Fast Action Training

This review is for the Take Down Challenge.
I’ve just completed the May/​June 2016 28 day Take Down Challenge with Sue and team at Fast Action Training. It was, in a nutshell, fantastic.
Let me start by saying that I was a little hesitant in deciding to do the TDC. I waffled for several weeks, and then called and talked with Sue. Sue was positive, supportive, understanding, and had all the right answers to make me feel safe to be able to commit to the TDC experience. After the initial group meeting, and once I started the first week of the TDC, all of the concerns I had were gone. I could do this. It was okay to have boundaries and structure around my eating. Actually, it felt really good. In retrospect, I am SO happy that I participated in this program. It is phenomenal, I can’t recommend it highly enough, and I plan to continue with what I have learned.
In the TDC, I learned how much food my body needed to operate optimally, what kind of food, how much, and in what ratios. The great thing is that the TDC focuses on what to eat, not on what NOT to eat. You plan your meals, and create windows of not eating between those meals. I was able to reconnect with a true sense of food hunger, and I was able to better listen to my body, what felt good to eat, and in what quantities.
As long as I can remember I have struggle with my relationship with food. I used to think that the problem was with my weight, but it wasn’t about the weight, it was about my approach to food. The weight was the side effect. Food in my life has been minimally about basic nourishment, and more about comfort, reward, relaxation, fun, procrastination, numbing, and avoidance. Essentially, I’ve been an emotional eater, eating for reasons that were rarely actual hunger. The TDC was a way for me to gently and safely sidestep all of that, and invite some healthy boundaries around what and when I ate. I already knew what to eat and what not to eat, however I didn’t have the right ratio of macronutrients, nor the right portion sizes for my body, I also snacked through the day, so I had no sense of how much I ate, and I certainly was splurging more often than was appropriate. Having clear guidelines and accountability with the TDC crew was exactly the mix of support that I needed to breakthrough.
Now that I have 28 days done, I am so excited to continue the new habits and lessons that I’ve learned as a part of this program. It’s been fun, not too hard, and a pleasure to gain nutritional knowledge. Sue, Nadia, and Brook are all kind, friendly, helpful and so incredibly supportive and positive. The track workouts were super fun and definitely help move things along, plus it was a nice way to connect with others doing the program.
I definitely shed pounds (5.5), inches (15.5″) and fat, but there were unexpected bonuses too. I found that I had much more energy consistently throughout the day, I slept well, I recovered easily from my workouts, and at the end of the challenge i was able to set a PR running the mile. At age 44. Faster than ever.
Huge thanks to Sue for facilitating the Take Down Challenge at F.A.T. I’m very happy that I participated, it was a terrific return on the investment of time and money and I plan to continue to reap benefits from this program for the rest of my life. It was way more than a weight loss program, it was an education.

After my second daughter was born, I really struggled to get the weight off so I made the choice to get myself back in shape and started my search for a workout plan. I knew that I needed something more motivating than just a basic gym membership and was looking for group classes to hold me accountable. The biggest challenge, as a working mom, was finding a workout program that fit into our busy schedule. Through a Unilocal search and a quick call, I set up a consultation with Fast Action Training because they had 5:30 am bootcamps which would get me in and out of the gym before my girls woke up. In June of 2014, I signed up with F.A.T. and I am so thankful I did because they were exactly what I needed. I lost 23.25 pounds and 8.2% body fat and am physically stronger than I have ever been.
The F.A.T trainers provide me with encouragement and motivate me to challenge myself through scheduling periodic check ins to make sure I am still meeting my fitness goals and organizing fun challenges that push me to work harder with some friendly competition. Through the bootcamps and challenges, they have built a community of members who are encouraging each other to live healthier lifestyles while keeping fitness fun. I highly recommend F.A.T and feel so lucky to be a part of the F.A.T. family! Their Take Down Challenge is a great way to kickstart your fitness goals as well.

I’ve had a fantastic experience at Fast Action Training!!! I hadn’t worked out regularly in almost 10 years, so wanted to start in smaller groups and knew that I was starting from scratch. But they were able to conform to my needs and quickly got me ramped up. Soon I couldn’t wait for my next work out.
I started out by participating in their Semi-​Private Training sessions and quickly became comfortable working with the trainers at F.A.T. The trainers continued to push me and provide feedback along the way. They make themselves available for questions and are extremely flexible when I had to make changes to my routine. After six months of semi-​private sessions I moved on to their boot camps, which were similar in nature but with larger groups. But since I now had a foundation to build off of, I was able to thrive in the boot camp environment.
In my six months working in the semi-​private environment, I was able to lose over 50lbs and completely change my lifestyle. I also took advantage of their nutrition program, which has taken me down a path that has changed how my family and I will eat forever. I have and will continue to be a member of Fast Action Training, and will continue to refer my family and friends that want to make a positive change in their lives.
Thanks to the whole team: Kevin, Sue, Shawneci, Keith, Nadia, and Markus!!!

