Drew van zee

I’ve been working with Drew for the last two months and seen significant improvement in my health, fitness, and also lost weight. He works with me through lots of dynamic exercises that help me develop strength while improving coordination and balance. As I feel stronger, I have also felt reduction in chronic aches and pains. I’ve had trouble on and off with lower back before working with Drew, but he’s done a great job working with me to monitor my pain and work specifically on exercises tuned to adressing issues specific to my body. I happily recommend working with him to help reach your goals for physical fitness and overall health. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I have been working with Drew for over a year and a half. Throught that time he has adapted to help me with specific postural issues relating to my job, and has incorporated new techniques for more mind/body fitness.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Drew is a great trainer. He is diligent in creating a plan based upon a client's interests and melding with his expertise. Like a good coach, he motivates and challenges during training sessions More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I have been working with Drew Van Zee for about five months now. I had completed physical therapy for widespread osteoarthritis and felt I needed some continuing assistance. Drew is very kind, friendly, but very professional as well. His approach is a new dimension beyond physical therapy which I have had a lot of and found it very helpful. He includes a neuromotor training aspect which is novel to me. Basically he is teaching me how to train my nervous system and muscles to work better together. He also includes new twists on old exercises similar to what I had in physical therapy. He continues to get new training to constantly improve his approach. He discusses these matters in a way that helps me to understand. I would compare this to the help from my dental hygienist. That may sound mundane but it is not. My hygienist taught me ways of dental care that has made my mouth almost problem free for the last few years. I feel that I have received significant help from Drew. My body is working better now.Chuck A. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Drew is an exceptional trainer. He listened to my needs and made my fitness goals a reality. Also his ability to make the hard workouts fun and humorous. I would recommend Drew to any of my friends. I look forward to my appointments every week. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I don’t normally say I love working out, but Drew made it fun and really paid attention to building a workout routine that challenged me but was also enjoyable. I particularly like that he pays attention to your individual needs, stretching and foam rolling to avoid injury. He’s a great trainer! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I have been super happy working with Drew who employs a balanced and purposeful plan for me based on my input and goals. I come away from every session totally racked, sweating, breathing hard, but feeling stronger and noticing the improvements Drew's plan is making in how I sit, stand, sleep, walk, breathe, live, everything. The work thus far has been a foundation of interval training with exercises that isolate different muscle groups to improve flexibility and build strength. Included in the physical training (interval training, bursts of cardio, some yoga poses for stretching) are neurological exercises that seek to promote wider ranges of flexibility and also a comprehensive online nutritional program which is amazing and fantastic...and need only be started and stuck with to be super effective...Drew has an open and enlightened approach as a trainer, is very good with communication and is super flexible with scheduling. I am excited for the months to come as we move through the circuit, getting rid of weak inflexible tissue and making new goals and then smashing them! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Working with Drew as my personal training has been great. Drew was able to quickly explain and instill proper technique for strength training and help me correct imbalances at the same time. Aside from gaining power I've also learned a myriad of different stretches I can do anywhere. The conversation is never dull and I look forward to working out. If you want to get stronger the right way then definitely go to a session with Drew. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Yay for Drew! You should TOTALLY work with him! He's great at designing an individualized program based on your goals, keeping the workouts varied and interesting, and is always developing is own skill set through classes and workshops to benefit his clients!

Reviewed on Google Maps

Drew has helped me transform my workouts and focus on overall wellness including diet and flexibility. Highly recommend if you are looking to see tangible results from your workout regimen.

Reviewed on Google Maps

I trained with Drew for 6 months a couple of years ago and recently started again with him at The Working Body. Drew gives me a huge variety of exercises and movements to help me achieve my fitness goals, watches me closely to immediately correct any flawed movements, and holds me accountable for my nutritional intake. I have gained flexibility and strength that has improved all aspects of my life. To top it all off, his new gym is a spotless, well-equipped facility. I can't recommend him highly enough. He is an excellent trainer. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

