TESTIMONIALS
FLORENT MORELLET:
Over the last nine years, John Prada has been essential to the ongoing strengthening and repairing of my body. He has seen me through three different shoulder surgeries. When I tried to get back in shape after the first operation and physical therapies, my trainer was improving my physique, but was not addressing some basic issues…like continuing pain. I heard that some trainers at Equinox had elevated knowledge of anatomy for physical rehabilitation. Through a great stroke of luck, I was assigned to John and soon realized how knowledgeable and perceptive he is in understanding the individual, often subtle, needs of each client. I soon felt great relief as my mobility and strength increased and my alignment improved. I knew the ways I moved were now correct and sustaining. I found an overall sense of physical well-being – not to mention lack of pain.
Another accident brought a torn rotator cuff and some nerve damage. There was more shoulder surgery with a full course of physical therapy. John stepped up to help me transition back to maximal physical health. He met with my physical therapist. They spoke the same language. They were on the same page around the mechanics of healing me. John’s knowledge of the anatomy and muscular systems is impeccable. He made sure I did not miss a beat in continuing my recovery. And when a third shoulder surgery became necessary, John was there for me - again consulting with my PT and with authentic concern and professional wisdom.
I continue to train with John. Why wouldn’t I? He has taught me to work with the right muscles, using them more economically and efficiently. I am attuned to the limits of range of motion for my own good and to what is right and wrong for my own body. I have full-throttled confidence and trust in John’s abilities and expertise. On top of it all, I look great!
DEBORAH COPELAND:
John Prada is one of the warmest, most thorough, caring people that I've had the pleasure to train under. At the time I started working with John I was going through back pain as well as changing my diet. John's support and guidance as I made this transformation to this higher level of health and overall well-being was fundamental. John catered to my specific needs, making diagrams of each exercise so that I would be able to work independently as well as under his tutelage. Though given to me over three years ago, I still keep these diagrams today and they are part of my regular workout.
John promotes the integrity of the individual and I believe sees every one of his clients through the lens of compassion and understanding. I've never been afraid to ask him a question. He's so patient! I feel very blessed that John has been and continues to be on my team.
SARA ZIFF:
It was a pleasure to train with John. He was always professional during our sessions and got the best out of me without pushing too hard. John also offered a wealth of information on health and nutrition. Working out with John was a great experience and I would recommend him highly to anyone.
ABIGAIL TAYLOR:
“As a Pilates and group fitness instructor, I have high standards for training, and working with John exceeded my expectations. He brings a wealth of diverse knowledge to each person and has a wide range of techniques to help his clients achieve their goals. He is one of the most knowledgeable fitness professionals I have ever come across in my nine years in the industry, and his wisdom and experience allow him to approach each body holistically, which is so vitally important. I would highly recommend working with John to any client that is seeking a safer, smarter workout with a caring and experienced trainer.”
ANTHONY GLOMSKI:
John’s guidance and advice has been an invaluable asset in my training. He is incredibly perceptive and motivates by educating. Having had a few trainers over the years, undeniably John has been the best, both in his approachable demeanor and tangible results. I’m tied to a desk – some days for several hours – and I credit John to correcting my posture and relieving pain in my lower back. His knowledge of muscle groups and the body is key.
JEFF GARDNER:
Knowledge, patience, passion: three oft-tossed terms in the professional sphere, but they are not just words to John Prada; they are his credo, and I have personally benefitted from John’s integrative approach to wellness, fitness and health. As a personal trainer at Equinox, I worked side-by-side with John for two years, and he taught me more than bio-mechanics, movement theory and resistance training: he taught me to practice loving-kindness with all entities. John’s clients are amongst the most fortunate folk I can imagine, as they benefit not only from his cutting-edge skills, but also from his humanity. I recommend John Prada without hesitation.
SHANNON RIVERO:
Before John became a trainer professionally, we would work out together. He showed me so many different ways to get fit in ways that actually made exercise fun for me. I had always had a hard time committing to working out on a regular basis, but knowing I would be meeting John to work out made it easy and hilarious. He's become so knowledgable over the years about health and fitness, it's quite impressive. Thanks John, for getting me fit and keeping me healthy and happy!
MICHAEL S:
John is the smartest trainer around. His balanced and dynamic regimen has gotten me in the best shape of my life and it has been fun and exciting doing it. Before I started working with John, I just tried to get strong or lose weight, but John's approach has actually changed my body type so that now I look and feel like the people I used to think were "just built different." John's advice on diet and lifestyle out of the gym have also contributed to changing my health in ways that I would not have thought possible.
