Just Train

I was looking for a personal trainer to help me stay in shape and that is when I chose to come to Just Train. Despite the fact that I did not expect much due to my crazy schedule that only allowed me to work out twice a week, I started seeing results within two months of training with Kamille! I can definitely see that my body have got more toned –I now have a flatter stomach and a bigger booty! What is even better is the fact that I have become so much stronger, which I now believe is what fitness is all about.
Before training here, I never thought that it was possible to be small and strong at the same time, as people often expected me to be quite «weak». Yet, Kamille changed that by constantly telling me how strong I am, making me believe in myself. In fact, this supportive approach of hers is shown in every session, as she always pays close attention to my form and technique. And because of this, I trust every workout she gives me and I feel really safe doing new things. Moreover, Kamille is well-​prepared for each session and she is flexible if the routine needs some changes.
As for the gym itself, the space is small However, the trainers are super nice and they know how to use the space. Thus, I find that the space is usually well-​managed and it is never really crowded. Overall, the gym environment is friendly and supportive, I really enjoy being there!

Just Train, specifically Liz Diamond, who is a gem, sets the example all personal trainers should aspire to. The secret is that all the trainers do what it is scientifically proven, however it is then completely tailored to the individual. Liz helped me regain my strength and confidence after battling a serious illness. In three months I’ve gone from struggling up a flight of steps to pushing a sled, banging the ropes and rowing to a personal best x 4 (and that’s just one set… there are typically four).
This weekend we added my 21 year old daughter into the mix… you know how that goes, it could be good or bad… it was awesome. She’ll be joining us moving forward.
For anyone who wants to know what they’re made of, and want to do it with really cool people who know their stuff, go to Just Train… and I’m biased so I’ll tell you to go to Liz, but truth is they are all pretty awesome.

I have worked out for years in group classes — you name it, i tried it (soulcycle, exhale, barry’s). I had also trained with various personal trainers. Joel is completely different. Other trainers give everyone the same circuit. Joel fully tailors the workout to your target zones, and he notices the slight imbalances in your body that could use improvement. I now have great definition just where it counts! No bulky quads or broad shoulders.
On a personal note, Joel makes an hour go by very fast. He strikes the perfect balance between helpful feedback on the exercises and keeping you entertained with good stories. I originally sought Joel for getting in «wedding shape», but have no intention on giving him up now!

I always believed that personal trainers were a waste of money. I was also scared to train one on one with someone because I felt like it would be awkward. Joel changed my mentality completely!
I have always been active with a good cardio base (I run and spin on the regular), but felt like my body wasn’t showing the results I wanted — I was able to run and do sports, but I still felt and looked «soft». I knew that I would have to suck it up and add strength training to my exercise schedule.
During my first session with Joel, he gave me a quick workout to get a feel for my current physical condition and also gave me a body fat percentage test. After, we sat and talked about my top goals. For me it was: getting a bigger butt (for mine was concave) and losing body fat. I remember that I went home at night feeling really optimistic because he was explaining to me the different exercises we could do to achieve my goals and why the exercises would work — this was impressive because it was the first time a trainer took the time to explain the science behind the workout. I also received a very detailed email from Joel a day later containing a list of exercises, youtube videos, and stretches that I could do in my free time — this was great and showed that he was providing me with as many resources as possible for me to succeed.
I only worked out with Joel once a week, but I was able to continually improve all my lifts week after week. My squats, deadlifts, and single leg deadlifts all started at well below 100 pounds, but after a month or two of lifting with Joel, my lifts went to above 100 pounds and my butt went from concave to convex! I was also NEVER bored during my workouts — Joel creates custom programs week after week in order to keep your body guessing and to achieve the best results.
TL;DR Joel is a great trainer who knows the science behind what he does and he listens to his client’s goals. Also, my butt went from concave to a shapely one!

I have been going to Annie at Just Train for about 7 months. She is the ABSOLUTE BEST trainer ever!!! I have had a few trainers throughout the years and am very disciplined about working out so I didn’t see how they could challenge me more than I challenged myself… I was so wrong!
On the first day, Annie did a fitness assessment with me which she then used to tailor each and every workout to my body type, schedule and personal fitness goals. Each session is extremely challenging and thoroughly satisfying. I have seen more changes in my body this year than with any other fitness routine I had in the past.
A huge plus of going here is that Annie and Joel are the booty experts! My butt looks airbrushed, my legs are slimmer and I have learned SO Much about health, fitness and how my own body type processes different food groups.
Annie and Joel also have other trainers at JT that are all equally motivated, encouraging and knowledgeable about health and fitness. I highly recommend Just Train! No matter what your fitness goals are, they can get you there!

