Real Deal Fitness

I am beyond grateful that I discovered Chris at Real Deal Fitness. After dedicating my entire life to basketball, playing and coaching at the DI Level that was all I knew about being in shape. Once I finished my time as a player I started gaining weight crazy fast and each year it just went up and up and up. Next thing you know I was pretty much carrying around another person. I tried to motivate myself and tried a million diets, meal replacement shake plans and I just couldn’t commit. About a week ago my job had a health expo and now I’m all signed up with Real Deal and already feeling so motivated. It’s my first week with Real Deal but I couldn’t be more excited about my new journey. I’m going to get on that hall of fame and Chris has been pushing me every step of the way so far.
#ChangeAintEasy #TakingMyLifeBack

Jody and Chris came to our company annual health fair and I won a few personal training classes. I’d been looking for a jump start to getting my fitness back on track and the level of intensity and calorie burning is amazing. They push me hard during the workouts and also make sure my nutrition is on track. I’m a 5’11″ Male who started at RDF at 200 lbs and ~20% Body Fat. After 5 classes in 2 weeks, I dropped 5 pounds and decided to join the 60 day fitness challenge. With two weeks of group classes to go, I’m down another 10 pounds and around 15% body fat.
The circuit training keeps my heart rate is kept at a high level, and systematic muscle exhaustion through the workout leaves you with that great feeling of accomplishment. Definitely need to be committed to yourself and achieving results. You can ask for modifications so that you can make it through the sets with limited rest.
My favorite wall decal: «Sweat…It’s the Fat Crying.»
Bring a towel :)

A colleague of mine recommended this place after training with Chris, and she looked amazing! Though my goals were different, I went in for a consultation just to meet Chris and learn more about their services. Being a high exec working mom (70 – 80 hours per week), finding time to «invest» in myself beyond a 4 minute shower seemed nearly impossible — especially given the limited studio hours of my favorite yoga place. Among other goals I had, my first and most important goal was to make consistent time for myself three times a week and never let my normal & understandable excuses of work, meetings, calls, kids, weekend errands, etc. get in the way. Chris was incredible. Being a parent himself he gave me guidance on how to handle the realistic hurdles of being a parent — from nutrition to making time to work and workout. He showed up everyday ready to make me work hard and push myself beyond what I would have on my own. He’s hilarious and very motivating. Every trainer there is on point — you can tell they each care about their clients but also the other clients, as well. There’s a «family» feel to this place, and it’s awesome to be a client there. I’m so grateful for the jumpstart he gave me — for getting me out of a mom only routine and back into a balanced lifestyle again. Thanks, Chris!

Let me start off by saying that I NEVER leave reviews. However, I had the most experience at Real Deal Fitness that I felt compelled to write one. I recently completed the 90 day program with Chris. When I initially went in to the gym, it was because I had bought a Groupon for 10 of their classes. I was feeling unhappy with my body and had recently come to the realization that a 27 year old body does not handle the junk food and alcohol as well as my 21 year old body. When I went in, I met with Chris to talk about the classes. I told him I was just there to «tone up» and didn’t have any set goals I just wanted to be healthier and feel good in a bikini. Chris then told me about his 90 training program and the process. He didn’t try to «sell me» on it or convince me it was what I needed. He just told me what he could do for me if I decided to go that route instead of the Groupon. I decided. Why not? I have the time and if not now, then when. I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
It was a complete change in lifestyle. I had to send my daily food logs to Chris and be in the gym 3 – 4 times per week. At first, it was a HUGE challenge with the food adjustments. It’s not a magical diet or a zero carb plan, but it does require you to be diligent about what you are putting into your body. You can’t have a crazy night out and then not eat the next day in hopes that it will even out. It took me a while to get it down, but eventually I did and I started to see the weight fall off.
I won’t lie, the training sessions are hard, especially in the beginning. Chris is a no BS trainer. He is not going to get in your face like some trainers but he does push you to do the best you physically can at every session. Even after a few weeks, I could feel and see changes in my body. He is really an amazing person and has a way of making you want to push yourself further than you think you ever could.
In the end, I ended up losing 22 pounds and winning their awesome 60 Day Fitness Challenge. My body looks the best it ever has and my confidence is at an all-​time high. I will definitely be continuing with Real Deal and might even do a competition just to stay on track. If you are looking for an AMAZING gym with even more AMAZING trainers, you have to go to Real Deal. Chris is the BEST! I also want to give a shout out to Jody who is Chris’s partner and another trainer at the gym. I haven’t personally trained with her but have watched her train and she is inspiring and a great energy in the gym.

