Reviews

I can't count how many times Gavin has given me great advice during my training. He'll see me working out on my own (whether it's kettlebells, pull ups, battling ropes, etc) and offer up some great input on technique, progression or workout method. Gavin was the one who introduced me to VO2 Max training. That saved my butt during my RKC. He also introduced me to another personal favorite which is sandbag training. Gavin's got a deep wealth of knowledge. I appreciate and respect him. He's had a direct influence on my progression.

As a World Class Athlete (retired), I tend to be jaded by the latest trendy workout craze or gyms that spend more time on their music rotation than on securing top-tier trainers for their clientele. Gavin van Vlack was referred to me by a dear friend who knew of my low tolerance for "fluff" in this department, as well as my distaste for a trainer that lets their clients off easy.

Gavin changes up every workout; he ensures that my entire body is working at its full potential, because nearly every move he instructs me to do requires my mind to be fully present on the move while doing it...I can instantly feel the difference in my workout because of this, not to mention the fastest build up of strength I've ever experienced.

Also, he is one of the most talented and creative trainers for training 'different' bodies. He seamlessly adapts equipment and exercises for people of all ages, ability levels, and those of us with prosthetics too. He is fearless when creating a new move for me to try, and he indulges both of our curiosities about whether or not I can get muscles firing in places where previous workouts could not affect an increase in strength and flexibility.

Simply put: he is one of the best trainers in the country.

Gavin is the best there is no doubts about it From my workouts with Gavin I learned how to push my body and get the best out of it. His workout are intense but intelligent. He has got to a point I never thought I could go.Thank Gav

Gavin is definitely one of New York City's best. He possesses a thorough knowledge on fitness and conditioning, and he is more than willing to help you towards your fitness goals (a lot of trainers are just willing to get paid). His workouts are unique, and more importantly fun, even if you feel like dying after it. His kettlebell classes are the best I have ever taken! Gavin is my personal instructor of choice in general for strength and conditioning, and definitely for fight preparation!

As a fitness professional I have seen many trainers come and go. There level of knowledge is at best consumer level. A third grader can count to 10 and a fourth grader can count to 100. Does that mean they can be a exercise professional? Gavin is constantly bettering himself with all aspects of education and training methods. Currently attending the most demanding Massage Therapy/Exercise Science school in the country. His combination of formal education and years of practical experience has made him one of NYC most sought after professionals.

After an accident, I was left with a broken back and am a left trans-tibial amputee (below knee). After getting everything I could out of "physical therapy" (in itself very limited) and gait training, I turned to Gavin to essentially make me feel whole again. I had extreme atrpohy of my legs and upper body strength was minimal. In short, I needed a lot of work. In addition to Muay Thai, he introduced me to Kettle Bell training. It is easily the best strength training I have ever done. Gavin worked with me EXTENSIVELY, constantly motivating me and refining his programs to bring out my greatest potential. He truly makes training fun and not a chore, while managing to always take you to your limits. After almost 2 years with him, I can honestly say I have never felt stronger. I once again have the strength, balance and endurance to snowboard competitively. In addition, he STILL continues to refine and adjust programs and exercises for my specific needs. My situation involves an enormous need for constant adjustment, and Gavin consistently meets those with a smile. Other "Instructors" I've encountered view it as an annoyance. I would NOT be where I am without him. I've thanked him before, but hopefully this gives him a better idea of the difference he's made, and influences someone else to come work with him. His dedication, knowledge, commitment and friendship are all unparalleled.

....training with Gavin has greatly improved my kettlebell technique.
He is helping to prepare for the Russian Kettlebell Challenge.
His workouts are intense and intelligent. He always takes me to what think is my limit and sometimes beyond. Thanks Gav.

Gavin is an extraordinary trainer/teacher/motivator with a warm but no-bullshit approach to fitness that WORKS. His ability to take all of his clients to their best potential is amazing to me. Everything I have ever done with Gavin has made me stronger, fitter and feeling so much better. His passion, understanding, and genuine interest in making any individual who works with him a better person adds a humane dimension to his work-outs that is rare....and he is fun to be around! if you train with Gavin, it will absolutely be one of the best decisions you make.

