Testimonials

  • I first met Doug a few years ago in Minnesota while working at Lifetime Fitness. By profession I am a Sports Chiropractor, but more importantly I hold a Master's in Sports Rehabilitation and am also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I have even gone so far as training athletes at the Division I level. I have worked with numerous Personal Trainers and Strength Coaches over the past few years, but none have stood above the crowd like Doug. There are a few items that stick out in my mind. 1) I began to realize his skill set when I gave a short lecture on the Overhead squat portion of a Functional Movement Screen and how that affects a person's overall health and well being. I asked for critiques and responses from all of the Personal Trainers and was blown away when I got Doug's back. He went into detail about every aspect I was hoping they would analyze and gave specific joint angles. I know this might not be important to many people, but Doug understands that a person must move better before they move more. This lowers injury rates and maximizes their training potential. He trains movement when he needs to and trains at intense levels when he can. 2) I began to realize Doug's vast knowledge on the musculoskeletal system when he urged me to sit down and go over a mutual patient/client's MRI with him. Lets just say I didn't have to do much teaching. He had done his homework about the cartilaginous/osseous and soft tissue damage that was happening with the patient and he brought to me his goals in training. We openly discussed my treatment goals and objective and put a plan into action. We took this patient from 30 degree shoulder abduction to a full 180 degrees. This was no small feat for a man who had broken 7 ribs, punctured his lung, and had fascial adhesions beyond what any surgeon thought he could overcome. This brings me to my next point... he trains movements, not muscles. When most Personal Trainers use a joint-by-joint approach that is an old traditional way of training, Doug trains movements. He understands that whatever your goal may be in training, he will be efficient at incorporating global body movements that train numerous muscles at one time, but also work the fascial lines of the body. Fascial lines... What? Fascia is the connective tissue that acts like the saran wrap of our body. It is everywhere! This is a thought process that goes above and beyond what 95% of trainers can even comprehend. I won't go into depth right now, (you can always Google it) but your surely want to train with someone who knows what this is even if you don't give a darn. 3) I could go into so many more reasons on why Doug is one of the best Personal Trainers I have ever worked with, but most importantly he cares about everyone he trains. He is an uplifting personality that makes you want to be a better you. I knew if someone at work was going to make my day by his friendly smile or uplifting comments, it was Doug. After all, isn't that what you are trying to do? If you have a fitness goal, he will surely exceed your expectations and get you there in a safe and efficient way.

    Dr. Karla Solum

  • I've been working with Doug for a little over 2 years. Before he got here I thought that I was an above average trainer and was on the leading edge of our profession. Since he got here I've realized that I have along way to go, which is a good thing. He has raised the bar of training, and has unknowingly become a mentor for me. Since he has been here I've gotten even better and continue to learn more. Doug has brought a sense of excitement to our facility. His energy on the fitness floor is infectious with his clients and fellow trainers. His clients always have a smile on their face, even when they are getting pushed. Other members on the fitness floor are always watching what Doug is doing on the floor, asking questions as to what he is doing, which is raising the education and awareness of our members. One thing that makes Doug a great trainer is his ability to change gears and training modalities, depending on the client that's in front of him. He will be working with a high profile individual one hour, and then be working with a rehab client the next. What I really appreciate about working with Doug is that he is awesome about passing on his knowledge to me. He is not afraid to answer questions, ask me questions as to what I'm doing, and to come grab me to show me something new and different. That sense of teamwork, leadership, and energy has pushed me in different areas of training and is inspiring me to go learn more. Another thing that he does very well is educating his clients while he is working with them, Unlike a lot of trainers I've seen over the years, he is educating them as to what, why, how, and what's next in his protocols. Doug's clients then pass on that information to fellow members, non-members, and even other trainers on staff so that everyone is getting very good training. As I stated, before Doug got here, I though I was an above average trainer here. I have gotten a great deal better, and continue to do so. He encourages me to get better and is helping me find a path to find my niche.

