Testimonials


2
Anne C.
U.S. Government
Washington, DC

When I started at Bench Gym on February 6, 2004, it was the first time I ever stepped in a gym. But I did so because I had great incentive. I am getting married in June. I figured, I'm spending a fortune on a dress, why not make sure to look the best in it I possibly can? I'm not sure what I expected, but I certainly didn't realize the extent to which I would be able to sculpt my body in just a few months.

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2
Juan R. Palomo
Media Relations
American Petroleum Institute

For years I wanted to engage in regular, disciplined physical workout activities, to improve my health, to feel better and to look better. I even joined several gyms in various cities, hoping that each one would do for me what none of the others had been able to do. None of them did, and eventually I quit working out, each time convinced that I was a failure. And I believed that I had failed because I lacked commitment, resolve -- whatever. The result was that gradually, over the years, I became more and more out of shape.

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Kurtis Brown
Kurtis Brown
Financial Analyst
Administrative Office
of the U.S. Courts

A friend of mine convinced me to join a gym about ten years ago. Even though the instructor guided me through the various weight machines, I never fully reached my potential and eventually got bored with my routines. I decided to use a personal trainer, and hit a bit of luck when my friend, Jon, recently opened up his own personal training gym. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

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Dan King
Dan King
Surface Transportation Board
Washington, DC

I have been training at Bench Gym for two months. I have used personal trainers for a number of years with , I thought, somewhat satisfactory results and enthusiasm. These trainers were always associated with the gym facility where I frequently exercised.

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Kevin Mahoney
Kevin Mahoney
Boston Collge
Massachusetts

I have known Jon for almost six years and I was so happy when he was able to save up and open his own personal training gym. This is a major life investment, a lifetime goal, and he has done everything to make it perfect. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and reasonably private. There are never more than two people in training at the same time and the space is arranged so you feel it's just for you.

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Cecelia
Cecelia Cannizzari
Surface Transportation Board
Washington, DC

In a few months of training with Jon Ponce at Bench Personal Training Gym, I went from a couch potato to someone who really enjoys and gets a lot of benefit from exercise. Jon was really good at motivating me to work out and to keep gaining strength. All the credit for that goes to Jon. I highly recommend him as a trainer. The proof is in the fact that now I get my exercise in no matter what.


David K
David K.
Bethesda
Maryland

Between a hectic work schedule and family commitments, I'm only able to come to Bench Gym once a week. I wondered whether such occasional visits would be worthwhile. Well, several months into working out, I can safely say that it definitely is. I feel much better and several people have even asked me whether I've been working out and have lost some weight. I look forward to my sessions with Jon and feel great after each workout.

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Marilyn Levitt
Surface Transportation Board
Washington, DC

I worked out at Bench Personal Training twice a week for about six weeks, and it was a great way to jumpstart my new exercise regimen. Prior to this experience, I had never done resistance training and was intimidated by most of the machines. Jon was the perfect combination of patient and demanding. He set realistic goals that were sensitive to my current abilities as well as my potential.

I especially appreciated the privacy when I was just starting. With my firmer muscles, I was able to fit into my summer clothes even though I had gained several pounds. Exercising also gave me more energy and a greater sense of well-being. Resistance training is now part of my lifestyle.


Charlie
Charlie Griffin
The World Bank
Washington, DC

The Bench Boys
Ask you what you want to achieve

The Bench Boys think about it
They design a program

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David Shand
David Shand
The World Bank
Washington, DC

I have been attending Bench Personal Training Gym for the last two months. This is a modern, very well equipped gym with two very pleasant professionals - Jon and Josh. They make you feel relaxed and they know what they are doing. I have achieved very positive results - increase in muscle and decrease in body fat, in a very short period of time. Yet I had been going on my own to a gym for several years - without further deterioration, but without noticeable results.

Based on this I am convinced that individual training with varied routines prescribed by a professional is the way to go. I highly recommend Jon and Josh at Bench Gym.


Karen McMillan
Karen McMillan
Public Health Educator
Coalition of Labor Union Women, Washinton, DC

After working out on my own using workout videos and dumbbells for several years, my workout was stale and needed a change. When I passed by the security desk at my office building in the morning, I had noticed some flyers for a new personal training facility on the lower level called "BENCH Gym." I picked one up and decided to give them a call.

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Adel
Adel Meer
Int'l. Finance Corp (IFC)
Washington, DC

Bench gym provides its clients an excellent opportunity to work out at a convenient location with well trained professionals providing you with expert advice on how to best make use of the equipment. The personal attention given to me by both Jon and Josh allows me to structure my workout in a manner which maximizes the time I have available and targets the muscles I need to focus on.

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Martin
Martin Conrey
Lawyer
U.S. Government

There is no comparison between a typical exercise club or gym and the experience at Bench Gym. I’ve been working out for several years and at one point I actually injured myself doing it on my own. The one-on-one approach at Bench Gym is helping me achieve my goals and even live a better lifestyle (injury-free).

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Susan
Susan Brown
Lawyer
Washington, DC

I have been working out at Bench Gym for just over a year, and at the risk of sounding melodramatic, the experience has changed my life (not to mention my body).  I like exercising, but until I found Bench Gym, was intimidated by the gym scene – the people and the equipment.  It was an alien, unfriendly world. 

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Joe
Joe Rechtermann
Accountant
U.S. Government

I’ve been going to Bench Gym for approximately 2 years and have been extremely pleased with the results.  

Prior to starting at Bench Gym, I was considering working with a trainer at a “regular” gym where I’m a member.  I had been trying to work more on strength conditioning  beyond the nautilus and limited free weights I was doing.  After observing the trainers interacting with the clients, I wasn’t sold that facility would meet my needs for personal training.

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Anthony
Anthony Devassy
U.S. Government

If you are looking for a positive, vibrant and supportive environment to help you meet your fitness goals, Bench Gym is it!  Jon, Josh, Darryl and Dominic are extremely motivated and will push you [hard] towards your goals.

 I have been going here for over a year and am extremely happy with my progress. I have learned new ways to move above and beyond my fitness plateaus. I also love the social aspect of a personalized gym. The personalized attention that everyone receives is great. The guys also throw great parties!


Colleen
Colleen D.
Vice President
Witeck-Combs Communications

Going to Bench Gym has been the best gym experience I have ever had. There is no comparison between other personal training gyms and my experience with Jon, Josh, Dominic and Daryl. I had been working out with personal trainers at several other gyms for four years when I found Bench Gym. The professional, pleasant, friendly, clean and fun atmosphere along with their serious workout routines have kept me going there twice-weekly for almost two years. The guys are always focused and committed to helping me stay on track.

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