Harris S.

Angela G. (Testimonial)

2 friends 7 reviews Angela G. Chicago, IL 5.0 star rating 4/15/2009 First to Review I was not sure how it would work with a trainer coming to the house instead of meeting at a gym - I had nothing to worry about! After putting my husband and I through a comprehensive fitness test to assess our individual levels, Harris began training us together. He customizes the workouts to our individual needs and pushes each of us beyond anything we would do if left to our own devices. I also had a recent injury, and Harris modified my workouts to accommodate my current limitations. This has really helped me refocus and get my motivation back. I highly recommend that you give this in-home training a try - you won't regret it!

Scott H. (Testimonial)

For a guy who hated to exercise, I love working out with Harris, the founder of Personal Peak. Here's why: 1) No "isolation exercises". When I'd go to the gym and work on my legs, for example, I'd wind up using 4-5 different machines. Essentially, my leg workout took up most of that session... With Harris, while a session may be concentrated on working my legs, the exercises I'm doing work all of my body. I get more of me worked out in less time. I like that. 2) Just about everything he has me do works my core. Again, more muscles working throughout the session rather than isolating one or two. How did bicept curls on a machine work my core? Answer: they didn't. Working my core has a couple of great side benefits. First, I look better in a swimsuit. Second, I'm less prone to injury while working out. 3) It's tailored to my needs. Unlike a gym where it's "go to this machine, then this one, then this one" with some perscribed weights, Harris imodifies each workout based on how well I'm currently doing. I can't do a particular exercise on a given day? No problem, Harris is able to show me an alternate method that'll help me build my strength up in that particular area. 4) I had no idea how to exercise efficiently. Exercising under supervision is a great way to insure that I don't hurt myself (or slack off). As somebody who's had back issues (and slacking off issues) before, this was incredibly important to me. 5) No equipment needed. Harris brings it all over. Sometimes it's a gym bag full of surprises (medicine balls, kettlebells, resistance bands, etc), other times it's a single item. And because you're not waiting for equipment to free up, or adjusting weights to lift, Harris makes sure you maintain an aerobic-paced workout. Cardio + Strength trainng = one sweet workout 6) Great personality. Harris is an excellent motivator and coach. 7) It's MY workout. Harris doesn't set out goals for me, but created a program specifically for me, so I can reach my goals. 8) Variety. Workouts are never the same. I don't get bored - which wasn't the case in my gym days... 9) No excuses. You have any idea how hard it is to come up with an excuse not to exercise in your own living room? Or at your office? It's nearly impossible. 10) Exercise on your terms at your time. I've worked out with Harris as early as 6AM and as late as 8:30PM. He'll work to meet your schedule, whatever it may be... So if you really want to get in shape, or just get healthier than you currently, call Personal Peak and share your goals with them.

Jamie A. (Testimonial)

I took advantage of a Groupon offer for two personal training sessions with Harris/ Personal Peak at an impossible to ignore price. And I'm glad I did. Harris was an ideal personal trainer: he has a great attitude (he stays positive and keeps you motivated with a sense of humor); he'll work you to your limit, but not past it; he's highly knowledgeable about strength training and maintaining a healthy body; he brings all the equipment you need a for a challenging and satisfying work out; also, he's pretty easy on the eyes. After a workout with Harris I couldn't help but think "No pain, no gain". I was in a lot of pain for a few days after our work out, but it was a good pain that made me feel proud and strong. I hope to work out with him again!

Justine K. (Testimonial)

Harris did a wonderful job in training me to complete a true, full-body workout! And even better, it was all done in the hallways and stairway of my condo building using only my own body and a resistance band! I would have never thought of doing push-ups from off the stairs!!! Amazing! He proved that you don't necessarily need a gym or even weights for that matter, to get a great workout experience. He said the best workouts are done outside the gym and he's right because I don't ever remember being that exhausted after a typical gym routine! He must have also impressed my fiancé because now he wants to do a session with Harris! We have a "couples" training session scheduled for this Saturday and I am looking forward to another butt-kicking workout (sort of)! ;-)

Michelle L. (Testimonial)

We have trained with Harris for the last 2 years, and continue to enjoy significant improvements in our levels of endurance and strength. Harris helped us to complete a half marathon last summer. He is a great motivator, and we are continually challenged as one day may involve battling rope work, machines, weights, kettlebells, floor exercises, and stair climbing. He keeps us challenged with such a huge variety of techniques. Moreover, James had pain issues in his elbow when he started working out with Harris, and he has strengthened and eliminated the pain after working out with Harris. Harris is always professional and direct in his training, and always focuses on what is best for us to do in training and diet to achieve our goals. I (Michele) am in my early fifties and James is 63, and we feel that our overall health and endurance is far better than when we were in our 20s and 30s. Through Harris’ training techniques we are able to truly enjoy a variety of sports such as cycling and snow skiing with improved stamina and balance. We believe Harris is an asset and recommend him most highly!