A big thank you to Jon for the personal call and reaching out to make things acceptable to us both! Truly stellar customer service and pride in ownership of his business. Jon demonstrates a strong character and pride in not only his business, but his personal relations with the community. Its no wonder FAT has produced as many success stories it has. A team is as strong as its leader and it seems Jon strives to be the best leader in his field.
My sincere gratitude and thanks!

27lbs, 6.3%Body Fat and a total of 9.3 Inches off!
I just don’t know how to start because i have SO MUCH to say — and I’m not even exaggerating.
The shy, overfed, and ‘no exercise’ vocabulary me — well sort of. Started exactly 6 months ago.
Like many, I tried walking, dieting (crash), and many more. YES, i lost weight but i gained more in the long run (they call this the YO-​YO effect). I was depressed and actually let my overall health slip into the bad side WITH MY OWN hands.
TURNING POINT: (Reasons why I wanted to change)
1. I am a part of the healthcare team. I want to be fit so that i can help my patients be the better them. I feel that i am no help if i can’t even help myself.
2. I got tired of BEING TIRED. I feel weak most of the time, exhausted easily, just low energy in general;
3. To have Increase self-​esteem. Although i am loved by my many, having the confidence to go out with the clothes I want without looking like a spring roll has a big impact on me;
And the list goes on and on…
The SEARCH:
So then i decided to finally seek help. I searched for about two weeks and really dug deep on each of the services they provide looking for ones that would suit me. And VOILA!
I came across Fast Action Training through Unilocal. Call me crazy but i messaged one of their members first before the owner. She gave me first hand awesome feedback and at that moment i knew that the reviews weren’t fake or made up by the OWNER. So then i decided to come in their office the next day.
The MOMENT OF TRUTH:
My heart wanted to JUMP out of my chest that moment when i stepped in at FAT. First because i didn’t know where to start and Second because I feel afraid (kind of the same thing).
I talked to Sir Kevin their GM. The rest is history (i want to narrate everything but it’s going to be too long so just come in to FAT and ill tell you my story) hahaha.
Why I CHOSE F.A.T:
1. F.A.T shows CARE: when you come in, you are always greeted with a smile and by your name. You can tell that they’re not greedy for money, because they constantly give you feedbacks on how you are doing and also suggest areas to focus on or to slow down on. Some gyms, after membership let you off on your own clueless of what to do. :(
2. Trainers: Who are the trainers that love what they do, inspire you to do better, motivate you to achieve greater and challenge you to become stronger??? F.A.T TRAINERS. Each and everyone of them have their own style of teaching but all are professional.
3. Accountability is a major component I loved with FAT. For every late or missed class they charge 10dollars— but hey, they teach you accountability. In order to get fit you should stay in track of your actions. Reality: we are in control of our body, we are in charge of our health and we are responsible for the recoil our body does to us with our habits may it be good or bad. But FAT IS there to make us retain the good habits and get rid off the bad. (the accumulated fees btw always go to charities or donations)
4. Intense and assertive motivators: the trainers know YOU, and because they know you they challenge you to your limit. Everytime i come in to bootcamps, i leave knowing that i was more stronger than i was before and i feel motivated because maam Shawneci always says, ‘you just spent 45 minutes doing something wonderful for yourself’ and all the aches just go away. Mind you, they know when you’re really trying or just making an excuse for not pushing your cardio (based on experience)
On workout day, you don’t compete with others, you compete and challenge YOURSELF
5. Diverse and Flexible: in 45 minutes of workout you can get tons of calories burning plus they never have the same routine so you get to challenge yourself everyday. Also if you have physical, emotional or any psychological reason for not being able to do a certain exercise they can modify it for you working the same targeted area they aim for. (you might think 45 mins too short, wait ’til you get started)
IMPROVEMENTS:
1. I am stronger than before. Sir Keith told me, ‘you have to be strong for those that are in need of your strength’, and this is what motivates me. I used to be able to do nothing without the feeling of passing out, i still feel that at times but now i can lift weights i never imagined i could, hold a good plank for 40sec, and run!!!
2. I am capable of pacing through hospital corridors without exhausting myself and;
3. I am much more physically confident than i used to be. I went from a 2xl shirt to medium and size 14 to 11 pants. Yey me!
I can just keep going and going about what Fast Action Training can offer but it’s better to experience it first hand.
Yes i am far off from where i want to be but closer than i was before.
Happy 6 months to me and counting. Thank you to all trainers not mentioned above but you all are awesome, and to sir John the owner for making such an awesome team!
#keeprockinrockstars

I loved my experience at Fast Action Training. All of the trainers are professional, knowledgeable and intuitive. Always a great workout. And when I was injured personal yoga sessions with Nadia did the trick.

