Online Personal Trainer

I've been training with Alex for 2 years now, and he is an incredible trainer and all-around great person. I've had personal trainers in the past who I liked a lot, but Alex is a cut above.

His workouts are personalized and always fresh, and he evaluates you each and every time you see him - nothing Alex does is done by rote. He works you out hard. I see him for 30 minutes 2x a week, and I definitely get my money's worth as every one of those minutes is squeezed to the maximum. However, he's also very careful not to push you beyond your limits, and because of his extensive working knowledge of fitness and wellness, helped me discover some tricks for being able to continue working hard.

Alex is really accommodating with scheduling, is always on time, and is never distracted. Beyond that, you can just tell that he's a really good person. I seriously cannot recommend Alex enough; I almost never write reviews, but everyone needs to know about him! More...

I have been training with Alex since January 2010 and I have to say, he far exceeds anything I expected in a personal trainer. I am a person who has never, ever enjoyed exercise for its own sake before. I could never relate to people who said if they don't work out they get depressed, or talked about feeling energized from a work-out. I've tried and tried various ways to get in shape, and have gotten at worst injured, and at best, no tangible benefits. For example, I stuck with Curves for almost two years, going religiously and being complimented by staff for the energy I put into my workouts there. Though I'm sure some exercise was better than none, I didn't lose weight (despite dieting the whole time) and, at the end, when they measured my fat to muscle ratio or whatever it's called, the needle hadn't moved *sigh*.

Now I actually DO feel good after work-outs...I feel more energy and am calmer and more relaxed. I actually look forward to my sessions with Alex and more, to my solo work outs. These are to me amazing firsts.

Alex as a trainer is calm, patient, caring, encouraging, and very attentive to me and my particular needs. The sessions with him seem very much tailored to my needs, not some regular thing he does with everyone. Also, and this is critical, I never get the sense that he judges me for the way I've let myself go...which, my own imagination or not, I have gotten before from other athletic types and which has been a major internal barrier.

His enthusiasm for my progress is so heartening! I will add that I'm off blood pressure meds for the first time since my mid-30s and have dropped 30 lbs and 2 dress sizes; I feel amazing and I really credit the work with Alex.

I have now transitioned my workouts with Alex to online training and I really enjoy being able to workout from home on my time and schedule. Alex is very understanding and accommodating with my crazy work schedule and he always finds another time for me when I need to reschedule.

I highly recommend Alex to anyone who is looking for a really great trainer !
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I've been training with Alex for more than six years and have undergone a physical and lifestyle transformation thanks to his steadfast encouragement and support. When I started with Alex, my goal was to get stronger and develop more stamina for sailboat racing. What I got was far more than I thought possible:

I have lost 20 pounds (went from size 12 to 4/6) and gained a lot of muscle. I regularly sail on the bay and no longer feel completely wiped out at the end of the day.

I have overhauled my diet over the years after finally listening to Alex's guidance on how effective food journals are for weight loss and improved nutrition. Friends who knew me in my, "all pork products, all the time" phase are amazed at the delicious vegetarian meals I make.

Daily exercise is now the norm, not the exception. And I've realized that the mental benefits are at least as valuable as the physical. I even have a little home gym because I don't want to miss one day of movement.

An unexpected benefit has been that I am more calm, confident and I feel physically safer than I used to. Part of that may be due to my new muscles but part may also be from my new ability to be more present in my body - as Alex himself always demonstrates.

All of these benefits stem from working with Alex, a person of outstanding integrity who has always held my trust sacred. He is always waiting for me at the appointed time, always fully present with my current state of body/heart/mind, and always gives me far more than my money's worth. He challenges me to find my inner athlete, and people who meet me nowadays actually think I am one! More...

