About
Coaching people since 1999, I decided in 2006 to open my own in-house personal training company in the Tampa Bay Area which has been a very rewarding journey to help individuals transform and improve their body and their mind. We know your schedule is tight, and that’s why we come to you.
We do functional training, meaning that we use kinetic chains to train your whole body as a unit, to not only look and feel better but also to improve your movement and prevent you from getting age-related or sports-related injuries. Back, shoulder, knee pain, etc. get eliminated with our way of training.
Additionally, we do with all of our clients a movement screen, go over medical history, and nutrition, and explain in detail how the brain works and how you can establish new, healthy habits. This gives you an understanding of what you have to change if you have a little bump in the road. We guide you through our proven system, so you can reach your goal...
Change/personal improvement can be for some people scary, but it becomes by for less overwhelming when you understand that it changes very specific patterns. We assess where you are at and go from easy to complex. Starting with very simple habit changes and movements to build your confidence until you are ready for the next level.
I am passionate about:
Changing lives is what I am here for. There is nothing that gives me more pleasure then to see my clients improve their lives and create massive change.
A typical process when working with a new client:
1. movement screen prior to first training
2. medical history
3. goal setting
4. mindset assessment if interested
5. coaching regarding the mindset of change
6. physical or mental training in person or virtual
Process during a training session:
Prior to every training we foam roll, and I do some tissue work on common tight areas usually with the massage gun and we stretch. This is essential to prevent injuries but also to be able to contract the muscles with full force during the workout. We then move into cardiovascular training or lifting after an active warmup. At the end we might stretch or do some guided meditation if you are open for it.
My experience besides 25 years in the field:
Besides a degree in Exercise science probable close to 20 certifications in the field of exercise science and mindset/Psychology.
Clients I have worked with:
During my 25 years of coaching people, I have trained literally anybody you can imagine. Here are just a few examples:
- high profile people
- general population
- athletes
- bariatric patients
- fitness beginners
- people with brain trauma
- mental health
- blind clients
I can genuinely say that I have seen it all, and trained any demographic. If you don't fall into one of the above categories, please feel free to reach out to me, I am always looking forward to a new challenge.
Client Testimonials Kaj Gruning KGFit
"Kaj Gruning has become an instrumental part of our Lightning Made Camps & Clinics. His vast knowledge of training accompanied by his great attitude and encouraging environment makes it easy for our campers to not only train, but have fun while they are doing it."
Tom Garavaglia, Community Hockey Coordinator of the Tampa Bay Lightning
Choosing a personal trainer is a very important decision. This is a person that can either inspire you or inadvertently discourage you. I chose Kaj Gruning because of his knowledge and integrity, but more so, because he is authentic. Kaj has the unique ability to go beyond your training and help you succeed as a human being.
Kaj Gruning is successful because he trains the whole person...you are not just a body to him. He works hard to understand your limitations and helps you learn how to overcome them in a positive and nurturing manner. Kaj allows you to revive that enthusiasm in yourself that is the key ingredient for your long term success!
- Dr. William Aguila (“Dr. A”, host of the Nationally Syndicated Dr. A Radio Show, Author of "Why I Don't Lose Weight!"
Kaj has been my trainer since 2019. Prior to training with him, I had always been someone who was intimidated by gyms and completely clueless about how to achieve my fitness goals. During my very first consultation with Kaj, I realized that he was different than any other trainer that I had worked with in the past. He was very methodical about helping me understand and envision what my goals were and how to progressively work towards them. He has helped me transform not just my fitness but also my mindset, awareness and lifestyle. His holistic, tailored approach has kept me on track longer than ever before - while helping me successfully avoid setbacks and injury.
Kaj truly cares about his clients and is passionate about making a difference. He has excellent work ethic and instills the same in you. He is a patient, thoughtful and encouraging influence who gently but surely nudges me to achieve results that are beyond what I had believed possible. Like the best coaches do, he has groomed me to become self-driven and self-sufficient with a better understanding of my motivators and limiters and he has armed me with the necessary tools and strategies for continued success. I am very grateful to Kaj for his help and guidance!
