TESTIMONIALS
WHY SHOULD YOU TRAIN AT ACHIEVE? SEE WHAT OUR CLIENT'S HAVE TO SAY.
FROM PRO, COLLEGE & HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES, TO WORKING MOM'S, DOCTORS AND FAMILIES
I wanted to thank Ken for all his dedication and all he's done to get me back in good shape. Four months ago (July 2013), I started back with Ken at Achieve Personal Training and since then I have lost 23 pounds and I am feeling much healthier. Thank you for introducing me to the Paleo Diet - it has been an amazing "life style" change for my wife Ricki and I. We highly recommend Ken's fitness program and nutritional counseling to all those looking to improve their health and fitness level. We have been recommending Ken to all our patients.
Julio C. Guerra, MD, FAAP
Hackettstown Regional Medical Center
Medical Director of Pediatric Hospitalist Program
Ken Brunskill = Results! I started working out with Ken 2 years ago after he trained my son for high school football. I was tired of classes and large gyms not getting the results I wanted. I was very pleased to find that Ken created my own customized workout, taking into account my bad knees. I have never felt better and am in the best shape of my adult life. Even when I was in a car accident, broke my foot, and sprained my hand Ken modified my workouts so I could continue getting the results I wanted, without skipping my training sessions. My 11 year old athletic daughter now works out with Ken too. He has made her strong, agile and has built her confidence. She is now a better athlete and is able to perform amazingly on the field and court. Both of our results are amazing. We are so pleased!
Cindi Ernst
You Can Still Workout While You're Injured
I am a typical working mom; running in a million directions trying to accomplish too much in too little time every day. When my twins turned five years old, I felt it was about time I put myself first. I still had not lost all of my baby weight and needed time to focus on me. Through Ken at Achieve Personal Training in Randolph, NJ, I not only lost the baby weight; I gained a new outlook. I realized that my health needs to be a priority in order to be a good mom and wife. If I am happy, strong, and can control my stress through proper eating habits and exercise; my whole family benefits! I am providing a good example for my children; especially in today's world of internet and video games. Last but not least, I have gained a friendship with Ken. And I feel great!
Ashley Fitzpatricks
Satisfied Mom of Twins
CHUCK BOYLE - NAVY ENLISTEE
Dominated Boot Camp
After I had made the decision to enlist into the Navy, I decided I needed to get into shape for boot camp. Not only did I want to be able to pass boot camp, I wanted to dominate. So I went to Ken. My buddy went to him a few years back and his transformation was stunning to say the least. So I knew Ken was the guy to go to, and boy was I right. Seeing Ken for my first workout was a wake up call. I could barely get through the first workout, and had to take many breaks to do so. By the end of my time with Ken, I was crushing workouts. As he would say, the workouts don’t get easier, you just get better. Ken introduced me to a diet and fitness regiment that worked numbers for me. Ken is inspiring, and a no BS guy. He will help you get to where you need to be. But he leaves a lot of trust with you to make sure you follow your diet plan, and show up to every appointment on time and ready to go. And if you don’t, he will surely let you know. He is supportive, and genuinely cares about your desire to change your life. Needless to say, I did end up dominating boot camp. Never would I have imagined myself to be in better shape than 90% of recruits at military boot camp; but I was. And I owe a lot of that to Ken. If you want quick, effective, and sustainable results, Ken is 100% your guy. Thank you Ken for everything. You have changed my life.
MATTHEW GRAZIANO
High School Student/Lacrosse Player
I wanted to start off by thanking Ken for everything he has done for me so far in my weightlifting experience. From the day I stepped into Ken's gym, to where I am now, there is not a doubt in my mind that I would not have been so successful without the help of Achieve Personal Training.
I am currently a 17 year old sophomore who was held back freshman year in the attempt to play Division 1 lacrosse. The main reason why I decided to stay back was that I was too short and small for my grade and most likely didn't have a shot to play lacrosse in college at the level I wanted to play. I went to multiple doctors throughout the year and all of them told me that my bone age was not the same as my current age. This frightened me because as I got older, kids were getting faster and stronger, but I would stay the same.
I joined Ken this past November (2015) hoping to get bigger, stronger, and faster for the spring and summer season of lacrosse. From the first day, Ken saw so much potential in me. He actually said once I started to come to him twice a week and eat properly, I would begin to start growing and filling out. He explained to me that eating and not overworking my muscles would give me a lot of success in my goal. I've been going to Ken for about 4 months now and he put 30 lbs. on me. When I first walked in to Ken's gym, I was measured at 5'7 139 lbs. I am now 5'10 165 lbs. and a completely different player on the lacrosse and soccer field.
