For someone who hadn't worked out in many years and gained a lot of weight Marvin was great at putting together some basic workouts when we met twice a week as well as giving me workouts to do on my own and following up with texts through the week encouraging me with my diet. He was a great motivator who kept challenging me each week and also making the workouts fun. I still hate burpees though, Marvin! Since he is a powerlifter it was especially helpful when we started lifting weights to have someone with his expertise helping me lift safely and with proper form. If I had the chance to work with Marvin again I would not hesitate to do so. If you are someone who is just starting out and wants to drop some pounds or wants to learn how to lift weights properly or has been working out but wants to get to the next level in their training I would highly recommend Marvin! FYI- In the year we worked together I dropped 38 lbs from 250 lbs to 212 lbs and reduced my (bad) cholesterol from 213 to 173. I continue to use a lot of the warmup and lifting techniques as well as exercises Marvin taught me as these continue to help me keep my weight down around 200 lbs (I am 6 ft. 3 In) and cholesterol down under 170 and increase my stamina and muscle each day. 

Hal B.

 When I started with Marvin as my personal trainer, I was new to the physical requirements and exercise methods my body needed to get in shape. Marvin started slowly, but steady. As an older woman 50+, that is exactly what I wanted. As our sessions became regular, he enabled me to push myself with confidence to greater weights and movements. His knowledge of exercises, body impacts and nutrition guidance was what I needed to start and maintain my weight and health goals. His exercise methods have stayed with me as I have continued in other arenas. They are on point! I highly recommend Marvin as he lives his passions each and every day and can help anyone willing to try. Healthier than ever. 

Lori H.

 I wanted to thank you for being the best coach and keeping me motivated to continue in my fitness goals. I still continue to incorporate your techniques and tips every day I’m in the gym! 

Alexa R.

 Marvin Ortanez never ceases to inspire and motivate me with my workout goals. Through his passionate and thoughtful coaching advice, I always feel like I am able to obtain the results that I desire if I follow his protocol. Marvin provides excellent client education whenever I have questions regarding my routine or nutritional information. I feel like he really listens to my input when I want to modify my work out for different goals. You can count on Marvin to be your go to fitness guru. 

Sophie L.

 Marvin is the best trainer I’ve had! I’ve worked with him for the past year, and with the custom routines he’s developed, I feel much stronger, healthier, and motivated to improve. He often introduces new ideas to our workouts, keeping them fresh, fun, and challenging. He even goes the extra mile, creating plans I can safely do at home and introducing foods and apps for a better diet. I’ve learned so much from Marvin and would definitely recommend working with him! 

Joanna L.

 I worked with Marvin over a period of 18 months. During that time, he carefully customized a workout plan and provided advice about how to eat better. I was impressed by Marvin's overall combination of high character and his competence in the gym. Not only did I lean down because of his training, but I felt healthier and more energized as a result of his excellent advice. 

Mike M.

 Enrolling for coaching sessions with Marvin is truly the best decision I made since getting injured several years ago. Marvin helped me recover my knee strength and get fit (again!). He is very knowledgeable, and I trust him 100% for selecting the right sets of exercises for me. His incredibly positive attitude makes the sessions fun and enjoyable. I highly recommend Marvin for anyone who wants to get fit and energized by well balanced & safe coaching sessions. 

Marielle C.

 I started virtual, individual training sessions with Marvin about 5 months ago. For somebody who hasn’t worked out in ages, I really appreciate Marvin’s personalized, tailor-made approach. I feel safe that the exercises are appropriate for where my body is: challenging enough to make improvements without the risk of hurting myself, especially my back. Marvin is constantly checking in and adjusting the exercises as needed. Within weeks, I felt improvements in posture, upper body strength and balance. The virtual sessions are the perfect balance for me: it allows me to work with Marvin one-on-one while staying in the comfort of my home. Most importantly, Marvin’s positive, optimistic character makes the sessions enjoyable and fun! 

Andreas C.

 Marvin is a knowledgeable and well-rounded coach. He understands the needs of an athlete to help them perform at the highest levels. Not only is he an excellent coach, but he helps you understand as an athlete why certain exercises and movements need to be performed. Whether you are trying to lose weight or trying to win a championship, Marvin is your guy! 

Mikey P.

 Training with Marvin has been a pleasure, I was needing guidance and momentum, Marvin had helped me organize my routine and diet, he is very knowledgeable of his craft, he uses science-based approach on his training regimen. He has regularly kept up with my training schedule, diet and diligently tailored my workouts towards specific weekly goals. I appreciate his willingness to help his clients, I recommend his services to anyone that is dedicated to get back in shape! 

