After several less-than-fantastic experiences with trainers when I was younger, I wasn't sure how to find a "good" one for me. Luckily a friend recommended The Body Transformation Group and JP. JP not only listened to my goals and concerns but has continued to stick with them even if they're not your typical goals. His classes are small so that everyone gets the focus they need. His top priorities are good form and injury prevention, and his classes focus on complex movements that work lots of muscle groups at once and have application in other aspects of life. On top of all that, his prices are very manageable! Starting at BTG is definitely one of my better life choices and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Jan 2020 Edit:

Over two years later, I am editing my review to confirm that training at BTG Fitness has continued to be one of the best investments of time and effort to which I've ever committed. My improvements in strength and mobility show in all areas of my life: better posture at work, fewer general aches and pains, being able to move well and safely, carrying more groceries in one trip (it's important!). I feel strong and good in my body, which is something I didn't think possible before.

The BTG approach to health and fitness is holistic, tackling it from all angles. JP is a trainer who cares not just about the hour or two you see him every week, but also in your stress levels, sleep, nutrition, enjoyment of movement, and exercise outside of his gym. Whether you love fitness or want to love fitness (but don't know where to start), I cannot recommend BTG highly enough.

BTG is not a gym in my view, it is a place where goals are formulated, supported and achieved. It is a family of like minded individuals with the common goal for fitness and health.

JP is more than a coach, he is so caring and knowledgeable, he treats everyone as individuals with complete respect. He is understanding of various accommodations that some require, yet is able to delicately balance that with a need to push enough to gain the desired results. I have fun, even when being nudged into areas of performance I never thought I was capable of achieving, there is nothing more motivating.

I am not a gym person, I don’t like gyms and the culture that goes along with it. This is not a gym, it is a place to realize potential and reach goals. It is a caring and fun place to be. JP creates an environment that is welcoming, safe and honest.

My level of fitness has never been this good. I am 60 years old and am in better shape now physically and mentally than I have ever been, and I credit JP and BTG for all my accomplishments this past year which includes participating in Spartan in 2019, and again in 2020.

Thanks JP, this is not just your vocation but your life, thank you for letting us be part of it.

I have been involved in sports my entire life. Have belonged to gyms my entire adult life from the tennis bubble to hockey dry land training. Hit classes to personal trainers. But there is something special about JP and his methods and his gym.

You do become a family with the other people who go. JP himself has a quiet way of getting you to push yourself just a little harder and do a little more than you thought. There is not a philosophy of competition rather encouragement.

There are people who go to JP of all ages,body types and skill levels, yet everyone gets just what they need. You are never left behind nor are you never not challenged. Really a great credit to JPs skill as a coach.

Least intimidating gym And most welcoming gym I have ever belonged to.

My daughter and I started working out at BTG 6 months ago. You wouldn’t catch us at the local gym with large crowds but since joining we have been highly motivated and encouraged to reach our fitness goals with the support of J.P.

The weekly sessions have pushed us past our perceived limits but also provide the flexibility to modify exercises when needed. J.P thanks for creating a safe space for my daughter and I to train in - you’re fitness and nutrition knowledge has been extremely helpful!!

Thanks for installing AC in the gym this summer - made workouts so much better!

My body is feeling stronger and more muscular. I just want you to know that this is the first time in my life where my food anxiety is at a 2-3 out of 10, and the relief I feel is incredible. I am so grateful for how I am feeling today. Thank you so much for what you are doing! There aren't enough words to say it properly.

You really are the best coach I have ever had JP. A perfect mix of compassion and hard ass, you really understand people. So happy to be working with you!

I didn't know I liked weight training or gym training till I went to BTG Fitness. Not only do I like it I actually crave my sessions. I wanted something different so I took a chance without really knowing what I was getting myself into I just knew I wanted to better myself and really give my body a real shot at getting in good shape. Well I found it! My body has and is changing getting stronger, leaner and I feel amazing. I'm doing my 1st Spartan Race this month with the group and I'm so excited! I don't like gyms cuz I don't have the knowledge but here I get focused attention. If you want to improve yourself come and try it. Best thing I did for myself!