I have been working with Alex for about 8 months and he is the best!  I was coming off a rather serious injury and was very concerned about re-injuring myself.  I wanted to take it slowly and, honestly, didn't really know how, which meant it was time to look for a trainer.  After visiting a couple of "trainers" that were more like bootcamps, think people screaming in your face, I finally found Alex.  He is a certified trainer that will actively listen to your fitness goals and craft a personal training program for you.  If you are looking to finally get back in shape and want to do it in a safe way with a trainer who will push you, but not too hard, Alex is the trainer for you! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I have trained with the best trainers/body builders NYC has to offer, and Alex is the equivalent here in San Francisco. Initially, I went to Alex 3 months before my wedding, and while he believes fitness is a lifelong endeavor, we had a tight goal on our hands. Alex's training and nutritional recommendations had my wedding dress makers in a tizzy, as they had to remake the dress three times because my body had changed so much. On another note, I am a teenage cancer survivor, and until my late twenties I was scared to push my body too hard. I started in NYC and continue here, and will trust Alex with my survival for as long as he will have me. I even got my husband to start training with him, and we are so much more active now. Thanks Alex for all you do, you are the best. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I've done sports through college so never really thought about getting a trainer. After moving to SF and spending a few years slacking off, I decided I needed to break my old exercise routines and get motivation and direction from a professional trainer. Alex is my first personal trainer and I couldn't be more impressed and happy with the results. I'm looking forward to every session and feel great thanks to the workouts. I've been doing sessions with Alex for close to six months and don't see myself ever stopping. In addition to great workouts, Alex is extremely welcoming, the gym is nice / there is plenty of space and the location is very convenient. I highly recommend giving Alex a shot! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

