Best Personal Trainers in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Want to change your workout routine in 2022, but don't know how to find personal trainers in metro Detroit? Here are some pros in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

Whether you’re a workout maniac or just starting out, there’s no one-size-fits-all workout or secret pill to get the results you want. To get those, you need a workout routine all your own — and, to get that, you might want a personal trainer.

There’s no need to hit the computer and research for hours to find the right one, because Metro Parent has already done that.

On this list, you’ll find some of the best personal trainers working at family fitness centers right here in southeast Michigan in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

Review their certifications and philosophy here, and find the right fit to help get you fit.

Note: Trainers are listed alphabetically by last name. Order does not reflect ranking.

George Chris Baran

  • Where he works: Owner of Be Fit n Happy
  • Contact him: befitnhappy.com
  • Degree/Certification: Certified Personal Trainer through NSCA
  • Approach: “Most of the clients I meet would consider that to be their “Rock Bottom” due to underlying health issues that have resonated this need for change,” says Baran. “After 13 years of training properly, eating right, studying human physiology/kinesiology, going to college and earning my (NSCA-CPT) ultimately led me to my purpose: Help others achieve obtainable fitness and lifestyle goals.”

Nick Cabauatan

  • Where he works: Professional Fitness Training, Inc.; trains clients at various locations; online training also available.
  • Contact him: www.fitcoachnick.com
  • Degree/Certification: Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Michigan University with a major in physical education (strength and conditioning focus); minor in health education.
  • Approach: “I promote lifelong wellness and health related fitness through individually designed programs for my clients,” Cabauatan says. “I like to make working out fun for my clients so they look forward to our sessions. When working with sports teams I make it a point to incorporate exercises that emphasize team building and not just working out.”

Chad Demchik

  • Where he works: Owner at Next Level Fitness Academy (Online Personal Training and In-Person Bootcamps).
  • Contact him: getfitwithnextlevel.com or @ChadFitness (IG)
  • Degree/Certification: IFBB PRO (International Federation of Bodybuilding Professional Athletes); NSCA C.S.C.S. strength and conditioning coach; TSAC tactical strength and conditioning coach; ACE certified personal trainer, lifestyle weight management coach and sports conditioning specialist; Precision Nutrition Certified; TRX certified; Steel Mace certified; FMS; RFT certified; Pain Free Performance Specialist; former Men’s Health Fitness Council; bachelor’s in kinesiology and health education, Fox 2 Detroit Get Fit Trainer
  • Approach: “We help transform not only your body, but your mindset,” Demchik says. “We create lifelong habits so you can achieve your goals and sustain them for good. We keep you accountable while making fitness fun!”

Robert Gardner

  • Where he works: Personal trainer and owner at PT in the D, 1420 Washington Blvd., Detroit
  • Contact him: 586-381-4387
  • Degree/Certification: Degree in exercise science from Wayne State University, certified personal trainer through American Council on Exercise (ACE), TRX training, Spin instruction and Cancer Exercise Specialist certification.
  • Approach: “My approach varies with every client,” he says. “I try to take into account what the goals of the client are along with their current fitness level, previous fitness experience and current motivation level. We try to find a program that fits in with the time they can devote to being healthier. Everyone is so different that there shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all routine. Overall, I try to encourage living a healthier lifestyle for success, not just taking a short-term approach and focus only on a few workouts or a quick fix.”

Jennifer Gray

  • Where she works: Owner, founder and president of Body by Jenn
  • Contact her: BodybyJenn.com
  • Degree/Certification: American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Aerobic & Fitness Association of America (AFAA), exercise specialists and kickboxing; Jennifer is currently certified in group fitness training through the AFAA; four-year degree in exercise physiology
  • Approach: With a combination of cardio-based circuit training and hot fitness trends like kickboxing, yoga and barre, Gray is able to transform a woman’s body. “My motto of training is don’t pump it up, change it up,” she says. “If you want to look like a woman, you need to train like a woman.”

Erin Hall

  • Where she works: Owner of Let’s Get Fit Personal Training
  • Contact her: facebook.com/LetsgetfitPt/
  • Degree/Certification: Certified Personal Trainer through National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • Approach: “My biggest thing is consistency is key. The reason why I say that is a lot of people start and they might stop when they start seeing a change,” says Hall, who began her career as an environmental geologist before leaving to pursue personal training full-time. “You are the only person that’s going to determine your outcome … and of course have fun with it.”

Ryan Lewandowski

  • Where he works: In-home trainer
  • Contact him: 248-421-0205
  • Degree/Certification: Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Nutrition Consultant
  • Approach: “I educate, motivate and customize sessions so you feel guided to results, not pushed or forced,” said Lewandowski. “My process is about using science and experience to customize to your likes.”

