:  I had done everything short of surgery to 'heal' my back, to include seven! cortisone shots.  Fareed was convinced it was muscular, through watching me work out and administering different physical fitness tests.  My physical therapists (yes, I'd gone through two without success) and the dr that administered the shots told me it was disc-related, and that I should limit my exercise to certain few exercises.  Gimme a break.  Do 5 cobras and a couple cat-cows and I'll be fine?  No.  Fareed proved to me that it was muscular, through the various exercises that focused on muscles I hadn't been using in far too long and were weak and needed stretching.  Now I'm moving, bending over to tie my shoes, and even going for a run after work once and awhile.  If you're making fun of me because there are ways to prove whether something is disc-related or not, I did learn that a high percentage of city-dwellers don't have perfect  backs. Some discs protrude or herniate and you don't even know it because you don't feel the pain.  It's purely case-by-case.  In many cases, there are other 'reasons' for the back pain.If you are frustrated with an injury, Fareed is where you need to start.  He knows what injury feels like, which made it easier for me to take his advice and trust his gut on what was wrong.  I can't recommend him enough.  You'll never get bored -- he always has new exercises up his sleeve to keep the workout interesting.I can't thank you enough, Fareed! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

About a year ago, I decided to start working with a personal trainer, post my third ACL knee surgery, to help me rehab and overall achieve my fitness goals (losing about 20+lbs, gaining muscle & getting toned) and I am really lucky to have found Fareed! I see him 2 times a week for hour sessions. I also visit him at a gym 3x a week where he leads amazing boot camps (i.e. kettle bells, TRX, abs, body pump).Fareed truly understands how the human body works and has vast knowledge on the various muscle groups. He is willing to meet you at the gym of your convenience.  In addition to his training, he willingly shares his expertise on weight loss and nutrition. I really appreciate the extra effort he takes in making sure I stay on track with my diet and exercise outside of our personal training sessions.  The great thing about Fareed as a personal trainer is that he goes out of his way to customize every changing workout routines to meet my specific goals while motivating me to do it in a very positive way. Fareed is a truly dedicated and motivated personal trainer who knows his stuff and if you are looking for a way to achieve your fitness goals - this is it! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

If you are looking for an amazing workout and for someone to push you to your goals, you can count on Fareed. I've been working with him consistently (2-3 times/wk) for over six months and can see a huge difference in my overall fitness. I enjoy running and I started his Be Elite boot camp in order to mix in strength training. My running has gotten stronger and faster and therefore more fun! You don't have to be a stellar athlete or a body builder to succeed in his classes (I'm proof of that.) I believe that Fareed's best quality as a trainer is to push everyone to their individual best. The people in his class are a true mix of ability but if you commit to improving yourself, he will work extremely hard to help you, no matter how big or small your goal. For me, I improved my personal half-marathon record by 9 minutes without changing anything else in my running routine. Fareed gives me sport specific advice, including strength and stretching exercises and nutrition. He is incredibly professional and passionate about his work. I think he truly finds joy in helping others achieve their goals. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

When I first started training with Fareed, I told him I was training for capoeira, so he did his research and figured out what kind of workouts would benefit me most for my sport. Additionally, my goal was to be able to do handstands and he made sure I reached it. He is a great motivator and our training sessions never get old or boring. He is always challenging me, which is great because I love challenges. Not only does he train me for my sport, though, he trains me for life, physically and mentally. It's not uncommon for us to get into talks about other aspects of life while I'm in the midst of pouring sweat onto the ground or taking a rest. These past 4 years of training with Fareed have made me feel unstoppable and I look forward to what else he has in store for me. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Extremely knowledgeable.  Knows exactly what you can handle.Helped me with neck pain and lower back pain.With his training, helped me not only physically, but mentally also.Love Fareed!

Reviewed on Yelp