It amazed me how Ken knew, right from the beginning, what was going to happen to me. But then again, Ken does this transformation to everyone who comes to his gym. Whether you want to lose weight or put on muscle, Ken is the perfect motivator and trainer you want to be with when achieving your goals. At first, my goal was to put on 15-20 lbs. before I started my spring season in March. I reached this goal at Achieve Personal Training within the first two months. Now that I know what Ken can do, my goals are through the roof.
Not only has Ken taught me how to lift and eat, but he's taught me life lessons I will keep with me forever. Overall, Ken has changed my life already and I have only been training for about half a year. We have only scratched the surface with what I can achieve with Ken. I know with hard work and determination, he will be able to help me meet my goals. As of right now, I was just nominated as ?Preseason Attackmen to watch in 2016? as a sophomore. This list was among other seniors and juniors who are already committed to play Division 1 lacrosse. This acknowledgment capped off the first stage I had when going to Achieve Personal Training, and I know there is still much to be done, and can be done before going off to college and hopefully playing lacrosse.
KIMBERLY REICHEL
Student | Division 1 Soccer Player
Training at Achieve Personal Training for several years, helped me develop and maintain a healthy and physically fit lifestyle. The hard training also allowed me to perform at the highest level of soccer at a D1 university and help turn me into a stronger and all around better player. I've remained one of the top 5 strongest players on the field and off in our team gym. What's best about training at Achieve is the support from Ken, not only is he encouraging when I work out there, but he's managed to come support me at my soccer games too.
LAURA BYRNE
Want You Life Back or a New Approach to an Old Routine? Trust Ken.
I have defined myself in many ways through my life: as a mother, a wife and, among other things, as someone who works out. I've never led a team to greatness or achieved anything physically noteworthy. But, I have believed we are all better when we try to improve, and, in a gym, I could measure growth and progress among weights and mats and bands. That is, until a ruptured disk in my back resulted in two doctors breaking the news: I would never run or lift again. Eventually and stubbornly, I tried a session with Ken. I explained I could not hold a weight because it would compress my spine. I explained I could not lean forward or back, I couldn't jump or push or twist. Ken carefully listened and said, "Trust me."
With that, Ken gave me back my life. We are a team: him, carefully watching and evaluating the risk of my every move; me, giving feedback, admitting when my pain starts, adjusting my routine to accommodate my issues. No one has ever done this for me. Every trainer has led me to injury. It's not their fault. I'm genetically difficult, titanically stubborn, irrationally determined. And ever devoted to the one person who remains peerless in his profession.
Ken keeps records, and uses the data to modify programs to best serve each person. Ken refuses to over train, instead insists on workouts that bring benefits without abuse. He talks about the value of nutrition, setting goals, and monitoring progress.
ATHENA
Mom of 4 Children
My whole life, I have struggled with my bad eating habits. I have starved myself, binged and purged and have been an emotional overeater. I had always enjoyed excersizing when I was younger, but as I got older and had 3 children the weight stayed on and the excersize was very sporadic at best. After the birth of my fourth child, I continued to gain weight and had enough when the scale tipped at 220 lbs. I told my husband I wanted to go to a personal trainer as my Christmas present, and he found Ken.
Ken has helped me stay focused and disciplined and not to beat myself up when I make mistakes along the way. He taught me how to eat healthy, be aware of what I am eating and why, and how my body works. Basically, there has been a total change in my eating habits, excersize routine and relationship with food. No more beating myself up for bad choices! His training methods are great! He pushes me to reach my potential and then my potential increases. He is always very honest and knows how to get the most out of me each training session. I always feel great afterwards and always look forward to the next one! I love trying new excercises and the fact that I am getting stronger!
It has been four months and I lost 40 pounds and feel great. I can only explain it by saying that my body is more comfortable and not in my way anymore. I am committed to this new way of life and I thank Ken very much for all of his help and support. He really cares about his client's success. When I have concerns or doubts about myself, he knows what to say to help me through it. It is a physical and emotional journey that will last the rest of my life. I know if I did not make the decision to change, I would have just kept gaining and gaining. I also know that I would not have been able to make the change by myself. I needed the help and I got it from Ken.
