Personal Training in Private Studios

(757) 599-5999

(757) 599-5999

738 City Center Blvd.,
Oyster Point

Point Center,
Oyster Point

On the Square,
Port Warwick, Newport News

Daily Press Award

Our clients are successful and knowledgeable people who expect results. They all come ready to work, and with our help they safely and efficiently achieve their goals. From teens into their 80s, they show that self-improvement has no age limit. They feel better and they have more energy. You Can Too!

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We help you feel better, move better and have more energy with better posture and balance.
We also are experienced working with:

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We also are experienced working with all of these conditions

  • Post Rehab
  • Hip and Knee Replacements
  • ACL Tears
  • Spinal Fusion, Laminectomy, Discectomy
  • Rotator Cuff/Shoulder Impingements
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Mastectomy
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Tennis/Golfer Elbow
  • Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Scoliosis
  • Gastric Bypass
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What clients are saying about us

Daily Press Awards

“Four years after sustaining a serious spinal cord injury in a fall, I began personal training with Brian Cole. Despite a surgery that left me with two 12-inch rods held together with screws, fusion and bone graft along with chronic pain, he accepted me as his client without any hesitation.
   The experience with Brian has been nothing short of incredible! I began twice/weekly sessions six months ago and have seen marked improvement in my strength, balance and posture. These areas have been our primary focus as they were most adversely affected by my accident.
   Brian pushes me and challenges me and I am confident that I will continue to benefit from our fun workout regime.
   Brian, you are the best Trainer EVER! I'm not only benefiting greatly but I'm having a blast doing so! You have a client for life if you'll keep me!“

– Susan Harris


“I gave my husband a month of Personal Training for Christmas some years ago. As a writer, his work is sedentary, likewise his favorite hobby, reading. He hates working out--but he needs it, and he goes! When my summer break rolled around that year, I decided to try it. And from then on, I've never looked back! It's the one form of exercise I do that targets the whole body: building and maintaining strength, balance, and flexibility. It's the best health insurance plan we have.“

– Francie Pearce


“Trace helped prepare me for hiking at 10,000 ft. elevation in Colorado & had a blast doing it.“

– Greg Piske


“I've been working with Hannah for 3 years. She always looks out for my well being and listens to my concerns. She spends time researching and problem solving to address my needs. She seems to know when to amp it up and when to pull back. She always watches closely and cues appropriately to be sure I get the most benefit from the movement and avoid injury.“

– Kathleen Pietrasanta


“After multiple joint replacements I know the importance of a regular workout program with a qualified trainer who knows my limitations. Thanks initially to Brian Cole and now to my current trainer, Stephen Sibert, I am back to playing golf, enjoying my gardening and living life with as few aches and pains as possible!“

– Merriel Bowditch


“Trace has helped me have more endurance, I'm not as tired after yardwork or 18 holes of golf, and I can open jars of pickles!“

– Bets Garrett


“I really like having Hannah as my trainer. She is very intuitive about my needs and the routines she plans are perfectly designed. I like to be challenged and she always does that.“

– Judy Perez


“In the two years I've been working with Hannah (including online during Covid), I have experienced great improvement in my posture, strength, and flexibility. I love the variety of my workouts. She is great at adjusting my workouts for my wrist, shoulder, and knee issues.“

– Susan Stokes


“I have never liked exercise and if given the chance to sit or move, I would sit. I also walked with a limp due to a weak ankle. I started training with Joey Wallen over five years ago, and he is wonderful. He knows what I can do and patiently encourages me to do more. The results have been great. I am stronger, walk without a limp, have lost more than 20 pounds and play with my grandchildren on the floor, getting up and down as often as needed. For 15 years I’ve been diagnosed with osteopenia and my last bone scan said my bones are now normal! Working with Joey has improved my attitude, strength, health and mobility. As I age, it will be even more critical that I include Personal Training Associates in my life.“

– Libby David


“My exercise partner and I have worked out at Personal Training Associates for 20 years. For the last few years we have worked with Joey Wallen. He keeps our sessions fun, upbeat and ever changing, which keeps us coming back!“

– Terry Arnold


“I’ve had more than 15 years of satisfying results. My trainer, Joey Wallen, designs a workout plan for individual needs, to include age, body type and personal goals. Professional trainers keep you safe, motivated and on task. Thank you, Personal Training Associates, for giving me a healthy and fit life.“