I looked for a gym/​trainer in San Diego for some time After researching several I thought «Real Deal Fitness» was exactly as they stated. I did not use «Group On» I paid $ 1600.00 + for a 90 day contract Extremely disappointed in the manor of which my contract ended One day was informed the current session would be my last ??? On a Monday in December I went for my scheduled session the partner of the business owner informed me when I walked in I was coming close to the close of my contract. I asked her very nicely if I could receive a heads up when it was coming to a close (so I could prepare for the future) She agreed The next Wednesday (my next scheduled apt) I finished working out The partner advise me as I was leaving the office, that was my last session ??? I could not believe it. No measurement’s were taken as per the contract, to see the progress I had made during those 90 days No discussion of possible options going forward No sign of the owner at all which whom I contracted with No” I was a pleasure have you as a client” (I was a good client and thought I had a good relationship with the business) not very professional to say the least How could I refer people? I will not be referring anyone there The owner canceled on me once at the last minute, my reaction «ok it happens» The partner canceled on me once I canceled a total of 4 times in 90 days, each time giving plenty of notices as requested by the owner Each time I canceled I asked the owner if that session could be rescheduled and he confirmed it could be. There were a total of 6 of my sessions I lost I texted the owner on December 18^th of my concerns, hoping he would contact me to create a satisfied customer and make things right To date no response, which has caused me to write this review By reading other reviews on this site it is painstakingly obvious «Real Deal Fitness» is more focused on clients willing to pay more than myself with greater than 90 contracts The new year is starting when looking for a Trainer/​gym do your home work all a lot of questions talk to former clients etc.

I really enjoy training with Abe at Real Deal Fitness. I have had a lot of different trainers in the past but he is really knowledgeable and experienced in the field. Our sessions are each an hour long, and he often spends a lot of time with me explaining and perfecting my form, and also making sure I am stable enough to do everything. He genuinely cares about me doing the workouts in the right way and I really appreciate that. He also spends a considerable amount of time for stretching after each workout with is key to recovery. I have only the greatest things to say about training at Real Deal, especially with Abe, and really enjoy the facility and equipment they have. I am going to join their 60 day challenge which starts around the holidays and am really excited to get in even better shape!

I really enjoyed Real Deal Fitness. I found them through a Groupon deal. This was my way of testing out their personal training sessions. Their training session was very similar to HIIT. Jody was my trainer and she’s fun. Everyone there are really chill and nice.
It’s a small gym but enough equipment for you to feel a workout. Their group training are very motivational, I love that type of environment small and intimate.
If you need someone to keep you on track Jody and or Chris is the way to go.
Note: The Groupon doesn’t come with the nutrition part.

I went into Real Deal fitness having purchased a voucher for ten personal training sessions, so I expected to be upsold at the onset. The first meeting is a consultation and training with Chris, the owner. I told him my goals, which were basically to get to a healthy weight and composition and increase endurance. Chris asked my goal weight, and I told him 160– 15 pounds below the ‘healthy weight’ cutoff. I’m over 5’10 and have a large frame. Chris responded that my goal should be 135. I explained that I had no interest in being that thin, but it seemed to fall on deaf ears. He told me that if I was toned that I wouldn’t look like a ‘crack head’. He kept repeating that he ‘transforms bodies’ and telling me to ask him questions instead of orienting me to anything specific– except that I probably wouldn’t lose weight without his professional nutrition advice, or if I did lose weight elsewhere I would have flappy skin that he could prevent if I trained there, but couldn’t do anything about if I lost weight elsewherete and came back.
We jumped into the first session, which honestly was unpleasant and mildly offensive. When he took my measurements, he said ‘see, you have abs under there!’, as if having fat over them negated the presence of abdominal muscles? He began with a pretty intense cardio, barking comments like ‘see Lauren, you’re an athlete!’. After 20 minutes, I was faint and nauseus and feeling battered. In comparison, that very next week and those following I was able to complete 40 – 60 minute sessions and feel great after.
I began training with Abe Fuentes, who was phenomenal. Professional, skilled, amiable and an excellent coach. He was so good it almost made the overall experience a good one.
But then… When I was about to go in for my 6^th session, I got a text from Abe that Chris had told him I’d have to sign onto the full-​price program because the sessions had to be used in 30 days. No one had ever mentioned that before. I ended up disgruntled on the line with Chris, telling him that while the policy may be sound, the implementation (ie never mentioning it and then getting a text saying sign up or don’t come the morning of– when to your understanding you’re halfway through your program) was poor. He said he didn’t realize that everybody didn’t read all the fine print on every voucher first, and grumblingly extended me another 30 days.
When I went in for future sessions, Chris seemed to avoid me, and I was relieved when the program was over. I got some good workouts, appreciated the flexible hours and loved training with Abe, but the the overall experience isn’t one I would invest in.

