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If you're new to Philadelphia Private Gym™, we offer one on one personal training. That is, you and a trainer — with more than 20 years of experience, certified with the prestigious American Council on Exercise, a nationally acclaimed certification. In this 4,000 square foot gym. The gym is located at the end of what was Woodbine plaza, 2636 Bristol Pike, through a red door and down the steps, and you’ll be in a nice, cool temporary sanctuary from the sun, away from preying eyes — there are no windows as it is underground! There are showers, lockers if you need them. And if you need a quick bite, Marian can fix you up a snack, she'll hook you up with an eating routine that will surely get you in shape and energetic throughout the rest of your day.
Finding a trainer who listens to and takes seriously the fitness goals of a woman in her late 50s is no easy task. After working out with young trainers at a large gym, I knew that I had to start my search for a trainer elsewhere.
Happily, I found Marian at Philadelphia Private Gym several years ago. Marian listened to my goals and developed a plan that help me to improve my fitness and increase my strength. Since working out with Marian, I have taken up a new sport and now row 2 or 3 times each week on the Schuylkill River before work. Through Marian's individualized workout, I have developed the strength and stamina to compete with athletes many years my junior, including my granddaughter who rows for her college crew team. I am so fortunate to have the ability to engage in these activities and cannot imagine being able to do so without Marian's guidance and encouragement. — Eleanor Flannery
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Trainers
For more almost 3 decades, Pondeli has been professionally training individuals in the Delaware Valley. Currently, with 27 years of experience behind him in the fitness arena, the nationally certified trainer has served as head trainer for the late Dr. Jim Corea, Dean Emeritus of Philadelphia's fitness scene. Pondeli has also worked as an in-house personal trainer at Weston Fitness in Bala Cynwyd, PA; Senior Personal Trainer at Hatfield Athletic Club in Hatfield, PA; and Head Trainer at Riverside Racquetball and Fitness in Bala Cynwyd, PA as well as other facilities throughout the Philadelphia area. Visiting this one-time high school athlete in his 4,000 sq. foot private gym is an experience unto itself. But, as a consultant, Pondeli also helps others design and set up facilities in the privacy of their own homes as well as for various companies. He's lent his fitness expertise to everyone from models to high school, college and professional athletes.
With a passion for fitness and an innate focus on bodybuilding, the nationally certified Marian Almario-Hajioannou brings her own brand of personalized training to the center. Originally from the Philippines, Marian began her career in 1990 as an instructor. Being result-driven, she added weight lifting to her repertoire and soon became her own best client. In short, Marian rose to the top of competitive bodybuilding, achieving the title of "Ms. Philippines 1999".
Marian's sensitivity to an individual's needs - combined with her goal-oriented and winning ways - make her the perfect addition to Pondeli's Personal Training Center.
Facility
The facility, is located half a mile off of I-95's Street Road exit, in the Woodbine Plaza. With over 4000 sq ft of training space, media cardio room, locker rooms and a massage room you will have the most privacy you need for a dedicated workout. Equipped with treadmills, free weights, plyometrics, Nautilus equipment, everything to make your goal successful in the professional setting you desire.
FAQs
Answers to what you've wanted to find out about Philadelphia Private Gym™ at Pondeli's. Click on your queries below to see Pondeli's answers. If you don't see what you're trying to find out, feel free to contact us.
How do I get started? Call us at 215-245-0802 to set up an appointment for a free evaluation.At the evaluation we will set up your workout schedule.
How long is the evaluation? An evaluation takes approximately one hour. Evaluations are free and done by Pondeli.
Read more about the evaluation here.
Can I just drop in to ask some questions and see the gym?
This is a private gym. You must first make an appointment. When you come in, you will be speaking directly to Pondeli. He wants to be able to give you his full attention. We would not be able to do that if we were with a client when you dropped by. That would not be fair to them, or to you. How long is each workout?
Each session is one hour. Do you have changing rooms and showers?
Yes. We have a women’s and a men’s changing room, each with a shower. Lockers can also be rented. How many times a week should I work out?
On average our clients work out 3 times a week, but we will work with you to develop the workout program that meets your individual needs and best fits your personal schedule. How long will it take for me to see results?
You will feel better about yourself and your body after just the first session. As to seeing physical results, each person’s body responds to working out differently but if — in addition to your regular workouts — you eat properly and sleep well, you should see results in 2 to 3 months. I’m a golfer hoping to improve my game. My wife wants to look better in a bathing suit.
Do you have any special programs that can help us?
Yes, every client’s program is designed specifically for him or her. During your evaluation the particular results that you want to achieve are discussed and your workout is then designed to meet your individual needs. How many times a week should I work out?
On average our clients work out 3 times a week, but we will work with you to develop the workout program that meets your individual needs and best fits your personal schedule. Can my wife and I work out together?
Yes. At Pondeli’s One on One Personal Training Center, we have a strict “one trainer to one client” ratio. As such, each of you will work with your own trainer. Since both Pondeli and Marian are available for trainings, we are able to schedule your workouts at the same time in order to accommodate this. At other gyms that I have been to, sometimes two or three people work with a trainer
at the same time. Why don’t you do that at Pondeli's?
Since each client’s needs are different, we believe that to get the maximum workout in the hour’s session the trainer needs to devote their full attention to the client — without any distractions. By keeping to our “one trainer to one client” ratio, we are able to achieve this. So, I get the whole gym to myself?
The most people you will ever see on the gym floor is yourself and your trainer plus one other client and their trainer. This is why it's called a private gym. There are only two trainers at the gym?
Yes. Pondeli has been training people for over 24 years. Marian has 17 years experience as a trainer and is the winner of the 1999 Ms. Philippines IFBB. Staying small -- with excellent, experienced trainers is basic to our concept and the reason that it works. My work keeps me stressed out with limited time to myself. Also, I tend to be a
very private person. Would Pondeli's work for me?
Our mission is to help you focus on yourself in order to achieve your personal workout goals. We strive to make all of our clients comfortable and to feel at home. We are purposely located below street level and have no windows, which keeps outside distractions to a minimum. Once you come into the private gym, we want you leave your worries outside. On the web site it says that you work with athletes, models and actors.
Are there really celebrities who work out at Pondeli's? Who are they?
In our eyes, everyone who works out with us is a celebrity. Our clients do indeed include athletes, models, and actors, as well as several high-profile business people, however — as we respect the privacy of all of our clients — it is our policy to not divulge individual names without the client’s expressed approval. We have worked with models from Ford and I.D. agencies, golfers, skiers, football players, basketball players, and soccer players.
Please check out our client referrals on our web site. We are members of the Greater Philadelphia Film and Video Guide, as we are the only private gym in Philadelphia and its' suburbs. What is the Greater Philadelphia Film and Video Guide?
It is a guide used for referencing services for movies and commercials done in Philadelphia. Can Pondeli come to my house and help me workout?
Yes, he already provides that service for many of his current clients. What if I do not have gym equipment at my house? Can Pondeli help me setup a
personal gym at my house or at my workplace?
Yes, Pondeli has helped many of his clients setup their own gym at home or at work. What are your fees?
The cost for a single personal training session after the free evaluation is $70 an hour. We also offer discounts for 12, 24, and 36 session packages. Am I required to sign a contract?
No. We have no contracts or hidden agreements. You simply sign up for as many sessions as fit your
individual needs.
Contact
Send us an email
pondeli@pondeli.com
marian@pondeli.com
Philadelphia Private Gym™ is located at
2636 Bristol Pike,
Bensalem, PA 19020
215-245-0802
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