Testimonials

“I am a Registered Dietitian in the Chicago area who has worked with dozens of Harris’ personal training clients. Harris is everything but ordinary when it comes to training his clients. He takes an individualized approach with each client, designing a plan and routine that is specific to each person’s fitness goals. He also modifies each routine in order to promote consistent and sustainable results. Each and every client that I’ve seen admits to being pushed further than they have before. However, each one says that the hard work is completely worth it! This is because his clients are achieving their health goals and conquering physical challenges they never thought possible. In my opinion, a great personal trainer is one who can EMPOWER his clients, provide an INDIVIDUALIZED training plan, and promote SOLID FITNESS RESULTS. Harris with Personal Peak Fitness possesses all of these qualities and more, and this is why I recommend him as one of the BEST in Chicago.”

— Michelle Tranter, MS, RD, LDN

“My wife and I were trained by Harris for 3½ years in our home. He was extremely professional and was amazing in his ability to vary our workouts so that our muscles did not acclimate to them. We had constant variety and not only used our own exercise equipment; we also did calisthenics for non-aerobic workouts and our aerobic equipment for that part of the workout. He also used our house (stairs, chairs, etc.) for an even greater variety. We highly recommend Harris to anyone who is serious about their fitness and strength. Had Harris not moved to Chicago we would be using him still. We know Harris and Tiffany love Chicago but we'd love to get them back to the Lone Star State!”

— Dr. Larry and Cindy Korenman, Dallas, Texas

“When I started with Personal Peak, my goal was to be able to run 30 minutes straight and to lose 55 pounds. After my first month of working out with Harris, I lost 15 pounds and I was running 20 minutes straight. I just want to let everyone know how great Harris is. He takes his time with every fitness session and he works at your pace until he builds up your strength. His knowledge of fitness is AMAZING. I am now running 40 minutes straight and I am 26 pounds lighter than when I started. Thanks Harris! I never thought I would be running, so with 29 more pounds to go, my next stop is the Chicago Marathon.”

— Shauntice, age 30, Chicago

“After the first workout I knew this would be the best training I’ve ever been through. The workouts are grueling but the reward is great. Harris is an excellent trainer and has tailored a program to help me accomplish my goal of completing an Ironman this year. The first few workouts will leave you sore for days, but after the fourth one you’ll feel like you are carved from stone. Every workout is different and challenging. My entire body feels stronger and I notice real improvements in my endurance every single week. Whatever your fitness goal is, Personal Peak can help you achieve it.”

— Ryan K., age 29, Chicago

“I can’t say enough great things about Harris and Personal Peak! I had never worked with a personal trainer before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was living a sedentary lifestyle. When I started with Harris, my body fat was 32%, and my goals included losing fat and improving strength and muscle tone. Within 3 months of working out with Harris, I lost 10 pounds, my body fat decreased to 23%, and I went from a size 12 to a size 8.

The biggest change has been in how I feel. My posture has improved, and I no longer experience pulled muscles from simple, everyday movements. My body is stronger and more stable in everything I do, and I have tons of energy. Even on days when I feel I’m not at my best, Harris won’t let me indulge in negative thoughts. He holds me accountable for my own health and fitness, but is always there as a source of knowledge, motivation and inspiration. He instinctively knows when he can push me harder, and when I need to rest. Harris has helped me to see that I am capable of so many things I never thought I could do. Without Harris, I would still be struggling on my own, never reaching my goals. If you are ready to commit to making your life better, Harris is the trainer for you!”

— Ann, age 33, Chicago

“I have been an endurance athlete for 6 years. I have always been in competition with myself both mentally and physically, to achieve a deeper sense of self purpose. With no accountability, the vicious cycle of winter weight gain and playing catch up in the spring resulted in a loss of passion for the races I grew to love. In renewing that motivation, I have found a deeper sense of confidence in my results-based training with Harris at Personal Peak. This winter, as I prepare for my newest goal, I appreciate my new look. When I look in the mirror, I see an Ironman.”

— Ryan, age 29, Chicago

“My first session with Personal Peak – the fitness assessment – told me something I already knew but didn't want to admit: I was totally out of shape. Within minutes I was huffing and puffing and on the verge of collapse. Seven or eight push-ups, a handful of sit-ups, and a couple of squats later, I was finished. It's now been a few months, the longest I've probably ever kept up with any kind of training. So why do I think this time is different?

First: the lack of excuses. I simply can't come up with a good reason not to exercise. It's convenient, it's customized to my needs, and Harris keeps it fun. How hard is it to attend a one-on-one fitness class that's taking place in my living room or backyard? The toughest thing now is finding an excuse not to exercise.

Secondly, I'm seeing results for the first time. Before, I'd go to a health club, workout for a month or two, and not see any changes. I didn't lose weight or gain muscle, so eventually I'd stop going—all because I was left to my own devices about what exercises to do and how much weight to lift. I didn't know what to do, so I just went blindly from machine to machine.

After working with Harris for a couple of months, I've knocked out over 100 pushups in a session, and done more crunches, squats, lunges, and other exercises than I could have ever done before. He provides the direction, pace, and motivation. All I do is follow his lead. Simple.

And unlike gym machines, the exercises that I do with Harris don't just target one muscle group; they affect just about everywhere. To me, a workout that hits multiple muscle groups makes tons more sense. Why train one muscle group at a time when you can train a dozen different ones with one exercise?

Have I lost weight? To tell you the truth, I don't know (I don't own a scale). But I can tell you this: my clothes fit better and friends compliment me and say I look like I've lost weight. Better yet, I'm seeing definition in places of my body that haven't been defined in years.”

— Scott, age 40, Chicago

“Harris – thank you so much for the health you’ve brought to my life as a result of your personal training services. When we first began working out together, my intention was to get in shape just enough to complete a half marathon with a friend, and maybe get back into working out. Fortunately, I reached both goals AND gained so much more!

We began working out together six months ago, and I have seen dramatic results. I completed my half marathon and had my quickest recovery ever. I have lost six pounds, and converted even more weight from fat to muscle. As a result, I’m wearing clothes I haven’t been able to squeeze into for the last two years. My strength and endurance are better than they have ever been.

The workouts we do together are incredibly efficient. Although we work out only 2-3 times per week, I feel like I’m gaining strength and losing fat at a quick, but controlled pace. I enjoy that you come to my home (or a nearby park), so I have ZERO excuses for missing a workout. Not that I’d want to – the workouts are so fun and varied I look forward to doing them, and not JUST the results (as was the case when I worked out before).

Since I’ve started training with you, I’ve referred you to friends (including some couch potatoes) who are likewise thrilled with your program. You have the ability to meet each client at his or her own fitness level and can motivate them to keep up with a great program. Thanks!”

— J. Yule, age 40, Chicago