PAUL AHEARNE:
John is the complete trainer. He utterly dedicates himself to structuring the best possible workout regimes for the specific individual taking into account all factors of ones hectic life. Makes working out an absolute pleasure . John please move to Amsterdam, I need you here
STEPHEN HORNEY PT, MPT, MTC:
John has a supreme knowledge, curiosity and ability in the health science world. He is constantly looking at the body as a whole and trying to understand the "why?" along with the "what". He has surrounded himself with people who believe in the same philosophies and will be an asset to anyone looking to tweak or overhaul their body and abilities
STEVE DAWSON:
I have used many trainers over the years and in my experience John is the best. He not only helped me improve my strength he also was instrumental in helping me with all aspects of my health, he is knowledgeable, attentive and trustworthy. His dedication to his clients is truly remarkable. I went from being horribly out of shape to the fittest I have ever been while working out with John. His personality lends itself to his work, he is able to be firm and push you but also know when to balance that with a kind word or a bit of encouragement. Look no further, use John Prada!!!
JORDAN ELLIOT:
John is the first person to properly introduce me to strength training. One of my goals was to put on lean mass while training and it was a goal I met and surpassed. In fact, John's philosophy and technique were so different from what I had known, that I achieved goals that I hadn't even thought possible. Things like: increased mobility, lower resting heart rate, and better overall health. John's knowledge and experience are unsurpassed. He brings a compassion and respect for the human body to the practice that really lets you know you're investing in your health and your future. I would recommend John to anyone who is new or coming back to training and wants to see real results.
Taunya Van Der Steen Mizel:
words of praise for John Prada ~
I am the type of person who hates gyms. I went to gyms reluctantly for some time to survive long work hours, then avoided them as much as possible with a yoga practice for as many years as I could, and then after two pregnancies, I found my more or less slim body was no longer so easily tweaked back into shape.
And then I had one of those high school reunions and 8 weeks as an excuse to challenge myself back toward a remembrance of my body of the past. Sadly, although black is fashionable for architects, it wasn’t hiding my bulges and my excuses.
Fate dealt me the best trainer and match to my frustrations from previous gym experiences. John Prada extensively designed and mapped out my new fitness routine on the first day (he was a designer in another life, so he could feel my pain with the black clothing too)! Every challenge in my attitude was met with John’s encouragement and necessary coaching for me to see a new side to myself while calibrated with all the anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and humor for me to push on (and had he known my last name literally translates as ‘of the Rock’ in Dutch, Sisyphus and any other rock metaphor could have explained the challenge I posed to John as my trainer). I wanted to be healthier, too, so that my body could have me enjoy scaling big rocks in Colorado & the subway stairs down inside the rock of Manhattan.
Our workout goes like this: John has me work out on the Power Plate for strength building and I maintain my cardio routine a few times a week, a combination that has steadily built my endurance over time and made my workouts easier. Training with John on the Power Plate is exceptional in several ways. With the Power Plate as the core of his training program, John can customize my workout to include so many more of the exercise variations found on traditional weight machines. With my own yoga training, what I find especially remarkable is how John can correct my form as I’m working out and thereby guide me toward optimal form by adjusting my posture or stance WHILE I am lifting weights and moving dynamically. Our workouts on the Power Plate combine passive stretching and lymphatic support along with active muscle training, thereby creating more dramatic results in a short time with less pain during the workouts and less pain and a faster recovery after our session. But as there still is no gain without pain, I have to admit, the stretching is my favorite part of our routine as the Power Plate massages and creates more space and length in my muscles and joints.
John’s considerable interests and knowledge of a variety of sports, bodywork modalities and personal pursuits and experiences in seeking optimal health and well being have me continually inspired and challenged as a client. I highly recommend John as an exceptional holistic ‘gym’ trainer. I continue to be amazed with how important this training has been for my total health and well being.
~ Taunya van der Steen – Mizel,
From May 2007-May 2008
inches lost from waist: 2 ½”
inches lost from hips: 2 ½”
weight lost: 8 lb.
depression lost,
muscles gained,
body image altered long term: priceless!
EMILIE E COWAN:
John Prada - I wish you were in San Francisco! Training with John was truly a success - my strength, figure, and overall health and wellness was terrific! I felt great and I loved the workouts. I am very flexible, and have loose rotator cuffs and hip joints, strength training is so very important for me - and John was an incredible resource and help. John's focus on detail - ensuring my form was serving my goals was outstanding - and his depth of knowledge, and understanding of holistic health was such a gift. I saw huge results, and wish I were back in NYC to have the pleasure of working with John. Hopefully again in the future! :-)
ANTONIA G:
John's super knowledgeable, patient, dedicated and thorough. He helped me understand so much more about my body and about fitness in general, and always keeps our workouts interesting and challenging while paying special attention to my individual needs. John's considerable passion and curiosity informs each session, and working with him has helped me gain strength and confidence.