I’ve worked out all of my adult life, but JP is my first personal trainer. It makes such a difference having someone else keeping the workouts fresh and challenging. JP is the nicest guy but somehow makes you want push yourself as hard as you can. I’ve managed to push myself harder then I would have thought possible.

I've been working out at BTG for 1 1/2 years now. JP manages to keep the workouts fun and challenging every week. I've seen huge changes in my strength and endurance (and in the mirror). The clientele is very friendly, fun and supportive which makes the hour fly by.

Best Gym Ever!! Anyone thinking of getting started or that wants to build a more balanced, strong body should seriously look into this place.

One visit and you'll be hooked. Every workout feels like your first, it's the 3 day recovery that shortens to a few hours, the posture change that comes with a stronger core, the back pain that completely disappears, that you'll notice. (Speaking from experience)

Also want to mention that the trainers really focus on any injuries, old or new, and the weaknesses created by them. They customize the workouts to allow you to build back up to full strength and more.

Can't say enough about this gym. We are missing the joking atmosphere that mixes so nicely with the blood sweat and tears!!

I had a good base of 10km running with my race time at 54 minutes before starting training at The BTG, and I've been a runner for the majority of my life.

However, I realized pretty much after the 1st session at The BTG, that running does not give you upper body strength and somewhere between 20 and 40 I'd lost the ability to do a pushup and apparently after having 2 kids my stomach muscles had vanished.

What I've been finding out is that through training I've strengthened my upper body and core and that's changed how I utilize my upper body in my running. I use my arms more now which allows me to run faster with less effort than before.

I've also come to realize that I can push myself a lot harder than I thought I could in my runs. The cross-training has also shown me that where I thought my physical limits were isn't even close to where they actually are.

To top that all off, I've dropped 15 pounds so far* even without a change in diet. With the help of The BTG, after only a few months of training my 10km run time is down to 48 minutes in my last run, and I won my age-group in the Run for Water 10K!

The people that work out at the gym are so caring and supportive.  Everybody’s here on a personal journey, and I think we’re all a bit competitive in some way…it’s a great crowd here.  What I’ve noticed is definitely improved strength and power and the endurance that comes from that kind of training.  I have now grown to not really be worried about body image anymore, and I'm just really comfortable in my own skin.

JP has created a community of people looking to create a healthier lifestyle for themselves. There is a no judgement feel in the gym and everyone is welcome.

JP. Thanks. I do not let you and Julia know enough how much I appreciate you both. I can now walk UP the hill on Old Yale and the hill on George Ferguson Way without dying a slow death.

I have had back pain for 30 years, and every test shows nothing wrong. It was this morning that I realized I do not have any. Just a few twinges, that is it. I thank you both so much.

I feel like a new person. I doubt if I will ever do a Spartan, but my Spartan is Old Yale hill.

JP provides a fun and safe environment for people just starting out but also provides options for those wanting to challenge themselves.

Definitely you can see everyone works really, really hard here and pushes each other.  I can totally see the passion in both JP and Julia when I’m at the gym.  I know this is what they love to do, and it really makes it fun to know that they are here for us and it’s more than just a job to them.  Take the time to come and check it out – you’ll get to see what we do, and what a great group it is to work with, and that’s what keeps me coming back!

BTG is the only gym or workout plan I have ever done where I actually enjoy what I am doing.

It is a welcome place for everyone and a fun environment with small class sizes and JP provides individual attention to each member.

If any one of my friends is interested in an awesome workout in a small group setting...The BTG (The Body Transformation Group) is fun, motivational and a great way to workout. Come join us!!

Knowledgable, motivating, fun environment. Amazing results by just following programs set out by JP and Julia!!

I have been going to the BTG for over a year now. After suffering from neck and upper back pain due to two car accidents, I no longer suffer from pain and I feel so much stronger now. JP is also really helpful at modifying workouts to your needs if you’re dealing with a current/past injury! It’s also been a ton of fun and lots of laughs with JP and the small groups. I highly recommend BTG!!