It is my great pleasure to write on behalf of Jon Kaplan, who has been my personal trainer for the last few years and has also worked with my wife individually and in group lessons. I write also on her behalf.
Jon has a truly exceptional and rare skill set: First, he has a really exceptional ability to understand exactly where one’s fitness level is, and design workouts to stretch effort, in a way that maximizes both one’s incentive and the impact on health and fitness. I have never had a trainer that has anything close to this level of intuitive judgment.
Second, he is a thoughtful about designing group lessons as he is in individual sessions. My wife has at times re-organized her schedule around Jon’s on-line lessons during COVID-19 because she finds his lessons to be so important to her health and to her morale. Jon is able to reach folks across a very wide age-span and do so with tact and energy and support.
Third, Jon is highly imaginative in changing the exercise regime to continue to challenge and engage. This means that routines are never routine! Over many months, this becomes extremely important to sustain motivation.
Finally, Jon is simply a delightful human being: personally, he is full of positive energy and good cheer. Socially, Jon has been a great community leader, a thoughtful and creative part of multiple important causes and initiatives. One never feels that he is simply trainer – Jon becomes a friend and a person that one comes to deeply admire.
In short, Jon is a true master of his profession: he has changed my life – I am far healthier and far more energized than I have been in many years – and far more importantly, I have met enough of Jon’s other clients to know that he has done the same for them. Here in Baltimore, we will each miss him very very much. Jon is simply outstanding at what he does – I am delighted to give Jon the highest possible endorsement.
Dr. David Steiner
I had heard that women should do some weight training as they get older as it helps build stronger bones, and prolongs life, but I had always been uncomfortable in gyms where both machines and people intimidated me. So, I was apprehensive when I first signed up to exercise with Jon. But after our first workout together I realized I need not fear. Jon really met me where I was – a reluctant, rather inexperienced and somewhat weak athlete who needs lots of constant encouragement. Jon has years of experience, understands how the body works, and knew how to design the perfect workout for me, pushing me just hard enough while at the same time making sure I do no overdo it or incur any injuries. He also makes each workout fun and enjoyable, so that neither one of us gets bored. And it works! After two years, I have better posture, am much stronger, and even have a little bit of muscle tone! I may not always be the most enthusiastic trainee – unlike some I do not get excited about exercising — but I have not quit because Jon does not let me off the hook and once I am there, I do have fun. Even better, I feel great and am happy for the rest of the day!
Kristine Smets
Genealogy — History — Bibliography
As a trainer, Jon Kaplan is perceptive and adaptable. He spends the time to get to know his clients and modifies his sessions to challenge them appropriate to their needs, age, and ability. The sessions never seem as long as they really are because Jon is so entertaining. Jon has a wealth of good advice for nutrition and healthy living. My daughter found Jon for me and I will be eternally grateful.
Mina Werner