-Antonia G.
Over the last nine years, John Prada has been essential to the ongoing strengthening and repairing of my body. He has seen me through three different shoulder surgeries. When I tried to get back in shape after the first operation and physical therapies, my trainer was improving my physique, but was not addressing some basic issues…like continuing pain. I heard that some trainers at Equinox had elevated knowledge of anatomy for physical rehabilitation. Through a great stroke of luck, I was assigned to John and soon realized how knowledgeable and perceptive he is in understanding the individual, often subtle, needs of each client. I soon felt great relief as my mobility and strength increased and my alignment improved. I knew the ways I moved were now correct and sustaining. I found an overall sense of physical well-being – not to mention lack of pain.
Another accident brought a torn rotator cuff and some nerve damage. There was more shoulder surgery with a full course of physical therapy. John stepped up to help me transition back to maximal physical health. He met with my physical therapist. They spoke the same language. They were on the same page around the mechanics of healing me. John’s knowledge of the anatomy and muscular systems is impeccable. He made sure I did not miss a beat in continuing my recovery. And when a third shoulder surgery became necessary, John was there for me - again consulting with my PT and with authentic concern and professional wisdom.
I continue to train with John. Why wouldn’t I? He has taught me to work with the right muscles, using them more economically and efficiently. I am attuned to the limits of range of motion for my own good and to what is right and wrong for my own body. I have full-throttled confidence and trust in John’s abilities and expertise. On top of it all, I look great!
DEBORAH COPELAND:
John Prada is one of the warmest, most thorough, caring people that I've had the pleasure to train under. At the time I started working with John I was going through back pain as well as changing my diet. John's support and guidance as I made this transformation to this higher level of health and overall well-being was fundamental. John catered to my specific needs, making diagrams of each exercise so that I would be able to work independently as well as under his tutelage. Though given to me over three years ago, I still keep these diagrams today and they are part of my regular workout.
John promotes the integrity of the individual and I believe sees every one of his clients through the lens of compassion and understanding. I've never been afraid to ask him a question. He's so patient! I feel very blessed that John has been and continues to be on my team.
SARA ZIFF:
It was a pleasure to train with John. He was always professional during our sessions and got the best out of me without pushing too hard. John also offered a wealth of information on health and nutrition. Working out with John was a great experience and I would recommend him highly to anyone.
ABIGAIL TAYLOR:
“As a Pilates and group fitness instructor, I have high standards for training, and working with John exceeded my expectations. He brings a wealth of diverse knowledge to each person and has a wide range of techniques to help his clients achieve their goals. He is one of the most knowledgeable fitness professionals I have ever come across in my nine years in the industry, and his wisdom and experience allow him to approach each body holistically, which is so vitally important. I would highly recommend working with John to any client that is seeking a safer, smarter workout with a caring and experienced trainer.”
ANTHONY GLOMSKI:
John’s guidance and advice has been an invaluable asset in my training. He is incredibly perceptive and motivates by educating. Having had a few trainers over the years, undeniably John has been the best, both in his approachable demeanor and tangible results. I’m tied to a desk – some days for several hours – and I credit John to correcting my posture and relieving pain in my lower back. His knowledge of muscle groups and the body is key.
JEFF GARDNER:
Knowledge, patience, passion: three oft-tossed terms in the professional sphere, but they are not just words to John Prada; they are his credo, and I have personally benefitted from John’s integrative approach to wellness, fitness and health. As a personal trainer at Equinox, I worked side-by-side with John for two years, and he taught me more than bio-mechanics, movement theory and resistance training: he taught me to practice loving-kindness with all entities. John’s clients are amongst the most fortunate folk I can imagine, as they benefit not only from his cutting-edge skills, but also from his humanity. I recommend John Prada without hesitation.
SHANNON RIVERO:
Before John became a trainer professionally, we would work out together. He showed me so many different ways to get fit in ways that actually made exercise fun for me. I had always had a hard time committing to working out on a regular basis, but knowing I would be meeting John to work out made it easy and hilarious. He's become so knowledgable over the years about health and fitness, it's quite impressive. Thanks John, for getting me fit and keeping me healthy and happy!
MICHAEL S:
John is the smartest trainer around. His balanced and dynamic regimen has gotten me in the best shape of my life and it has been fun and exciting doing it. Before I started working with John, I just tried to get strong or lose weight, but John's approach has actually changed my body type so that now I look and feel like the people I used to think were "just built different." John's advice on diet and lifestyle out of the gym have also contributed to changing my health in ways that I would not have thought possible.