Adrianne Madias

  • Where she works: Studio owner at The Barre Code Ann Arbor
  • Contact her: thebarrecode.com
  • Degree/Certification: Certified in the Barre Code Method
  • Approach: In addition to living by The Barre Code, the mantra of the studio, Madias focuses on cardiovascular conditioning, training restoration and strength toning.

Angela Moore

  • Where she works: The Body Principle Personal and Group Training Studio
  • Contact number: 248-312-0023
  • Degree/Certification: NASM Master Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Performance Enhancement Specialist and Fitness Nutrition Specialist.
  • Approach: “My approach is to customize all workouts to the fitness needs of the clients. I design workouts that can be successfully completed and that give results. I try to empower my clients through exercise!” Also has a youth empowerment program. “As a licensed counselor and fitness trainer, I aim to increase young people’s self-esteem and self-worth through counseling and exercise.”

Reggie O’Bryant

  • Where he works: Franklin Athletic Club
  • Contact: 248-408-7596
  • Degree/Certification: Personal trainer, nutrition consultant, strength and conditioning through the American College of Sports Medicine (ASCM) and the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), TRX and AFFA
  • Approach: O’Bryant likes to start his clients out with the basics and build them up from there. “People tend to want to start from the top,” he says, “but you really need a solid base to build from.”

Elissa Smith, Elissa’s Fitness

  • Where she works: At homes, golf and tennis clubs, offices and businesses; serves Oakland County.
  • Contact her: elissasfitness.com
  • Degree/Certification: ACE certified since 1994, four-year degree in Exercise Physiology and Psychology; senior fitness specialist ACE, Women’s Fitness Specialist, Weight Management Specialist, TRX Certified; Kettle bell Certified, Nutrition, CPR, AED and Advanced First Aid certified.
  • Approach: “Everyone is unique,” she says. “I evaluate my client and determine how I can best service them to reach their goals. One client may want to focus on strength while another may need to focus on drastic weight loss. I may have a cooking class for others that want to eat healthier. One client may want a really tough workout where others may have a severe restriction that may limit the intensity. Safety and form is very important to me, (and) making it fun and safe. I have had a lot of setbacks in my life, and I understand each person is unique and as long as I can help them to become stronger and to attain their goals while putting a smile on their face, I’m happy!”

Mark Thiesmeyer, MS, MPH, RD

  • Where he works: Better Living Fitness
  • Contact his office: 734-747-0123
  • Degree/Certification: American Council on Exercise (ACE)
  • Approach: “I believe optimal fitness can be achieved with the following seven components: strength work, cardio training, flexibility, stress management, sleep, balance and posture awareness,” he says. “I help people maximize their energy and fitness with effective exercise, appropriate nutrition and the right blend of everything else. Your exercise should make you feel good!”

Jimi Varner

  • Where he works: Certified personal trainer and Precision Nutrition Certified coach at Powerhouse Gym in Novi
  • Contact him: www.jimivarner.com
  • Degree/Certification: Certified personal trainer through American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Precision Nutrition Certified Coach through Dr. John Berardi
  • Approach: “It’s all in the title: ‘personal’ training,” says Varner. “I truly take a very specific, customized approach to working with each person. Each of us is so complex with a uniqueness that needs specialization to achieve superior results.”

Leah Veprauskas

  • Where she works: Owner and operator at Leah V. Fitness
  • Contact her: www.leahvfitness.com
  • Degree/Certification: Certified Strength Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through National Strength Conditioning Association (NSCA), certified personal trainer through National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF), Corrective Exercise Specialist through National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
  • Approach: “I approach my work with my clients in a progressive manner,” says Veprauskas. “I start with achievable weekly goals that change and become more challenging as the client consistently demonstrates ability to accomplish them. I do, though, make a point to discuss the importance of being consistent, long-term, with the recommendations I’m making, and the necessity of putting the time into changing habits and behaviors. Bottom line: I can provide all the information, knowledge and guidance in the world, but unless the client makes a conscious effort to change their thought patterns and resulting behaviors on a daily basis, it will be difficult for them to reach their goals.”

Pierre Vinson

  • Where he works: Owner at GIVE Fitness
  • Contact info: 313-451-1348
  • Degree/Certification: ACSM Exercise Physiologist, B.S. in Exercise Science from CMU
  • Approach: “We have tailored programs based on your fitness level and fitness goals. Heart rate monitoring technology allows for safe high quality workout,” Vinson says. “We track progress body assessments every four to six weeks. Our goal is to get you healthy, appreciate your body and then fine tune it.”

This post was originally published in 2011 and is updated regularly. 


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1 COMMENT

  1. George Baran is the absolute best! I get the pleasure of watching him change clients lives everyday at Anytime Fitness of St Clair Shores!

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