I am beyond grateful to have come across Real Deal Fitness. For the first time that I can remember, I am finally at a weight that isn’t considered obese. I started at Real Deal fist November 2014 weighing in over 200lbs, and today I am down 55lbs. My trainer at Real Deal Fitness is Chris, and he has taught me so much and has encouraged me to live a healthy lifestyle. Every work out is new and challenging, and he pushes you past any limits you have created for yourself. He teaches you the value of making healthy food choices, and empowers you with the ability to get fit.
I was recently named the winner of the 60 Day Challenge at Real Deal Fitness. Many times you think whether or not a place will actually pay out a cash prizes, and I am here to tell you that Real Deal Fitness is true to its word. The 60 Day Challenge was a motivating way to get fit and to win some extra cash. In 60 days, Chris helped me lose 14lbs and 17 inches. I was amazed by my results and so proud of all the hard work I put into the challenge. And if you are interested, I won $ 5,000 and yes they paid every penny.
I recommend Real Deal Fitness to anyone who is serious about getting fit and who is ready to leave their excuses behind. Real Deal Fitness will help you reach your fitness goals, as long as you are willing to give it your all and to stop making excuses as to why you had to eat the unhealthy food, not exercise, and go out drinking all night. I won’t lie, getting fit is the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life, but it has been the most rewarding.
I was the girl who was overweight/​obese all her life and made fun of by the other kids. I was the girl who would emotionally eat to stop the pain and embarrassment of being overweight. I was the girl who would make excuse after excuse as to why I never lost weight year after year. I will do it tomorrow, I am too tired today, I didn’t eat that bad today, one more cookie won’t hurt me, and so on. I know every excuse in the book because I used them all my life, until I found Real Deal Fitness.
There is no time for excuses or games at Real Deal Fitness. You show up ready to work out and to get results. Chris and the other trainers will push you hard, but you need to show them you are willing to put in the work. They will give you every tool you need to succeed, and the only reason you wouldn’t get the results you want is because you didn’t try or listen to what they had to teach.
I love going to Real Deal Fitness and getting pushed to the limit every time. I see the results I always wished and dreamed for growing up. I finally feel strong, self-​confident, and sexy with my body. If you want real results, you need to call Real Deal Fitness right now. Yes it is pricy, but I believe you either pay now or pay later. I would rather invest that money into my health and fitness then spend it later in life on doctor’s bills and prescription medicines. Investing in yourself is the best move you can make for your life, and Real Deal Fitness can help you achieve any fitness goal you desire. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, or what excuses you have made for yourself. If you are willing to work, try, listen, have faith in them, and most importantly have faith in yourself, Real Deal Fitness will work for you.

Real Deal Fitness is by far the best gym I have ever been a part of! The owner Chris has a wealth of knowledge and he is DETERMINED to get you fit and help you reach your goals. I have been working out there for 7 months, within the first month I lost 30 pounds and have seen results every week since working out there. Chris and his awesome staff kick your butt and make you work but they genuinely care about you and your goals and they do everything possible to help you get to where you want to be. If you do what Chris and his trainers tell you and work hard you will undoubtedly get the results you want! I cannot recommend this place enough, give them a try and you will not be disappointed!

