Avatar Private Training Studio

I've been training weekly at Avatar for the last couple months (rotating between Andrea & Lauren)... and I've never been happier! The one-on-one attention that I receive is unbeatable. I'm also a member of the downtown Y where the trainers look completely bored and are usually busy checking out what people other than their paying trainees are doing... this is definitely not the case at Avatar. If I could afford to go more often I would... without a doubt. Andrea and Lauren are completely professional, super friendly, amazingly knowledgable and for the 1 hour per week that I'm there, I know that I am the complete center of their attention, and that they honestly care about the progress I've made and what I still need to do. This has definitely changed my life (and my abs!). Pros: Amazing Trainers, Awesome Space - Easy Parking Cons: $$$ - but it is definitely worth every penny! more

I was told by my doctor that if I did not due something about my heath that my health was going to do something about me. I have several major medical issues with my back and heart, so I shopped around extensively to find a trainer that I felt had the knowledge to properly and safely help me. I had never been very active so I was nervous. I did not feel comfortable with the trainers at my gym, so I went to the independents. After interviewing 5 other trainers, and hearing about 'tough training' (did I mention my heart problems?), odd diets (seriously someone told me that I wanted something sweet I should put the sweet in my mouth, chew it then take it out of your mouth so you get the sweet but not the calories), and how I should put more muscle on my body to loose weight, I found Avatar. Eric put me right at ease with common sense and the knowledge to back it up. I have now been at Avatar for over a year and have lost most of the weight but in a safe fashion. My Doctor is quite happy. I also am more flexible and more aware of my body (this is something that they always talk about). I have worked with all the trainers at Avatar and they all have taught me so much and care about my health not just my goals. Funny, when I told my doctor that I was working out at Avatar, he mentioned that he had heard good things about the place and would have referred me there had I asked him for a place to start. It could have saved me the time! I can not give enough praise for this place. Pros: Skill and Staff, flexible hours more

Most begin a workout program feeling out of shape and pretty low. That is exactly how I felt when I signed up for my consultation with Eric. Seven months later and thirty pounds lighter, I have been so thrilled with my experience at Avatar. Although I have worked almost exclusively with Stephen and Andrea (who I cannot say enough great things about) all the trainers there have been so friendly, energetic, and encouraging! Working with two different trainers, with two different styles, has really helped me to reshape and tone my body! I can honestly say that I have not only gained a great place to work out, I have gained some new friends with great perspectives who really challenge your mind and body! Now, post goal weight, I plan to continue at Avatar indefinately. I would recommend Avatar to anyone who is willing! Pros: Friendly trainers, private environment, personal experience Cons: It is expensive but worth every penny! more

was to join Avatar! I went to Eric and his staff about 3 months ago after reading glowing reviews here and experienced first-hand what everyone was raving about. The Avatar staff is not only extremely knowledgable in what they do, but also accomdating and friendly to the client. I was paired up with Stephen right away and discovered how amazing he is! If not for Stephen and his encouragement along the way, I would have quickly given up and quit. He is incredibly talented, smart and makes working out enjoyable! Stephen and the rest of the staff at Avatar have helped to build me a solid foundation for working out in the future. It has been an absolute pleasure working out at Avatar! more

If you had asked me 4 months ago, I would have said that your have a better chance of seeing me lying on a slab in the morgue or a bed of nails than on a workout bench. However, the people at Avatar have changed all that. After my initial disappointment upon realizing that leg warmers were no longer in style on women at the gym, they made me feel completely at ease by focusing on where I wanted to go (my goals, objectives, schedule, etc.) vs. my past poor lifestyle choices (eating crappy food, drinking too much, sitting at my desk all day at work and they on my sofa all night at home). I was paired up with Steven and he has been absolutely amazing!!! When I initially went to Avatar on the recommendation of my wife (oddly enough a workout nut), I weighed 242 lbs and had virtually no tone. After 2? short months, I now weigh-in at 203 lbs and have developed definition all over. In addition, I can feel a physical and emotional difference as I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my energy and stress levels. I have also made significant changes in my eating habits based on their recommendations and actually now enjoy eating healthier foods (and in smaller portions). And this is from a guy that at one time ate a 50 oz. porterhouse steak, tuna sashimi appetizer, a cantaloupe-sized piece of chocolate layer cake and two bottles of wine ? all for a $200 bet. Again, I cannot say enough good things about my experience at Avatar. While I can still think of about 328 things I would rather do than go workout, the people at Avatar keep me coming back twice a week. Steven has been truly wonderful and is a primary reason that I have made the positive changes in my lifestyle and had them actually stick for more than 3 days ? my previous record. Eric is an incredibly knowledgeable trainer who has a calming influence while working to your correct level. And gentlemen ? do not be shy about training with the ladies (Lauren and Andrea) because they will KICK YOUR A**!!! more

