FAQ
What questions should I ask a trainer?Melissa2019-07-28T16:38:05-07:00Here are 3 questions you should ask any trainer before choosing to hire him or her:
1) Are you certified by a nationally recognized organization? With hundreds of fly-by-night certifications out there, make sure that the personal trainer you choose holds a legitimate certification.
2) Are you CPR certified? Aside from this being handy in many professions, this serves an additional purpose: most authentic and legitimate personal training certifications require people to be CPR certified. You should be viewed as a bare minimum.
3) Do you have a college degree in a related field? While it isn’t mandatory to have a four year degree, it is certainly encouraged. With all the potential problems that can arise due to a lack of knowledge in designing legitimate and safe training programs, a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, program design, and physics come into play here. At the very minimum a certified trainer should have at least a 2 year associates degree in a related field in order to design safe and effective exercise programs. It’s vital to understand the complications that can arise when a client is encouraged to perform exercises that are outside their performance level or in direct contradiction to a pre-existing condition that can be exacerbated by a poorly designed program. Be sure you are dealing with an expert that possesses the education to back it up.
Where are you located?Melissa2019-07-28T16:07:23-07:00We are located in El Cajon near where the 8 Freeway and 67 meet. We are in the Target center parking lot just across the street from Black Angus and next to Boomers. Our address is:
Optimum Condition
1069 Graves Avenue #104
El Cajon, CA 92021
Do you have a pool?Melissa2017-07-12T15:24:59-07:00No, we are a small facility that specializes in individual services and small group classes. We are not large enough to accommodate a pool.
I have my own equipment, do you offer in-home or mobile personal training?Melissa2021-09-23T10:55:41-07:00While we used to offer mobile training in our client’s homes, we now offer very affordable Hybrid Personal Training that is a combination of training on your own in your home or gym, and coming into the studio for personalized training and coaching.
Where are your prices listed?Melissa2017-06-17T04:14:27-07:00We didn’t list every single program we offer to prevent confusion, as they very based on how frequently you come in. Instead we listed only the basics. Individual training programs are a higher investment than group classes, which are less than $5/ class depending on which program you sign up for.
What is a Corrective Exercise Specialist?Melissa2017-07-09T09:26:16-07:00A Corrective Exercise Specialist is like a bridge between a general personal trainer and a physical therapist.
I’m on a budget, do you offer any low-cost programs?Melissa2017-07-09T10:20:42-07:00Yes! Fitness Coaching is our entry level program and very budget friendly, starting at only $27/ month. Even though we call it the “Home Fitness Club”, it can be designed for use in any gym. Class memberships are the next level up and also still very affordable. And if you are in need of Rehabilitative Exercise, please inquire about our sliding fee scale.
What if I’m a beginner?Melissa2017-06-17T04:18:55-07:00Both one-on-one training as well as class instruction is suitable for beginners. Because we keep our class sizes small, it’s easy for us to accommodate new people and still be able to keep an eye on them to ensure proper form. There’s no need to try to get in shape before coming in to see us.
What is IASTM?Melissa2017-07-09T09:23:25-07:00I.A.S.T.M., or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, is a specialized form of sports massage. It uses specialized instruments rubbed into the skin to break up scar tissue. It hits knots form the side rather than straight on and so is very effective for chronic conditions and sports injuries. To see a list of the conditions that may be improved with the technique, please visit our I.A.S.T.M. page. While there, you can also download a coupon for 20% off your first treatment.
Why wouldn’t I join Average Joe’s gym instead?Melissa2017-06-17T04:19:50-07:00For starters, we don’t think of ourselves as a gym at all because you are never wandering around aimlessly on your own wondering what to do. You are always with a trainer or a class instructor. When you schedule your fitness you are more consistent, and consistency is the key to success.
Do I have to give you my banking information?Melissa2017-06-17T04:20:05-07:00No, you don’t have to. But if you choose to sign up for auto pay, we do offer a big discount only because it simplifies things so much for us. You can stop it whenever you choose simply by calling me on my direct number, (619) 252-4993.
What can I expect if I sign up?Melissa2017-07-09T09:36:09-07:00Unlike big gyms, we actually want you to come to class and so we send text reminders to keep you accountable. And since consistency is key, we want you to come on a regular basis. We also offer free educational classes, do follow up calls to check on you, and send out an educational email newsletter. In addition, you get special discounts on our other services, plus a lot of other cool stuff you won’t find in a big gym.
Do you offer military or industry discounts?Melissa2017-07-07T07:55:15-07:00Yes, we offer a 15% discount for active military, veterans, first responders, and industry professionals.
Do you offer family plans?Melissa2017-07-09T09:19:32-07:00Yes! We realize it can be difficult for a family to afford multiple memberships and we want to encourage families to exercise together. Therefore, we do offer family discounts, just ask!
Why is Personal Training cheaper at a big gym?Melissa2017-07-09T09:40:09-07:00As a small business, we can’t compete with corporate gyms that have cash readily available from investors. Personal Training is our premium program and while an investment in your health, we believe in giving you a ton of value that you won’t find with large gyms.
How does Personal Training differ from classes?Melissa2017-06-17T04:22:16-07:00All personal training programs are one-on-one unless you sign up with a partner for Buddy Personal Training. The biggest difference is in the cost of classes vs. working one-on-one with a trainer.The second biggest difference is that a personal training program is customized around your specific goals as well as your schedule.
Do you offer a money-back guarantee?Melissa2017-06-17T04:24:01-07:00Yes, we back everything with a 100% Money Back Guarantee in writing.
