"After graduating high school, I was looking for a strength and conditioning program that was sport specific and could be taught by an experienced trainer. After one workout at Phil's, I knew that his training program was going to be beneficial to me in becoming a better athlete. Phil, and his dedicated staff, were constantly motivating me and pushing me to reach the next level of my athletic ability. In one summer with Phil, I was able to increase my vertical jump by four inches, my broad jump by six, and lower my 20-yd dash and pro agility times. Phil's up to date training program, staff, and competitive atmosphere of the gym gave me the oppurtunity to get better every day I was there. Without the help from Phil, I would not have been adequately prepared to take on the challenge of collegiate football.

-Matt O'Donnell

Tipton High School Class of 2008.

Attends and plays linebacker for Brown University, a Division I-AA school in the Ivy League.

Was a member of the 2008 Ivy League Champion Brown Bears, and in 2009 saw action in all 10 games and helped the Bears to a 3rd place finish in the Ivy League.

"I came to workout with Phil to get ready for the All-American Army Combine to help prepare me to compete against the best athletes in the nation. The training was specific for me and my needs as a D1 football recruit. Following the combine I recieved offers from major programs such as Florida and LSU before committing to Iowa."

A.J. Derby - former Iowa City High Little Hawks / Hawkeye football

"Phil brings a passion and perspective to training that no area gym can match. He gives his all to each and every client with whom he works. Most importantly, he encourages all of his clients to enjoy the PROCESS of training (hard not to do when working with Phil) and not to be overly focused on end results. Phil's results speak for themselves, but it is the experience that sets him apart. For all parents out there that want to encourage your children's athletic success but not stamp out their love for play in the process, Phil is the man to see."

Clayton Peterson Phd Dept. of Integrative Physiology - University of Iowa

"Living in Mason City, IA I am what Phil refers to as one of his athletes at a distance. I drove nearly three hours to get the opportunity to not only talk to Phil but to see his work first hand and it was the best decision I made for myself not only as an athlete but as a person who will continue to use what I’ve learned in the long run. Since training and talking with Phil I have noticed that my awareness of what I’m doing has become a larger part of my workout routines. I have noticed physical changes in my body and I have become a more effective eater since talking with Phil about nutrition. Phil is motivational and at the same time fun to work with. If I lived closer to Iowa City I would definitely become a regular at the facility, but I know that even once a month training with Phil is worth it as well. "

Marcus Lunning

Waldorf Warrior Baseball, 3x all-state baseball, 3x first team all-conference & all-district, first team wide receiver for football, third team point guard basketball

"As a former college football athlete along with my experience as a collegiate strength and conditioning coach, I can honestly say that Coach Johnson's training programs are second to none. They are individual, sport specific, and cutting edge. The bottom line is that they produce results!"

Bryan M. Dermody - Assistant Football Strength & Conditioning Coach

University of Louisville Cardinals

“Phil Johnson has knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. He’s got everything you need to reach your performance goals. I highly recommend his training program.”

- Chris Doyle
Iowa Hawkeye Football
Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

"We found Phil's work with our son, who was recovering from a knee injury to be extremely valuable. His knowledge is extensive and methods cutting edge"

Ed Donatell - NFL Football Coach - 18 seasons

"Phil has taught me to be the best athlete both mentally and physically. His training program has pushed me to the limit and has brought out the best in my game both on and off the court these past couple of years. His program is one of the reasons why i recieved a full ride scholarship to play D1 bball."

KK Armstrong - Cedar Rapids Washington High School

"Phil Johnson is the premier "mind and body" personal trainer for student-athletes in our area. The tools he gives young people to excel are immeasurable and second-to- none. No smart athlete can afford to ignore Phil's program."

The Donohoes - West Branch

"Through Phil's program I have become more explosive and stronger on the tennis court. I've worked out with him for the past two years, and I know that the success I've seen on and off the court is a direct result of his program. I love training with Phil because I know that each piece of my training is specific to my sport, and, more than that, he makes workouts enjoyable with his great personality and his willingness to adapt to each individual athlete."

Katie Callaghan

West High State Doubles Tennis Champion

"Phil's age-appropriate and sport-specific training program has been of great benefit to our children, ranging in age from 12-18. The result has been competitive success and emotional growth. When your kids are asking you to schedule training sessions, you know he's doing it right."


Joe and Brenda Ewing

"Lifting with Phil is a great experience. The competive but enjoyable atmosphere along with Phil's unique training methods push his athletes to their max. Phil is not only concerned about his athletes during their workouts, but he is also very good at going to watch his athletes perform. I had a great experience working out with Phil and showed much improvement by doing so."

AJ Brothersen

Iowa State University / ROTC

"When Phil began offering adult training sessions I decided to try it out to see if I could even begin to keep up with the workouts. I was pleased to find that the workouts began at a level that was non-intimidating yet challenging. Four months later I can honestly say I look forward to every session. With past exercise programs it was the same equipment, same workout each time. Phil's workouts are fun and always different. He caters to your own style. He is a wonderful motivator and you feel so good after the workouts and look forward to coming back. Bottom line, Phil is able to work with a variety of age groups and get the best out of anyone. You can tell he loves his job and really enjoys what he does. This strength training program has been such a fun journey getting back into shape. I really am enjoying it. I'm seeing and feeling the differance. I keep coming back not just because the program is so great but because Phil makes it fun with his infectious energy, high spirit, respectfulness, caring, and upbeat atmosphere.

Jo Buffo E.R. nurse "Everyday Athlete"

"Phil has a great grasp of what he's trying to do, and makes sure that it gets across to you. He doesn't stop until you've got it right, and he gets the best out of you that you can give. His routine helped me a ton after my ACL replacement surgery; I was back in football and track and stronger than ever. Strength + Speed = Power!"