PAUL AHEARNE:
John is the complete trainer. He utterly dedicates himself to structuring the best possible workout regimes for the specific individual taking into account all factors of ones hectic life. Makes working out an absolute pleasure . John please move to Amsterdam, I need you here
STEPHEN HORNEY PT, MPT, MTC:
John has a supreme knowledge, curiosity and ability in the health science world. He is constantly looking at the body as a whole and trying to understand the "why?" along with the "what". He has surrounded himself with people who believe in the same philosophies and will be an asset to anyone looking to tweak or overhaul their body and abilities
STEVE DAWSON:
I have used many trainers over the years and in my experience John is the best. He not only helped me improve my strength he also was instrumental in helping me with all aspects of my health, he is knowledgeable, attentive and trustworthy. His dedication to his clients is truly remarkable. I went from being horribly out of shape to the fittest I have ever been while working out with John. His personality lends itself to his work, he is able to be firm and push you but also know when to balance that with a kind word or a bit of encouragement. Look no further, use John Prada!!!
JORDAN ELLIOT:
John is the first person to properly introduce me to strength training. One of my goals was to put on lean mass while training and it was a goal I met and surpassed. In fact, John's philosophy and technique were so different from what I had known, that I achieved goals that I hadn't even thought possible. Things like: increased mobility, lower resting heart rate, and better overall health. John's knowledge and experience are unsurpassed. He brings a compassion and respect for the human body to the practice that really lets you know you're investing in your health and your future. I would recommend John to anyone who is new or coming back to training and wants to see real results.
Taunya Van Der Steen Mizel:
words of praise for John Prada ~
I am the type of person who hates gyms. I went to gyms reluctantly for some time to survive long work hours, then avoided them as much as possible with a yoga practice for as many years as I could, and then after two pregnancies, I found my more or less slim body was no longer so easily tweaked back into shape.
And then I had one of those high school reunions and 8 weeks as an excuse to challenge myself back toward a remembrance of my body of the past. Sadly, although black is fashionable for architects, it wasn’t hiding my bulges and my excuses.
Fate dealt me the best trainer and match to my frustrations from previous gym experiences. John Prada extensively designed and mapped out my new fitness routine on the first day (he was a designer in another life, so he could feel my pain with the black clothing too)! Every challenge in my attitude was met with John’s encouragement and necessary coaching for me to see a new side to myself while calibrated with all the anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and humor for me to push on (and had he known my last name literally translates as ‘of the Rock’ in Dutch, Sisyphus and any other rock metaphor could have explained the challenge I posed to John as my trainer). I wanted to be healthier, too, so that my body could have me enjoy scaling big rocks in Colorado & the subway stairs down inside the rock of Manhattan.
Our workout goes like this: John has me work out on the Power Plate for strength building and I maintain my cardio routine a few times a week, a combination that has steadily built my endurance over time and made my workouts easier. Training with John on the Power Plate is exceptional in several ways. With the Power Plate as the core of his training program, John can customize my workout to include so many more of the exercise variations found on traditional weight machines. With my own yoga training, what I find especially remarkable is how John can correct my form as I’m working out and thereby guide me toward optimal form by adjusting my posture or stance WHILE I am lifting weights and moving dynamically. Our workouts on the Power Plate combine passive stretching and lymphatic support along with active muscle training, thereby creating more dramatic results in a short time with less pain during the workouts and less pain and a faster recovery after our session. But as there still is no gain without pain, I have to admit, the stretching is my favorite part of our routine as the Power Plate massages and creates more space and length in my muscles and joints.
John’s considerable interests and knowledge of a variety of sports, bodywork modalities and personal pursuits and experiences in seeking optimal health and well being have me continually inspired and challenged as a client. I highly recommend John as an exceptional holistic ‘gym’ trainer. I continue to be amazed with how important this training has been for my total health and well being.
~ Taunya van der Steen – Mizel,
From May 2007-May 2008
inches lost from waist: 2 ½”
inches lost from hips: 2 ½”
weight lost: 8 lb.
depression lost,
muscles gained,
body image altered long term: priceless!
EMILIE E COWAN:
John Prada - I wish you were in San Francisco! Training with John was truly a success - my strength, figure, and overall health and wellness was terrific! I felt great and I loved the workouts. I am very flexible, and have loose rotator cuffs and hip joints, strength training is so very important for me - and John was an incredible resource and help. John's focus on detail - ensuring my form was serving my goals was outstanding - and his depth of knowledge, and understanding of holistic health was such a gift. I saw huge results, and wish I were back in NYC to have the pleasure of working with John. Hopefully again in the future! :-)
ANTONIA G:
John's super knowledgeable, patient, dedicated and thorough. He helped me understand so much more about my body and about fitness in general, and always keeps our workouts interesting and challenging while paying special attention to my individual needs. John's considerable passion and curiosity informs each session, and working with him has helped me gain strength and confidence.
-Antonia G.