It's not an overstatement to say that Alex helped to change my life.  He taught me about nutrition, and the power of exercise.  He is both knowledgeable and fun.  Before I met him, I was never someone who enjoyed exercise.  He made going to the gym a fun and positive experience, and it didn't take long before I was hooked on the results of a good workout.  I recommend him as a trainer 100%. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex has had a profound impact on my quality of life. When I first started working out with him in 2013, I thought I was getting just a trainer, but I soon learned that Alex has many valuable talents and life experiences from which his clients greatly benefit. I feel significantly stronger and more fit thanks to Alex. He has taught me about the importance of core strength and shown me how to tap into my strengths, both inside and outside the gym. He is always encouraging and motivates me to keep myself healthy-- in body and mind. My workouts vary and are an ideal balance of challenging yet fun exercises to improve strength and flexibility. I had sought a trainer to help me safely work out while protecting a knee injury. Alex consistently checks in with me about my knee and has various modified exercises to meet my needs. I really appreciate that he personalizes workouts according to one's goals, paying special attention to injuries. He additionally supports and tracks my nutritional goals; we often talk about ways to eat nourishing and healthful meals and snacks for busy lifestyles. In these ways, he genuinely cares for each client's wellness.  Alex goes out of his way to accommodate clients' work schedules, and his rates are amazingly reasonable-- especially for all the benefits I gain from working with him. I feel so fortunate to have access to Alex where I work.       Workouts with Alex are often one of the highlights in my days at the office, and at times have been *the* reason I'm able to continue the day with more energy, perspective and clarity. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I have worked with Alex for a little over a year.  For me, his approach to fitness came from function.  At first I didn't really understand the combination of exercises we would go through, but then I realized I was applying the strength he had built in everyday life.  For example, holding 5 grocery bags in one hand, balancing on one foot to keep the box in your arms balanced, while you are unlocking your door.  Before Alex, this would have been a disaster.  After Alex, no sweat.During the time I have trained with Alex, I have suffered a variety of non-related injuries and he was great at working around these so that I didn't have to miss a work out. Alex has a gift in evaluating your functional strength and building on that to make for a well rounded, fit individual.  I have never felt better!I highly recommend Alex to anyone with a fitness goal. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex has been my trainer for almost a year now. I am super grateful that I got to meet him and that I get to train with him on a regular basis. He has taught me how to workout effectively and build muscle/endurance. Being a female afraid of lifting weights, I used to be intimidated, however things have changed now! Not only has he taught me how to workout; he has also taught me valuable life and mindful lessons. I cannot wait to grow more as a person with him. He is a trustworthy & amazing trainer in SF. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex is an awesome personal trainer!  I started working out with him after the birth of my second child when I was woefully out of shape.  He not only worked with me at a level that I could sustain, but also gradually guided me through the development of my upper back muscles and abs. It's now been more than two years, and I feel so much better about my physical strength and my overall health.  Thank you Alex! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex is absolutely a great trainer!! He is very experienced in a variety of physical training as well as in nutrition. His pieces of advice are always scientific. He pays all his attention to how you're doing during a workout. He challenges you and not overwhelm you at the same time. It's really a pleasure to be trained with Alex! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex is a great personal trainer. i have known him for a year and he has helped me alot with my exercise routine and ideas to get stronger and fitter. he is always considerate and on time! i highly recommend him! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I have known Alex for over 10 years and I can say that he is an amazing trainer, very professional, incredible motivator and gets you the results you want very quickly. He is very dedicated to his work and he knows  how to challenge you during the workouts very safely. His exercises are very creative and he incorporates great functional training  routines along with cardio and strength. I would recommend Alex to anyone who wants to improve his overall health & fitness! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I've been working with Alex for over a year. He is a consistent source of positive energy and motivation. I'm 72 years old with the usual age-related physical challenges. Alex has a gift for understanding my limits and motivating me to exceed them and he's a very knowledgeable about health and fitness. His fee is very reasonable to boot. I'm healthier and more fit because of the time I spend with Alex and I highly recommend him to you. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I have been exercising with Alex for 2 years.  Alex is extremely attentive, patient and understanding when it comes to your personal fitness.  Every session begins with him sincerely asking, "How are you feeling today?"  His kindness is only surpassed by his ability to make you want to give you best during your session.  And although he's kind, he's tough when it comes to the work.  He expects you to give your all and then some.  The words I often dread hearing him say are, "Just one more."  But he also makes you want to reach inside and give him that "one more." More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex is INCREDIBLE! Before you get started with him, he'll go through your medical/physical history which was really important to me, your reasons for coming to him, HIS history and background, and will break down how much of an expert he is on the human body and physical fitness. Once you decide to go with Alex (which you will because he's awesome), you'll pay for 10 sessions at a time which seems like a lot but its GREAT because it keeps you accountable and makes you go, which I really needed. You'll also work on your food intake and begin to think about and document food in a healthy way with Alex, making healthier choices, and coming up with yummy healthy and filling options. Alex has all sorts of advice and ideas when it comes to this which is great - ask him about his mushroom barley soup! The workouts with Alex are tough, but wonderful. You really will feel it after a strenuous workout, but it will loosen you up and make you firmer in the long run, and if ever the sore day, Alex can give you a massage as he's certified! I truly love coming to Alex as its a great break from work, life, and a step towards the right direction in my physical fitness...he's introduced me to boxing which I LOVE and am so happy I met him 1+ years ago now. Thanks Alex! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex is a great personal Trainer. I've worked with him for the past few months and have had a great experience. He tailors the workouts to your goals and strength level, and is able to modify if needed (for injuries or illness). The workouts are intense, but he's good about not pushing you beyond your limits and potentially into injury territory. The gym he uses is in a Federal building, so it can take an extra minute or two to get in (through security), but it also means it's rarely busy and you have a lot of great equipment to use. I'd highly recommend working out with Alex if you want to push yourself harder, get in shape, or build strength. His prices are also very reasonable. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex is the first personal trainer I've ever felt comfortable working out with. He is very professional and really goes through great lengths to tailor a fitness plan that meets each individual's goals. He works out of several federal buildings near civic center in SF, which is super convenient. He also is very flexible with scheduling so it's easy to fit into your schedule.If anyone out there has ever considered a personal trainer, look into Alex-his rates are competitive and you will see/feel results! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I have worked with Alex for over 5 years and last November reached my target weight, having lost over 65 pounds.  Alex was instrumental in helping me reach my goal through fitness and diet, and making permanent life style changes.  He has the highest standards when it comes to loyalty, reliability, and professionalism.    He is demanding, but gentle and genuinely cares about his clients. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex has been my personal trainer since November 2014. I had got in a "rut" with working out, so I decided to give personal training a try again. I am glad that I have done so. Alex has been a great supporter in my goal towards developing strength, losing weight, healthy eating habits, and just feeling "great" after a hard core workout with him. Alex listens well (I've had trainers that did not listen to my concerns). If you are not comfortable with a particular exercise he will make adjustments. He challenges me! And, that is very important to reaching my goals. Thus far, I have got rid of 10 pounds off my body, and am feeling a lot better! In addition to Alex's training expertise, he is super "chill"! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex is an amazing trainer and a wonderful person.  I hate working out but he makes it fun and you get results.  Alex is dedicated to his clients and willingly shares all his knowledge about working out and food/nutrition.  He won't push you but he also won't let fear hold you back.  He won't judge you either.  He takes you as you are and adjusts accordingly.  If I'm injured, having a bad day, or just don't feel like working out he'll work around whatever is going on in my day/life.  Everyone should be lucky enough to not only have someone like Alex in their life but to also train with him. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Before working with Alex, I was not happy with the way I looked and felt.  All the pressures of life was taking a toll on me and affecting my life.  I heard such great things about Alex's training philosophy from a coworker who had been training with him and finally decided to take charge of my own health.  I have been training with Alex for over 5 years now.  The work I've done with Alex's help has helped me physically and mentally, I'm no longer self conscientious about my body and I have energy!  I work out in the middle of the work day and having that break in the middle of the day has been extremely important to me.  The session provides me with relief and a renewed sense of purpose after I'm done... Alex's mantra "The power of exercise" rings very true.  There are so many benefits to exercise, but the service and care you receive from Alex is really what has helped me the most.  Alex recognizes the differences between his clients and tailors his programs to suit me on a day to day basis.  He pushes me to work hard, but also knows me and my limits.  His encouragement engages me to work hard and keep on coming back for more!  Alex is very easy to communicate with; he is always accommodating and responsive to my needs and schedule.  He's extremely professional - courteous, reliable and takes his work very seriously as he consistently stays up to date with the latest fitness trends and research.  And finally the number one reason I still go to Alex is his personality - he is a very calming and nurturing soul who cares about his clients above and beyond fitness.  Alex is more than a personal trainer, he is a life sponsor.  - Aline More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex is a focused, calm, charming professional.  He really understands where I'm at and what I can accomplish - and then listens to my body and nicely pushes me to achieve the most I can at that time.  I've seen him regularly for about four years, and he always finds a new routine or approach and keeps things interesting.  He's also very centered and patient, which makes it just a pleasure to see him.  You will have a very positive experience and achieve unexpectedly good results! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I am still a very loyal client of Alex; I can't say enough. In the past year I've taken up surfing - harder than it looks, especially for a 50-something! Immediately Alex started devising exercises to help me get better at it; his enthusiasm for my progress is so heartening! I will add that I'm off blood pressure meds for the first time since my mid-30s and have dropped 30 lbs and 2 dress sizes; I feel amazing and I really credit the work with Alex. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex is a serious professional.  His clientele are committed because they get results.  As an added bonus, sessions with Alex are enlightening, enlivening, and inspiring.  (As the wife of a client, I have ended up with a seriously boy toy husband from these routine, rigorous, professional sessions.  Yowza!)  I have also sent my teenagers to Alex.  My son went off to college a new man - working out at the gym on campus and watching what he eats:  all of this because Alex took the time to care about him and to make a genuine connection.  Alex has coached my teenage daughter through sports injuries and preventative training.  Don't waste your time and money on anyone less. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Alex Schonfield is an excellent personal trainer. He is conscientious, caring and knowledgeable about helping his students train. I started training with Alex a few months before my wedding. I enjoy lots of different sports and exercise, but I am not as good about pushing myself and focusing on the right exercise that will get me into good shape. Alex listened to my goals and told me what his plan was for me. I felt so confident and in such great shape by the time of my wedding! What I didn't expect was that once I started training with Alex I realized what great shape I could be in if I continued training with him. I have continued training with Alex even now that the wedding is over, because he continues to challenge me and change my workout routine so I have fun at every training session. He pushes me, but he's so good at it that you don't even know you're working hard. He also always asks me how I'm doing and what my energy level is so I don't get injured. Alex is easy going and flexible and really makes me feel like he cares about me. Alex balances a total body workout into a short period of time and I walk out of the gym in a better mood every time. I highly recommend Alex to anyone that wants to improve their physical fitness, take their workouts to the next level or just enjoy working out at the gym. I have learned so much from Alex about the importance of strength training, and now I love doing strength training and realize it's such an important part of my workout routine. More...

Reviewed on Yelp