– Roy Stallings


“Hannah has been such a huge part of my growth and development to my health and I am sooo thankful!!“

– Melanie Johnson


“Carefully chosen superior investments generally yield a better return, than those of lesser quality. After trying other avenues of exercise training over the years, I recently switched to Brian Cole and Associates. For the first time, I am now being guided through personalized strength training exercises, which are not only improving my overall strength and balance, but are also isolating and building specific postural muscles that play a foundational role in stabilizing the ongoing effects of the aging process and even of old joint injuries. Taking advantage of Brian’s incredible knowledge of anatomy and physiology and his mastery of training techniques has now become my # 1 investment in my future health. That investment is already beginning to yield the return I desire, which I believe will ultimately help me reach my goal of continuing my active lifestyle in my 70s, 80s and beyond. “

– Dr. Susan Nicholson


“Hannah helps me stay strong as I 'age gracefully'. I recently had ankle surgery and she is helping me get back to walking properly. I want to travel and be in shape to hike while visiting new places.“

– Jenny McCauley


“I have been training with Lauren for over 6 months. Due to her knowledge and guidance I'm in the best physical shape in over 40 years. My lean muscle tissue has increased almost 10% while bodyfat has reduced over 22%. As a result, I have increased daily energy, improved my ability to focus on work and am more organized than I've ever been. I also have daily awareness of my overall health and dietary choices. Lauren can help you get where you want to be!“

– Dan Clark


“I’ve been training at Personal Training Associates for over 5 years. It has been a real plus going into my late sixties. My trainers have given me specifics which have helped me gain strength and stamina. I feel healthier than I have in a long time. Stephen has helped me recover from back issues and helped my cardio too. I am super pleased.“

– Susie Wornom


“The best group for training any age or fitness level. Knowledgeable, experienced and supportive. Highly recommended!“

– Marsha Hudgins


“I look forward to my workouts each week. Hannah brightens up my day. I see myself getting stronger and improving my balance.“

– Bob Groom


Click here to show more testimonials

“Hannah helps me stay strong as I 'age gracefully'. I recently had ankle surgery and she is helping me get back to walking properly. I want to travel and be in shape to hike while visiting new places.“

– Jenny McCauley


“I have been working out with Ethan for over a year now. His passion for health and fitness shows in his enthusiasm day in and day out. I prefer full body high intensity interval training and he delivers. The variety of his routines have kept me on track with my goals. He is always energetic and positive—great to train with!“

– Stuart Wash


“I have been training with Lauren for over 6 months. Due to her knowledge and guidance I'm in the best physical shape in over 40 years. My lean muscle tissue has increased almost 10% while bodyfat has reduced over 22%. As a result, I have increased daily energy, improved my ability to focus on work and am more organized than I've ever been. I also have daily awareness of my overall health and dietary choices. Lauren can help you get where you want to be!“

– Dan Clark


“I really like having Hannah as my trainer. She is very intuitive about my needs and the routines she plans are perfectly designed. I like to be challenged and she always does that.“

– Judy Perez

“I have been working out with Joey a little over a year. Prior to coming here I had worked with a trainer at another facility for about 15 years. I quickly began to notice a lot of differences. The level of Joey's knowledge far surpasses my other trainer. I have found that a personal trainer is the only way I can consistently work out. A gym setting makes it too easy not to go when I feel something more important has come up. Also this enables me to work correctly and safely. High praise is due because Brian Cole Personal Training Associates was actually recommended to me by another fitness facility.“

– Bob Murphy


“I am a senior citizen, who after many years of caring for others and neglecting myself, decided to put myself first. My goals were simple: more energy, strength and balance. Weight loss was also important, but not the top priority. Brian Cole Personal Training Associates has such knowledgeable Trainers. Before starting a specific program, they evaluated my personal needs and goals. (This never happens in group classes). In 7+ years I have accomplished so much.

  • I can play 18 holes of golf without huffing and puffing.
  • I no longer stumble and fall from poor balance.
  • I am stronger at age 69 than I was when much younger.
  • And my favorite...I no longer need to sit or lean against furniture to remove my shoes or slacks!