    Doug L

  • My son Patrick and I started working out together in August 2010. Until then, I had never really lifted before, and it was a way that he and I could enjoy spending time together, In the next six months we had gotten a trainer for about six weeks and neither one of us were very impressed at all. Patrick had noticed Doug in the club and had expressed interest to train with him. Patrick had his 17th birthday coming up so I thought as a surprise I would speak to Doug and ask about training with him. When I approached Doug and asked about Patrick possibly training with him, explaining that I had friend that had also highly recommended him. Within moments after meeting him, I knew that Doug's engaging personality was something that l wanted to be around. He sealed the deal by agreeing to surprise Patrick in the club with the workout plan. Before leaving, I asked Doug for a business card, and what he responded with also convinced me he was the right choice, Doug smiled and said "I don't use business cards, I work by referral only. So, as I said we agreed on the surprise workout plan that went better than we planned. Soon after Patrick started working out, I saw the results he was getting and I decided that I wanted to work out with Doug as well. Doug was able to incorporate Patrick and I working out togetherll Having Patrick still working with Doug became a great experience for him. Doug's knowledge and his ability or the way he applies that knowledge to each individual setting is what sets him apart for me. I had run a marathon 10 years earlier and that required a lot of training but the training with Doug was something that I truly look forward to and enjoy. Patrick has his first bodybuilding competition in two weeks and I'm in the best shape of my life. Thank you Doug.

    Tim K

  • I have worked for Life Time Fitness for 12 years. During this time I have gotten my NASM certification and have taught many different group fitness classes. So, I know a good trainer when I see one! I started training with Doug when he moved to Minnesota, and I was blown away. At that time I was 4 months pregnant. He has extensive knowledge in training all kinds of people. He knew exactly what kind of training I needed to do to maintain a healthy pregnancy and stay fit! Even though I wore a heart-rate monitor in training, he was able to look at my eyes and know if I was pushing myself too hard. It's all in how your pupils are dilating! I continued training with Doug throughout my pregnancy. I gained a healthy amount of weight, and most importantly bounced back to pre-pregnancy weight in no time. I am still training with Doug. (15 months after baby) He is now training me as though I am an elite athlete. His style of training is innovative, cutting edge and effective! He is a head of the game when it comes to training using core, functional strength, and stability. I do not get bored training with Doug. He keeps it fun & different. It's no wonder other trainers look to him for guidance & want to do what he is doing!!

    Emily D.

  • Doug has an incredibly special gift that he relentlessly and selflessly utilizes to improve the lives of others. I am fortunate to have benefitted tremendously from this gift. Doug does not simply train people; he transforms them-body, mind, and soul. He will approach every client with creativity, innovation, resilience, and contagious energy. My unique medical history challenged Doug in ways different from other clients, but he continually invented unprecedented techniques for overcoming these obstacles. After a decade of daily pain due to a chronic disease, Doug was the long-awaited answer that walked into my life. Five years later, I am toned, healthy, in remission, and a certified fitness instructor! Doug was the catalyst that shifted my mindset and approach to minimizing the negative effects of my condition, while simultaneously opening my eyes to previously unattainable possibilities. Doug has my eternal gratitude and recommendation to anyone wishing to push the limits, achieve the unachievable, or simply look like a rock star.

    Brittany B

  • It is with great pleasure that I write to you in recommendation of Doug Graham. In his position as a Personal Trainer at Life Time Fitness, he proved to be a valuable team member. His professionalism, extensive knowledge, and enthusiastic commitment to his work and ultimately his clients, contributes to his success. Doug is passionate about fitness and it shows through the energy and enthusiasm he brings to every session. He is a great motivator and always stands out from the crowd. He is constantly coming up innovative ideas for his program design. Doug is incredibly bright and is consistently working to improve himself through continuing education. It's obvious that he has a passion for knowledge and is driven to help the people he works with. This is evident in his clients' progress. Doug is the standard by which any trainer should be measured and I highly recommend him for any position or endeavor that he may seek to pursue. Sincerely,