Miguel P.

     

 This review is for personal trainer Melanie Ortanez. Mel and I met 8 years ago when I was newly engaged. I was consistently going to the the gym and classes, but struggling to see progress. When I signed on to train with Mel, she helped me build a nutrition plan along with weekly sessions, and homework to do in my own time. She also taught me how to count macros, and ways to incorporate alcohol and cheat meals. With her guidance, after 6 months, I decreased my body fat percentage by 35% to where wanted to be for my wedding. When I was pregnant and postpartum, she helped me stay strong and consistent throughout. What I appreciated was that she understood that goals shift with our life stage changes. As a coach, Mel is very thorough and works with your lifestyle (flexibility on vacations, special occasions, etc.). She even writes me workout plans for when I go on vacation and have limited equipment. She is also my go-to person for supplement questions and is always in the know for the most delicious healthy snacks! With the continued results, I continue to train with Mel and have never felt better in my life. Highly recommend Melanie! 

Angela H.

     

 Working with Mel changed my life. When we started, I was doing physical therapy for an early frozen shoulder diagnosis. I had very limited mobility, was in pain and so weak. I had also packed on some weight that I could not get off because I couldn't move. It was a vicious cycle that I really needed help getting out of. I started working with Mel and she customized my fitness plan. She listened carefully to my concerns/discomfort and I always trusted her vision of what was possible. She had a background in physical therapy and was familiar with the issues that I had with my shoulder. It was alot of hard work but Mel has such an infectious positivity. I knew when she pushed, it was always something she knew I could do. All of the work we did really paved the way for me to have a pain-free vacation backpacking Europe for a month and a very active lifestyle when I lived in the UK recently. When I think back to how far I have come in terms of strength and mobility (probably 99% there) - I am amazed at how much we were able to accomplish together. Mel is as committed in your success as you want her to be. In our sessions, we worked hard but it was always alot of fun and filled with laughter. She is a wealth of information, a cheerleader, health and wellness guru and a gem of a human being. 

Tracy V.

     

 I started training with Melanie November of 2016. After one of previous personal trainers left Bakar Fitness I tried a few people before finding Melanie. Melanie's profile caught my eye on the website of Bakar fitness. I have always been on the petite side naturally and one of my goals was to be able to gain muscle and be strong. I never thought it was possible for me to be very strong being a 5'3 and naturally skinny person. Melanie definitely proved me wrong! My proudest moment was when I was able to deadlift 185lbs (I was myself 107lbs). While the number of pounds gained/lost definitely shows progress and reflects great milestones in one's personal health journey, training with Melanie has helped me look at health beyond numbers. Training with Melanie has had cascading positive effects in my life. I have become more disciplined when it comes to my health which in turn has improved my diet, reduced my anxiety, helped with my insomnia. Melanie is definitely unique in her approach. I have had several trainers where training means 1 hour of working out with them every week. Melanie is not your average trainer. She cares deeply about her clients and goes above and beyond for them. Outside of our 1 hour of training, to give an example of how Melanie came through as a coach for me - She gave me a nutritional program and kept me accountable. I broke my wrist from a bike ride; Mel helped me train my lower body in isolation for multiple months which helped me stay healthy physically and emotionally. I also had a shoulder surgery from a sports injury. I experienced a lot of atrophy and stiffness after the surgery. Melanie has supported me over the last 2 years to build back my strength and range of motion. I can do pull ups again! I have gained a lot of strength and muscle with her programs. Melanie is not a trainer that just cares about the number of pounds dropped/gained or to just get you high numbers for squats or deadlifts. She is very cognizant of injuries, she puts a lot of focus on conditioning and stretching and taking care of your body like it is a temple.She is extremely educated about anatomy. These qualities differentiates Melanie's programs from just another personal training experience. People often think having a personal trainer is not worth the money. Why pay someone when you can google exercises/programs. Having done my share of googling programs and investing in a personal trainer like Melanie, I can definitely say I am better off with Melanie. I look at health differently now and investing in having an expert like Melanie has definitely been the right choice and the returns have been more than worth it. 

Shalini K.