What is Rehabilitative Exercise and how does it differ from Personal Training?Melissa2017-07-09T09:51:48-07:00Rehabilitative Exercise is often necessary after an accident or following physical therapy. It helps improve mobility, stability, and strength. Soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release techniques are incorporated to correct muscle imbalances. Using construction as an analogy, think of Rehabilitative Exercise as the foundation on which you will build a home. You want a solid foundation before you start constructing your frame.
Do I have to sign a contract?Melissa2017-06-17T04:25:13-07:00No, we don’t believe in contracts or locking anyone in. We only want you here if you want to be here. Because of that, you are free to cancel at any time.
Do you work with people with special health conditions?Melissa2017-07-09T10:03:05-07:00Yes, in addition to rehabilitative exercise, we specialize in functional fitness for special health conditions like Diabetes, high-blood pressure, MS, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and obesity. Please visit our Testimonials page.
Here are 3 questions you should ask any trainer before choosing to hire him or her:
1) Are you certified by a nationally recognized organization? With hundreds of fly-by-night certifications out there, make sure that the personal trainer you choose holds a legitimate certification.
2) Are you CPR certified? Aside from this being handy in many professions, this serves an additional purpose: most authentic and legitimate personal training certifications require people to be CPR certified. You should be viewed as a bare minimum.
3) Do you have a college degree in a related field? While it isn’t mandatory to have a four year degree, it is certainly encouraged. With all the potential problems that can arise due to a lack of knowledge in designing legitimate and safe training programs, a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, program design, and physics come into play here. At the very minimum a certified trainer should have at least a 2 year associates degree in a related field in order to design safe and effective exercise programs. It’s vital to understand the complications that can arise when a client is encouraged to perform exercises that are outside their performance level or in direct contradiction to a pre-existing condition that can be exacerbated by a poorly designed program. Be sure you are dealing with an expert that possesses the education to back it up.
We are located in El Cajon near where the 8 Freeway and 67 meet. We are in the Target center parking lot just across the street from Black Angus and next to Boomers. Our address is:
Optimum Condition
1069 Graves Avenue #104
El Cajon, CA 92021
No, we are a small facility that specializes in individual services and small group classes. We are not large enough to accommodate a pool.
While we used to offer mobile training in our client’s homes, we now offer very affordable Hybrid Personal Training that is a combination of training on your own in your home or gym, and coming into the studio for personalized training and coaching.
We didn’t list every single program we offer to prevent confusion, as they very based on how frequently you come in. Instead we listed only the basics. Individual training programs are a higher investment than group classes, which are less than $5/ class depending on which program you sign up for.
A Corrective Exercise Specialist is like a bridge between a general personal trainer and a physical therapist.
Yes! Fitness Coaching is our entry level program and very budget friendly, starting at only $27/ month. Even though we call it the “Home Fitness Club”, it can be designed for use in any gym. Class memberships are the next level up and also still very affordable. And if you are in need of Rehabilitative Exercise, please inquire about our sliding fee scale.
Both one-on-one training as well as class instruction is suitable for beginners. Because we keep our class sizes small, it’s easy for us to accommodate new people and still be able to keep an eye on them to ensure proper form. There’s no need to try to get in shape before coming in to see us.
I.A.S.T.M., or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, is a specialized form of sports massage. It uses specialized instruments rubbed into the skin to break up scar tissue. It hits knots form the side rather than straight on and so is very effective for chronic conditions and sports injuries. To see a list of the conditions that may be improved with the technique, please visit our I.A.S.T.M. page. While there, you can also download a coupon for 20% off your first treatment.
For starters, we don’t think of ourselves as a gym at all because you are never wandering around aimlessly on your own wondering what to do. You are always with a trainer or a class instructor. When you schedule your fitness you are more consistent, and consistency is the key to success.
No, you don’t have to. But if you choose to sign up for auto pay, we do offer a big discount only because it simplifies things so much for us. You can stop it whenever you choose simply by calling me on my direct number, (619) 252-4993.
Unlike big gyms, we actually want you to come to class and so we send text reminders to keep you accountable. And since consistency is key, we want you to come on a regular basis. We also offer free educational classes, do follow up calls to check on you, and send out an educational email newsletter. In addition, you get special discounts on our other services, plus a lot of other cool stuff you won’t find in a big gym.
Yes, we offer a 15% discount for active military, veterans, first responders, and industry professionals.
Yes! We realize it can be difficult for a family to afford multiple memberships and we want to encourage families to exercise together. Therefore, we do offer family discounts, just ask!
As a small business, we can’t compete with corporate gyms that have cash readily available from investors. Personal Training is our premium program and while an investment in your health, we believe in giving you a ton of value that you won’t find with large gyms.
All personal training programs are one-on-one unless you sign up with a partner for Buddy Personal Training. The biggest difference is in the cost of classes vs. working one-on-one with a trainer.The second biggest difference is that a personal training program is customized around your specific goals as well as your schedule.
Yes, we back everything with a 100% Money Back Guarantee in writing.
Rehabilitative Exercise is often necessary after an accident or following physical therapy. It helps improve mobility, stability, and strength. Soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release techniques are incorporated to correct muscle imbalances. Using construction as an analogy, think of Rehabilitative Exercise as the foundation on which you will build a home. You want a solid foundation before you start constructing your frame.
No, we don’t believe in contracts or locking anyone in. We only want you here if you want to be here. Because of that, you are free to cancel at any time.
Yes, in addition to rehabilitative exercise, we specialize in functional fitness for special health conditions like Diabetes, high-blood pressure, MS, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and obesity. Please visit our Testimonials page.
Our Mission
Optimizing health through science and movement
Since 1999