Members Speak

Joel D.

Because of multiple abdominal surgeries and arthritis, I have struggled for decades to find a way of working out that was mindful or even designed for these and other kinds of common problems. Melissa and Pure Strength has been nothing short of life-changing. The slow, but intensive workout has always felt safe while pushing me to my limit. I’ve gained enough strength in my back that I no longer feel back pain. The one-on-one and individual guidance is a big part of this…

Sara S.

If you have been up to date on any of the latest sports science, read the 4 hour body, or heard of “super slow sets” just stop reading this review and call for your appointment. This IS what you are looking for, and the only place I’ve found that understands the principles of scientifically proven muscle development, weight loss, injury prevention, and body health. I saw massive changes to my figure after only a handful of sessions. I am now a model booking (blush) bikini gigs, and just did a semi-nude shoot for an artist’s gallery show opening in Milan. My career, and my man, are both very happy with my results. 🙂

Angie P.

Melissa Gunn and all of her trainers are of the highest quality in terms of knowledge, skill, professionalism, and personality. They know what they are doing. I walked in there 3 years without much strength, not very confident about my body, and scarred from having been injured in almost every workout mode I have ever tried. Melissa reassured me that I would get stronger and that in all the time that she has been a trainer, none of her clients have ever been injured. I signed up. That was 3 years ago, and the only injury I ever suffered was a torn calf muscle – from my dance class! Other than that, I am so much stronger (and I feel it!), I have dropped a size, I have muscles in my shoulders that my husband has complimented and I feel a confidence in my body that I never thought possible. I even feel that my immune system has strengthened as a result of this work. I’m so grateful to have found this method and I give Melissa and her staff my highest recommendation.

Jody R.

Wonderful studio with highly trained professionals and a completely private experience. Flexible days and hours with easy parking in a covered garage. All the trainers are good, but make sure you have at least one session with Melissa. I’ve been going for five years and have never felt better or stronger.

Lotti K.

I love working out with Melissa, Randi, and the other trainers here so very much! After just a few sessions I could feel my body changing, getting stronger. Slow-motion strength training is incredibly challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. The trainers are very attuned to proper form and any physical issues we might have, while also being very encouraging. (I’m really missing my sessions due to the Coronavirus quarantine, and hope to be back working out here soon!)

Missy M.

​​I just had my first workout with Melissa Gunn. . .and oh WOW was it awesome! I have been fortunate to work out with the best of the best and over the last fifteen years, I  achieved tremendous results in losing weight and reshaping my body. I even ran a 1/2  marathon but nothing prepared me for the workout I had today. Less “IS” more, in 20 minutes with Melissa my whole body has just the right amount of fatigue and soreness, it feels as though I went to a kickboxing class AND did an hour of weight training. I had heard amazing raves and reviews and seen first-hand results in person about the slow strength training technique. It got my curiosity sparked as I try to tackle the battle of the bulge over the next ten weeks and signed up for a package of sessions. This is a genius workout! Melissa and her two trainers explained the technique in detailed perfection, answered all my questions and set my mind at ease. . . .but even then I wasn’t sure what I was in for, it wasn’t until I actually jumped on the machine and got started that I realized this was going to be the key to my losing weight and getting ripped for the upcoming summer season. I expect great results and will update in ten weeks. My family owns a well-known Pilates studio, and I am an avid Bikram practitioner but  Pure Strength is where it’s at if you want to get buff fast. The private gym is convenient to get to, free validated parking, clean and the vivacious encouragement given every minute was engaging and has got me excited for my next workout!. . . .and it’s a whole week away. I am so excited that I took a chance on this inventive form of strength training. I would encourage everyone to do something wonderful for your body and spirit and treat yourself to the introductory class and experience slow strength training for yourself. I know you won’t be disappointed and after all, when you consider the price you would pay for your health,  you realize this is priceless 🙂

Jeff Zuckerman

I have been a member of Pure Strength for a full year now. After approximately 50 one-on-one private training sessions, once weekly for 20-30 minutes each, I am very satisfied with the results I’ve achieved. When people comment on how my body has changed, and ask how I’ve done it, they are shocked to hear how little of my time has gone into it. The science behind the techniques used at Pure Strength makes the workouts efficient and effective. All the trainers, and especially owner Melissa Gunn, are a pleasure to be around. They each know how to get the most from each workout without pushing you beyond your breaking point. Yes, the workouts are intense, but simply put, there’s probably nothing better you can do to gain strength safely and efficiently than getting a membership at Pure Strength.