Tim Keating-Regina

"Phil I appreciate all your help in preparing me for my professional basketball career. Your training and advice have been invaluable. Thanks for everything."

Jeff Horner - Hawkeye point guard

“Phil thanks for taking me to the next level. With your help I am acheiving things I never thought possible. Thanks for everything!”

Patrick Callaghan - Notre Dame Tennis

4 x letter winner Iowa City West High 2 x state singles champion

"Phil is like having the best personal trainer possible, plus the fun of working out with your peers. He knows how to get the best out of everyone!"

Katie Laughlin - West Branch

"Phil Johnson's program offers sport specific training that is unmatched in the area. He was able to break down the key strength and agility aspects of hockey and provide a program that challenged me in ways no program has before. If your serious about reaching the next level in your sport Phil's program is outstanding." - Jordan Snetselaar University of Iowa IceHawks

"Phil is an excellant trainer who has helped shape me into what I am, both mentally and physically. His program is extremely fun and effective because tailors the training to the individuals needs. He has helped bring success to atheletes all across the board, from football and basketball players to pure weightlifters like myself."

Bob Sjodegren - Solon

"When you train with Phil Johnson, you get true hands on training and you can really tell he knows what he's talking about. He has so many different lifts and will adapt the lift so it works best for you. Anyone can go to his gym and get a very personalized work out. I love training with Phil because I feel like a better person and more energized after i leave his facility."

Jess Brothersen - West Branch

"I love Phil's program because not only is it beneficial, but it is also fun. He proves that athletes - regardless of their gender or sport - can benefit from strength training. He's just a great guy to work with."

Molly Ryan - Iowa City West High Dance Team

"Phil has helped me become the versitile athlete I am today. His use of innovative techniques and a stimulating atmosphere can help prepare any athlete for their next level, no matter what it may be. His workouts improved my overall strength, explosiveness and knowledge about how the human body works, without him I would not have been prepared to run division I track and field this year."

Lisa Mellecker - University of Iowa Track & Field

"We have had such an incredible experience working with Phil the last two years. My daughter has shown great improvements in herself and in her athletic abiltity by training with Phil. She loves going to her workouts and has become a very strong and successful athlete in all of the sports she has chosen to go out for. I would encourage anyone that wishes to better themselves to give Phil's strength program a try."

-Angie Mehmen Mid-Prarie

"Phil Johnson = greatest trainer ever Phil does everything. He helped maximize my potential and taught me a bunch. He is also a cool guy."

Brad Whetstine - Iowa City West High

"Phil Johnson is very knowledgeable. He makes lifting enjoyable, but at the same time he's wanting to get the best out of you. He has a unique, but yet still extremely beneficial style. I have seen myself improve in every aspect of training, but also as a person."

Adam Oneil - West Branch Bears

"i have only been working out with phil for a few months but have already noticed a boost in my self confidence and energy. when i get done working out i feel like a new person. after the first time you know that its the place for you. he has a real knowlage of working out and also he knows all of the safety precautions. he makes sure you stretch and are properly hydrated. it's a great experience!!"

Jeremy Murphy

"Phil is the only trainer i have ever worked with who was able to develop a comprehensive program based on my specific needs. I came to Phil after being diagnosed osteopenic. After discussing the available treatment options with my doctor I decided to forgo the traditional route of taking prescrption medications and instead implement a bone building strength training program. That was 1 1/2 years ago. Today I have 8% new bone in my hip and 5% new bone in my spine and am no longer considered osteopenic. Not to mention the fact that I am stronger, more toned, and feel great. I highly recommend Phil Johnson as an accomplished and knowledgeable trainer."

Teresa Lopes - Iowa City

Phil's gym makes lifting a fun thing to do that makes you want to come back again. Everyone is very friendly, and his program has helped me a lot in the last few months of training with him. He is a very well educated person that has a unique program that everyone could benefit from."

Jack Rummells - West Branch

“The whole experience has been great. The small group sizes give the advantage of personal attention that many athletes don't get"

Michael Murphy - Kirkwood

"Phil Johnson has proven to be dedicated to his profession through a continued thirst for knowledge and advanced education. His work has exeeded any standards of the physical training industry. His thirst for knowledge is only surpassed by his willingness to help the athletes he works with. Anyone who works with Phil will be fortunate to have such a high caliber trainer. Perhaps most valuable is his expert ability to develop a personalized approach to his training. Phil is an excellent example of a true strength professional and physical educator, a visionary and catalyst for change and every person who has the fortune of working with him will greatly benefit both physically and mentally. "

Patrick Gamboa BS, MS Editor-in-cheif / Director of Education Pro Trainer Magazine

"Phil just wanted to let you know that I thought your summer program was a blast and made us volleyball girls a lot stronger, quicker on the court, and learned a lot of cool stuff about the body. Im so glad I came out, i had a blast!"

Sadie Chacon - West Branch Bears Volleyball

"Thank you so much for helping the girls out. I know that last year you played a huge roll in Brandee winning the 100m at state. I know that all of them are having a great time. I only wish that there had been strength coaches around when I was in school." Angie

"Phil Johnson is a very educated person when it comes to training. He is a great and fun person to be around, and will get eveything out of you. I participated in Phil's workouts during the summer and I have had a great improvement in my athletic career."

Aaron Lynch

"Lifting with Phil just goes to show me that becoming the best athlete i can is definatly possible. Its a great environment to be in! He pushes me to become better and better each time I'm there"

Tyler Dean