I have never written reviews even for a restaurant on Unilocal but this time I would definitely write what I have experienced here at Just Train! :) I came to NYC for summer internship and I searched gym and personal trainer on Unilocal because I really hope to improve my body shape during summer time. And then I found Just Train, which is nearby Fulton Street.
The first impression that JT left to me was their efficient message reply to my questions. They are easy to reach and after I signed a first class at JT, hoping to have a try, I decided to keep training at here. I would earnestly recommend trainer Kamille Deowhat who is super responsible and caring! During the first meeting, she had asked me every details about my body and health condition. She made detailed notes about what I aimed at improving, such as decrease body fat percentage, lose body weight, but also build a bigger butt. And throughout the two months meeting twice — three times per week, she truly helped me realize my goal based on my needs!
I am very impressed by how caring the personal trainer could be here at JT. I had personal trainer experience before at a much bigger gym club but I would say JT provide the best person to person training care compare to many other general gym trainer I had ever had. Kamille asked me every time the next day after the training session how I feel, sore, in legs, butt or shoulder back. Not many personal trainer would be such caring further after training session. The trainer really provide time privilege for clients’ preferences, early morning, late night or weekend. In addition to follow her instructions during the training session, Kamille had many times emend my stereotype about losing weight by no eating and the lighter the better. She wrote long emails to me recommending what I should eat and various stretching exercises I should do at home. I learned a lot from her about HIIT (High intensity interval training) instead of intense cardio exercise all the time. Moreover, Kamille often let me to do some challenging exercises and remind me what my goals were. She really helped me build a bigger butt ! :D You would follow personal trainer’s lead during class, but also you need to be self-​disciplined in other days of the week in order to increase your improvement and really see the progress, because diet also plays a very important role in your fitness.
One salient improvement is not from the feedback of the body measure machine or scale, but from the comments of many friends! When I posted my pictures on social channels, many of my friends told me I seem much slimmer ! This surprised me a lot because as I look at myself everyday, I could not tell big changes, until, I compare my own before and after photos. I am happy to see healthier line muscles on my arms and I waist become much much slimmer. I could also tell that my butt become bigger when I wear the same one piece dress. Throughout the two months training, I have decrease at least 2 – 3 percent of body fat percentage and I lose 2 kg weight (I believe that when I burned lots of my fat, I have also gained more line muscles) Kamille also appraise me how many challenging exercises I have crossed. These progress in such limiting time was really rewarding. Furthermore, I have remembered many of exercises that I could exercise by myself after leaving.
If you were searching for personal trainer, not a general gym in lower Mahanttan, I would definitely recommend you at least visit Just Train, and very possibly you would fall in love with this team. The trainers here are very polite and nice, and most importantly you would be really known by them and gain very caring training and help from them. I gained much faith to myself and would keep fit in future!

I have been working with Joel for about a year and a half and could not be happier! I initially decided to work with a trainer because of a running injury that left me unable to do most forms of cardio. I’ve had the recurring injury for over 4 years, so after my third bout of physical therapy my PT recommended that I take a long break/​rest period. After 6 months off, I was still injured but restless and needed to build muscle around my core, fix my posture, and get back into overall shape. I found Joel on Unilocal and decided to go in for a consultation. I explained my injury to Joel and he immediately came up with a plan. Within three months I experienced almost no pain and was stronger than ever before.
My main goals were to get healthy and build muscle – I accomplished both. I was then able to make new fitness goals, such as dead lift goal weight, pullup numbers, tighten the core, strengthen the glutes, etc. Over the past year, every session has been different and extremely challenging, but, honestly, a really good time! Joel will play your favorite music, talk to you during lengthy reps to distract you from the pain, and continuously introduce new exercises every week. Joel knows exactly how hard to push you and really understands each client’s limit. I have never had a trainer, PT, or coach that worked this way, or really catered to my personal body.
The results are amazing. Not only am I stronger and less prone to re-​injuring my core, I also lost weight as a result of the training and could not be happier with my body. I train with Joel twice a week, and for a few months last fall I did the group sessions in lieu of the personal sessions just to switch it up. Both options are phenomenal, and all of the trainers I have met and worked with in the group sessions are truly fabulous!
Joel works hard to make sure you reach your goals, and celebrates wins with you as if they were his own. I love coming here, and recommend Just Train to everyone.

