“I was going through a change in my life and decided to start taking my hobby seriously and seeing what I could do with it,” says Brian Cole, owner of Personal Training Associates, about the beginnings of his career. “I had no idea it was going to take off like it did.”
Personal Training Associates invites clients in for individualized workouts and a one-on-one focus on meeting their fitness goals. As the oldest business in the Port Warwick area, the company maintains a presence there. Its Oyster Point location has three private studios. Personal Training Associates’ third location is found at the corner of Canon and City Center boulevards.
Cole grew up with a father who worked as a physical therapist, understanding the importance of taking proper care of the human body. More than 20 years ago, Cole’s professional work in personal training began at a small Virginia Beach studio, and later another in Hilton Village. The growth continued from there, which “expanded solely by following demand,” as Cole put it.
“The first year I was in business, I was fully booked before the end of the year. That’s when I started to bring in other trainers because I had a waiting list,” he says. Other trainers began to join Cole “shortly after I’d opened because I was booked. I wanted to [hire additional trainers] anyway; I just didn’t think it was going to come that fast.”
He describes his clients as “all can-do people” with unique motivations. “Some clients need to be encouraged; some like to be challenged. They all like some combination of that,” he says.
Cole finds that most clients are looking for their general health and fitness levels to increase; he says they’re often ready to do the work but need a guide to help them. Some clients venture into personal training after completing physical therapy.
Cole believes personal training can benefit everyone. Each person’s situation, goals and needs are taken into consideration individually through assessments conducted when they come into Personal Training Associates as new clients. Every client’s workout is essentially individually designed, which Cole says blends together cardiovascular work, strength workouts, core strengthening, balance, posture and joint range of motion.
“It’ll be some combination of all of those things, but how that blends is all based on the individual,” he says. “It’s not cookie cutter stuff. It’s not one size fits all.”
Personal Training Associates currently employs five trainers in addition to Cole, with another coming on board soon. Hannah Hartzheim, one of the personal fitness trainers, also works as a nutrition and health coach. “From my seven years of [personal training], I have found that you really create a relationship with your trainer. You learn a lot about yourself, and it’s a whole personal growth journey,” she says.
Joey Wallen, another personal fitness trainer at Personal Training Associates, has stuck with the company for almost its entire two decades of operation. “It’s very rewarding to hear about and watch as [clients] progress throughout the weeks, months and years,” he says. “The flexibility that [I] and other trainers have with the company is wonderful. I would not and have not ever wanted to do personal training anywhere else.”
“[Cole is] very passionate about his business, and he’s always on top of things,” says Hartzheim. “I call him and if I need anything, he gets back to me right away.”
The home page of Personal Training Associates’ website is filled with similar statements from satisfied clients. Client Susan Harris writes: “Brian [Cole] pushes me and challenges me and I am confident that I will continue to benefit from our fun workout regimen. You have a client for life if you’ll keep me!“
Beyond his work in personal training, Cole loves to ride his horse and spend time at his beach cottage. He also writes a column for Oyster Pointer, “To Your Health,” every other month.
As a past marathon runner, Cole understands that running may not be a sustainable fitness habit for everyone. On the other hand, “Walking, most of us can do for our entire lives.” He encourages everyone to go for a walk outside each day. “Just a good 20- to 30-minute walk every day does wonders,” he emphasizes.
TO THE POINT:
Personal Training Associates
Address: 738 City Center Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606
Contact: Brian Cole, owner
Email: brian5995999@msn.com
Phone: 757-599-5999
Website: www.briancoleandassociates.net