After dramatic weight loss, I needed help to get my muscles back in to shape, to tone and build what needed work, and not over-work what did not need work. I went in to this knowing the normal gym personal trainer would not meet my needs, and I did not want to feel embarrassed being in the normal run of the mill gym setting. Avatar provided me customized, private, 1 on 1 training, which is exactly what I was looking for. The staff is not just simply throw weights at you, but they teach you about your body and how your body interacts with the world around it. Pros: Very flexible scheduling (mornings, evenings, weekends). very good atmosphere Cons: Only con was that you get what you pay for (which is good and bad) more

Working with Eric at Avatar is great. He's well informed, pays close, personal attention to his clients and understands what is best for them to accomplish their physical goals. The studio space is very clean, relaxing and state of the art. Parking is surprisingly available for low dough, if not for free. I highly recommned Avatar Studio. more

All I can say is WOW! Inspired by the comments below I contacted Eric. I now have been working with him and his staff for over 3 months and have lost over 20lbs. I can?t say enough about this studio and the staff. I was a quite intimidated to start working out again after ?a few years? off, but the environment is so enjoyable and the staff is so non-judgmental that I immediately felt at ease. I have tried other private trainers here and in Chicago before but the knowledge shown here makes me wonder what I was paying for. If you need a trainer, give these guys a call you won?t be disappointed. Pros: Service, Knowledge, Atmosphere Cons: I waited so long before I called :-) more

As an IT guy, always on the go, with my head buried in spam and spyware, I often forget there's a body connected to my CPU (Brain), and it needs a workout every now and then. However, when I finally got to a gym, I found out I wasn't dialed in at all, with the changes in the health and fitness industry. All I did in my youth was sling some weights around and grunt alot, which is probably the source of my aches and pains today, 10 years later. Avatar's training staff got me downloaded with the latest tech, and not just the latest gadgets. The right way to do the exercises, ALL NEW EXERCISES, and a whole new approach to physical health is the quintessential message from Avatar studios, and you cannot get the message without expert guidance. Brigid Lawrow, my trainer, put me through a routine that allowed me to target my core, AND the muscles I was trying to exercise, with the emphasis on overall fitness, and I couldn't have done it without her. It also isn't about bootcamp training or just showing off, either. When you feel the right muscles kick in, you feel it!! I thought I knew how to exercise. Now I know why I didn't stick with it. With Brigid's help along with the rest of the professional staff at Avatar, I know I can change my life for the better, and feel confident again in maintaining a happier and healthier me. BHS p.s. My wife goes to Avatar too, and she loves it, and she looks and feels great! Pros: Private, one on one training, Experts on staff, convenient location, flexible scheduling, not too crowded/notta meetmarket Cons: none for me more

As a downtown worker, I wanted to find someplace to work out that was efficient, clean, and had trainers that were concerned about your specific needs. Avatar is certainly the best. Both Eric Hall and Ryan Swensen have a unique style in helping me imagine my physical goals, and then patiently help me achieve them. I never thought that I would stick to this work out program for more than a couple months, but I will soon be approaching my first year. They are extremely respectful of any muscle pains and other challenges you may have, and their knowledge of how our bodies operate is amazing. I suggest you give this great place a try - you are immediately put at ease. An additional trainer named Loren has joined the group, and she also impressed me with her own brand of technique and experience. I recommend Avatar with a 10 PLUS! more

Over a three month period I worked with two of Avatars Personal Trainers: Eric Hall, founder and Ryan Swenson. I also received massages from Maria Kunze, NCTMB, massage therapist. Each of these individuals was very knowledgable in their field and very client focused in their approach. I was impressed with how well they understood body conditioning and nutrition; and in how well they turned concepts into trainng plans that worked. Complimenting their expertise were the facilities you will use to achieve your conditioning goals. The equipment is state of the art and their knowlefge of how to use it makes your workouts as efficient as possible. You will train in a clean, private environment. I lost 10 pounds in a month, and at the end of three months felt motivated enough to continue on my own. Ryan developed two separate conditioning plans for me to use at home and of course showed me how to use them. I can go back any time for a tune up one session at a time. I highly recommend Avatar to anyone who wants to improve their excercise/nutrition habits; especially those who don't feel they have the discipline to do it on their own Pros: customized, private, efficient, accommodative scheduling Cons: none more