    Michelle B

  • Doug Graham is by far one of the best trainers I have met to date. He is extremely knowledgable about his field and can answer any question one has about the body instantly. His creative ways create a fun and exciting atmosphere when working out. His methods and his personality himself make working out a fun and exciting activity. Along with this, real results are shown. I have trained with Doug since my Sophomore year in High School. I was overweight, and not in the best of shape. I playod football and was not expected to be anything higher than 3rd string while in high school. If it wasn't for Doug, I most likely would not be where I am now. By my senior yoar, I was very much in shape and ended up miraculously starting on the Eden Prairie Football Team. We won state that year. If It was not for Doug's passion and the amount of work he put into making me a better person and athlete | would not have succeeded with my own aspirations. Currently I am on the Division University of Minnesota Cheer Team. There is NO possible way I could have ever come this far if it wasn't for Doug. All his help over the years has had an enormous positive impact on my life. I know for fact that no other trainer could have given me the same experience and results as him. Doug's passion, perseverance, charisma, and creativity all add up to create an amazing trainer and friend. He is the most skilled and experienced trainer that I know. The results of his work are astounding. Thank you for all that you have done for me. If it wasn't for all of the passion you put in your work, I wouldn't be doing the amazing things I am doing now.

    Pedrum K

  • When I began training with Doug, I was a widow with three teenagers, at a good weight and shape but who wanted to take it to the next level. I had completed a few triathlons and, with all my body had been through, it needed some healing and strengthening I hadn't found yet. In a short time of working with Doug, I noticed a difference in my shape, strength, and endurance. More importantly, I felt calmer though more awake inside both my body and mind! Doug's workouts were always dynamic and empowering. There was always some interesting combination of moves that worked my brain as much as anything else. After several month though, my own trauma happened and I ended up in emergency surgery. During it, doctors called in other doctors to look at my internal abdominal muscles and, in recovery, nurses brought in other hospital staff to look at my abs. They said they had never seen anything like it on a woman, much less one of my age who had birthed three children. Doug meant it when he said we were working at a deep level! Though the doctors predicted 18 to 20 months for full recovery, within a year, I was in the best shape yet! Life happens. Our bodies do change. Just last week, a woman told me she thought I am 10 years younger than my actual age and a gentleman chuckled at the fact that I am the parent instead of a sister to my children. I am so grateful to have found a personal trainer with integrity, who keeps the workouts interesting, cutting edge and appropriate, exceeding all of my training needs along the way while maximizing my health.

    Nicole P

  • I hired doug to train my daughter, a high school athlete at the time, and liked the results so much that I hired him myself. Doug's training regimen, positive attitude, and encouragement was precisely what Em needed, both physically and mentally. She went on to become a starter on her high school basketball team and is currently a college athlete. That being said, the most important outcome of all is that Em continues to work out religiously and is very health and nutrition conscious, something that will serve her well for the rest of her life. When I hired Doug to train me I was 47 years old and in, I thought at the time, pretty good shape. I was working out 3 to 5 times a weekend my routine was just that…...routine. Doug introduced me an entirely new approach to training utilizing so many things i had never seen before, such as the Power Plate, as well as an upside down plyo box filled with twelve forty five pound plates attached to a ninety foot rope for pulling across the basketball courts and then pushing it right back. He also introduced me to the VIPR, TRX straps, and much, much more. Doug knows exactly how to push me to the edge of "pukedom" and then backs it off just enough to allow me to continue with the fun. I truly have a blast every time I train with him. Doug is a top notch trainer and, more importantly, a top notch individual.

    Dave E

  • I began working out with Doug in the beginning of 2012 when I started training for a fitness competition. I have worked out with several trainers over the last several years and Doug got me the best results in the quickest time of any one I've worked out with. The workouts were awesome and I got amazing results because they were intense, there was always a lot of variety and Doug kept it Fun!! By the time the Fitness competition came around I was in the best shape of my life and came in 2nd place on my very first competition ~ I owe it all to Doug! Bottom line is....Doug is the Best trainer, with the best workouts = best results. I'm blessed to have have found him..., Thank you So much, Doug Sincerely,

    Inah Michelle K

  • Personal training with Doug Graham was a great investment I made to my health and well being. Since I have been training with him, I'm feeling fitter, stronger, and full of lifel Doug has made a very big difference in my life. He is a excellent trainer. He listens, he motivates, he inspires! Everything you want in a personal trainer he has it all. I can't Thank him enough for all the support and guidance over these past few years, & I can't thank enough for getting me to where I wanted to bo physically. He has taught me to approach life with a new belief. optimism, confidence and self I am forever grateful to Doug Graham for transforming my body & my life. I am loving the new ME!

