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The Lift Effect Logo

ABOUT

SERVICES

MEET JON

REVIEWS

PRESS

SCHEDULE

FAQ

CONTACT

Get Started
REVIEWS
The Proof is in the Progress
Testimonials from people who found strength, confidence, and results here.
What Our Clients Are Saying
"It’s hands down the best investment I’ve ever made in myself"
"I’ve been working out consistently with Jon for FOUR years - it’s hands down the best investment I’ve ever made in myself - Jon’s consistency, his willingness to push when it gets hard - and his ability to do it all with compassion is a gift. Jon has helped transform my fitness and in my early 40’s I’m in the best shape of my life."
Kevin M.

West Hartford, CT

"The connection, laughter, and encouragement make the experience even more rewarding"
"Training with Jon has been an incredibly positive experience. It's clear how much thought and effort he puts into tailoring each workout to the individual, and I’ve noticed consistent improvements in my strength, energy levels, and overall fitness each week. I really appreciate how he adapts the workouts in real time, always paying close attention to form and staying focused on my goals.

Jon creates a unique atmosphere that’s both motivating and comfortable. The small-group sessions are the perfect balance. I still receive personalized attention, with Jon monitoring my form and making adjustments as needed, while also enjoying the social aspect of working out alongside others. The connection, laughter, and encouragement make the experience even more rewarding."
Allie R.

West Hartford, CT

"I have discovered that training with Jon has created a virtuous cycle where I find it easier to stay motivated, work out regularly, push myself a bit and even improve my diet."
"I’ve been working with Jon for several years.  As an older guy, my main goal is to be able to enjoy a good quality of life, hopefully for many years to come, and to continue to be able to participate in sports and activities that I've done all my life.

Jon designed a training program tailored specifically to my objectives and level of conditioning, with a focus on maintaining my strength, improving my flexibility, and balance, and improving my CV conditioning somewhat.  I know that this program has paid off so far, and I have no doubt it will continue to do so.

John H.

West Hartford, CT

"Jon is constantly adapting and thinking outside the box to get the results I want."
The “Life” Effect

In 2020, during a round of golf, I dissected my vertebral artery and suffered a severe stroke.  After life saving surgery, I had a year of intense physical, occupational and speech therapy.  I was then discharged from those therapies as they had done all they could in rehabilitating my body.  I was left with little right side feeling and strength.

As a 41 year old active mother of three children, this new body was unacceptable to me.  I needed the strength, stamina and agility to continue to raise my children and be an active part in their lives. 

Mentally, I missed the endorphins I got from running, golfing and any other sport my kids wanted to play with me. Deemed lucky to be alive, the hospital that provided rehab was over. Yet I wasn’t satisfied in my recovery nor did I know how to completely navigate life in this new body.
I had severe standing balance issues, debilitating fatigue and my right side now had zero strength while my left side was normal. 

I started working with Jon year 2 in my recovery. He tailored all my workouts to my goals and to the state my body was in at that time.  Each year, my rehab doctor and I would set a physical challenge/goal to meet by my stroke-iversary and Jon tailored my workouts towards accomplishing those goals.

I was told I’d never run again and I ran a 5k one year, I got back to swinging a golf club another year, and the past two years I’ve been working on relearning how to swim so that I can swim laps for endorphins since running was too hard on my new body.

All these goals are so challenging when you don’t feel and (often time) can’t control literally one half of your body.  I can’t grip things in my right hand , so Jon and I have found various wraps and tools that allow me to lift weights, bars and golf clubs.  Jon takes my goals and works with me closely to determine what and how my body will complete the task and it fluctuates regularly. 

One day my body can do an exercise and the next day it can’t, so Jon is constantly adapting and thinking outside the box to get the results I want.  There has been a lot of swears, sweat and tears on my part but I know for a fact I would not have had the success I’ve had in my recovery without Jon and we aren’t finished!  Five years out and I’m still not satisfied!

Karen W.