Alanna Brown

I am almost 75, and the slow weight program with an individual coach has aided health and quality of life immeasurably.  With a coach, I have been able to dramatically strengthen muscles without injury.  The body really responds to the workouts and I also become more flexible, believe it or not! As well as better at balance.  The weights also really get the circulation going and blood flowing.  Melissa and Kirsten, whom I have worked with, are so attentive and encouraging, and knowledgeable.  I cannot speak too highly of the program or of them!

Irwin Tessler

When I joined Pure Strength in November of 2019, I was not sure footed and had leg and knee pain from doing simple tasks around the house.  Within a few weeks after starting at Pure Strength, I started gaining strength and feeling better. I was able to lift heavy water bottles and perform everyday tasks that I had trouble with previously, plus I had more energy.  In July of 2020, I was in a car accident where my car was totaled. My doctor prescribed me physical therapy for six weeks, and by week two, my physical therapist was amazed at the progress I was making. She said it was a direct result of me being in good shape, and to keep up the good work. And I have. Thanks Melissa!

Susan Landau

I’ve been a client of PureStrength since 2004. Melissa Gunn has been my instructor since 2002. Melissa Gunn is extremely well qualified, professional and caring. I travel 10 miles from my home (there are facilities much closer) so I can workout with Melissa. As a woman in her sixties, I understand the need for weight training to prevent muscle loss and build stamina. Melissa’s program has not only given me increased endurance for my everyday activities, but has, because of muscle tone, improved my skiing. I would give an unqualified endorsement to the workout at PureStrength, but more importantly to Melissa Gunn’s commitment and the attention she gives to each client.

Nicolas Bobroff

As a busy professional, like most of us, I have limited time to take care of myself, and fitness is usually the first thing to go when time gets tight. Pure Strength sounded possible and impossible at the same time! Twenty minutes once a week is the ideal workout, but would it even work? Of course the answer is yes! Pure Strength gives me the challenging exercise I need in just the right amount of time. From when I started at Pure Strength in 2009, I’ve seen great improvements in my strength and tone, especially in my arms and legs. Every week I am surprised how exhausted and exhilarated I feel after twenty minutes – it is life changing!

Michael Wright

I’ve always been jealous of those people who boast about how much they love working out. Jealous and suspicious, that is. Who in the world wants to willingly subject themselves to pain on a regular basis? Do these people love dental exams and IRS audits, too? As a result, I’ve spent a lifetime enthusiastically jumping into workout regimens, only to shamefully skulk out a few weeks or months later. Traditional weightlifting, aerobics, cycling, even tried kung-fu… I bailed on all of them. Then, one day, my wife discovered this little out of the way gym in Studio City that promised to improve my physical fitness with only one twenty minute workout a week. One workout a week? My first thought was ‘no way’ and my second thought was ‘even I can suck it up for twenty minutes a week!’ Now, I am amazed that I’ve somehow become such a committed super-slow enthusiast. I enjoy it so much, I even found myself adding a second workout a week. Since I started in 2011, I’ve lost twenty pounds, increased my strength and energy, and when I had my heart exam, (welcome to 50…) the doctor could somehow tell from the tests that I was lifting weights and said to keep it up as it’s a great heart workout.

Michael Neill

When I began working out with Melissa, she told me two things – I probably wouldn’t enjoy it, and spending just 20 minutes a week with her would completely change my body for the better within a year. From the time I started in 2012 to now, I’m not only fitter and stronger than I’ve ever been in my life, I’m actually enjoying working out.

Lauren Kitchens

Melissa has been my trainer, advocate and friend since 2002. I have always had a lot of energy and drive but grew weary with hours at the gym and no results. I was not getting the lean look I desired. I tried every diet and work out plan on the planet, all to no avail. This baby chub was not budging. Thank God above that a friend mentioned PureStrength… I respected this person’s knowledge of the exercise industry, so I jumped in feet first and have never been the same. I have so many comments about my lean frame!! Friends who have known me for along time gasp, “What are you doing???” If I only had a dime for every one of those, I would be set for life. The bottom-line is…IT WORKS no matter what your lifestyle.

John T. Knight, M.D.