I’ve been attending F.A.T. FIT classes three times a week for about three months, and I can echo all of the positive reviews you see on this page. My biggest worry upon joining was that I’d be too out of shape to keep up with the rest of the class. But the instructors make everyone feel welcome, and the workouts are designed for all fitness levels. (Instructors offer modifications for any exercises you can’t manage.)
Friendly, not intimidating. Motivating, not competitive. Terrific instructors and 45-​minute classes that work well with my work and family schedules. I’m really glad I joined.

I started with John, the owner, about 7 years ago before he actually owned this fitness center. While my level of commitment has waivered, John has always stayed committed to my health and weight loss goals.
As others have mentioned, what really sets F.A.T. apart from any other gym (and really most any company I’ve worked with) is their people. Starting at the top with John who sets the tone, all of the staff care so deeply for their clients and go above and beyond to assist them in reaching their goals.
I really learned to change many of my eating habits by working with Sue with the Take Down Lifestyle Program. Sue is very caring, enthusiastic, and so generous with her time.
Their boot camps will kick your butt! But you’ll see results and have fun. I have taken a semi-​private class and highly recommend it if you want a more personalized workout and can’t afford a one-​on-​one. Yoga Express was just what I needed to work on my flexibility and some back issues.
There’s tons of support here and a variety of classes and times. Check them out and I’m sure you’ll be impressed.

I’ve been working out here for nine months and have attained the greatest health of my adult life. The team here understands nutrition and the holistic experience. This is the perfect exercise and health plan for a guy in his forties.
The trainers are the best.

Nadia is a fantastic yoga instructor! I was scared to do yoga so I scheduled a few private sessions with her and it was amazing. Now I am not scared to go to a group class! I feel so great after going and it is helping me work through my injuries.

I have never been a gym person. I like to eat delicious food and read and do all sorts of things that are NOT ACTIVE. And for a long time, I was lucky that my body just let me. Then I had children and my body was like, «Nope, those sexy clothes are gone. SWEATPANTS 4EVA.»
I started at FAT after my friend inspired me: she had lost so much weight and looked amazing. I took the plunge, with their 6 Week Challenge, a regimen of eating and classes with weekly weigh-​ins and prizes. To my surprise, I LOVED IT. I didn’t win, but I lost about 20 lbs. I continued with a pretty intense subscription. My weight plateaued then for a few months, but I enjoyed watching my body change, even though the scale wasn’t budging.
So that all sounds pretty good, right? Read on for what makes this a 5 star gym…
See, when I started working out, my kids were both in preschool and my mornings were easy. I could get up at 6, work out and be back before anyone woke up. And then, in August, my oldest started kindergarten. Suddenly I had to pack lunches, worry about being on time, which meant waking the kids, begging them to eat… etc. My old schedule wasn’t working and I had a hard time trying to figure out a new one. So I lapsed. Hard. I went from going 4 days a week to once a month. But FAT wasn’t done with me. When they realized that I was paying for classes and not showing up for any, they called me at home. Then they called me again. Then they converted my paid classes that I hadn’t gone to into personal training sessions at a better time for me. It was like they actually cared about my success instead of just taking my money.
That is such a rare and admirable thing for any business. And that is why I love FAT. They really have a great attitude, infectious enthusiasm and they WANT you to succeed, instead of just wanting you to pay for classes you never show up to.
Thanks, FAT :)

Fast Action Training is AWESOME! I love so much about this place:
1. the format of the classes (45 minutes, strength training on different body parts each day + some cardio, yoga, TRX and Masters classes, etc.)
2. the accountability (there are different incentives to get your butt to the gym – no excuses!)
3. the environment (small, cozy, not intimidating)
4. the members (you quickly get comfortable with the regulars at your regular gym times; everyone is nice and there for the same reason!)
5. the special offers (extra programs frequently offered for a lil extra kick in the butt)
6. the trainers! (all are kind, encouraging, creative, and supportive exemplars of fitness)
7. the individual attention (trainers are attentive to and modify for members’ different needs)
8. the HIGH FIVES! (So, so many! Sometimes it’s the best part of my day!)
I have seen results, and most importantly, going to F.A.T. has kept me consistent in my workouts during the busiest time of my life! Thanks, F.A.T. team!

