Raise Fitness — Local services in Pittsburgh

Working with Ray has been life changing.

I’ve never been a natural athlete and when I first met Ray my goals were literally to do 1 push up and run a mile. I can’t tell you how many diets and exercise regimes I’d signed up for in the past, all of which were short lived and ultimately failed.

The reason Ray’s method works is because it’s so much more than a 50 min workout twice a week. Even before we met in person he spent time to analyze what my days looked like, what I ate and drank, how I felt when I did certain activities and how I spent my ‘free’ time. I thought he was just testing me to see if I would be a good student, but he was actually creating a bespoke program to make sure I would reach my goals. By getting to know me, he could tell where my weak spots would be and what habits he needed to help me start or change.

Our first sessions working out together followed a similar pattern. He really got to know what I was capable of doing and created tailored workouts, guiding me and safely encouraging me to do things I never thought possible.

But the biggest difference he has over other trainers or training programs is how he motivates me when I’m not with him. He develops workouts that I can do with the equipment I have at home, while I’m traveling or when I can’t get to a gym - and he checks in almost daily to make sure I keep on track. Because of his constant motivation, I’ve learnt to truly integrate fitness into my life without it ever feeling it’s unachievable or that I had to be obsessive.

Don’t get me wrong, you DO have to work for it - and it’s especially hard when you’re starting out and you’ve had a big night out or just came off a grueling 14 hour work day. I would text him from work trips complaining about how tired I was and how I didn't think I could work out. But Ray would be right there, giving me practical advice so that I didn't hurt myself while tired and giving me that extra push when I needed it. In the beginning I was honestly doing the workouts just so I didn't feel like I was letting him down. I guess he knew that's what it would take!

So here we are, 5 months later. I’ve never felt fitter, had more energy or been more confident working out. I dropped 2 dress sizes inside 12 weeks and ran my first 5k this fall. Push-ups? Bring them on! Believe me, if you're thinking about doing this - do it. RAISE will be the best investment...

My quick review is I wish I found Raise Fitness sooner because I'm almost 52 and I've never been stronger or felt better! I started at Raise a year ago. I was 51, a little heavier than I wanted to be and I knew I was out of shape. Over the years I tried several gyms and would use exercise videos at home but nothing lasted. I saw Ray on Pittsburgh Today Live and was intrigued by his 80/20 approach that included exercise and nutritional guidance. I wasn't sure what I could commit to but I started going twice a week for 45 minute sessions and I've loved it! It has become my new normal and I'm the strongest I've ever been. I notice it when I play tennis, kayak or go hiking. He helps you set goals and then gets you there! He designs work outs to work on what you need, checks in on you with a text to see how you are or remind you to work on your goals at home and he gives you workouts to do on your own the rest of the week. He's fun to be around but he really pushes you to work to your potential. It's been worth the 30-50 minute drive from the south hills! I also take my son with me 1 day a week. He's 23 and has Down Syndrome. He's very strong but a little over weight and does not like to work out. He loves Ray and Ray is very good at creating fun ways to keep him working hard. We have found a good fit at Raise and I really recommend...

I am 67 years old, I started with Ray three years ago. I thought I was in OK shape, but my weight was high at 174 pounds. Since working out with Ray consistently four days a week, and doing workouts that he sends me one or two of the other days, I am at 149 pounds and probably in the best shape since I was 40 That’s my testimony!

But what I can say about rRaize fitness is, he is the most knowledgeable, non-judge, “not hard to look at “ expert in fitness. Staying healthy has always been a mission for me. And Ray has been able to help me stay fit, and most of all healthy into my older years. When I turned 60, my doctor told me it was of most important to really start taking my health ,fitness and eating seriously to get into the next 20 years. I have realized, that I would never push myself to the limits the way that Ray can encourage me on my sessions. Believe me I’ve tried. It does help me do the workouts that he does give me at home a lot better too, knowing that I will report back to him. And it really makes me feel good, to let him see my success. Nothing better than teaching somebody, and helping someone and seeing the fruits of it. It is my...