I have been working out with Ken for almost 6 years. Having played for Coach Jim Baglin at Mendham High School, I was no stranger to hard work on the court, but off the court, in the weight room was something I was unfamiliar with. I began working out with Ken the beginning of my senior year of high school and saw results almost instantly. The 2003-4 season was, personally, the best season of my career at Mendham. As co-captain I averaged 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists per game along with a 54% field goal percentage. I was a 1,000 point scorer, top 3 leading scorer in the county, made 1st team All-Iron Hills Conference and was a member of the Morris County Tournament All Tournament Team.
I attended Bucknell University in the fall of 2004 and continued to work out with Ken. I often disregarded the Bucknell Men’s Basketball summer program in order to train with Ken, not to be disrespectful, but “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Every year during fall workouts I was the strongest and most in-shape out of everyone on the team thanks to Ken. My senior year, I was named captain of the Bucknell Bison’s and upon graduation I played a season of professional basketball overseas in Argentina, South America. Along with rigorous training on the court, I prepared myself physically by training with Ken before leaving. Playing for Club Argentino de Marcos Juarez, I averaged 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists per game along with a 50% field goal percentage.
I am currently not playing basketball professionally, but I still get tips from Ken about working out. What makes Ken much more than an average trainer is not only his knowledge of how the body works or how to precisely train each muscle, but how it’s much more than training to him. Training everyone, not only athletes, is his passion and his life. You can ask any athlete Ken trains if they have seen him attend at least one match or game and I guarantee you that they will say yes. The relationships he builds don’t stop once your hour is done at his gym, but continue for years down the road. We grab a bite to eat just to chat about old times and of things to come. He is one of the most loyal, hard working and genuine people I know and I am glad to not only call him my trainer, but my friend. Thanks for everything Ken!
ROBERT THOMAS JR.
High School to Pro Athlete
MATT KUHN
Strongest High School Athlete in the Country | College Student | Football Player
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. That step was the first day I walked through Ken's door. Over the next few years, my experience at Achieve placed me upon a path that would of previously been considered unconceivable.
When I first walked through the door, I was an overweight middle-schooler with a speech impediment. I was having a tough time in school, and was lacking some much needed self-confidence. Over the next year, the results I saw and felt were impressive. I had acquired so much self-confidence, that my speech impediment had vanished. The transition from going to the class "zero", to being the big confident guy was so sweet.
Over the course of my high school career, I was able to accomplish all of my goals because of the foundation I had built at Achieve. I went from being a back-up on the freshman football team to being a decorated varsity captain my senior year. I was able to set American and State USAPL powerlifting records, and capture USAPL championship titles. The assumption that most people have about such successful programs is that they assume that they require working out 4 to 5 times a week. As the old saying goes, "quality over quantity". I was able to accomplish all of this by only lifting twice a week, this style allowed me to remain fresh and to ensure maximum performance. The results speak for themself, I entered high-school weighing 178lbs and graduated weighing 264lb. My older brother John and I set a new precedent in our high school's weight room by shattering previous school records.
Lifting with Ken has also produced significant intangibles, I have learned to set goals for myself and to strive to meet those goals. I learned a lot about myself by having that dark cloud of insecurity removed. I also learned that success is contagious, by taking some of the lessons I have learned at Achieve and implementing them into different aspects of my life. When I first walked through the door, Ken gave me the dream of a possible future, "If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; If you can dream it, you can become it."
STEPHANIE WOLFE
Randolph Resident
When I decided to call Ken Brunskill several months ago, I could not have imagined that my life would change so much for the better. As a full-time professional and mother of a toddler, I had conditioned myself to prioritize nearly everything else before my own health and happiness. I was constantly exhausted and increasingly depressed, and I knew something had to change for my sake and for the good of my family. Calling Ken was the beginning of innumerable positive changes for me. With empathy and wisdom, Ken has skillfully guided me to a much healthier way of life both physically and mentally. Ken is an amazing person to have on your team because he focuses on basics and leads (rather than coerces) you to take better care of yourself. Unlike a lot of "trainers", his credibility stems from the fact that he follows his own advice and strategies for being fit. He also happens to be one of the savviest and most honest business people I've known.
JACK PETRELLA
100+ Weight Loss | College Football Player
From the moment that I first walked through the doors at Achieve, as a 380 lb. junior on the Mendham High School Football team, I could tell that Ken was different from the previous trainers who I had worked with in the past. Coming off my junior year season of football, which had ended early due to a knee injury stemming from my weight, I knew that serious changes in my life were needed. But at that time, I didn’t have the right knowledge and drive to get there. After seeing the great results from my teammates working with Ken, I decided to join Achieve. Ken provided the knowledge and taught me the drive, which I have used to lose over 100 lbs. and change my life.