I’ve had five personal trainers in the last 3 years in San Diego, but training with Jody at Real Deal Fitness has been the most transformational in the shortest amount of time.
I came here on a Groupon deal for 10 sessions. I ended up signing up for the full 30-​session program (in addition to the 10 Groupon sessions) because I knew that I had found the place I was looking for to get the results I wanted. In addition to the ass-​kicking workouts, the real core of the Real Deal fitness program is nutrition.
ALL of my previous training programs CLAIMED to offer nutritional coaching as part of what I was paying for, but none of them delivered. «Alright, I’m gonna need you to eat clean» was the entire breadth of nutritional advice from one of my previous trainers (I’ll name names — L.A. Fitness). How was the phrase «eat clean» supposed to encompass everything I needed to know to maintain the right number of calories, proteins, carbs, and fats for the duration of the training program??? Get out of here. Training at Real Deal Fitness has shown me what a REAL nutritional program is like, and I can tell you that it’s effective as hell because I’m seeing results way faster than I did with my previous training programs. Jody keeps on top of my nutrition every step of the way, and goes out of her way to draft up meal plans for me and tweak them as needed. I never have to wonder about what I’m going to eat each day.
I haven’t worked out with Chris yet (I’ve heard only good things), but Jody has been an awesome trainer. She’s a great motivator and works with my schedule (I train in the evening). I like that there is an online system for appointment reminders as well. It does get pretty warm in the gym area sometimes but luckily there is a large fan that Jody lets me point straight at my face while I’m working out to my heavy metal iTunes station that she lets me put on :)
If you’re looking to get whipped into shape, this is the place to go. You’re going to see results here like you wouldn’t see at any other gym, because it’s about changing your nutrition and not just your physical activity — and it really works. Before/​after pics to come!

Jody and Chris are the BEST trainers I ever had. I am currently in the 60 day challenge and within two weeks already seen great results!!! Every session they mix it up and know exactly what their client’s body needs. For the first time, I have trainers that genuinely care about their clients and coach not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Their excellent coaching allows me to push to levels I did not know existed in me. I have been to so many gyms and had many different trainers. If you want results and great mentors, Real Deal Fitness is the place to be.

This review is for trainer Alex William and Owner Chris:
Alex is an amazing, patient and great trainer. I love love working with him. He demeanor exemplify someone who really cares about their client’s well-​being. He watches your form closely, and paid attention to every detail. He will push you to do more, and challenge your limits, but at the same time, he is not pushy and mean. He is a good and kind person overall.
I can see everyone will love working with him.
Chris, the owner is very knowledgeable about nutrition and fitness, no non-​sense kind of guy. I love that he didn’t hassle me or hard sell me anything which I am not ready to buy. But he still try to help me to reach my goal.
I love this gym, it’s got an open, relaxed vibe to it, as suppose to some which are very intense and small. the workout is definitely challenging, best training I ever got. I came at a groupon deal, but will definitely continue to train here.

Chris and his team are incredible. They will change you life for the better with a little work on your side. They are positive and motivating and so knowledgeable. You really can’t find better. Call them. You won’t be sorry.

There are no other gyms that compare to Real Deal Fitness! Chris, along with the rest of the team are knowledgeable, motivating and supportive and will get you to where you want to be! They all truly care about your progress and you can trust that each trainer truly wants their clients to succeed beyond their personal fitness goals! Real Deal Fitness doesn’t only train you inside the gym but they also take the time to teach you how to make long-​term changes outside the gym to live a healthier lifestyle that you can be proud of! Real Deal Fitness has it all, it’s not just a gym, it’s also a team filled with amazing and inspirational individuals who are ready to help you look and feel further than you can ever imagine!

I started going to Real Deal Fitness 4 months ago right after I found out I was pregnant. Running had always been my exercise of choice but wanted to start something I could continue until the end of my pregnancy. Chris worked with me on my diet to keep me from «eating for two» and specialized the workouts so I could keep up even with my big belly. I’m due in 5 weeks and have never felt better!

