RESULTS

I have been attending Yousof Faryar’s morning Bootcamp classes through Refresh Yoga studio in Old Town Alexandria, VA since July 2015, after a several-year search for a good strength training routine. Being a triathlete, cyclists and long-distance runner, I desperately needed a strength training program that concentrated on improving core and mobility strength while still being an endurance workout. I was immediately convinced, when I found Yousof’s classes, that I had found the answer to help support my other endurance activities.

Yousof’s structure for the class, which balances intensity with the type, duration and frequency of the workouts and exercises, helps muscle groups recover during the workout but also improves flexibility and blood flow throughout the body. . . .Finally, Yousof is simply a wonderful instructor and human being. He does so well at making classes seem fun, challenging us to go above our expectations, and encouraging us to grow. Yousof’s Bootcamp is not only an exercise class, it’s a way of social engagement and networking. Yousof encourages social activities outside of the class and is always ready to give you the attention you need for whatever reason.

I have been with FitLab for a short 2 months. I was able to join the group in my neighborhood once school was out and unfortunately must stop it at the end of this week when school starts again for teachers. I have done a boot camp with 5 different instructors and Yousof is by far is my absolute favorite instructor. His calm voice while getting you to do the workout is the best ever. He never makes you feel as if you aren’t keeping up with the group, he understands that we are all not at the same place in our fitness levels and just continues to encourage everyone. I joined this group because it is in my neighborhood but I am certain that I would go elsewhere to be able to participate in a boot camp run by Yousof. I just hope that he continues to have this class in my neighborhood so that next summer, once school is out, I can join it again.

Yousof is funny and keeps us entertained making me forget sometimes that I am even working out. He makes the class fun. He is clear in direction and I like that he makes us feel like we have a say in what happens next in our workout. He makes us feel like we are working out together as opposed to us just “taking orders.” I love that this class is outdoors as well. I would recommend this class to anyone and have told many people about how much I love it!

I LOVE this group! Honestly, I first joined to save money on a personal trainer, after spending tons at a local gym. I switched to Yousof’s group because his prices were so reasonable. I’m SO glad I did! The workouts are fantastic and really perfect for any fitness level because Yousof does an amazing job of tailoring the class to meet everyone’s needs. Also, he’s super knowledgeable about diet and exercise and provides lots of useful information. A bonus is the amazing group of ladies who attend! Yousof makes hard work FUN and you will get results! I highly recommend this group!

I have been going to a boot camp for the last 3.5 years and switched to Yousof’s class about 9 months ago. What I really love about his class is that no two classes are the same. He always plans the class so that you are always working on different muscle groups and he manages to give me mildly sore muscles after every class (even after doing this over three years), which is a sign that class is working. His sense of humor makes the hour fly by!

Since I started training with Yousof approx. 15 months ago, I have seen significant changes in my body. I lost weight, went down 2-3 dress sizes and discovered new muscles – many of which I had never seen before. Soon after, those changes extended to an increase in my self-confidence and pride for what I could accomplish with a little help. Yousof has trained me from scratch, then guided me through a high risk pregnancy while ensuring my own and my baby’s health. He is not only incredibly knowledgeable about fitness, but also a genius motivator who delightfully shares his own positive strength with all his clients. His boot camp has been a source of energy since I started it. I am 42 years old and in my third trimester – not exactly at my prime, yet I feel I am in one of the best shapes of my life – I feel strong and empowered. And I owe it to Yousof, who routinely encourages me, along with our entire “fitness family”. His boot camp is thrilling and invigorating, most of all because it is fun and challenging without feeling overly demanding. I believe his talent lies in training people slowly, steadily and with a dedication that is sure to produce long-lasting results. While focusing on our physical self, he also strengthens our inner core and ability to believe in ourselves.

I’ve been “boot camping” with Yousof for five years. I had finished cancer treatment and needed to get back in shape; Yousof helped me do that, and drop 20 pounds as well. I was afraid that classes like this were for 20-somethings, not 50-somethings like me, but he always takes into account any limitations or injuries you might have, gives you variations on the exercises, and encourages you to do your best. He also manages to make every class both different and entertaining. 

The real testament: I am SO not a morning person, and I get up at 5:35 to get to his 6am class. The bonus: he makes the class feel like family, with happy hours and birthday/wedding/whatever celebrations. His friendliness is contagious!

Yousof has a special talent for knowing your physical limitations but pushing you beyond what you think you can achieve. Over the course of two years, I gained the strength and confidence I never could attain through gym or video workouts. Yousof’s power-packed and entertaining training sessions are the best 60 minutes of my day.

I have struggled with being a shrimpy lanky guy my whole life. I never had any self-confidence in the way I looked and never felt strong mentally or physically. Yousof is an amazing motivator and an extremely supportive trainer. With his thoughtful encouragement and constant positive energy, I was always able to do more reps and lift heavier than I ever imagined.  By being genuinely invested in my success, he helped me to find my own inner strength and empower myself. In addition to dropping my unwanted belly fat, I also added a lot of muscle and definition.

I’ve been going to Yousof’s boot camp classes for over 4 years now…and I’m completely hooked! Although I’d always been an athlete growing up and in high school and college, I became a lot less active in my mid-twenties, and the results were really starting to show. Within several months, I’d not only exceeded my original weight loss goal, but my body fat percentage had even dropped down into the “athlete” zone. At 30, I am feeling and looking better than ever!

“You will never get tired of the same old thing with Yousof. He always keeps the exercises fresh and tailors the workout to meet our fitness goals. He pushes us as a group and gives nutrition advice along the way. Working out with Yousof is the best investment I’ve ever made in myself!”