West Hartford, CT

"I have seen muscle growth, incredible strength gain and a massive improvement in my overall health"
"I started training with Jon in 2016 after years of unhealthy living, weight gain and injuries due to starting distance running in hopes of losing some weight.  
Jon has been the true key to unlocking not only the weight gain but more importantly using his incredible knowledge and unique abilities to navigate my body through several tricky injuries.  As a result I have been able to join over 30 competitive soccer leagues while in my mid forties, successfully complete 4 full marathons, and have everyday fitness that makes playing with my kids and completing routine physical tasks with ease. I have seen muscle growth, incredible strength gain and a massive improvement in my overall health and it's all because of Jon's ability to listen and craft specific training blocks that have my personal end goals in mind at all times."
Steve C.

West Hartford, CT

"I've always made any excuse to avoid working out, until I started with Jon at The Lift Effect"
"He keeps me accountable while remaining flexible to my schedule. 
Working out with Jon at The Lift Effect is producing the results I asked him for when I started: I feel healthier and stronger while maintaining my... impulsive... diet as I approach my late 30's, plus the added benefit of others noticing my improved physique."
Joe H.

West Hartford, CT

"It totally worked. I am stronger, less injury prone, and pain free"
"I have been working with Jon for years. I always look forward to our sessions. Jon is always adding variety and customization to our training. Over the past 2 years we decided to specifically address my chronic back pain with heavier strength training.  It totally worked. I am stronger, less injury prone, and pain free."
Marc E.

West Hartford, CT

"18 months later I haven't missed a week!"
I was lucky enough to be recommended to Jon by a friend who's been a long-time client. After having never worked out in my life, Jon called me and was so reassuring, easy to talk to that we met that week. 

18 months later I haven't missed a week. It's fun and I feel stronger. I also get less tired, my balance is better, and my arms are more defined!

Jon is knowledgeable, attentive, and really takes the time to build a workout that is customized for what I need. The progress is highly motivating!
Steve A.

West Hartford, CT

"Training with Jon has been an absolute game-changer"
From day one, he made me feel completely comfortable—no judgment, just genuine support and encouragement. His approach is not only professional but deeply personal; he takes the time to understand your goals, your limitations, and even your injuries, crafting workouts that are both effective and safe.
What sets him apart is the sense of belonging he builds. Training with him feels like being part of a family—everyone is welcomed, supported, and celebrated. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, but also down-to-earth and approachable, which makes every session something to look forward to.
Thanks to his guidance, I feel stronger, more confident, and  in tune with my body than ever before. Whether you're recovering from an injury, getting back into training after a life event or just starting out, Jon is the kind of coach who will be with you every step of the way.
Highly recommend—he’s not just a great trainer, he’s a great human.
Helen H.

West Hartford, CT

"After training with Jon, I am pain free and have never felt stronger"
"As a former athlete, I kept very active, but was starting to experience knee and lower back pain. I felt plateaued and frustrated. After training with Jon, I am pain free and have never felt stronger. I can do anything I put my mind to, whether that is hiking the Alps or completing my first (and only) Spartan Beast - injury-free! My training is my investment in myself, my lifestyle and my longevity. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the results!"
Tanya M.

West Hartford, CT

"Jon treats me as if I were an Olympic athlete"
"I find Jon to be knowledgeable, compassionate, kind and fun. He knows exactly what I need to do to get myself better. He treats me as if I were an Olympic athlete. He knows how important working out is to me and he meets me where I am and encourages me to keep at it.

​I am stronger in my whole body, I feel great and have learned a lot about what it takes to be a lifelong athlete. I would recommend Jon to anyone, no matter where you are in your journey, beginner or “tenured” Jon can help you attain your goals and have fun doing it."
Mary K.

West Hartford, CT

"His passion is infectious"
"Unlike many other trainers, Jon focuses his recommendations off an extensive intake.  He sits down with you, asks about your goals, and then has you do a series of exercises that help him identify routines that work with your body to achieve your goals.  He then monitors progress and over time introduces new exercises to keep things fresh.  I can tell you as a former Marine I was extremely skeptical that a trainer could get me motivated again; I was wrong.  Jon has helped me get excited about working out.  His passion is infectious and without a doubt the secret to his success.  He also listens to his clients and makes adjustments as needed (not just around the workout, but around life’s crazy curveballs)."
Chris W.

West Hartford, CT

"He has helped me come to love taking time to stay healthy"
"I have worked with Jon for many years. I started with him in my early 40's and I was wildly out of shape. He was kind, thoughtful, and encouraging. We gradually increased my work load and the frequency of our time together. He helped me get strong in a safe and measured way.

