Union Street Walking Bridge, Salem, Oregon
Salem Walking Map

Success Fitness Client Testimonials

Chris showed me how to do kettle-bell swings, squats, and mountain-climbers and in no time I was feeling like I just ran the Boston Marathon.  It cut down my gym time and I never went back to the traditional cardio equipment again!

Soon after that, I started working with Chris on weight training sessions. I was having issues while doing even the simplest of routines.  Chris noticed that I have mobility and flexibility issues throughout my whole body right down to my toes!

I have now been working with Chris for a year and a half and have learned so much about proper exercise form and technique. I am stronger than I could ever imagine; my mobility and flexibility are coming back, and, yes . . . even my toes are more flexible!

I am especially pleased to be able to share this part .. .Recently I went to the gym for my weekly routine update and was walking across the room when I saw Chris with a big smile on his face and his hands went flying up in the air as he exclaimed "YOU are now moving like a NORMAL person should move!"

Chris Olmstead really loves being a personal trainer, or fitness coaching as he likes to call it... and he thrives on helping people excel at becoming stronger and healthier. 

Lori Nokleby, Salem, Oregon

"I have been working out with Chris for a little over 6 months and I can see a huge difference. It has been a long time since I have felt this good about the way my body looks. I have only lost 5 pounds, but I have gained muscle mass. I don’t feel self-conscious in my swimsuit now and the cellulite on my legs is almost gone. I am working on my six pack as well, even though the girl I workout with already has it. She is just a better eater than me.

Chris is very motivating and fun to be around. He has given me great advice. It has not been much of a sacrifice either. I love going to the gym. I only go 3 days a week but the results have been amazing. Chris not only shows you how to work out, but also how to eat and change your lifestyle. He is a great guy and really knows his stuff."

Katy Canales, Salem, OR

"I was presented with an opportunity to climb Mt. Rainier that would take place later that spring, only allowing me approximately three months to get in shape. I was fit, but I knew the climb would be more physically demanding than anything I had done so far. I had time and location restraints in addition to a previous knee injury that were my biggest hurdles in preparing myself for this endeavor.

I decided to talk to Chris Olmstead and discussed my goals with him, emphasizing the need for building strength, minimizing weight and extending my endurance. Taking my knowledge of the sport and his knowledge for training athletes, Chris came up with the programs. We worked out a training schedule that was both flexible and realistic for my hectic life. I trained for one hour, three days a week, for three months with Chris. Throughout this time Chris was not only motivational and very fun to work with but he seemed to take my aspiration to heart. I was thrilled as I watched my physique change.

When I completed my training with Chris I was 10 pounds lighter, I was lifting a good amount of weight, my upper body strength went through the roof and as a bonus, I never looked better in a swim suit! I climbed Rainier a week later. The climb itself was still challenging, but I could have never made it to the summit if I hadn’t trained with Chris.  I would recommend Chris because he is a fabulous trainer and even though he is not involved in the sport of climbing he came up with a program that not only met my needs, but exceeded them."

Barbara Jenkins, Salem, OR

Well, it worked wonderfully well, and the thing I'm most grateful for is learning how to bend correctly. I was hurting my back CONSTANTLY from the simple act of bending totally wrong.  Chris drilled into my head the proper way to bend and it has been like a complete miracle and has reduced my trips to the chiropractor significantly! 

Through having a personal trainer who is aware of my individual body quirks, I learned a lot about moving my specific body correctly, which is simply invaluable information.  I highly recommend that anyone wanting to improve their physical well-being, should learn how to exercise correctly with a good personal fitness professional like Chris Olmsted at Success Fitness."

Barbara Castleman, Salem, Oregon

"Before I started training with Chris, I was in a really bad position in life. I was getting into trouble, and making poor decisions. As a result, my health was in really bad condition. At 5’10” I only weighed 115 pounds at one point, I was out of shape, and I had no muscle or strength. I knew this needed to change. My goals when I started training was to put weight back on, and gain a lot of muscle and strength.

What was holding me back from doing it on my own was a lack of confidence, and a lack of knowledge. I didn't believe I could do it on my own, and being as small as I was, I was kind of intimidated to go into the weight room. I also didn't know what exercises to do, or the proper way to do them. I also needed help with my diet.

I was lucky enough to be able to train with Chris for 6 or 7 months and I noticed several results over that time. Most notably were my gains. My weight was up 50 pounds, and I actually had muscles! I am much happier with my body and the way I look, I have far more confidence now then ever before, and in general I'm much happier about everything. I have a new group of friends in the weight room and they help keep me on the straight and narrow.

I would recommend this to anybody who's looking to get in shape. It helps to work with someone who can get you going in the right direction.

Chris Rands, Salem OR