Happy Clients

“In just over two months, David Phillips has completely reshaped more than just my body; he has changed my life entirely. He helped me create a mental 180 degree turn in my thinking not only about my physicality, but my eating habits and daily life as well. I was fortunate enough to meet and work with David through my mentor who told me that this man would change my life; and he was correct. One of the most motivating people I have ever met, he has continued to push me to my physical and mental limits, without letting me fall over the proverbial “fence”. His constant motivation and attitude are two of the main reasons I was able to lose 25 pounds and drop my body fat from nearly 25% to 15% in only two months. One of the most effective tools David Phillips uses in order to keep a client motivated is the constant variety of activities he has in his exercise arsenal, including running, biking, hiking, calisthenics and weight training. David encouraged me to do things I never thought possible, such as hiking and biking up to the peak of Mt. Tamalpais. These accomplishments only served to motivate me to pursue more training with David. Portion control with regards to food is David’s mantra when it comes to diet. He taught me the value of only eating the correct amount of food, and eating only when I am actually hungry. Staying on the correct level on the “hunger meter” and only eating until satisfied are the most important parts of eating healthy and correctly. I was able to eat nearly everything I had previously been eating, however David helped me become more conscious of the volume I was actually been eating, and helped me recognize when I was full. While amicable, David takes training very seriously, and 100% commitment is necessary to achieve the goals you want to accomplish. If you stick with David’s program, staggering results will be sure to follow.”

Kevin Siegel

“For more than twenty years, I practiced Pulmonary and Critical Care medicine managing up to forty -five patients, each on ventilators in five different intensive care and cardiopulmonary units. I did almost no exercise, I didn’t watch what I ate and I did not make “physicality” a part of my life.Then I had the great fortune of meeting David Philips. My fiancé introduced us and the introduction and what has followed has completely changed my life. I have worked with David for two years, three times weekly. I am compulsive about my training. I do it whether I feel like it or not. The results have been astounding in all aspects. I am able to run quickly; more than two miles. I have lost twenty pounds of body fat dropping from a percent fat of 27% to 19% percent without starving myself. I have added inches to my biceps, triceps, shoulders, calves, and thighs. I work with David in my private gym so we have more time to concentrate than is available in a club experience. He tests me regularly. He understands concepts of over-training–and is wonderful at making sure I stretch enough to keep myself from injury. In two years I have had two brief muscle injuries, both identified by him and treated by him expertly. I am fortunate to have a wonderful mother who turns 90 this year. She had a physician manage her weight but not her “physicality”. After my father died it was clear that she was losing tremendous motor coordination and ambulatory skill. She was a hip fracture on the verge of happening. She used a cane when she probably didn’t need one. She lost tremendous skeletal muscle mass which was replaced with fat so she became substantially weaker but her weight, the only parameter she measured remained unchanged. Because of the changes in me, my Mother agreed to take up a twice a week intensive training course with David. The results were dramatic. The cane became an occasional appendage. She felt alive, positive, in control, and ready for another trip to our home town of Manhattan. Two years after beginning training my Mother was diagnosed with ovarian Cancer. She received the care of a wonderful oncologist and easily tolerated seven courses of chemotherapy. Radiology studies reveal no tumor recurrence. The recent CEA levels are below normal and only one has been above normal. David works with her two times weekly–this workout is part of my mother’s life and she believes it has helped to save it. I agree. If you have the opportunity to train with him, you will be making a major investment in the only thing we value above all other but don’t know how much we have available to us, our future.”

Dr. Revels Cayton

“Dave Phillips is a consummate professional. He creates a customized approach to wellness and fitness for each client. He is encouraging, motivating, and sets realistic goals and expectations. His knowledge of physiology combined with his state-of-the-art knowledge of the best equipment and techniques, safely and successfully optimize each client’s journey to fitness. Plus, his upbeat and congenial personality makes the whole experience fun! He encourages, coaches and pushes just the right amount. I’d recommend Dave and FitBridge to anyone who is serious about improving their health and fitness!“

Susanne Lyons

“As a personal trainer myself, I have high standards when it comes to my own fitness, and Julie Coulston never fails!  I’ve known and worked with Julie for over 20 years.  As a trainer, she is highly attentive, acutely aware of what I need to stay motivated, supremely skilled at tailoring workouts to my personal needs, and is a ton of fun to boot.  Especially during this turbulent time of COVID 19, Julie has been my saving grace. Whether she’s working me out over Zoom or in-person outside, she’s kept me consistent with my workouts. Julie is always my cheerleader—she celebrates my successes, makes me feel good about myself, and is unfailingly upbeat.  Julie is also very down-to-earth and human.  I love this about her, and look forward to my sessions with her each week. Thank you, Julie, for being my shelter-in-place savior!”

