Testimonials

I’ve been training with Chris since 2017 in both private, small group and recently, virtual sessions. The work we’ve done over the years has varied, but we spent the first year or so focusing on addressing my lower back pain and managing my C7 disk bulge issues. Our work together involved a combination of SomaTherapy for the spine, pelvis, and TMJ along with ELDOAs focusing on my pelvis and lower spine.  These days, I’m virtually free of lower back pain and have good pelvis and overall body awareness. This is down in large part to SomaTherapy.  We then started reintroducing some Olympic lifting into my program. Lately, given the pandemic lockdown, we’ve transitioned from body weight exercises to free weights and are working on my infant mobility, core strength as we build towards a hypertrophy phase.  

ELDOAs saved me from potentially months of pain and discomfort. During pandemic lockdown—when Chris and I weren’t training in person and I didn’t have access to a chiropractor—the daily routine Chris showed me of General ELDOA, neck ELDOAs and L5-S1, kept my C7 disk bulge manageable. In fact, I went six-plus months without an adjustment—the longest time between corrections since my diagnosis in 2009—and when I finally did go, the chiropractor didn’t even correct my neck such was the high quality of the neck tissue! 

Virtual training has been surprisingly awesome. Clearly, nothing can replace what it’s like to train in-person with Chris, but this comes a close second given Chris’ attention to detail even through a camera lens. I always know he’s observing my movements with laser focus and listening to my breathing through my earbuds! I recently relocated from the East to the West Coast and have no plans other than to continue with our bi-weekly virtual sessions and my own self-directed workouts from my large yoga mat at the front of my house. Chris has made virtual training the “new normal.”

The experience overall has been extremely positive. Given Chris’ practice constantly is evolving—as he educates himself with new tools and techniques—the training never gets stale. Chris constantly tailors my programs to suit my needs and is able to modify on the spot depending on how my body feels on a given day. He always modulates according to my needs and together we keep my ego in check.  Ever since the beginning of our work together, Chris has encouraged me to do self-directed stretching and full body workouts, and this certainly helped me tremendously during the beginning of the pandemic lockdown when we weren’t training together regularly.

Chris’ approach of looking at the body as a system is brilliant. The body and its constituent parts shouldn’t be viewed in isolation, but as part of an integrated system that communicates and provides feedback during normal times and when under stress. This isn’t limited to the physical body, but also includes the mind, body and spirit. I’ve come to realize through my training that there are multiple inputs that might affect my capacity to train. Everyone knows a few glasses of alcohol the night before a training session results in inflammation and decreased flexibility and mobility, but not many of us realize that the body can store emotional trauma that can manifest physically when attempting an exercise that requires the engagement of a particular body part or side of the brain that connects back to that trauma. In this sense, Chris’ training is truly holistic.

I highly recommend working with Chris! The training has been life altering. I have never felt so personally responsible for my own exercise and well-being, which might sound like a strange thing to say about a personal training experience, but Chris has altered my perceptions by expanding my mind, taught me to listen to my body and how it communicates, and has given me the tools and techniques to take care of myself well into old age. This is the differentiator between the Dekhana Wellness approach and other training modalities. You come to Chris to change your whole way of being and lifestyle and emerge capable of taking responsibility for tending to your mind, body and spirit.  

 I have been training with Chris since January 2018.  I first met Chris when he covered a few sessions for my old personal trainer.  After working with him, I decided his approach of looking at the body as an overall system was extremely beneficial and was much more effective so I switched to his services.  Chris’ approach identified and addressed discomfort I was feeling. He has also educated me on how to identify and correct issues when working out on my own and throughout regular daily activities. The use of SomaTherapy has dramatically improved the range of motion in my hips and helped me address pelvic issues that were causing lower back discomfort when working out. I have also noticed improved flexibility and mobility from integrating ELDOAs into my workout routines, which has been evident on a session by session basis.

We have exclusively worked together via private, 1 on 1 training sessions. Prior to training with Chris, I exclusively worked out on my own.  Working with Chris allowed for us to assess my goals together and develop a comprehensive workout plan for the days when we aren’t training together.  The personalized program to do on my own has been invaluable in providing diversity to my overall workout regime.  The personalized program has complimented my private sessions (which have focused on weight training) with a dynamic/cardio workout.   When I have questions, Chris is always accessible via text message and checks in on the days you’re not training together.  

Chris asks me to fill out a questionnaire to self reflect every few months. The most significant benefit of the questionnaires and assessments is the self-reflection they provide.  They have allowed me to identify and focus on areas outside of the gym that need improvement, allowing for a more holistic approach than the vast majority of other trainers/gyms provide.

I was hesitant to do virtual training at first, as I did not think it could replicate the in-person experience.  While it is not a perfect substitute for in-person training, I have found it to be extremely beneficial and have found that Chris has completely adapted to the nature of virtual training and continues to be as vigilant, instructive and helpful as he is in-person.  I would not have gotten through the quarantine without it.  I would absolutely recommend his services to others.  The results I have experienced from not only the personal training sessions themselves but also the knowledge gained and applied to everyday life have been incredible.  It has been a transformative experience.