Even from the first meeting with Ken, he stood out from the other trainers that I had worked with before because he didn’t just tell me what I could and couldn’t eat. Instead, Ken actually explained how my body worked and helped me to be more aware of what I was putting into my body. By providing me with this knowledge behind a structure, I was able to understand; making decisions on what to eat became much simpler. Although I nearly weighed 400 lbs, I could only bench press 185 lbs and do box squat reps at 95 lbs. Following the first 8 months of training with Ken, I saw impressive results after I had lost 50 lbs and was benching 245 lbs while squatting 315 lbs. These results, which I had never come close to before, can be credited to the drive to achieve the goals. Ken instilled this drive and determination in me, something that I could not have done without his constant motivation and support.
After that first 8 months of training with Ken, he helped turn me into a true athlete and I was able to accomplish a lifetime goal of mine, which was to play football at the collegiate level, which I still currently do at Muhlenberg College four years later. Whenever I am home from college, I continue my training at Achieve. To this day, I still take the lessons which I have learned from Ken and apply them to my everyday life. Losing the weight to where I currently weigh at 275 lbs wasn’t easy to accomplish, but it has been the most rewarding experience which I have to thank Ken and his attitude of nothing great in life happens without hard work, something that he lives by every day. He brings this attitude and hard work to the table for the benefit of each individual client. Ken sincerely cares about his client’s health and successes, which sets his service above the competition. Without Ken’s help over the years, I wouldn’t be the healthier and more driven person, and college athlete that I am today. I am also glad to call Ken a lifelong friend.
MICHELLE KELLY
3 Time All-American Lacrosse Player
Ken is a perfect representation of the words “personal trainer.” After playing collegiate lacrosse, I took a year off from working out and wanted to get back into shape. I started working out with Ken and he completely understood what I wanted out of my workouts. He customized the workouts to meet my needs and wants and was able to get me back into a toned shape after my year off.
Ken is so knowledgeable about how the body works and how to fuel it properly. He educated me on food choices and eating habits. Even though I had a nutritionist in college, I learned way more from Ken about my body and food. He made sure that I always had perfect form and learned each exercise really well, so I could achieve the highest numbers. We would work hard, especially with pull-ups, by the end I could do two sets of 12! I never thought I’d be able to do that many, but Ken had a variety of techniques that strengthened my arms.
Every week, I looked forward to working out and going to Achieve because he also cares deeply about his clients. He would always follow up on previous conversations and he made those personal connections with me. He has a good outlook on life and I took his life advice seriously. We have continued to stay in touch and I really appreciate his guidance and help both in and out of the gym. Ken is a great trainer and mentor!
NOAH MILLER
College Student | Athlete
I started working out with Ken when I was 12 years old. I was a tall lanky kid and weighed 100 pounds. One of the first things Ken taught me was that eating and consistency was key for progress. If I really wanted to get stronger and bigger, I needed to buckle down and get serious about my body. No more eating random crappy food or sleeping in till twelve in the afternoon. Ken taught me responsibility. I started training with my older brother twice a week without fail. The only time I missed a workout was if I was deathly sick or out of town. I didn't make excuses and forced myself to get all my work done so I could go workout and better myself.
From then on, I followed Ken's training advice and grew accordingly. Keep in mind that this was no easy task for Ken. I have the frame of a twig but Ken was able to make me bigger and stronger. The first upper body workout I ever had I could only bench 30 pounds and could not do a single pull-up or dip. A few months later, I was cranking out 70 lbs for reps and could do pull-ups and dips without assistance. On my first leg day, I was doing high box squats with 35 pounds on my back and only deadlifted 50 pounds. A few months later, I was free squatting 95 pounds and was deadlifting over 100. At first, I thought this progress was normal and that all kids worked out like I did. The older I got, I began to realize that my progress was far from ordinary it was astounding and made possible by Ken and his training methods.
