A.J. PEREZ, founder/lead trainer

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I didn't start off my post-college life on a path to become a certified personal trainer. 

I gained a few (well, several) pounds as I began my journalism career. I stepped on the scale before my annual physical at age  24 and couldn't believe the digital readout: 232 pounds. That disbelief turned into action and I followed a very strict diet to get down to a more reasonable 185 pounds within six months. 

But it wasn't until 2009 while I was still a full-time investigative reporter at USA TODAY Sports that I really began to understand the basics physical training as I delved into a few stories. (I'm currently a breaking news reporter for USA TODAY Sports, covering the latest major stories on a daily basis.) That's when I decided to take my workouts in a new direction, learning all I could about suspension, interval and resistance training. I also leaned from the physical therapists I've worked with over the years to fix my flexibility shortcomings -- knowledge I apply as a trainer.

I have studied the latest in sports performance training, exercise physiology and nutrition -- and I strive to use that knowledge to better my clients.  I'm a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). 

Along with playing ice hockey (even against Washington Capitals All-Star Alex Ovechkin), I took up obstacle course racing a couple years ago and have competed in more than 20 events, including three World's Toughest Mudders and the OCR World Championships. I traversed nearly 150 miles over those three 24-hour World's Toughest Mudders, the latest a 53-mile effort in November 2016. 

So, basically, I'm always up for a challenge. 

Reviews

 

★★★★★As AJ's client, I have been able to incorporate a high energy trainer with my sport specific needs...we do weights, core, resistance and other supplemental exercises to achieve my various fitness goals...Highly recommend!

Steve D. via the AJP Training Facebook page. 

 

★★★★★ AJ KICKS YOUR BUTT! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Crystal H. via the AJP Training Facebook page. 

★★★★★ I did my first boot camp training event with AJ and it was a great experience. I was having some difficulty with one of the stations due to an injury and AJ fixed it on the fly so that I could still do a similar exercise without aggravating that injury. He's focused but no one of those yelling types, just helping you get the most out of the workout. Highly recommended.

John K. via the AJP Training Facebook page. 

 

Fitness tools

  • Cardio, focus on high-intensity interval training.
  • Strength training with free weights and the TRX suspension trainer.
  • Static and dynamic stretching.
  • Adaptive exercises for those overcoming or dealing with injuries.
  • Individualized workouts catered to your specific sport.
  • Core training, a vital part of any regimen.  

PRICING

AJP Training charges of $65 per hour of training at our facility and $80-90 per hour for off-site training in most of Loudoun and Fairfax counties. (Certain areas outside a 12-mile radius are subject to an additional travel fee.) There are discounts given when six or more sessions are purchased at one time. (A six-session package for on-site training, for example, is $325.) All-six session packages must be used within six weeks of purchase. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy, although AJP Training is understanding when unexpected life events occur. We also offer boot camps.