He has helped me come to love taking time to stay healthy and to take care of my health. We have become friends and he is a great person as well.

Professional, smart, and always prompt. I recommend him for the beginner or the athlete. Jon is one of the best."
Rich R.

West Hartford, CT

"I love working with Jon as my trainer and I couldn’t recommend him more highly!"
"He’s incredibly friendly, easy to talk to, and completely non-judgmental, which makes it easy to stay motivated and consistent. His training style is tailored to my specific needs, and he created a personal program designed just for me. He knows how much to push me where I have fun while always making sure I’m progressing at a pace that challenges me. Not only did he create a great workout plan, but he has educated me on meal planning based on my own needs. I have felt healthier and have so much more energy, especially for my physically demanding job as a nurse.

Even in small group sessions, Jon still makes sure to coach me individually, he always checks my form and ensures I’m doing each exercise correctly. I love that we’re still able to follow my program while enjoying the energy and motivation of the group setting."

Monica M.

West Hartford, CT

"Jonathan is  knowledgeable, supportive, and truly invested in his clients"
"I used to struggle with such severe hamstring issues that I had to sit on a lacrosse ball throughout the day. After training with Jonathan, those problems have completely disappeared.  I can now go on long runs without pain afterwards, something I wasn't sure would be possible.  Beyond that, he has also helped me improve my posture, overall strength, and agility. Jonathan is  knowledgeable, supportive, and truly invested in his clients.  I’m pleased about the progress I've made and couldn’t recommend him more highly."

Susan H.

West Hartford, CT

"I have maintained a 20 pound weight loss and gained strength/stamina"
"Before I began working with Jon, I was overweight with little strength or cardiovascular endurance and little motivation for regular fitness. As a busy professional educator and mother, I had been to many fitness centers/gyms and never "stuck" with a program or class. As a result of my work with Jon, I have maintained a 20 pound weight loss and gained strength/stamina as well as new skills and mindset about exercise.

Jon demonstrates unwavering support for my progress through his reflective questions (So, what worked this week? What might you do differently to stay on track?) and straightforward encouragement (You made that step toward your goal!; Let’s get to xx number of reps/minutes!)

His creative, responsive training program is unique and adapts to my needs, even my level of fatigue!"
Kerry J.

West Hartford, CT

"Jon has done a tremendous job of building a program for me to build my strength back up again after a career of sitting and driving."
I was referred to Jon approximately 18 months ago.  I had just retired from a job where I sat at a desk for 6-8 hours a day for almost 40 years.

Jon has done a tremendous job of building a program for me to build my strength back up again after a career of sitting and driving. His initial program started out slow but he was able to increase my strength and flexibility over time, which I am very proud of.

I recently had some knee issues and was referred to a physical therapist. John was able to structure my program, working with the physical therapist to help build back knee strength. The program he designed for me works all the areas I need to improve upon: core, knees and strength training.

Jon is very cognizant of my strengths and weaknesses and also of my desire to get back into better shape. He pushes me to do my best at each training session. I’m very glad that Jon and I have connected and he has definitely improved my physical and mental well being.
Alice S.

West Hartford, CT

"I would recommend him without reservation"
I am a 70 year old recently retired physician. I wanted to start taking my health and wellness seriously. I wanted to improve my mobility, balance and preserve and improve muscle mass. I met with Jon C. He tested my current strength and mobility and developed a plan that addresses my three concerns. He is positive, constructive and encouraging. He is slowly increasing my work load. I am making progress with my three concerns. I would recommend him without reservation.
Steve G.

West Hartford, CT

He customizes my workout and keeps it fresh because he knows I get bored easily and don’t love exercising"
After my osteoporosis diagnosis, I tried gym routines but saw no progress—until a fibula fracture made me realize I needed real guidance. That’s when I found Jon—the right trainer for me. He customizes my workout and keeps it fresh because he knows I get bored easily and don’t love exercising. Two years later, I’ve regained balance, wear heels confidently, and just got amazing news: I’m on track to be osteoporosis-free. Grateful beyond words!
Lauren G.

West Hartford, CT

Rise to the Occassion

Let’s make progress together—one rep at a time.
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Feed the Wolf - The Lift Effect

589 New Park Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06110

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