Douglas Whitney

As someone who is physically disabled, it is often intimidating and discouraging to go to the gym. Without proper guidance, learning how to properly exercise is overwhelming when everyone else seems to know what to do. Not only has Doug made the learning process seamless, he has done so with patience and compassion. Knowing that Doug is taking my physical limitations into account has allowed me to push and train harder than before without fear of hurting myself. Thanks to his constant encouragement and support, I feel stronger and more confident than ever. The knowledge and ambition I have gained through working with Doug motivates me to return.

My goal in joining the gym and working with a trainer was to lift heavy and get stronger. Doug programs and tailors each session so that I can achieve my goal while also taking into consideration my sleep, nutrition, and stress management. We initially focused on squatting and deadlifting, and after some time and a little encouragement from Doug, I decided to start benching. Doug has a passion for powerlifting that inspired me to sign up for my first powerlifting meet. The accomplishments that I have been able to achieve thus far in the gym are a direct result of working with Doug. Doug is very knowledgeable regarding all things powerlifting. I look forward to each of our sessions, and the friendship that we have been able to create as a result of my training is an invaluable bonus. Doug created a Small Group Training session for powerlifters. I have connected with other members that I may not have otherwise, who also enjoy working out the same way I do. Doug has led me to become more confident in the gym and has given me the tools to be able to program my own workouts on the days we don’t meet. If you are looking to get stronger in the gym, I couldn’t recommend Doug more!

I have worked with a handful of Personal Trainers at multiple gyms in our area. Doug is, by far, the most effective and supportive trainer I have ever had. Each session begins with a checkup of how you are feeling, how your nutrition has been, and if you feel adequately rested. Thanks to Doug, I now know how each of these three components helps fuel my workout.

Yes, Doug makes a killer workout that will get you great results.

Yes, he will ensure that your form is correct to maximize your time spent in the gym and to help keep injuries at bay.

Yes, he will encourage and push you through your last reps enthusiastically.

All of these things are things your trainer SHOULD be doing. Doug goes beyond these things.

He also empowers you to believe that you deserve and are capable of great results. My relationship with food has completely shifted. When I first started, I would label foods as “good” or “bad,” but Doug made me realize that food is not something to demonize. I now make the right choices with my workouts in mind. Do I still have calorie-dense food? Sure, but Doug uses that information to help create a workout that will be effective based on my nutrition choices; he doesn’t shame me.

Doug will tell you every scientific fact that you ever wanted to know about fitness, how your body processes nutrients, and the origin of each particular training method he uses. He is constantly reading professional development books (by choice!), and he has a true passion for fitness, particularly powerlifting. His knowledge allows him to pivot to different coaching techniques if you have an “off” day.

Doug also makes me feel as though I belong in the gym. At first, seeing others in the gym working out in the weight area would seem intimidating. After taking years off and hitting an occasional cardio machine, free-weight, or even a squat rack seemed as if it was a place for only the experienced. Doug and I trained in these areas, and he made sure I was comfortable and confident to follow through and complete these exercises on my own.

Doug encourages you to push yourself in workouts and prioritize your self-care, and he will be right there to celebrate every PR or goal achieved along the way. I am down 25 lbs, two pant sizes, and the strongest I have ever been. Doug’s support has been invaluable, and I look forward to my continued progress with him as my trainer!

Sixteen months ago, I never would have believed I’d be regularly working with a Personal Trainer, but that was before I met Doug! When I started as a member, I had very little experience with weight training. I felt intimidated navigating a gym beyond the cardio equipment. I told Doug my general goal was to increase strength so I’d have a healthy body and a long life. Doug is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his vocation. He’s generous with his time and will always happily explain the science and mechanics behind any aspect of training. Doug helped me tremendously to gain confidence and feel comfortable using equipment, from cable machines to barbells. His enthusiasm for fitness is contagious. Today, I’m in the best physical shape of my life; I feel strong and healthy. I made new friends from group training sessions and look forward to participating in a powerlifting competition. Thanks, Doug!

I started Personal Training with Doug 6 months ago, and I have made incredible progress in both reaching my goals and setting new ones. Doug’s passion and knowledge in strength training, fitness, and powerlifting have helped me achieve a new level of fitness that I didn’t know was possible in such a short time. I have gained confidence in how I look and my abilities to perform and push myself in the gym every week. For the first time in my life, I have been consistently and regularly going to the gym multiple times a week, improving my health and making progress towards a better me overall.