I have had the pleasure of working with Chris for over a year now.  Over the past four months, even with the change to virtual coaching, he has helped me continue to make immense progress. I have become stronger, more flexible, and my endurance has improved. I have lost over 25 pounds. I have stenosis in my cervical spine which was damaged many years ago. I have three vertebrae fused as well. Over time, I have developed pain and loss of sensation in my left arm and hand. Since working with Chris, through a methodical program of development, I continue to achieve goals that I did not think would be possible. The ELDOA training has helped me to relieve pressure in my neck and lower back. I have been able to increase the flow of oxygen to these parts of my body and organs that have needed this and continue to. It has become part of my daily routine to help ensure that my body will function properly.

Working one on one with Chris has helped me immensely. One of my goals has been to be able to play tennis and skiing at a high level without reinjuring myself. Before, I was always hurting myself by doing various exercises or stretches incorrectly.  After working with an expert in these areas, Chris was able to create an individual program that works for me. As I progress, he is able to incorporate more advanced exercises and stretches into my program. If things go awry, Chris can immediately address the issue in order to avoid setbacks.  Every few months, Chris asks me to fill out an assessment with questions about my progress and goals. The assessments help to give Chris an honest (if you are willing to answer the questions honestly) starting point in helping me to incorporate a personal program that I can continue to benefit from. It has provided me future talking points to help me achieve my goals. 

The diet program, which I no longer look at as a diet, but a shift on how and what I eat that can benefit my overall health, has been tremendous. I have more energy and I feel better. At the beginning, it was an adjustment but Chris will help you guide yourself through if you are willing to put the effort in. As with anything, it is ultimately you who will have to make the changes necessary for you. It took me a while to accept that but once I had, I started to learn and understand how the body functions more. 

Chris’s coaching approach is a holistic approach. One aspect affects the others. Stretching helps open up the blood and oxygen flow. Strengthening helps your overall health and ability to participate in physical activities. The nutritional aspect helps to fuel and maintain my energy and at the same time to lose the weight that I have unfortunately put on during my inability to work through my pain. With Chris’s ability to empathize with what I was and still am dealing with, we were able to achieve things that I never thought I’d be able to do again. His expertise in how the nervous system works has been instrumental in my progression. Without hesitation, I have and will continue to endorse and recommend his services. 

 My first class with Chris was almost eight months ago now, and I've been a regular ever since! His classes are challenging yet rewarding. He is very dedicated and ensures each participant has personalized attention during class, ensuring you really understand each exercise and the "why" behind any necessary form corrections. I've worked with him in one-on-one training sessions and small group classes where he provides a tailored approach to his clients (whether you are new to training or have experience around a gym). He also switches things up regularly, keeping the sessions new and exciting. Chris also provides personalized wellness coaching and I've learned to instill healthier habits in my day-to-day life as well! I'm continually surprised by my progress, and I am grateful for the challenging and motivating environment he's established. Chris is fun to be around and I know after a long day at work, I'll leave the gym feeling better physically and more relaxed mentally!

Chris, the owner of Dekhana Wellness, has been nothing but amazing to work with. He is extremely knowledgeable and professional, and has been an advisor to me on so much more than just exercise and fitness! His devotion to his work and his fitness knowledge makes him able to tailor exercise in the moment to facilitate pain or discomfort. He is flexible, encouraging and supportive, and works hard to create programs based on my likes and dislikes, preferences, time availability and general thoughts on fitness- making it impossible for me to NOT commit or follow through. Chris is a pleasure to work with and spend time with, making my training fun and something I look forward to instead of dreading! As someone with a complicated injury, Chris has helped me heal and get back to being active and stronger than I've been in years, with no further complications. I highly recommend him for any fitness or health goals.

This is really as good as it gets. I've been doing the group sessions with Chris at his St Nicholas location for well over 2 years now and I have far surpassed the goals we set in the beginning, thanks to the 2 things Chris emphasizes: baby steps and consistency. And every time I was about to fall off the wagon, he was there to support me, help me focus and get back on track. Well worth the investment!

Chris is probably the only trainer I've seen who actually focuses on what you need. He advises on how and why you should or should not be doing certain movements and is constantly training himself, attending courses and workshops to better his knowledge.
As a semi- pro athlete he understands my needs, helping me meet my goals safely.
A truly wonderful trainer and human.

  Chris Crawford has been my personal trainer for about 2 years now. I hired him after my original trainer disappeared from my local gym. Even while working with my original trainer, I suspected that Chris was a much better choice. And I was proven right. 

Chris is totally dedicated to his profession. He constantly seeks out seminars that will enhance his knowledge and skill set, which he can then share with his clients. He is focused on a complete approach which includes fitness, nutrition, spiritual and mental balance. Using one-on-one assessments, he constructs individualized programs based on each person's needs and physicality. Even in his group fitness classes, everyone is doing what is best for them and their performance level. 

As someone who honestly does not love working out, Chris keeps me motivated and moving in the right direction. I recognize the progress I've made with his help. He pushes and challenges me to do more than I thought I was capable of doing. Without any doubt or reservation, I highly recommend Chris Crawford as a personal trainer. 

Marell B

I started training with Chris since January 2017 after taking a 6 month "break" from exercising. After discussing my fitness goals, Chris did a basic fitness test with me and created a dynamic program tailored to my needs. He regularly assess's my progress and changes up my program to challenge me mentally and physically. Chris has a holistic approach towards health and lifestyle. He not only focuses on exercising but also on healthy eating , achieving balance and stress management. Since I have started training with Chris , I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my mood, stress, strength, fitness and energy levels. If you are looking for total personalized training program with an extremely knowledgeable trainer, then Chris is the guy for you!