Feel Better Than You Ever Have
Personal Training or Saturday Bootcamp?
Some clients prefer the privacy of one on one personal training, while others enjoy the camaraderie of working out with others in a fun and challenging group fitness experience.
Check out my services to see which best suit your fitness goals.
What Clients Say
“I was sixty-six when I met Jeff two and a half years ago after I realized occasional walking was not a good plan for long-term physical health. We agreed to try things for a month and see how I felt as the New Year approached. Twice a week we met for thoroughly planned sessions designed to increase my strength, balance, and endurance. We are still at it 160 sessions later. I don't know what better recommendation I can offer than I continue to make progress every month.”
Ralph Long-Oakland CA
I began having training sessions with Jeff after having gone through physical therapy for piriformis syndrome, which resulted in sciatica pain. It was suggested that I strengthen those muscles in order to avoid future episodes. Jeff was very thoughtful and provided a program to address said issue. We also worked on upper body strength while focusing on good form. I would recommend Jeff without reservations . My daughter has also trained with Jeff and enjoys their sessions.
Antoinette Torres
“I have been training with Jeff regularly since December 2023. Obviously, I get a lot out of our sessions. He is very patient and works at my level with the appropriate amount of pushing to match my goals and abilities. For almost a year, I have also been attending Jeff's Saturday Boot Camp program. Although I was hesitant at first, his program is designed for those of us who are older and there is always the opportunity to go easier or push harder. It has been a great group.”
Larry Wolfson
"I've been training with Jeff for over 3 months while rehabbing a rotator cuff injury. Jeff created an all-around fitness program that dovetails with my physical therapy. Each week's training is a cooperative effort to conform my workout with my current fitness level. Jeff is a skilled trainer and a good listener. Highly recommended.”
Stuart Offer
When I began working with Jeff in the fall of 2025, I was 60 and had been weight training for 20 years, but my routine had grown stale, boring and unchallenging, and my motivation had suffered. Jeff infused my workouts with a wide variety of fresh exercises on unfamiliar equipment, refreshing my training sessions, approach and attitude. I enter the gym now with a more positive mindset, curious to discover what I can achieve.
Kate MacDonald, 61, Oakland, CA
"When I first met Jeff Rapson at the YMCA, his warm and patient approach made me feel comfortable right away — so I signed up for an extended series of private training sessions. Jeff quickly assessed where I was strong, where I had room to grow, and built a program tailored around that. More than a year later, I'm stronger than I've been in years and genuinely confident in my ability to keep improving. I'm a 72-year-old man doing 8 unassisted pull-ups — and I'm already setting my sights on 10!"
David G
"I’ve been training with Jeff through both one-on-one personal training sessions and his Saturday group exercise classes. I genuinely enjoy both experiences for different reasons.
In personal training, Jeff is exceptionally attentive and intentional. He always explains which muscle group we’re targeting and why a specific exercise matters, whether it’s improving balance, building strength, or enhancing stability. That level of clarity makes every session purposeful. He listens carefully, assesses my needs, and adjusts the workout accordingly. I never feel like I’m just going through the motions; I understand what I’m doing and why I’m doing it.
His Saturday group classes are just as impressive. Jeff brings energy and makes every session fun and engaging, never dull. He creates a positive atmosphere that keeps everyone motivated, yet he still manages to give individual attention within the group setting. He notices effort, offers corrections when needed, and encourages each person with kind, supportive words.
Jeff strikes the perfect balance between professionalism, knowledge, and encouragement. I highly recommend Jeff to anyone looking for a trainer who is skilled, attentive, and genuinely invested in helping people improve.”
Renata Porkolab
“As someone who has had many personal trainers over the years, Jeff is one of the best! He is the only personal trainer I've had who at the end of each of our sessions would email me notes on what we did and what we discussed. Jeff is very conscientious about your personal work out goals and develops sessions that are focused on these goals. I learned a great deal from Jeff and am still benefiting from his sessions. I highly recommend Jeff as a personal trainer."
Elisa -gym member for over 30 years
“I can’t say enough about Jeff Rapson’s boot camps at The Institute in Uptown Oakland! In a beautiful location with a great group of folks, they have been a great way to jump start my weekend. Bootcamp is my new priority for Saturdays! Jeff’s thoughtful and challenging workouts are a great balance of cardio, strength, balance and core work and have really revitalized my fitness routine. Thank you Jeff!”
Darcy Babbitt
“How can strength training be liberating at 78 years of age?
I'm a so-so active, widowed woman, slightly overweight, poor balance, with lots of positive energy. I view my weekly session with Jeff (soon to be 2x a week) as an opportunity to push my body and accomplish the strength and stability I need to live for another 20+ years. Jeff pushes me and teaches me how to move and live in my body. I have become confident in what I can achieve physically. Since working with Jeff I have learned to love my limitations and strengthen my body and mind.”
Maria Rosa
“I highly recommend training with Jeff. I’m in the middle of my second 4 session package. In my first package I wanted to get jump started on weight training. Jeff made the process educational and fun. He explained and demonstrated clearly. Now, in my second package one year later, I’ve asked for help creating an upper body and core regimen due to a bad knee. Jeff came up with a creative workout and is consistently attentive towards making modifications as needed.”
Mary Rae
“The real deal! At the age of 78 I've trained with a wide range of personal trainers over the years. Jeff is outstanding: knowledgeable, patient, a great listener. He knows when to push and when to pull back. Feedback is focused and always encouraging. He comes into each session with a clear plan and keeps my goals in mind.
I have recommended him to friends many over 60 years old and they let me know how much they enjoy their sessions,
Do It!!”
Jerry W- Oakland
“Jeff is a wonderful trainer, and a stellar person as well. He is knowledgeable, experienced, and tuned into the small details of your physical capabilities and limitations, as well as knowledgeable about health issues. I felt very seen and supported in exactly what I needed when I worked with Jeff as a personal trainer, as well as when I attended his own training studio. He pushed me just enough to have me experience that I could do more than I thought, and he educated me in a step by step program to get me moving forward in my physical workouts. In addition, Jeff is so down to earth, friendly and easy to be with. I highly recommend Jeff for your workout needs.”
Marilyn Marco
“Jeff has been unbelievably helpful in my fitness journey. I have some unusual medical restrictions on exercise; he listened to them and put together a full-body workout plan that's helping me get stronger and feel better in my body. He's been incredibly encouraging every step of the way. I look forward to every session with him, and I'm getting a ton out of our work together. “
Jim
“I worked with Jeff as my personal trainer last year, and he was great. He is very knowledgeable and was able to tailor sports-specific workouts for me. He helped me with flexibility and strength, and helped me avoid injuries and strains.”
Charles Triay