My quality of life has improved because of the professionalism, quality and care of my Trainers. Although I have worked with Wendy Stephens, I have observed others and would work with any person Brian hires. Quality...Professionalism...Caring...and Friends.“

– Brenda Epes


“Considerate of one’s limitations but gently encouraging—stretching those limitations to new strength, flexibility and balancing heights! Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere which makes the hard work almost fun!“

– Pamela Martin


“Since going to Brian Cole Personal Training Associates the results are great. Prior to working out with Brian I used to go to the gym 4-5 times a week for years. I currently go 2 times per week with much better results. I've saved time and am aware of improvements physically, personally and professionally!“

– Tony Reed


“When I started working with Personal Training Associates for rehab of a severe shoulder injury, I expected to work for six months or so. I’ve been working out for about eleven years now and the benefits are still happening. Improvements in my overall fitness including getting out of bed without pain and stiffness and fewer episodes of back pain, make me feel 10 years younger. No one can truly understand the benefits of resistance training unless they’ve done it—especially those over 40 years old.“

– Michael Gross, DVM


“A truly personalized exercise program with Stephen has helped me prepare for and recover from knee replacement surgery as well as strengthening all areas of my body.“

– Charles Wornom


“Joey Wallen is my trainer. He works from a client-specific agenda to address weaknesses and develop individual programs. He took a basket case when he agreed to help me. I am a senior person with age-related issues and particular physical problems. Or, I was! I was faced with increasing disabilities which prevented simple daily personal tasks (get in/out of tub, tuck shirttail into jeans, brush hair, lift pots, carry handbag, climb stairs, rise from chair...). Joey designed a way forward beginning with simple moves and unsophisticated props. Within six months, noticeable improvements and ease of motion were obvious. Two years into the effort, new and more ambitious goals have continuously been advanced.“

– Diana Freeman


“Stephen Sibert’s positive and encouraging approach has enabled both of us to regain our physical well being after surgery. His range of exercises ensures that we are continually challenged to improve.“

– Pat and Willard Hoskins


“Unfortunately I took a fall February 2017 which resulted in a broken neck. But fortunately after two surgeries, physical therapy, and my doctor's approval, I was able to start working with Stephen Sibert at Personal Training Associates in July 2017. He has helped me regain strength, stamina and to feel better about myself. I am back to normal in a few short months and am actually enjoying my workouts.“

– Jeri W. Greene


“My twice-weekly sessions with Wendy are one of the most beneficial regular events in my life. I always leave feeling better than when I came in after the varied protocol she puts me through.

– Saint Lee


“I’ve learned that building muscle can definitely influence the aging process and that you can get stronger as you get older. The training is intense but enjoyable. Besides the strength benefits, there are measurable positive changes to your overall health. The knowledge and the benefits are things all individuals from all age groups should experience.

– Richard B. Chance, D.V.M.


“Stephen has been an excellent resource for me in developing a physical fitness program and proper dietary regimen. I have worked with several trainers over the years but I give Stephen my Highest recommendation!“

– Dorothy Burch

About our Trainers

Our Trainers have college degrees in Exercise Science and/or are Nationally Certified. I only accept the top 4 National Certifications: the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the National Strength Conditioning Association (NSCA) all requiring continuing education to maintain. In addition, we regularly earn Advanced Specialty Certifications in a variety of disciplines.

Brian Cole

Brian Cole

  • Personal Fitness Trainer (A.C.E.) Certified by the American Council on Exercise
  • Professional Member (N.S.C.A) National Strength Conditioning Association
  • Certified Massage Therapist by the Virginia Dept. of Health Professions
  • Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist by American Academy of Fitness Professionals
  • Associate Member (A.C.S.M.) American College of Sports Medicine
Joey Wallen

Joey Wallen

  • B.S. Exercise Science
  • Nationally Certified as Personal Fitness Trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE)
  • Orthopedic Exercise Specialist (ACE)
  • Senior Fitness Specialist (ACE)
  • Functional Training Specialist (ACE)
Stephen Sibert

Stephen Sibert

  • B.A. Christopher Newport University
  • Nationally Certified as Personal Fitness Trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE)
  • Orthopedic Exercise Specialist (ACE)
  • Senior Fitness Specialist (ACE)
  • Functional Training Specialist (ACE)
Wendy Stephens