Oh FAT… where would I be without you? Certainly not where I am today, that’s for sure!
I was looking for a personal trainer and decided to Unilocal it. I typed in «personal trainer» in San Jose. The first one at the top of the list was Fast Action Training. I was really surprised because they had over 100 reviews, and for any personal trainer, that is a really high number and extremely unusual. I figured 100 people with 5 stars could not be mistaken so I called them for a consult. The first person I spoke to was David, who is their Client Relations guy. He has the voice of a radio personality and is super helpful and sweet. He advised me that Kevin, a trainer at the studio, would be calling me back to assess my needs and see whether or not they were what I was looking for.
I had a phone consult with Kevin who also happens to be their GM. After a lengthy discussion and plenty of questions, I decided to go check them out. My first session was considered a try-​out so it was free of charge. How could I say no to that???
My first session was INTENSE. Now, I had not been working out regularly, mind you. In fact, I was probably categorized under «Sedentary,» so that first workout nearly killed me. On top of that, I have the worst cardio EVER. I could make any excuse to avoid it at all cost. Unfortunately or fortunately for me, FAT insists on HIIT-​style workouts. We are talking extreme high-​intensity. I was gasping for breath, thinking my lungs would collapse. Only goes to show how out of shape I was. *sad face.
Moving on, I went from being unable to do even 10 seconds of any sort of cardio without running out of breath, to now being able to maintain a minute straight. I’m quite proud of that. I really would not be where I am today without FAT. I learned how to workout in a completely different way, a way that I had never experienced before. Now when I go to the gym, I also utilize the same workouts I learned at FAT.
Have I mentioned how much their trainers ROCK??? Kevin is the BEST, I adore Sue and Keith is the MAN! I rotate between those 3. They push me to limits I could never have reached on my own. I do things for them I never saw myself doing before!!! I cry and complain and whine but the trainers just ignore me, and encourage me each in their own special way. They gently (but also quite assertively) push me towards my goal, knowing exactly what I’m trying to achieve and what I’m working towards.
I love individualized attention and motivation I require to stay committed to my fitness journey. And I get plenty of that with FAT. I love the semi-​private training sessions since I get some one-​on-​one attention at a fraction of the cost of a personal trainer. Their FIT classes are just as aggressive.
I joined FAT thinking I would have a nice 3-​month fling with them. As time passed, I found myself unable to live without them being a part of my life. It’s kinda like what they say, when you find that home gym, the one where everyone knows your name, well… it’s really tough to leave. I have seen incredible results since starting with FAT. In the first 3 months, I dropped 5% body fat. In another 1.5 months, I dropped 3 more. And I’m just gonna keep going! I have also dropped several inches. I’m nowhere near my goal, but I“m so much closer than I was a few months ago.
Calling FAT was one of the best things I ever did for me. Everyone is so positive and supportive. John, who is the founder and Chief Motivator (how the hell do you become a Chief Motivator? That is just too awesome!) is the most happy-​go-​lucky jolliest guy who spills all kinds of positivity and motivation. Hence his fitting title. The community of FAT members are all there to walk/​jog/​run with you on your fitness journey. And some of these members have been there for years. That alone says something about a gym, and I’m not talking about 24-​hr Fitness, which I do have a membership to, as well as Gold’s. Hah.
I am so grateful to be a part of FAT. I just started their Takedown Challenge a few days ago, along with more than 50 other challengers. It is so inspiring being around others who are on the same page as me! I’m hoping to hit some major goals in this 28-​day challenge. Wish me luck!
Active 2016.
Live it.

As a fellow gym owner I would like to say that Fast Action Training is an exemplary facility with a solid team and owner. They are super professional and knowledgeable in what they do. Once you walk in they greet you with a smile and make sure to listen to what you came there for and don’t right away try to sell you on something.
Their programs are solid and really help cater towards body transformation goals specific to fat loss. They even have this solid nutritional program and other add on programs to help supplement your journey to success.
There’s also no BS, just hard work and real results. Highly recommended.

The F.A.T. family of trainers has helped me grow into a better and stronger person this past year. I’m not an athletic person but with their patience and continual guidance at each and every bootcamp, my strength has increased slowly but surely.
The fitness community is a very positive one and you’ll soon meet and get to know other wonderful members of our local community.
Give John a call or e-​mail. They will help and challenge you into becoming the person you want to be.