I've joined and quit so many gyms - I cant even remember them all. Then I met Gavin.....I've been training with Gavin for over a year and a half and he has completely changed my outlook on fitness. He pushes me to do exercises that I never thought I would be able to do or that I would ever try on my own. The first time he told me we were using kettle bells, I looked at him like he was crazy, now they are part of my workout routine. I'm stronger, healthier, fitter because of Gavin - I would follow him anywhere!!!!!!!!!

It's rare to find a coach that has the results and successes of their athletes at the forefront of their minds as deeply as Gavin.

Gavin will go to any length to ensure that each and every client/athlete of his has the most cutting-edge, up-to-date information on athletic development and performance enhancement.

The best thing is, Gavin is completely willing to put himself through the trials and errors, the up and downs so his clients do have to. This saves them time and energy.

If you're looking for a trainer to stand around, check his messages and take your money please look somewhere else. But if your looking for fast and effecient results no one does it better that Gavin.

How do I begin to explain how epic Gavin is? I hate weights but I love kettlebells. Go figure. This is all the Van Vlack's fault. By teaching me the correct way to sesh, I've never gotten stronger faster. Dude's super knowledgeable about all aspects of anatomy, and can spot tiny faults in form to make you get the most out of your workout. He keeps it interesting, so you're getting strong but not in a meathead way. I've already recommended him to everyone I know that wants to get serious. All of thanked me for it. So get serious. This man changes lives. GAVIN IS THE MAN... shred.

Gavin has been a trainer at my facility for nearly 4 years. He brings a no-nonsense, no excuses approach to all his training, and his kettlebell training is no different. And it works. His clients are stronger, fitter, faster...healthier. And that makes for happy members and interested friends. On top of that, Gavin got me interested in the kettlebells, making me fitter than I was when I was still fighting. So apart from his abysmal sense of timing, Gavin is a peach! I highly recommend him as a trainer for...anyone.

Is just more of what i imagine, he's impressive knowledge about physical fitness brings the best out of my work out, with a total different approach make's it fun and excited, if you think you can't do something,(be cause of age or injuries) he will show you the way at 5 points fitness.!!!

If you're serious about traing, do yourself a favor and get down to 5-Points fitness and sign on with Gavin Van Vlack. Gavin has the uncanny ability to evaluate where you are in terms of strength and condition and take you to levels you wouldn't think possible. His knowledge of the kettlebell is astounding, keeping an eagle eye for proper technique, he safely brings you to 100%.
He doesn't stop with the kettlebell. Gavin also has a thorough knowledge of sandbag training, bodyweight exercise, ropes, sport specific exercises,etc.(he's made my Judo stronger than ever). Gavin is an excellent Muay Thai coach and he is ready, willing and able to go to the mat for some grappling / jiu-jitsu work.
I've been involved in the martial arts for 27 years, I hold black belts in several different systems, have been steadily weight training for 15 years and have had many trainers but none like Gavin. The results speak for themselves, I thought I was in good shape when Gavin started training me but in 4 months my weight dropped from 185 to 170 lbs, with a significant increase in srength, resting heart rate dropped to around 45 beats per minute and a BP drop to 116/68 and I'm 50+ years old!
I'm extremely fortunate to have met Gavin.
I can confidently state that Gavin Van Vlack is by far the best trainer I've ever had, PERIOD!


Thank you Gavin!!

I First met Gavin while working out at an upper east side Gym. As a Sports Medicine Doctor in the area, I was intersested in finding an educated and progressive trainer to refer patients to. Gavin stood out from all the others. His knowledge of anatomy, physics and biomechanics was extraordinary. He was also very engaging and focused. Gavin was never one to stack weights on a machine while his clients lulled themselves to sleep with mundane exercises.

When training with him you learn to use your body the way it is designed. His exercises focus on increasing power, flexibility and core stability. All movements are biomechanically sound and safe, and most importantly, exciting. You don't "workout" with Gavin, you "train" like a real athlete.
I trust him with my patients and with my fitness.