When you are ready to commit to change, Drew van Zee is an empathetic and realistic coach who will help you find success with fitness, nutrition, and mobility. In June 2018, I was fed up with my weight, my lack of control with food, and my aches and pains. I was alive, but not living. I had tried a few little programs here and there, but they didn’t stick and sometimes they made me feel worse. At 48 years old, I knew I had to make changes now or risk permanent mobility issues as well as chronic health problems due to obesity. It’s hard to look for a trainer. While I knew that any coach I found was going to be in good shape, for me to connect with them, they couldn’t be a “jock” who was all about “feeling the burn” and yelling encouragement to me. After my initial evaluation with Drew, I felt comfortable with him and was ready to get started. Some days we get right to it and I power through a good work out. Some days, I’m tired and low energy and Drew immediately modifies our work together so I’m still moving but I don’t get overwhelmed. He’s super flexible and he LISTENS, which might be his greatest strength. In three months, I have seen the following results:• Lost 15 pounds• Lost 7 inches total• Increased flexibility• Increased balance and strength• Decreased knee pain• Decreased sugar cravings• Increased interest in whole foods, meal prep, and nutritional balanceI have a long way to go. I started at 248lbs and a completely sedentary lifestyle with some food issues, hormone issues, and mood issues. My success with Drew has encouraged me to keep going. This is NOT a quick fix. I am thrilled with a 15lb weight loss in only 3 months and it feels permanent since I’m making the changes incrementally. It’s real, it’s manageable, it’s do-able. Additionally, The Working Body is a great gym with an easy-going clientele, clean facilities, and every type of equipment and class you could possibly need. GO SEE DREW. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

When you are ready to commit to change, Drew Van Zee is an empathetic and realistic coach who will help you find success with fitness, nutrition, and mobility. In June 2018, I was fed up with my weight, my lack of control with food, and my aches and pains. I was alive, but not living. I had tried a few little programs here and there, but they didn't stick and sometimes they made me feel worse. At 48 years old, I knew I had to make changes now or risk permanent mobility issues as well as chronic health problems due to obesity. It's hard to look for a trainer. While I knew that any coach I found was going to be in good shape, for me to connect with them, they couldn't be a "jock" who was all about "feeling the burn" and yelling encouragement to me. After my initial evaluation with Drew, I felt comfortable with him and was ready to get started. Some days we get right to it and I power through a good work out. Some days, I'm tired and low energy and Drew immediately modifies our work together so I'm still moving but I don't get overwhelmed. He's super flexible and he LISTENS, which might be his greatest strength. In three months, I have seen the following results:* Lost 15 pounds* Lost 7 inches total* Increased flexibility* Increased balance and strength* Decreased knee pain* Decreased sugar cravings* Increased interest in whole foods, meal prep, and nutritional balanceI have a long way to go. I started at 248lbs and a completely sedentary lifestyle with some food issues, hormone issues, and mood issues. My success with Drew has encouraged me to keep going. This is NOT a quick fix. I am thrilled with a 15lb weight loss in only 3 months and it feels permanent since I'm making the changes incrementally. It's real, it's manageable, it's do-able. Additionally, The Working Body is a great gym with an easy-going clientele, clean facilities, and every type of equipment and class you could possibly need. GO SEE DREW. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I started working with Drew back in January 2018. I needed to lose weight and get back into shape. With his help and guidance, I am well on my way. I feel better and look better! He is friendly, listens to my needs, and keeps me motivated. I highly recommend Drew Van Zee for your personal fitness needs. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

My wife and I have been training with Drew for months and he’s made a huge difference in the way we feel and look. Drew is encouraging and easy-going, but also pays attention to form, anatomy, and stress on joints and muscles, so workouts were safe, but also challenging and fun. We have muscles we didn’t know about  and we’re barely scared of the rower anymore Highly recommended! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I have been working with Drew for a couple of months. He is a talented fellow who knows what he is doing. He customizes his approach to focus on the issues of each client. He really puts me through my paces once a week, but I can see that this is having a positive impact on the way I use my body all week long. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Drew is a talented and knowledgable trainer. I worked with him after I had taken a very long break from fitness, and I was nervous about returning to the gym. From our first meeting, he was very friendly, approachable and easy to talk to. After a painless and functional exercise assessment, he was able to pinpoint some problem areas and design an individualized training program for me, taking into consideration my skills and preferences. He knows his stuff, and at the same time he is very down to earth. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I tend to stay pretty active and being sore is uncommon for me. Drew analyzed my body movements with initial light workout moves and then proceeded to work muscles that had been "dormant". If you are looking to be pushed beyond what your muscles are used to, I would highly recommend stopping by to see Drew. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I have been working with Drew as post PT strengthening for a chronic knee problem. Put simply, he is great. This is not a one size fits all practice; Drew is skilled and precise in his work. My knee has definitely improved. Prior to working with Drew I was sometimes walking with a cane; last weekend I hiked 10 miles on rough trails. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Drew is one of the most positive people I have ever met. I have had multiple personal trainers in my life and Drew is def a notch above the rest. He understood my goals, pushed me past what I thought I could achieve and super happy with the results. Ten out of Ten I would recommend Drew. There are a ton of options in Oakland for Personal Training and Drew is hands down one of the best!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I cannot recommend Drew enough. Whether your goal is rehabbing after a back injury, training for a half marathon, or losing weight after one too many burritos, Drew is your man. He's a nice guy who gets the job done, in a beautiful facility.