Swapna S.
Kai Gruning accompanied us as part of a leadership training. He is excellent at getting participants to adopt a new, self-responsible and healthier lifestyle with very practical exercises that can be used at any time and in any place.
Kai Gruning accompanied me personally for a while and helped me to integrate targeted and efficient strength training into my everyday life. For the past 5 years, regular strength training has become a fixed part of my daily routine.
Raimund Lainer Head of HR-Development (SPAR Austria, food retailer, 90.000 employees operating in 5 countries)
“What can I say? I have trained with Kaj for close to 4 years now. After having trained with seven different trainers, I can honestly say that Kaj is the best! He has a wealth of knowledge in the field which places him head and shoulders above the rest. Not only does he have the knowledge base , but also a passion for helping people change their lives for the better through
their health.
As physician, I appreciate his sincerity in helping his clients with their training but also with diet and lifestyle changes. It is not just a quick fix but a lifestyle change. The changes that I have during the time we have trained are dramatic. He personalizes your program to address the goals that you have (not a cookie cutter program that all of his clients have). He is constantly reassessing my goals.
Thank you Kaj for what you do!”
- Dr. Karen Oldano
I was always skeptical at how much a personal trainer could actually help me obtain my personal goals. When I started working with Kaj, I was completely amazed at how you could transform my body. After losing a significant amount of weight, I wanted someone who could push me further and help me achieve physical excellence. Kaj has just the right amount of motivation.
He doesn't scream at you to motivate you, but he strongly urges you to do your very best and reminds you of your goals on a regular basis. He knows exactly the right exercises to develop the areas of your body that need work.
It is very evident that Kaj is educated in his field. With his knowledge and excellent people skills, he is able to create serious changes in his clients.
- Shannon Schofield
Kaj, is the BEST IN HIS CLASS!!!!! I have worked with Kaj intermittently for several years and he is very motivational and works with extraordinary enthusiasm. He is packed with numerous tools and techniques that aid in the transformation of my health and well being.
He went above and beyond my expectations in understanding my daily food intake and providing small suggestions that make a big impact. His customized fitness, nutrition and coaching is effective due to his experience and education.
The guy knows his stuff and is always available for questions and advice. Kaj truly believes and helps the clients believe in themselves. This is backed up by the results that follow!!!
- Malar Subramanian
Before Kaj I was in pretty good shape but not seeing any progress. Kaj provided guidance and superb motivation... I have to say I'm the fittest I've ever been!!!!
- Dr. Alberto Ramirez
"With Kaj, it's so much more than working out. He always challenges & motivates me physically, but it's the mental determination he encourages that makes all the difference."
- William Preston Billig, OD
Kaj genuinely cares about my fitness goals. He motivates me to be stronger, pushes me when I need to be pushed. And with his guidance I have gained great posture and big muscles. And I love my big muscles!
- Debbie Harms
I have had the privilege of knowing Kaj for the last 3 years. I was encouraged to use him as my trainer from a group of medical professionals that I have been in association with for 15 years. After my first meeting with Kaj, I was extremely impressed with his knowledge and his ability to communicate what I needed to do to obtain my personal fitness goals.
Kaj is extremely knowledgeable and articulate. His passion for others to succeed is evident in my trainings. His encouragement is contagious, and the results from training with him are indisputable!
I highly recommend Kaj as a personal trainer.
- Jeff, Age 51
I have been with Kaj and KG fit for almost three years. Best decision I have ever made. My weight has dropped 15 lbs., my speed and stamina have improved dramatically. My weights have more than doubled and my ice hockey has dramatically improved.
I strongly endorse Kaj and KG fit.
- Dr. Todd Haber
I had just delivered Samantha 10 weeks and was 30 pounds overweight. Kaj helped me to not only loose the weight but to keep it off by increasing my muscle mass.
Thank you Kaj!!!
- Krista Ramirez
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