I've been Practicing Martial arts for most of my life and teaching Filipino Martial arts for 10 years After so many years of swinging a stick, I was having shoulder/elbow issues that were a serious impediment to training. After a few months of training with Gavin not only did my stick fighting related injuries improve but my "injured" arm actually became stronger. At that point he put me through a variety of protocols for the next two years,mostly using 32k kettlebells!I can say that at 46 years old I'm stronger,quicker and have better endurance than ever in my life. Best of all without all the injuries. Gavin has showed me that it's about train hard AND training smart. Because Gavin is also a great martial artist his approach to kettlebells and fitness in general is about functionality. Not exercise for its own sake but for its application to performance.
I cannot recommend training with Gavin enough!! He's as good as it gets!!

This is all Gavin's fault, this kettlebell thing. He handed me my first bell. He taught me my first swing, my first TGU. It is all his fault. Now, Gavin has been unleashed upon the city of NY as an RKC. I couldn't be prouder! He is my Kettlebell father and will always be a mentor to me. Thank you Gavin and good luck!

Prior to joining Five Points Fitness, I had wasted numerous years lifting in (traditional) gyms often being rewarded for my time and effort with limited results. In response to these frustrating endeavors I ultimately elected to discard weights for participation in combat sports. It was not until I met Gavin and his ardor for kettle bells that I finally chose to expunge my previous reservations and pick up a weight again. To call Gavin???s excitement concerning personal training and physical fitness enthralling would be an understatement. Gavin???s unique combination of knowledge and passion serve as an infectious catalyst that inspires all those around him. It is extremely difficult to participate in either one of his personal training sessions or group fitness classes and not leave feeling immediately better about one???s physical shape. Fortunately for his clients, Gavin???s knowledge concerning physical fitness is not limited to weights and kettle bells. Gavin is also well versed in the art of Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling and recently began studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to not only improve his overall understanding of combat sports, but to provide greater options to his clientele. In preparation for my first amateur Muay Thai fight Gavin was an invaluable resource. There is no doubt in my mind that without his assistance I would not have been nearly as successful as I was and for this I am truly great full. I am now in preparation to leave for D.C. and I can state confidently that I will continue to utilize the various physical tools and fitness methods that Gavin has instilled in me.

If you're looking for the best, here he is. Gavin has dramatically changed my life. Thanks to Gavin I've lost 80 lbs in under 10 months and I'm the the best shape of my life. Gavin is extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of fitness, kettle bells, muay thai, mma, nutrition, etc. He custom tailors every workout for his client constantly making alterations in their routine. He is constantly raising the bar until you accomplish things you thought impossible, and these impossibilities become the norm and a platform to build even further on. Gavin quickly evaluates your capabilities and knows exactly how to propel you to your full potential and beyond. He is extremely professional, and a straight shooter with a strict no bs agenda, who provides you with the results you want and need.

Gavin is a thorough, passionate, and creative trainer; both the most enjoyable and most effective fitness instructor I've ever had. Beyond kettlebells, he has a comprehensive knowledge of variety of exercise disciplines; employing martial arts, olympic lifting, bodyweight calisthenics and many other techniques in crafting programs for his clients. But Gavin is most enthusiastic about the efficiency and versatility of kettlebell as a training tool, a fervor that is infectious. He makes sure you understand the principals for each kb movement and carefully preps and tutors you through the technique. Without ever compromising safety, he will then push you far harder than you would have expected possible. And just when you feel you have mastered it, Gavin will completely change the routine, creating new challenges for your body. The results have been phenomenal, as my strength, endurance and flexibility have all greatly improved. Even more importantly, I enjoy working out with kettlebells, and often now practice on my own. I owe that inspiration to Gavin, whose humor, intelligence and passion really made me understand how fun physical training could be.

I used to be intimidated with weights but Gavin patiently guided me from 4k through 12k within just a couple of months. He will push you beyond your limits because he believes in your true capabilities and he knows how to help you develop these. His passion and enthusiasm are so contagious that you would find yourself wanting to do more and push yourself more. His combined knowledge in body mechanics, strength training and muay thai is ideal for those who want a truly well-rounded workout. If you are looking for a trainer who knows his stuff and who will sincerely care about you and your training, Gavin is the man.