Vanessa Corey

“I’m 84 years old. I have been working out with Julie Coulston for over 10 years. When I started with her, I had severe knee pain and my orthopedist said I needed two knee replacements. I have had many surgeries and didn’t want anymore. I’ve always been an athlete, swimmer, and runner but Julie pushes me to new levels. She believes in my ability even when I don’t. She is caring, kind, and supportive but knows exactly when I need to keep going and work harder. I have achieved some amazing things training with her. I can do a 10 minute plank! I can do 20 regular pushups! My back doesn’t hurt anymore, my knees are fine – no replacements, and best of all, I have the energy and strength of someone half my age. Julie understands something very important to me and her: Exercise for me is like an antidepressant. I lost my husband over 14 years ago. Some days I didn’t want to get out of bed. Julie would give me the encouragement I needed to just come and start the workouts with her each week. She understands what I’m going through. And EVERY time when I finish the workout, I feel better! Julie is a wonderful, caring but challenging trainer that saved the quality of my life! “

Annelies Atchley

“I’ve been doing training, boot camp and trail running with Julie and David for over 20 years. When I met Julie and Dave I was just getting into exercise on a regular basis. I was always injured or getting injured. They understood exactly the progression my body needed to stay healthy and get strong. And they definitely knew how to make me fall in love with fitness and a healthy lifestyle! Dave’s gentle and supportive approach in the gym set me on a path to strength I never thought I could achieve. He set up our home gym and all the equipment. Julie’s endless energy and enthusiasm for the gorgeous trails and running around the Bay Area gave me the endurance I didn’t think possible at 50 years old! Julie has brought fun and adventure to my family. She has planned wine country hikes for us, stand-up paddle boarding on the Russian River, kayaking in Sand Harbor Tahoe, even a weeks worth of great hikes for us in Hawaii and Italy! She is a wealth of information when it comes to what she loves most – sharing the beauty, awe, and inspiration of exercising outdoors. “

Lisa Reed

“As an orthopedic surgeon, I took considerable time to select a personal trainer. I wanted someone who would not only know my needs, but was well-versed in musculoskeletal anatomy so that during the training I was not going to be  injured by the workouts. I’ve worked with David for the past 17 years. He is not only very knowledgeable and professional and reliable, but fun to work with 2 to 3 times per week.

 A special bonus has recently happened when David became interested in golf and golf exercises. His knowledge of the game and physical conditioning including stretching exercises that relate to golf has significantly helped my game. I have huge respect for David, not only as a trainer, but as a friend.  I have no hesitation and am happy to highly recommend David as a trainer for anyone who is interested in working with him.“

Joel Renbaum 

“I came to playing golf late in life, and I wanted to improve my game so I could enjoy it after I retire. I’ll never be very good at it, but David has taught me so many fundamentals and drills to make my golf swing better and more consistent.  I know I will be able to enjoy playing like never before —and he makes it fun,  of course!

Jim Lavarone

“Julie’s knowledge of Marin trails and her encouraging attitude make the Fitbridge running group special. Julie supports and welcomes everyone as we have fun exploring the beauty that’s right outside our doors. In the 10 years I’ve been running with the group, I’ve seen so many NorCal trails I never would have discovered without Julie.”

Anne Jaquiss

“I affectionately refer to Julie as my “QH”, my Quarantine Hero. Being an avid participant of group exercise classes, I was struggling to get myself to workout  once shelter in place took affect. I needed to find someone who could actually motivate me to move by body especially when it was going to have to be via Zoom. Julie was that someone and has delivered in spades! Her hour long workouts get me sweaty and feeling good. She keeps me engaged and focused throughout the duration of our work outs. Even through Zoom she’s meticulous about form and knows the exact moment I need that extra push! “

Jen Cobre