I have been going to FAT for about 5 months now and am seeing great improvements with my strength and endurance. I do both semi-​private training as well as bootcamp classes.
Pros:
* Great instructors. They are excellent motivators and pay great attention to form and technique. Not only do they try to push you. but I like the fact that they get to know you, your injuries, etc and provide modifications when needed.
* Classes have very good variety — they use TRX, weights, rip trainer, resistance bands, etc to introduce variety keep everyone engaged.
* I really like the fact that they have plenty of class times available. You do have to book in advance because they fill up quickly.
Cons:
* Maybe I am being a little too picky. but some of the classes get a little too crowded (at least too crowded for my liking)… especially in the mornings. They do have a max number (i am not sure what is that) but I feel it is a little too big. I get around it by doing bootcamps in the evenings and spt in mornings.

I did not come to Fast Action Training a newbie to working out — I’ve done boot camp style classes for years, I did Cross Fit for six months, and when looking for a new gym, I tried out several in the area (including some orange-​themed experiences…). I can say with no reservations that Fast Action Training is hands down the best gym experience I’ve ever had.
First, the work out itself is great — fast paced, easily modified up or down in intensity, and well planned. Interesting equipment changes, and you never do anything more than twice, so it’s easy to find motivation to push yourself.
Second, the trainers and staff. I’m not sure how they get so perky so early in the morning, but each and every one of them does. They’re funny, fast, sticklers on form (which every great trainer is), and manage to connect with each individual person in the class. They are clearly invested in your success, and actively look for ways to motivate you and get you to your goals.
Third, the nutrition element. The closest thing I’ve seen to a nutrition program at a gym is the general mentality of ‘Paleo’ at Cross Fit — this is not that. This is a complete, balanced, science-​based, personalized lifestyle change.
And last, the community. There is a wide range of body types and skill levels in every class, and everyone is absolutely, 100% supportive of each other. When you join the gym and start going regularly, you really quickly feel like you’ve joined a team and a community of people doing their best to improve themselves, no matter where they’re starting from. It’s great.
But what really matters is results, right? In six weeks, I’ve lost 10 pounds and about 2% body fat. Which, considering I started from a place of regular exercise and healthy eating is really remarkable. Before Fast Action Training I had plateaued for so long I didn’t even realize the world wasn’t flat! I’m lifting heavier than I ever have before, old injuries are silent and painless, and I see no end in sight — the workouts continue to be fun and engaging, the nutrition program feels sustainable, and I’m looking forward to continuing the journey!

Love this place!!! They do a great job! Very motivating and encouraging in getting you to a fitter and better place both physically and mentally!
I’ve been part of the Fast Action Training community for about 6 months now. In this time, I’ve been part of most regular workouts and have taken part in the Takedown Lifestyle program. In my 6 months, I have lost close to 40lbs and am feeling so much better as a person. The trainers at FAT did and continue to do a magnificent job of encouraging me during the trainings and in my meal plans. They push me harder with the exercises and thus push my limits to a higher threshold.
Would recommend this to anyone who is looking to move to a healthier lifestyle!

Love this place! Small and clean gets you the personal attention you need. I’ve been using
to find some good TRX classes to take. Their Saturday 10:30 class is my favorite lead my Shawneci.
Shawneci does a great job of teaching us the exercises, but is also very helpful modifying them to her student’s needs.
She leads some bootcamp classes during the week as well that are excellent but a little harder on some of my worn out joints (Right shoulder, right foot, left knee).
No matter your experience level you will get a great overall workout that fits your needs.

I joined the 6 week Body Transformation Challenge and lost 12lbs! The boot-​camp workouts are 45 minutes and keep your heart pumping, also incorporated is strength training; it’s the most efficient work-​out especially if you don’t have hours to kill in the gym. The meal plan was easy to follow, had variety, and, really made the difference in losing weight. With the support of the trainers I’ve been able to make lifestyle changes that will benefit me for years to come. Allison (Ally) was my trainer during the fitness challenge, she provided me with weekly feedback and support, just the boost I needed to finish strong. F.A.T. offers convenient class times, variety of fitness levels, and a positive environment you’ll love.
The trainers really take the time to help you with your form and, ensure you are challenging yourself to reach your full potential. The great thing is that, each boot-​camp class is different and fun! The environment the trainers create while pushing you to do your best is professional and energetic, you really feel like they are on your team rooting for you. The training studio is updated and clean, music is always great and, the F.A.T. team is awesome!