I've known Gavin since 1986. Ever since Ive known him he's been one of the most intense, passionate and honest people Ive known. His enthusiasm
for fitness is a parallel for his outlook on life. His knowledge is supported by his wisdom. Once he learns something he masters it so it appears effortless in his execution. When Gavin trains someone he puts his all into it and with a big smile. He love this stuff as a kid loves the playground, and he will lead you through a work out as if you were a kid in a playground..just having fun!! He leads by example and his influence is very contagious! "Once you go Vlack you'll never go back"
Did I mention he's world class Guitarist?

Gavin has been training me for over a year with kettlebells and the results are awesome. The workout you get from using kettlebells instead of regular weight training is far superior. The insight on proper technique is the key to training and Gavin has the edge there. Little pointers on how to do the workouts properly gets it done. While working out at five points fitness I have grown to love my time there and not dreading my workouts any more.

I had exercised with trainers in the past and quickly got bored and left, only to find myself unsure of my own routine. Gavin introduced me to a whole new world of exercise and fatigue like i have never known. My first encounter with kettle bells was through gavin, since then they have always been an integral part of my workouts. With gavin i have worked ot with tires, sledge hammers, balls, ropes, and many other things most people would think have no place in a gym. I never grew bored or had a chance to over adapt to a program. His workouts trained me to be better prepared in Muay Thai fights as well as more functional in all around life. I have stolen many techniques fromm gavin to use with my own clients.

Gavin embodies all the best qualities of what an expert instructor should be: part teacher/confidant/motivator/friend. His seamless synthesis of combat & finess knowledge coupled with real world experience makes him a diamond in the rough. The fact that he has a great sense of humor, puts the proverbial cherry on the top to an already incredible training experience.

As a partner in 5 Points Fitness I am proud that our gym has a trainer like Gavin. He embodies what a trainer should be, professional in manner and extremely well educated. His priority is to get each client to achieve their maximum potential, whether they like it or not.

No one has pushed me more than Gavin has the past 2 years he's been my trainer. He's made me acutely aware of every single muscle in my body and all their uses. The knowledge this man possesses never ceases to make me moo and stand in awe. Kettle bells and barbell exercises are no longer strangers to me and I am now stronger than I've ever been before. Always there to encourage me when I need it and give me the kick in the ass when I deserve it, Gavin is the penultimate trainer.

Gavin is.....
an excellent teacher who excels at communicating his knowledge to others (no small feat),
an excellent student who is always seeking new ways to learn more about training,
a fantastic motivator who establishes a rapport with his clients that pushes them beyond what they dreamed possible..

Basically, he can explain to you what you're doing and why you're doing it in a way that even a layman can understand and more importantly he actually makes you want to do it.

He is a master of grueling drills that somehow feel like play.

I am truly blesses to have met and had the chance to train with Gavin. I've known fighters before and after they've worked with Gavin and the transformations I've seen from his training them have been amazing. Already talented fighters seem to reach a whole new level physically and mentally after training with Gavin for their fights. The differences are not subtle. They are obvious from any seat in the house, Gavin's been there. He knows what works and his passion for smart fitness is clear in his open-minded and intelligent approach to finding new movements and combinations to meet your goals. I train in nogi Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, as well as Krav Maga. I take training seriously and so does Gavin. Having met Gavin, I now feel it would just be ignorant of me not to train with Gavin before my fist muay thai fight.

Gavin is a great trainer. When I started my weight was 165lbs and current my weight is 135lbs. My weight decrease but my strenght did not. When I started training with kettlebell, I was using "12k" and now I use "24k". Gavin taught me that I can over come anything that I set my mind to. THANK YOU GAVIN

When I met Gavin back in December 2004 I was in the worst shape of my life. He patiently held my hand and taught me everything I know about strength training, olympic lifting, muay thai, kettlebells, and anaerobic conditioning. He will really push you as hard as you are willing to go (and sometimes harder). After working out with him for just 6 months I had lost 35 pounds was in the best shape I had been in since high school. I continue to train with him 3 1/2 years later and he still always teaches me something I've never seen before and tailors workouts specifically for my goals.