This place is all that and MORE! Excellent workouts with personal trainers that KNOW their stuff. I feel safe in both Ryan and Eric's hands. This isn't usually something you hear about when listening to people talk about their trainers, but in Avatar's case it is. I feel like I am not only getting the best workout of my life, but that they are truly concerned that I am doing it correctly so that there is no pain involved. Their guidance and encouragement has kept me going there for the past 3 months and I have the muscles to prove it, muscles that I never thought would be defined, especially after losing a considerable amount of weight. If you want the best, these are the people to see. Pros: Everything! Cons: None! more

Training with Brigid Lawrow gave me results that exceeded my expectations. I was ready to accept the pain and the pounds of middle age. The core training real turned that around.Her approach is unique and well thought out. It is a real education. I've had terrible problems with my knees and low back for most of my adult life. It was difficult for me to do any kind of training as I would re-injure myself each time. Running became too painful. The pounds were creeping on. I was hesitant to try anything else. I'm just glad I did. I re-trained my body correctly and the running feels better than ever. The pounds came off slowly but they stayed off. Two years and holding I like working out with a trainer who's in her forties and knows how to stay in shape.She understands the obstacles involved with family and time. Brigid's work outs are demanding but she is very supportive throught the process. Don't give up. Try it. Pros: Best results of any training experience I've had Cons: Zealous meter maid with control issues in the vicinity more

I have been training with Eric Hall at Avatar since the end of February 2006. This is the longest I have ever maintained a commitment to fitness, and I have every intention of continuing the journey. I continue because of the personal attention I get and Eric's commitment to helping me reach my goals. I feel stronger and healthier than I ever have before. I am at that "fun" age where my metabolism seems to be shifting into reverse. Weight loss is slow, but Eric's guidance and encouragement helps me stay focused on my overall goals of life long health and wellness. Eric is attentive, a great listenter, and keeps work outs fun, challenging and interesting. The facility is very contemporary and inviting. You can sense the attention to detail and to making it a place you want to spend a few hours every week. If you're looking for a place where you can be yourself, be challeneged and be changed, this is it. Pros: Personal attention, great music, flexible scheduling Cons: You still have to actually do the work to get the results! more

I initially went to Avatar due to the great postings on citysearch. Now after a few months I am well on my way to my goals so I thought it fair to leave my feedback. Eric and his staff have helped me feel better then I have in years and my excess weight is finally coming off. These people really care about each client and seem to do whatever it takes to help them reach their goals. I would recommend Avatar to anyone looking into personal training. Pros: Staff , location, weekend hours Cons: metered parking more

After struggling with weight issues for the past decade, I am now healthy and fit. I had always been thin, but with age came weight. With Erics guidance and my effort I have rediscovered myself. I look and feel the best I have in years. Candidly, I checked out quite a few places prior to coming to Avatar, once I walked in and met with Eric I knew it was going to be a different experience then elsewhere: his knowledge, care and attention to detail shows through in every aspect. This is not your typically gym setting. It is luxurious and well designed. Likewise this is not your typical staff. Thanks Eric! Pros: Attention, knowledge, Care of staff Cons: hard to say but none more

I have done personal training sessions with Eric and had massage with a guy there whose name I forget. Both were absolutely great. Nice private workout space in a quiet corner of the warehouse district. The training is very personalized to your particular body and goals, excellent help with natural or long-standing weak spots like my knees and my left shoulder. more

Eric Hall is "THE" trainer in town. I have been seeing Eric for over 2 years now, and it shows. The one - on- one training and Eric's knowledge is the key to success. Eric will get you in the best condition of your life. The studio is top notch ! The location in the Designers Guild Building with ample street parking makes this an easy place to come, parking right at the front door. There's even a great cafe in the building ! When the time comes for a massage, It's time for Will Raich, The best massage therapist in town ! ! His knowledge and touch can't be beat. Avatar is the best kept secert in town but the word is out. Get to know Avatar !! The best form of advertising is a personnel recommendation and I highly endorse AVATAR Pros: knowledgeable, location, massage Cons: did ' nt start sooner more

If you want to train for extreme sports, Avatar is the place you want be. Being an avid adventure racer, Ive been to many personal trainers and I've never found one like Eric Hall. Ive been training with Eric for almost a year now with incredible results! He has helped me take my body to new heights and help me train in a way that leads to less injuries. all with a personal touch that truly make a difference! more

After an initial consult with Eric, I was directed to work with Spencer Bradford, who has been incredible. I already like to lift weights but have had problems with flexibility. I wanted to gain flexibility but add strength at the same time. Spencer understands my psychology and has me working with kettle bells and Indian clubs, both of which are new to me. I've already made good progress and it's only been three weeks! I hadn't realized before the there was a strength-oriented approach to flexibility and joint health. Can't say enough good things about Avatar. All the trainers and staff are friendly and it's a comfortable environment. Pros: Very knowledgeable trainers. Great environment. Friendly people more