    SANAZ

  • When I started working out with Doug Graham, l found his manner very encouraging and positive. Which helps keep me coming back.Doug is a pleasure to work with. He is energetic, well informed, pushes me to my best ,and makes each work out different enough to keep me motivated. Thank you truly for your PASSION, Leadership and Dedication in what you do. I am very proud of you as a person, and as a as personal trainer. And happy to call him a good friend

    Hassan K

  • In my time as a Fitness and Health professional I have known many people in and around the industry and have been impressed by such few as Doug Graham. Doug's knowledge and experience is in abundance but what's most refreshing is that he validates his expertise. We all can be a wealth of facts and figures but knowledge is nothing without understanding. All the certifications, books written, TV shows, and money made does not make a "Personal Trainer*, it just makes the person a tool. In our current age of Wellness, people need an inspirer, and educator, and a real individual who elicits us to respond and develop to what a healthy "person" is all about. In my opportunity to work with Doug and with his clients, I've witnessed the results from the application of his training. He has the nature to cultivate the experiences many people revere in achieving their individual fitness goals and an understanding of their natural health. Doug is a true professional in a profession with too many "wanna-be's" or "think they are pro's".

    Derk V

  • My wife and I had been "working out" a couple times a week, but results were slow to zero. One day we ran into Doug at the gym. Fast forward 6-9 months later, 35+ Ibs dropped, strength, endurance, and general fitness at an all time high! The first aspect to working with Doug is that he won't let you quit, and makes it fun. Everyday is a new day, you get that feeling like when you where 10 years old and went to the playground! You look forward to your "play" time at the gym, and if you have a hard time getting to sleep, try working out with Doug 3 times a week.. Another aspect is the personalization applied to each individual. He knows where you have issues, and fine tunes your training time accordingly. As you adapt/improve, so doos your training. From training, nutritional advise, to general responsibility of your fitness strategy, look no further.

    Raj & Elyse M.

  • Doug is one of the most energetic and creative PTs I have ever worked with. I'm one of those poor- lighting gym guys who spent his twenties lifting big weights with big guys using time tried technics ... Then, twenty years later I met Doug, and I got educated... the man made this old school gym rat work out with rubber bands while standing one- legged on a half-moon rubber thing and after 20 minutes of his routine I was beat and begging for 85 lbs Dumbbells so I can ease into some butterflies ( it seemed like the easier route for the rest of my hour :-))... He learned my limits and kept me at the top edge of my endurance for the full session. Every session .... Great guy, great talent, highly recommended.

    Adam D

  • | had the privilege of training with Doug for about a year and a half while I was a high school athlete playing basketball. His ability to motivate, educate and make working out enjoyable are three major reasons why I absolutely loved working with him. Every training session was different and I could feel myself getting stronger. His vast knowledge of all things fitness and health aids him in creating a totally personalized workout that fits your exact needs. His upbeat and hilarious personality made it easy for us to get along and always kept a smile on my face. Doug's professionalism and flexibility are unmatched by a lot of others in the industry, he truly is dedicated to his clients.

    Abby M

  • I have worked with Doug for almost two years on strength and conditioning, during that time it became apparent to me that Doug is an excellent trainer. He has a high level of energy and drive that I could see transfer to his clients during workouts. Doug's ability to vary different exercises and intensity during our training sessions tricked my body into becoming better faster. I still use these legendary workouts that Doug had taught me when I hit the gym. Doug Graham is a great resource and I am sure he can help you increase your physical fitness to reach your goals and get the results you need.

    Alec D

  • The biggest impact Doug Graham's strength training has had on my training is motivation. The most important thing his training has given me is an overall improvement in body strength and tone. The best long term thing his training has done for me is to ensure healthy joint aging and balance/stability. The most reassuring thing about Doug is his ethical manner. The biggest unforeseen bonus... his personality picks up my day.

    Lauren B