Catalyst Personal Training — Local services in Houston

I've been a client at Catalyst for over a year, which is a tribute to the quality of personal training I receive. Here's why I love it:

About my trainer: I train with Scott, who also manages Catalyst. Scott assesses your goals and develops a plan to meet them. I particularly appreciate that Scott strives to keep things interesting, which is really important for me, because I will quickly abandon a boring program. He pushes his clients just enough -- he won't let you quit too easily, but without being aggressive (which I've experienced with other non-Catalyst trainers). Scott has an encyclopedic knowledge of workout programs, which has been very helpful for facilitating workouts that do not aggravate my pre-existing shoulder injury.

About the gym: Catalyst is in located on the first floor of the Tradition Bank building. There's plenty of parking in the attached garage. The studio is petite, but there's plenty of room for even those exercises that take up a lot of floor space. Additionally, we take advantage of the top floor of the garage when the weather is nice (which offers beautiful, unobstructed skyline views), the ramps in the garage, and the 9 levels of building stairways. We also run laps outdoors. I particularly enjoy varying my warm-up laps and running around the nearby museums. A lot of the workout are body-weight focused. However, there is also plenty of equipment (e.g. kettle bells, free weights, Smith machine, treadmill, elliptical, weighted balls, boxing equipment any many other things that I can't think of as I type this review).

About my workouts: I used to train one-on-one (which was great), but Catalyst recently created an fantastic option for group workouts called "Open Gym." Open Gym requires a little bit more independence, as there are usually 2 to 4 people working out at the same time, each with a circuit that is designed for that individual "trainee." Open Gym is discounted from the usual rate, and it is flexible: I believe you can come in any day Monday through Friday for a set cost.

Overall, this place is great, Scott is an excellent trainer, and I am really happy to have found a training gym that I don't dread visiting. ...

Finding a personal trainer is very different than simply joining a gym. You have to be able to put total trust into a trainer who takes the time to get to know your goals, needs, and limits. That trainer has to understand what you are capable of and what your threshold is - so a customized fitness program can be created just for you. Scott, the owner of Catalyst Personal Training is just such a trainer. His vast knowledge and expertise combined with extreme patience has made my 2.5 months at Catalyst a wonderful experience. I couldn’t imagine I would enjoy exercising so much!

Every session is a different work out. Scott takes the time to explain the purpose behind every exercise so I understand the reason for the motion and the weight. He evaluates his clients’ progress and continually challenges, sharing in our victories. When I have a setback Scott is right there to put me back on the road toward my goals. Catalyst does not have an intimidating environment like many hard core gyms. It is relaxed with no pressure and no competition – that is Scott’s influence. His clients are his first priority. I like knowing that for that one hour I’m not just a membership number – I’m a person that my trainer is putting forth effort to help fashion a healthier, fitter me. That’s what makes Catalyst Personal Training and...

Working with Scott and his team at Catalyst Personal Training has been life changing. Scott designs multiple exercises which keeps it interesting and balanced. He is attentive and makes sure that you aren't hurting yourself but still pushes you, often beyond what you think you can do. The gym is comfortable and clean. I am also doing this in a duo training session (there are two of us he trains at the same time) and this has worked out well. We do different exercises so we don't overlap each other in the gym nor have to wait on each other, and he gives us ample attention, tailoring the exercises to each of us. It is an investment but its an investment in your heath. Highly recommend.

Update

We’ve been going to Catalyst for a little over a year now. Scott has been a very effective trainer for us. He provides the right amount of feedback and encouragement. This is a commitment and it isn’t easy. Scott will work with you to do better all the time. Exercises are challenging and varied. You will be sore but it is worth it. At one year, we have both seen increased strength and endurance beyond our expectations and we are very grateful. It remains one of the best decisions/investment we have made. If you are looking to personal strength training, please try out Catalyst and...