One of the greatest things Ken ever did for me was introducing me to the sport of powerlifting. He himself, a very successful powerlifter and strongman athlete, was able to train me safely and effectively. With the help of Ken, I entered into the drug free USA Powerlifting league and by the age of 14, in the 135 pound weight class, squatted 180 lbs., benched 105 lbs., and deadlifted 250 lbs. By the age of 15, in the 165 weight class, I benched 135 lbs., squatted 235 lbs., and deadlifted 333 lbs. At 16, I was in the 175 pound weight class and I squatted 425 lbs, benched 185 lbs, and deadlifted 425 lbs. In my senior year of high school, I went to the Pennsylvania State University meet and set my current personal records. In the 220 pound weight class, I squatted 501 lbs, benched 265 lbs, and deadlifted 535 lbs. Overall, I won three gold and two silver medals. None of these great achievements would have been possible without Ken; he was there every step of the way and was always ready to go the extra mile for me.
With Ken's help, I went from being the epitome of a tall lanky kid to becoming a grown man (a large one at that) in only a few years. Currently 18 years old, I am 6'2" and 220 pounds. Having a trainer is not just for getting in shape, it is making a change in your life. It gives you confidence and a structure to have the desire and dedication that are necessary for reaching goals, be it in the gym or elsewhere in life. Working out with a trainer also gave me something I cherish even more than that, that of a lifelong friendship. I am blessed to have gotten to know Ken these past 6 years and plan on knowing him and seeking his advice for many years to come.
LAURIE WEINBERG CONSTANTINIDES & FAMILY
Family | Hong Kon SAR, China
Six weeks ago our lives changed for the better. I took my son to train with Ken on the recommendation of close family friends. I had no idea that he would literally change my son's whole outlook on life. Since beginning his training with Ken, my 13-year old son has gained strength, lost weight, drastically improved his eating habits and is more disciplined and focused in all aspects of life. He is committed to staying on track to continue his overall physical improvement. He wants to excel in school and on the ice, (he has been an ice hockey player since the age of 4), and most of all, he says that Ken has helped him feel better about himself.
My husband and I began training with Ken as well to improve our own health and support our son. My husband, who averages 90 hour work weeks in a high-stress field, has been in declining health recently, but has already seen drastic improvement in the last few weeks working with Ken and improving his eating habits.
Personally, I have converted 6 lbs of fat to muscle and feel I have already lost the mid-section extra fat that I was carrying. I am 45, 5'7", weigh in the 140's and I am a size 6. I feel terrific.
I cannot say enough about Ken. He is a remarkable trainer, life coach and person. He works to help a person not only achieve their personal physical improvement goals, but also infuses a wonderful perspective about life and discipline overall. He has been an amazing source of incentive and support for our whole family and most importantly, has made my son feel good about himself. We will be back to train again with Ken and next summer and wished we lived closer so we could continue with him throughout the year. Anyone living around here who has that option is lucky.
LOUETTA SHIOLENO
Satisfied Mom | Client for 10+ years
I have used Ken as my personal trainer for nearly six years. I initially began to train with Ken when my daughter got engaged and I wanted to "shape up" for the wedding. I so enjoyed training with him that what started out, in my mind, as a short-term program has turned into a long-term trainer/client relationship.
I have remained with Ken over the years for many reasons. First, he always maintains a level of professionalism, and he is always willing to modify a routine at any time to accommodate short-term changes in my physical abilities such as an injury sustained in a fall etc. Additionally, Ken is very good at determining the point at which the difficulty of a workout is ready to be elevated and does it in a fashion that is in keeping with my endurance. Also, Ken changes my workouts regularly to both keep things interesting and to assure that all of my muscles are equally worked. I also appreciate his pleasant demeanor. Regardless of what might be happening in his life, he never lets it impact my workout. Finally, when my schedule interferes and a session needs to be cancelled, he is always very flexible in his attempt to reschedule me. I never, ever finish a training session without feeling much better for it, and happy that I trained with him. At my age, it is not uncommon to begin a slow but steady weight gain that impacts your lifestyle, health and looks. That has not happened to me. I feel strongly that training with Ken is an integral part of why it hasn't. I would not hesitate to recommend Ken as a personal trainer to anyone of any age.
ANN HARMON
58, Mom | Executive Vice President
Working with Ken Brunskill, Owner of Achieve Personal Training in Morris County, NJ, has proven to be the best gift I have ever given myself. I have worked with Ken for well over 5 years and, at 58 years old, am now in the best physical condition of my life. Ken is professional, personable and very knowledgeable about every aspect of physical training. He customizes the program to fit your personal goals and serves as both cheerleader and coach. He encourages, pushes when needed and is always supportive, flexible and fun to work with. When job and family are very demanding, personal training with Ken helps relieve stress and keep me (relatively) sane. I prioritize my time with Ken because I see the results, I feel good about myself and it's fun.