Gavin is so knowledgeable you could train with him for a year and literally never do the same routine twice. He's probably forgotten more than most trainers will ever know. If you are looking to get into shape, or you are already in shape and want to push yourself to the next level, there is no one better to train with than Gavin Van Vlack!

...But then theres guys like Gavin who actually give a f**k, he watches and actually cares about your progress, you leave for 3 months, come back and he will be able to start you off exactly where you both left off, without having to ask your last name and go look at some chart or file. Gavin is a teacher and a student with experience and knowledge that goes far beyond conventional wisdom. 15 minutes of pad work with him will change your game as it did with mine even after years of training. His kettlebell training can be specified to fix a bad back or improve a shitty standup game. I have been training with and have known him for years and look forward to many many more years together. Forget the guys that get hired at a gym and do on the job training while you pay them money to train you and get with a pro like Gavin.

I've been doing martial arts for 3 years now, different places and different instructors, and I personally believe that Gavin is one of the best trainers out there. Not only he knows a great deal about Muay Thai, conditioning, kettlebells, etc and is an athlete himself, but he also can teach others! And that's really important to me because I've met a lot of people who couldn't convey to the students even some very basic things. Gavin can pin-point every small little detail that I do wrong, and he makes sure that I correct it and never do the mistake again! Gavin taught me kettlebells, and he selected those exercises for me that wouldn't hurt my injured lower back. After working kettlebells with him, I've got significantly more power for my stand up and Jiu-Jitsu. Besides being very knowledgeable and being a great teacher, I find Gavin to be a very pleasant guy to deal with on a personal level. And even though he's very funny and cracks up funny stories right and left, his workout is not a joke!

Gavin's training is awesome and out of the box. He's a huge asset to any individual looking for drastic improvements in strength, speed, explosiveness, and technique. He'll push you beyond what you thought your limits were. He changes up his routines so you never get bored and he's always up to date on the latest in strength and conditioning. Even if you're injured, he can find a way to rehabilitate you and help you maintain strength and functioning. He made such a huge difference in my training and provided me with an edge some of my opponents didn't have.

You won't be disappointed but be prepared to work hard and love it!

Gavin Van Vlack repeatedly saves my life.
I will not go near the ring without first training with Gavin.
Gavin knows diet and nutrition.
Gavin knows strength and endurance.
Gavin knows fight technique.
Gavin knows your weaknesses and how to make them your strengths.
That ad in the back of comic books that promises to turn 98lb weaklings into sand-kicking badasses in 7 weeks- that ad is Gavin +2 weeks.
Gavin knows kettle bells.
Gavin knows Muay Thai, boxing and BJJ.
Gavin knows Olympic lifting.
Gavin keeps training interesting.
Gavin's a fan of odd object training. Now, so am I.
All of the fighters at my gym would gladly take a kettle bell to the head for Gavin.
Gavin is our friend.
We trust Gavin.
Gavin knows massage therapy.
Gavin will not take your bullshit.
Gavin understands life.
Gavin ain't messing around with this RKC Instructor stuff.
Gavin is constantly improving Gavin. (that's good for you.)
Gavin understands rest and active rest.
The sun sets on Gavin.
Because of Gavin I've yet to leave the ring tired or hurt.
I like Gavin so much I hang out with him outside of the gym.
Gavin takes pride in his work.
Gavin is as professional as he is approachable.
If you want to fight competitively, Gavin will work his ass off for you.
If you want to rehabilitate, Gavin will work his ass off for you.
If you want to simply get in shape, Gavin will work his ass off for you.
Gavin is cool.
Somehow, Gavin makes me laugh during the hardest workouts of my life.
Whatever his rate, Gavin is underpaid.
Gavin's forgotten more about strength training than I will ever know.
Gavin takes his fighters out to BBQ dinners after their matches.
I heart Gavin.

Gavin has way of explaining why every punch and kick works, and why it doesn't. His small pointers and suggestions, make a world of difference.