I started going to Real Deal Fitness about 2 months ago and it has been a life changing experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer than Jody. I came in on my first day not knowing how weak and unstable my body was. It’s only been 2 month and I already feel like a different person. I gained strength and power in my self and body that didn’t know I had. I lost 6 pounds and 6 inches total during the first month. Throughout their nutrition plan, I’m also eating so much better and can feel the energy boost since I first started. Thanks to Jody, I now look forward to waking up for my 5am workouts. She’s a such a great motivator and mentor that I’m really grateful to have in my life.
If you’re looking to change to a better and healthier lifestyle, Real Deal Fitness and an «I can do it» attitude is all what you need.

I did the 90-​day challenge with Chris after doing a Living Social deal about a year ago. To cut to the chase, I lost 25 lbs and 20 inches over my body including 6 inches off my waist (I am 5’9″). That’s what everyone wants to hear, I got «skinny.» That isn’t totally true.
I came to Chris and asked for training to help with a half marathon and overall healthy lifestyle. Okay, I wanted to lose some weight for my wedding this summer, too. I made it to all my sessions at 8 or 7:15a 3 times a week. Chris is everything I needed in a trainer. Someone that was going to make me responsible for myself. I got stronger because I listened to Chris’ advice, not because he used magic. He is honest. Be consistent and eat right.
Chris never gave up on me. I was hospitalized in the middle of our 90-​days. He gave me the days that I had to cancel and encouraged me every step of the way. He will not take on a client that just gives up. He was always next to me telling me that I could run another mile with 25 extra lbs, or lift another set. Chris is also very available. If I have a question about a pain or a food, I can just text him. He is very invested in his clients. He tracked my food intake EVERYDAY. I am done with the 90-​day challenge, but Chris still checks up on my marathon training.
If you are serious about getting in the best shape for your body, go to Chris. He knows what he is doing.

Had an EXCELLENTLY session with Robin tonight! She kicked my and my friend’s butt! Started with a heavy 5-​minute cardio warm-​up. That was the easy part…
It only got worse (better) from there. I can tell I’m going to feel this tomorrow and at least the day after.
Robin is a fantastic coach. The workouts flowed from one to the next in a very logical pattern that made sense. I am excited for another session with her!

I purchased a living social deal for 10– One Hour personal training sessions.
I called to redeem and the owner, Chris, stated we have to do a fitness assessment. I’ve done one in the past and learned a lot so I scheduled the assessment that same day. I was excited to start.
Well this «assessment» was nothing more then a sales pitch (understood, I work in sales I know this game) so Chris asks me what would hold me back from purchasing the $ 1500.00 90 day transformation. Which I answer Money of course AND I’d like to make sure that it’s going to be worth it. I need to make sure I’ll get my money’s worth essentially. These 10 sessions are going to tell me a lot about the company and give me an indication of the quality they offer. $ 1500.00 is a lot of money so I need to make sure I’m going to get my money’s worth.
I ask to set up all 10 appointments so I could have a routine set up. I want his earliest available hoping for 6am-​8am. He declines to set up all 10 and sets up only 3. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday @10:15am. (earliest available 10:15am, Lame)
1^st session Wednesday– I arrive @ about 10:10 am and he’s speaking to another client who seems to be upset. So I wait. 10:35 rolls around and finally get started. Great work out but it’s cut short at 11am… ummmm I thought it was supposed to be an hour but ok. I schedule next weeks sessions that day. Monday/​Wednesday/​Friday @ 10am.
2^nd Session Friday– I arrive late @ 10:20. He’s no were to be found. I wait and I wait. Another trainer see’s me and asks if I’m Chris’s 10am appointment. I say I’m his 10:15 appointment, yes. The trainer said Chris stepped out and would be right back.
By 10:45 I call living social from my car and ask for my money back. Unfortunately, they won’t give me my money back. Living Social calls Chris to ask what happened. Supposedly he was at the deli within walking distance and didn’t see me otherwise he would have walked over.
Needless to say I won’t be purchasing his $ 1500.00 90 day transformation. Let’s see where these sessions go. I will update later IF things get better. Not a great first impression.
********Update*********
I called Chris to try and attempt to work things out. He couldn’t get passed the fact that I was late. Stated I should have called, he wasn’t going to wait around for me and that he wasn’t gone for long because he had an 11am session. We couldn’t agree to disagree. So living social returned my money.