     

 Coach Melanie is da best (I live in Hawaii now)! Whether in person or virtual she is amazing! Always supporting and helping you progress to meet your fitness, health and wellness goals! She is knowledgeable, non judgmental, kind and tailors the training for me! She always takes into account my aches , pains, post surgical condition, schedule, events, nutrition - you name it - Coach Melanie has always made adjustments that help me in my journey. I am so impressed by her! I met Coach Melanie at the UCSF Bakar Fitness Center when I barely exercised after a cervical spine surgery years ago. I was having back and nerve pain and I hadn't done a triathlon or run in eons, couldn't do a push-up and didn't exercise regularly. After working with Coach Melanie I strength train consistently ( super important for us all!), completed the sprint distance Honolulu triathlon, a couple of 10k's and few metric century rides and am on my way to more! My goal is to one day complete the iron- person distance tri and if anyone can help me get there it's Coach Melanie. We talk over nutrition I even meal prep now - not something I did before. I've had a few trainers over the years but Coach Melanie is the absolute best! I also really respect her values and am impressed by her own health, wellness and fitness journey. She's a fantastic person! Start training with Coach Melanie now to progress in your journey - no matter your level. You'll not regret it 

Elsa T.

     

 I met coach Mel at the Bakar Center at UCSF in 2018 as she was of the coaches in the F45 classes. I immediately liked her energy and attitude. She was always coming to class with a big smile and was able to spread her energy to us and spur us to give our best. She thoroughly explained each movement and ensured we were doing them correctly. Because of that, I also hired her as my personal trainer once a week, which was a great choice. I achieved goals and results I never thought I would have been able to. This is thanks to Melanie. She is very kind, nonjudgmental, and takes a holistic approach to fitness and wellbeing. She focuses much on stretching and conditioning and deeply knows anatomy and physiology. Melanie has helped me to be more disciplined in everyday life. She gave me a nutritional program and checked my progress, sleeping habits, and overall mental and physical health weekly. Coach Mel is definitely the right choice to progress in your goals!!! You will not regret it. 

Giovanni B.

     

 I started training with Coach Mel 1 month ago, and I can barely believe the progress I've made because of Mel's training program. From the end of 2021 to the beginning of this year, I suffered from a series of mysterious intestinal health issues and hospital stays, had diagnostic laparoscopy which did not reveal any answers, and spent a week in the hospital from a routine procedure that caused severe pancreatitis and left me physically depleted and doubled over in posture for over a month. After starting pelvic floor physical therapy recommended by my surgeon to help retrain my muscles to support digestion, I decided to get some support with working out - I have always been a fairly active person, but a year of health problems had left me feeling like a stranger in my own body and muscularly weak and uncoordinated. My intake interview with Mel lasted an hour and a half and she asked every question and detail about my recent health struggles as well as my personal goals. She was so easy to talk to and patient as I expressed everything that had been going on with me, which was difficult because I had still not fully processed everything. Mel and I started working together twice I week, and after each session, I noticed my posture and the unevenness I was experiencing getting better. My digestion improved and my weak muscles looked toned and strong again. She had so perfectly developed a program tailored to my needs and it showed--not just to me but to others as well. Last week I saw my PT and she did an exam. She told me that she didn't need to see me again for a month because all of the muscles she was worried about appeared strong and coordinated and my digestive symptoms were exponentially better. So not only do I notice how well Mel's program has worked for my body and specific issues, but a medical professional confirmed that Coach Mel knows what she is doing!!! I would recommend Coach Mel to everybody looking for a trainer, but especially to those with specific physical issues or goals, as it has become clear that Mel is an absolute strategist and problem solver for those with physical issues to address! 

Mamie C.

     

 I can't even express the gratitude for Coach Mel! If I could hire her year round I would. She was knowledgeable about my physical needs, having had double hip surgery, Sciatica, arthritis. She taught me movements that worked with my physical pain and she challenged me to move my body in ways I didn't think I could. You know your doing things well when your pushing yourself and showing the ugly face and Glace up to see Coach Mel's Evil 😈 grin 😁. Best paid trainer experience I've ever had! 

Amira S.

     

 Mel helped me prepare for my first WNBF bodybuilding competition! She was very knowledgeable and helpful with everything from training programs, diet, getting a suit, how to sign up, etc. and was able to contact the WNBF for me with any questions. I worked with Mel during my off season first where we bulked for about 3 months and I definitely saw a noticeable difference of muscle mass gained in just a short amount of time. I also worked with Mel during my cut and competition prep and was able to get very lean and won my WNBF pro card!! Thank you for all your help Mel!! 

Hannah M.

     

 Mel is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about her work...she did a great job of quickly assessing my 'starting point' both mentally and physically and has been able to provide perfect exercises to get started and then slowly progress to build up my stamina and flexibility and strength gradually...we communicate with one another often re: what is working and what isn't which makes the virtual nature of our relationship work so well! 

Jen J.