I found Just Train when I was looking for trainers near where I lived who I thought might be able to help me get back into shape. Over the past three years, I had six surgeries on my hand that basically left me unable to get into a permanent fitness routine and stick to it. I was out of shape, didn’t feel good about myself and was nervous about starting to work out again since it had been so long. I have a dancing/​yoga background, and in general don’t like lifting weights, but I knew that if I had someone who was holding me accountable, I would do the work. I had read all the great reviews about Joel and Just Train on Unilocal so I thought I would give it a whirl.
Immediately when I met Joel, he asked me what my specific fitness goals were, which I hadn’t even thought about. He seemed very focused, detailed, and organized, which I liked. He actually has a notebook for every client that lists every workout he’s done with them.
I was embarrassed at our consultation when doing a few lunges left me out of breath (!!!) but I returned to our sessions once I was able to walk up and down the stairs without wincing in pain, and the more we worked together, the stronger I got.
Joel promised me that if I worked out with him a couple times a week, did my cardio, and watched my diet, that I would start to get the results I wanted. I was skeptical because I am 34, and let’s be honest, the older you get, the harder it is to get in shape, but I started noticing results within at least six weeks. The best was when my friends and co-​workers noticed the changes!
Joel seems to have a sixth sense for how to make someone’s body look better. (For me, he mentioned that we could work on my posture.) I have been working with Joel since March/​April, and my body has really changed. I have a waist again (YAY!), and I lost about 10 – 15 pounds. It’s probably because I gained muscle, but my body weight doesn’t fluctuate like it used to (even if I sneak in a grilled cheese or slice of pizza here and there). Like many people who live in NYC, whose paycheck seems to just disappear the second it hits the bank account, I have to be conscious of how I spend my money, and it has never occurred to me to stop training because the workouts really are worth every penny.
Here is what I have always found interesting about Joel. He trains everyone. Every time I go in there, he might be training a young female athlete; another time, it might be a man in his 50s. Joel has had clients for years, which I think speaks to his ability to keep workouts interesting over time. He is also good with handling people who complain (like me).
Joel is unlike other trainers who I have met at gyms and found to be rude or do everything half-​assed. He gets SO happy when his clients meet their goals. He is honest, funny, and if you ask nicely, will let you listen to your own music when you work out (*** only if your taste in music doesn’t suck).

Just Train is awesome! Joel is an exceptional trainer and I can’t recommend him enough.

This is the best gym in FiDi and probably all of nyc.
I have done private training with both Liz and Joel for a few months now. Both of them are extremely qualified and very motivating both in and out of the gym. Joel and Liz both design challenging programs that progress each session. They are both so knowledgeable that you know you are in good hands. Its amazing the things I am doing in the gym with them. I never thought I would be able to dead lift over 100 lbs. but they both knew I could and pushed me. They both push you and motivate you in the best way possible. They are both so positive and friendly and easy to get along with. Joel also checks in with me to make sure I am on track with my cardio outside of the gym and my diet.
A few months ago Joel told me to take up yoga to help with balance and stretching. I hadn’t done yoga and was skeptical. I eventually went to a class with Josh and Nikki and was immediately hooked. They are both fabulous instructors that can teach to both beginners and advanced students. They ask if anyone has anything they want to focus on for the class before beginning and modify it when necessary. Their cues are so on point its hard to mess up the poses. Nikki leads a great meditation at the end of each class which always leaves me feeling a little less stressed.
I haven’t taken any of the classes yet, but Joel and Liz are getting me in shape to start taking those!

I was never a big fan of classes because I normally get pretty intimidated. I used to always be a gym goer so I could workout by myself.
Joel is not only a great and encouraging trainer, he makes each class super fun while you get the most out of your workout. The classes are small and consists of up to 7 – 8 people. Each person gets focused attention and Joel always checks in to make sure everyone is doing okay.
Just Train is amazing. It was able to help me develop muscles I wasn’t able to do on my own at the gym. The trainers are encouraging and always make each person feel comfortable with the workout.

I went to Nicole’s yoga class this past Thursday and it was exactly what I needed. I left the class feeling rejuvenated and ready for about anything. I’m a runner and sometimes I just need something that helps stretch everything out. I feel like this class is a perfect fit for athletes from all sports. It is also a great class to help reduce stress. I will definitely be back! Thank you Nicole.