I have been involved in SuperSlow® training for years prior to moving to Los Angeles and have picked right up where I left off with Melissa Gunn at PureStrength. As a busy professional wanting to stay fit, this form of exercise makes perfect sense as I can work out once per week for only 30 minutes without breaking a sweat. As an orthopedic surgeon, it makes sense as it works all muscle fiber groups unlike conventional weight training leading to healthier muscle. It is safer for tendons, nerves, and joints allowing more time for recovery unlike conventional weight-training. With increased muscle tone and an appropriate caloric intake, fat is replaced by muscle. I have had many cardiologist colleagues over the years tout this form of exercise explaining that healthier muscle requires more blood for nourishment which also gives the heart a workout making it healthier, similar to a cardio workout.

Jeannie Roshar

I’ve been a regular client of PureStrength since 2011. It’s the longest (by far) that I have ever stuck with a fitness program, and it’s because it works! What drew me in was the one time a week aspect of the workout. I figured that if I can’t keep a one time a week commitment to my physical health, I might as well give up completely! I injured my back in a car accident when I was 18 and fractured my tailbone twice, so chronic back pain had been a part of my life. It would feel a lot better when I did yoga 3-5 times a week, but that just wasn’t a schedule that I could stick too. In my first pregnancy, my back and hip pain was so bad that I was in physical therapy from my 8th week of pregnancy until well after the baby came. I started at PureStrength, when my first child was almost two, with the goal of strengthening my body before I got pregnant again. It worked, and my back felt stronger and pain-free! I can even do pull-ups, which I read only 5% of women can do, and I never dreamed I would be able to, so to me, this was huge! Two years later, when I got pregnant again, it was so different! Even though I was four years older, it was a breeze! No back pain, no hip pain, and I worked out until I delivered! I should also mention that I only gained 25 pounds the whole pregnancy, and got back in shape immediately. All I do is give it my all, once a week, for 20-30 minutes and in return I’m strong and in shape and have no back pain. Talk about a good use of time!!!

Jeanne Goen, Ph.D.

Thanks to my PureStrength training program, I have lost 18 pounds and 11 percent body fat. I have developed a lean, energetic, and trim look, and feel terrific. People have approached me on the golf course, in stores, and during travel abroad with unsolicited remarks on my fitness, appearance, and “wholesome presence.” As I just turned 75, I am most grateful to find such a unique and rewarding program as PureStrength.

Emily Dauer

PureStrength has changed my life! My metabolism is better and I have long, lean muscles. I worked very hard, changed my eating habits and it took time but was completely worth it! I was afraid that I would dread the workouts or that I would bulk up but after years that has not happened! Over 40 pounds later I am a new, fitter me!

Andrea Michaels

In the year 2000, I had gastric bypass surgery. People noticed that I lost weight…almost 100 pounds. Then I had a tummy tuck and started an exercise program. People noticed that I looked better. But as some of my friends pointed out to me, there were things that “sagged” or in their words, “don’t wear spaghetti strapped clothing.” Then, I started PureStrength in 2005. After a few months of diligent working out with Melissa and team, a girlfriend, who had noticed all that, picked me up at the airport in Chicago. Her jaw dropped. “What DID you do to yourself?” she screamed. “You look SO different!!!!” I realized that my shape had changed and my strength had improved. My boobs were now pointing forward instead of down, my shoulders were back, and my arms had muscles. Yes, muscles! My body said, “You are a confident and strong woman.” My posture was erect. My head held high. And all of that made me smile…all the time. I looked different because I felt different. And because I feel good, I look good. Yet looking good is not the only benefit. A couple of years ago, I took a bad fall and spent months on crutches. In my past (pre PureStrength) life, I could never have managed to put all that weight onto my arms. But, no problem. I could move around freely without even breaking a sweat. Why? Because I had muscles and strength. To this day, I don’t miss a work out because I want to stay this way. YIPPEE!

Allen R. Nissenson, MD, FACP

Having worked out using the SuperSlow® method since 2003, it is clear that I am hooked. The short, but intense workouts have enabled me to achieve many of my fitness goals: Increased strength, muscle toning and shaping. The privacy and personal attention that are provided at PureStrength by Melissa Gunn are exactly what I needed to succeed and stick with my fitness training. I highly recommend PureStrength to anyone who wants to feel and look more fit, but who has limited time for working out and exercising.