“A few years ago I was working out at a large chain gym and I wanted to change my routine and work with a personal trainer but, I didn’t like the tactics of the personal trainers at the gym. I would walk in and feel like I was a customer at a used car lot with salesmen swarming around me, waiting to go in for the kill. I then noticed that there was a new trainer and that he didn’t need to harass the clients, his clients results were the best marketing he could have. Ryan’s clients were losing weight, looking fit and he was encouraging, kind, and hardworking. I knew that Ryan was the trainer that was going to help me reach my goals and he did. In only a few short months I had lost weight, toned up and most importantly, Ryan helped build self-confidence. His approach to fitness is holistic. It is about mind and body. He cares about your nutrition, your fitness and your overall health.
Recently, I started to work with Ryan again and with his help I have set new goals to accomplish. With Ryan’s encouragement I decided to sign up for Rhode Island’s first ever military style obstacle course race, Bold-R-Dash. Ryan put together a team, lead team trainings once a week, and on race day he was by my side helping me and the team every step of the way. Team Laidback Fitness ran with boulders, swam in swampy water, climbed soapy walls, and crawled through sand. We started as a team and we finished as a team all thanks to Ryan! In the end my family was there and they were in awe of what we had accomplished. I felt like a million bucks that day!
Ryan is more than a trainer. He is a voice of reason and encouragement. He is a gentle push when you need one and a swift kick in the ass when appropriate. He looks at you as a whole person and not just a training session by keeping connected with his clients outside of the one hour training, sending helpful information and articles. I have become stronger, more toned and happier since embracing Ryan’s training philosophy of Laidback Fitness. As I continue to train with Ryan he continues to help me set new goals. This year I plan on wearing a two-piece swim suit for the first time ever in public and participate in the Polar Bear Plunge in Newport. Without Ryan’s training expertise I would still be climbing the StairMaster in a stinky old gym and wondering ‘what does it feel like to set a goal and reach it?’ If you are looking to change your life around, work with Ryan and he will help you do it!”
-Jennifer Golenia
“Ryan is an amazing personal trainer and a caring human being. He is extremely knowledgeable, a great motivator and a very personable. As my personal trainer when I was preparing for my Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring dancing debut, he pushed me SOOOOO hard I thought I’d die. Yet he did it in such a nice way, I couldn’t help but feel grateful and motivated. I highly recommend Ryan. He’s a kinder version of Jillian!”
-Arlene McNulty
“I’ve worked out in various gyms and with other trainers with little results, but working with Ryan has proven to be the experience I needed. Ryan assessed my goals and developed a plan designed to achieve the results I’m aiming for. In the last three months, I have gotten stronger and lost weight by following the plan. Ryan provides the right amount of structure while ensuring that proper form and technique are used. Ryan maintains an encouraging atmosphere without being overbearing. This has been a positive experience for me, and I would recommend Ryan’s services to people of any fitness level that are looking for results.”
-Kevin Duggan
“Ryan, I would like to thank you for being a positive influence in my life. As my personal trainer of almost 7 months, we have worked together on goals I had when I first started which I appreciate so much. When I started, I never thought I would feel as different as I do now. Because of your experience and modifying a challenging workout program for me (due to chronic arthritis) I have become more flexible, my balance is so much better and I am stronger. Even suggestions on foods, reading labels of ingredients while in the grocery market was very helpful. One of my favorite workout equipment is the kettle bell and the ladder pull (universal strength apparatus). I highly recommend you, as you listen to your clients, then gradually increase the program uniquely designed for them. It really shows when you have a passion for something that makes you happy and you can share it with others. Wishing you much success.”
-Paula Metivier
“I engaged Ryan specifically to help me train for my first ever triathlon, which I completed Sunday, August 14. I started working with Ryan about 6 weeks ago. I am not particularly athletic, and I am definitely not young, yet I now find myself in the best shape of my life after my workouts with Ryan, in spite of over 30 years in ‘the gym’!
Earlier in June, I attended a triathlon that Ryan participated in, and observed him place effortlessly and competively in his age group. More importantly, he revealed the essence of his Laid-back Fitness concept when he threw on a funky cowboy hat as he started the last leg of the race at the beginning of the run. I decided I wanted to have that much fun, too.
So fun it was, working out at an actual kid’s playground, then at a high school track, and finally in a local pond. Naturally, we also had sessions in his cozy gym, filled with enormous surprises, where we also viewed video he took of me while working on running, biking, and swimming skills at the above locations.
It’s also important to emphasize that Ryan defines the concept of personal in ‘personal trainer’. He helped fine tune my bike, and attended my triathlon, cheering me on in every leg. He will also surprise you with what he understands about nutrition, and I’m not talking about supplements.
Although laid back is part of Ryan’s company name, the results are anything but. Beware, however, because after working out at Laid-back Fitness, you may never want to step back into a ‘normal fitness center’ again, regardless of what color it is, if you know what I mean.”
-Jim LaFitte