Wendy Stephens

  • B.S. Auburn Univ.
  • M.S. Fitness Management
  • Nationally Certified as Personal Fitness Trainer and as Health Coach by the American Council on Exercise (ACE)
  • Functional Aging Institute: Certified Specialist
  • Tai Chi Instructor-Group Classes and Private
Hannah Hartzheim

Hannah Hartzheim

  • Nationally Certified as Personal Fitness Trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
  • Functional Movement Specialist (FMT)
  • Certified Health Coach by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Lauren Grochmal

Lauren Grochmal

  • B.S. Virginia Tech
  • M.S. Columbia University
  • Nationally Certified as Personal Fitness Trainer by the National Academy of Sports medicine (NASM)
  • Certified TRX Instructor
  • Advanced Certification: Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM)

A Message from Brian Cole

My father was a Physical Therapist for 42 years. I grew up in a home where helping others came naturally and where discussions of how the body functions, moves, and heals were just a part of everyday conversation. I’m very Thankful to be working in the field that has been my lifelong hobby. I hope it always shows through our clients.

While the emphasis is personalized and changes as you do, your program will involve some combination of:

Cardiovascular/Calorie-Burning Activity

In the United States, heart disease kills almost as many people as everything else combined.

We just don't have to move and do enough anymore. Modern conveniences and technology shelter us. Circulation isn't enough to keep debris from building up in our blood vessels. We need a strong pump to flush a strong flow of healthy nourishing blood through, everyday. The result is stronger hearts and cleaner blood vessels.

Progressive Weight Resistance Training

Muscle is energy! We all need to build new lean muscle tissue or the aging process will combine with reduced activity to replace our natural muscle with fat. We must commit ourselves to change that. And the research is clear, at any age, we can.

Core Stability • Posture • Balance

These are all incorporated into our Training Routines.

Free and Stable Joint Movement

As adults we don't run - jump - reach - climb - play as we did when we were kids. So our joint range of motion becomes very limited which leaves us more susceptible to joint injury and discomfort. Our body's self defense system then tightens these areas to protect them and a cycle of reduced comfortable movement and stiffness has begun. It is gradual but relentless.

Brian has developed a 30 minute Routine, that borrows from Yoga, Pilates, Somatics, and Feldenkrais, to gently coax our joints to move more comfortably through a greater range and to be stabilized by leaner, stronger, not bulkier, muscles.

Sound, Balanced Nutrition

We help you identify bad habits and develop strategies to replace them with better habits. We will help you with guidelines, directions, and facts—but not with strict eating plans. Everyone is different and we all have our challenges.

Brian Cole

Fitness is not about age.

We all need to lose body fat and work to build new lean muscle tissue. This makes us healthier and more efficient.

Click here to see Brian’s advice on nutrition guidelines

About Nutrition

IF combined with consistent safe exercise, healthy nutrition habits contribute to feeling better, moving better and having more energy.

We’re all different. We’re all going to make compromises. There is no perfect dietary plan for all of us.
Improving will require a willingness to change and self-discipline.

Some General Guidelines

STOP

Eating and drinking what you already know is bad for you.
Then do your personal research.

REDUCE

Processed foods and beverages (simple carbohydrates), fried foods and alcohol.

INCREASE

Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and water.

Nutrition changes are about the long-term health of our body’s functions.

The effects of increased daily exercise are immediate and cumulative.
Our profession is about safe, effective EXERCISE.

Columns by Brian Cole (SEE ALL)

For many years Brian Cole has regularly contributed articles to the Oyster Pointer. The latest are listed below. To see more articles, click here.

Living healthy

When I meet someone new and we exchange pleasantries, part of that usually includes what we do. When I say I’m a personal fitness trainer, the most frequent follow-up questions have something to do with what to eat, with diet or nutrition or weight loss or calories. This always puzzles… Read more »

You can do this

It seems everyone wants a quick fix and a simple solution to issues that are complex. Headlines like: ‘Four simple exercises to do at home and in just 30 days you can have that beach body of your dreams!” Or: “Well known cardiologist says to eat this every day and… Read more »

New

LIST 1: Original – familiar – comfortable – safe – predictable – lasting – known – same – traditional – conservative – established – proven – stable… LIST 2: Uncertainty – vulnerability – unknown – different – transition – unconventional – innovative – change – pioneering – risky – dangerous – discovery…