As a multi-faceted fitness professional myself who has worked alongside Gavin, Gavin is a true professional who is extremely passionate about his career as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for performance enhancement and it shows in the intensity that he brings to each training session. Similarly, his knowledge and application is so spectacular that I decided to hire him as my personal coach! That says a lot --he is the personal trainer of personal trainers! I trust him to coach me to my limits and his uncanny ability to motivate me to reach my fitness & fighting goals is a skill that is innate to Gavin Van Vlack. He is a natural coach that consistently brings out the best in people.

Professional.Authentic.Knowledgeable.Communicative.Motivating.Funny.Compassionate. Tells it like it is.Gavin.

Gavin's training routine is unbelievable from the kettle bells to cardio training he knows it all, and the relationship that he has with his clients is second to none. I'm so happy that i got to train him. He pushes me to my limit and because of it my performance in my fights have been great. Deep down inside you should feel good if your opponent is gasping for air due to exhaustion and your only starting to break a sweat.

Its been and will be an honor to be training and having Gavin in my corner

With a clientele list of Who's Who in NYC from actors, to models, to brokers, to Muay Thai and MMA fighters....Gavin inherently understands the biggest motivator for anyone is RESULTS...not in only how you look, but how you feel. After working with him not only do you feel stronger...you are stronger both physically and mentally; not to mention more informed too.

One the of the greatest gifts a trainer can give to his client is to help them achieve a potential that they themselves never knew existed within them. Gavin sees this and does it effortlessly and without ego. Through his vast knowledge of the Fighting Arts, Core Strengthening, Body Sculpting, Nutrition and a respect for both Eastern and Western approaches, Gavin builds fighters and non-fighters alike from the top down, from the inside out. Through a carefully thought out plan catered to each indiviual, he capitalizes on your strengths and helps eliminate aspects of your training that may have remained stagnant for years.

I've never seen a trainer that genuinely cares about his clients the way Gavin does. He is extremely loyal and committed to them...you become a member of his extended family. It is no wonder Gavin Van Vlack is one of the most in demand trainers in NYC!

Gavin's training is superb. He is passionate about fitness and focused on client success. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the human body and is constantly striving to perfect and expand his skills. As a personal trainer and pro athlete I high recommend Gavin.

Thanks to Gavin, I???ve gone from never having heard of kettlebells to owning a 12 and a 16 K.

Gavin is an incredibly well-informed instructor, using his years of knowledge in competitive combat, nutrition, conditioning and body mechanics to produce, not only, highly effective results, but also to impart his students with the knowledge to continue training independently.

There is no question that without Gavin???s instruction, guidance, enthusiasm and dedication I would not have won the fights (Muay Thai) I???ve won, trained as effectively as I???ve trained, and learned as much about RKB conditioning.

It has been an ongoing pleasure to train with him for the past several years.

Gavin's cutting edge approach has had an impact in Muay Thai fighting. Many great trainers & fighters seek Gavin's advice on strength training & he has influenced the strength training format at Five Points Fitness in nyc, (the best thai training facility in NYC). I've been training MUAY THAI BOXING for 6 years. I've trained all over the world, including Thailand. I've worked w/ the best trainers & Gavin measures up to all of them. I am a retired amateur fighter, however, I train 5 days a week and still spar with young fighters on a weekly basis. It is GAVIN'S vast knowledge of GENERAL FITNESS, DIET, & his introduction of KETTLE BELLS into my training that gives me the edge I need at age 39 to keep up with the youngsters! ha ha! Gavin, you are the man!

Gavin has a wealth of knoweldge when it comes to physical fitness, nuitrition, combat sports (boxing, muay thai, wrestling, and BJJ), and the theory and application in the use of kettle bell exercises. With this great amount knoweledge, Gavin is one of the most sincere and eager trainer who's willing to share his knoweledge.
Gavin has often been very patient and has countlessly demonstated his teaching ability. In a brief period time he has had the amazing ability to teach complex athlethic skills to persons of various athlethic capabilities.
Whether its kettle bell training, conditioning schemes, or kick boxing sparring, Gavin has proven to be an exceptional instructor.