Fine, I’ll let the secret out. JUST TRAIN is amazing. I REALLLY didn’t want to review Joel’s classes just yet. I was being selfish and hoarding this amazing little secret to getting sculpted and strong for myself and close friends.
Joel is a wonderful and experienced trainer. I’ve only taken the small, semi-​personalized classes. Every class is challenging in its own way, but the end result is that I am always out of breath, sweating, and know that I burned a ton of calories. I can not recommend Just Train enough. After coming steadily for at least 2−3x a week for 2 – 3 months, my clothes feel better, I am leaner and stronger.
I have tried many different types of group classes, but have never stayed committed to them. Just Train is different. It really feels like a small family with Joel, Thea, Annie and all the people that come to class.

Short story: Functional fitness with immediate results in an awesome environment.
Joel Thomas is a very motivating and very knowledgeable trainer. A rare breed of trainers that actually works out with the group (in semi-​private sessions) and doesn’t make anyone feel like they are at different levels. Form and learning /​improving proper technique plays a huge role in every experience. I really like how everyone gets pushed to (and past) their individual potential. The one-​on-​one training is superb. My fiancé and I discussed our fitness goals, and they have been met very quickly.
If you are looking for functional training, then this is your place.

Joel is an excellent personal trainer. He puts a lot of thought into both the exercises and sequence. I previously had a trainer at NYSC and I never felt that my workout was planned with me in mind and that my trainer was completely focused on me. I go to the semi private group training classes and I love them. There is a community atmosphere amongst all of the participants with everyone cheering each other on and chatting before and after class. The group atmosphere makes the hard workouts pass quickly and actually be fun. Even though it is a class setting, Joel still manages to personalize the workouts according to each participants level and give personal attention and corrections.
I definitely recommend Just Train by Joel Thomas. I am seeing results and always feel challenged during class in addition to enjoying myself.

Just Train is definitely as good as it gets!
I’ve taken several small group training classes and it feels like it’s a personal training session each time. The class is broken down into two sections. Part one is a focus on weights and the second section is on calisthenics. In the end, you get a total body workout. During class, Joel makes sure every one has the proper form to prevent injury and to make sure we’re actually working the right muscles.
Joel is really encouraging and never yells when you cannot do an exercise which just makes you want to work harder.

Joel is an awesome trainer and all around great guy. I have known Joel for only 2 months and have gone though a 10 pack of personal training and 1 semi-​private class and can tell you… you WILL get your money’s worth with Joel. I have tried everything NYC has to offer in terms of group fitness (Soul Cycle, Physique 57,. Equinox classes etc) and found Joel to be the most hand’s on, giving me the best results. I do private training with Joel twice a week and after 3 weeks I lost 3% body fat. His workout’s are effective and he is a great guy. he is tough but not mean and has a good sense of humor. Looking forward to continuing my training with him. If you are a music lover like me, bring your iphone or ipod and you can play your own music during the session

Joel is top-​notch and hands down one of the best trainers I’ve dealt with!
As a former personal trainer and one who doesn’t always trust a lot of the fitness «gurus» out there, I have to say, when I met Joel I knew within the first 30 minutes he was one the best trainers I have met.
The past 3 years I have not used a trainer regularly, for a few reasons. But after meeting Joel I knew that he was the type of trainer I needed to push my self to another level.
I’m just beginning my journey with Joel and already his pointers and recommendations are making a difference. I’m looking forward to hitting my new goals and enjoying the results.
I would say anyone looking to get a REAL trainer, that has the knowledge and expertise to get you where you want to go. Hire Joel.

I have done personal training sessions with Joel and have also taken the small group training classes. Both are GREAT!
Joel is not there to chit chat and is not there to put you through whatever workout HE feels like doing. He is there to customize workouts for you and what your fitness goals are. He is a great trainer for women as he has an amazing knowledge of exercises that will lengthen, tone, and strengthen muscles without adding bulk. If you want to look like Lady Gaga or Rihanna, Joel can make that happen (as long as you show up and do the work!).
The small group training classes are fun, and competitive. While they are not as personal and hands on as one-​on-​one training, they are a great way to get a kick-​ass workout that is more tailored to your goals than a run-​of-​the-​mill class at Equinox or Crunch. They are serious full body workouts and you will be sore for a few days afterwards. I definitely recommend trying a class with Joel or taking a personal training session.

JOEL THOMAS is an amazing personal trainer. I have known and trained with Joel for almost 5 years. He structures the-​work out to what your personal fitness goals are. I was at my hottest when i was training with Joel. Now it is even better with his own gym. The gym has great equipment options and I can bring my ipod to blast my favorite workout music. Joel also has a great personality. He motivates and inspires his clients. JUST TRAIN is a perfect name for his company ;-)