I feel accomplished, empowered, and excited as I pursue endeavors in competing in powerlifting because of Doug’s coaching and the effort he has poured into his small group and one-on-one training sessions. I love this newfound hobby of mine and the friendships I have made through Doug’s small group. We all support and empower one another because that is the environment Doug has cultivated, along with a healthy dose of competitive spirit, hard work, and fun! I always look forward to training sessions with Doug because of his positive mindset, encouraging and supportive attitude, motivational commentary, and the passion and expertise he provides as a trainer who lives and studies fitness extensively! I also can’t forget to mention his fun and humorous personality, which makes every session more interesting and enjoyable!!

I came into the idea of Personal Training very intimidated and nervous when I felt out of shape and unconfident, but from the very first meeting with Doug, I was put at ease. I was impressed by how informed and sensitive Doug was to my concerns and attentive to listen and give well-thought-out responses. He had me thoroughly explain my goals so that he knew how to guide me toward reaching those goals. I have never regretted my choice to invest in Personal Training with Doug! Thanks, Doug, for helping me crush my goals and feel empowered! You are a phenomenal trainer, and I would recommend Doug to anyone interested in pursuing fitness!

When I joined the center, my goal was to continue my weight loss and do some strength training. I quickly realized that I needed a Personal Trainer to help keep me on track and take things to the next level. It was pure luck that I picked Doug out of the list of trainers. One of the best decisions I’ve made on my fitness journey.

Doug combines expert knowledge, confidence, and sincere concern and interest in my well-being. He keeps our sessions fun and productive. He takes into consideration how I sleep, eat, and feel in general with each workout. Doug has helped me push past my self-imposed limits to do more than I ever thought I was capable of. I feel stronger and fitter than ever.

The progress that I’ve made while training with Doug amazes me. It has improved all aspects of my life. I feel the best I have in years. I highly recommend Doug if you are looking for a trainer who is passionate about strength and fitness training, will motivate you to work hard, and is a good guy to boot.

In January, my doctor confirmed my fear that I needed a total knee replacement. I was notified that the earliest I could do surgery was in July. I was in significant discomfort, had difficulty walking, felt miserable, and realized I needed to prepare for this surgery. This is not my first replacement. It will be my third so I know what to expect. Even though I am a Fitness Instructor, I need to get motivated and stronger.

I began working with Doug in March of 2023. At my first consolation, he listened to my entire story, then put a fitness plan together for us to work on. We meet twice weekly to gain strength in my legs, knees, and mobility. I will be honest I love being an instructor, but exercising alone was always a struggle until I met Doug. The way he motivates and encourages me is something I have never experienced before. He has a way to push me just one step further each time. At each session, he asks how I am feeling, how I felt after our last session, and then discusses what we will be trying to accomplish at today’s session. He is thorough in his explanation of each exercise we do. I struggle with various health issues, and on a bad day, he adjusts the workout to fit my needs. I can’t explain how his encouragement as I’m doing just a few more reps pushes me to succeed. His phrases “you can do this,” “just one more,” and you go this” I feel spoken with truth, from the heart, and heard throughout the gym.
When I went on vacation, he asked if I would have any equipment or area to workout. He then put together a series of exercises for me to do while I was gone. I got in two sessions, but I missed those words of encouragement to keep me going.

Doug makes coming to workout enjoyable. I leave our sessions exhausted, sweaty, pumped, and proud of my accomplishments. He always has a positive comment when we are done. We continue increasing exercises for the lower body, and now we have added some upper body.

I can’t believe how much I have improved. My pain level has lessened tremendously, I walk better, feel better, and scar tissue from the previous surgery has broken up around the knee. I feel confident both mentally and physically going into my surgery. I have Doug to THANK! I look forward to returning to our sessions as soon as possible.

Doug is an outstanding Personal Trainer! He makes you feel good about yourself, and with his encouraging attitude, you strive to do your best for him.

Doug has boosted my confidence and strength with his positive encouragement and expertise. If you want to improve your form and succeed with strength training, Doug is your trainer! He is knowledgeable, personable, and cares about your overall health. Thank you for helping me become stronger, Doug!

Doug and I started working out together in November ’22, and we are already on our third package. Each session is different from the last, even if we revisit the same muscle group. Doug takes time to break down why we are doing each movement instead of rushing through to the end, making it easier for me to create my workouts on days we aren’t meeting. Ever since Doug became my trainer, I have become 10x more confident in the gym, have more efficient and effective workouts, and have seen noticeable improvements in my strength. This is one of my top purchases, and I look forward to our appointment. I would 10000% recommend Doug to anyone looking for a Personal Trainer.