My advice: Go see Drew. Open up to him about your goals and fears. Tell him if you want to be pushed more (or less). Experience personal trainer perfection. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Drew metaphorically ripped the fat out of my body and at a very affordable rate. Totally beats lipo! Don't look like poo, get jacked with Drew!

Reviewed on Google Maps

After many failed attempts, I had reached the point where it was like, fine, 1200 calories a day isn't sustainable, my few and far between half assed gym routines aren't cutting it, and I was ready to make significant changes, but I was lazy. I needed a serious butt kicking in my life. I decided to commit myself to getting healthy, but I knew I needed help.  Not just because I had no idea what exactly burpies and deadlifts were, but I also wanted someone to hold me accountable.  Drew is just the right mix of trainer and friend.  I wasn't looking for a drill sergeant but I also wanted someone that would push me to do that last rep.  And I found that.  He's personable, easy to talk to, and motivating.  Scheduling is easy and flexible. We spend our 60 minutes per session training in the gym, but he also checks my nutrition regularly, and gives me routines to do when I'm not able to see him as much as I'd like. Every single work out is different and equally challenging. Seeing and feeling the results, and being on a plan that feels manageable and not like I'm starving myself, keeps me motivated and going back for more. Do your body a favor, get in touch with him! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

tl;dr - I cannot recommend Drew enough. Whether your goal is rehabbing after a back injury, training for a half marathon, or losing weight after one too many burritos, Drew is your man. I know, because I fell into all three categories when we first met!I came to Drew after throwing my back out. Having not known the exact cause of the injury (I woke up like this) I was terrified to continue my usual ad hoc routine of some running, yoga, and bike riding. Enter Drew. Starting on Day One he was able to watch me through a few simple movements and asses problem areas that, over time and unaddressed, could easily have been straining my back.Drew then developed a month-long training program that safely built muscle and corrected movement so I was able to get active without getting re-injured. And it worked! Months later I am training harder than ever, and so far zero recurrence of the incident now known as stuck-in-bed-a-gedden. But it doesn't end there. Having brought my baseline back up to zero Drew and I discussed additional health goals. I wanted two sessions a week that built endurance, burned calories, and created definition in my arms (aka "the vanity request"). it's quite a trifecta of needs, but for the past few months we've been doing just that. Each session is a little different but there is always a focus on elevated heart rate, good form ("scapular stability!"), and targeted strength training. Of course, while results are nice, nothing is as important as the environment a trainer cultivates. As someone who dislikes large gyms and finds many boutique training studios pretentious, I was worried about seeing a PT at all, let alone is a small/new/hip studio. I should not have worried. This will sound hyperbolic, but Drew could not be a nicer person. He's chill and friendly, but also all business. That's a rare combination in a human, especially a human that spends all day in a gym. And the rest of the folks in this spot are welcoming and friendly. Zero gym pretentiousness here. Finally, Drew tracks my daily workouts and stats in spreadsheets. How cool is that My advice: Go see Drew. Open up to him about your goals and fears. Tell him if you want to be pushed more (or less). Experience personal trainer perfection. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Drew's great! Super chill, and easy to work with. I've been training with him on and off for over a year. Really good at keeping me motivated. He makes me sweat, so I guess he's doing his job. Highly recommend. More...

Reviewed on Yelp