What Others Are Saying

When I started working with Da’Mon two and a half years ago, I had recently turned 60 years old and had never done any serious exercise.  I could barely do a pushup.  Da’Mon started me with an exercise program that was both vigorous, but also do-able.  Since that time, with Da’Mon’s training and encouragement, I am in the best shape of my life.  With his encouragement, I supplemented his weekly workouts with a home exercise program, and recently joined a gym, where I work out two to three times a week.  Da’Mon is the perfect trainer for me.  I like the personal attention that he gives in his fully-equipped home studio.  Although DaMon has a very pleasant manner, he is able to gently push and prod me to meet ever-increasing fitness goals.  Da’Mon’s work goes beyond what happens in the studio; he encourages a healthy lifestyle, including food choices.  He has an integrated approach, which focuses on the entire body and mind.  It has been a pleasure working with Da’Mon over the past two and a half years.  My twice-weekly training sessions with him are the appointments I never miss!

- Bob B., Berkeley, CA

After reading about Da’Mon in the San Francisco Chronicle, I knew he would be the perfect person to work with my husband, a physically fit older adult who also has Alzheimer’s.  Da’Mon’s friendly and open personality made my husband comfortable from the start.  His firm yet gentle encouragement always motivates him to do his best.  Da’Mon has a huge repetoire of exercises and he’s able to customize them to my husband’s fluctuating abilities.  We are both so grateful we found Da’Mon!

– Grace and Andy, Berkeley, CA

When I turned 47 years old on January 4, 2007, I made a promise to myself that I would make a lifestyle change and I was determined to improve my physical health.  My dear mother passed away at the early age of 51, due to health issues which I believe would have been a non-issue had she been physically fit.  I began to reflect on how tired I was all the time and how out of breath I would be as I climbed a flight of stairs.  I would become angry when the escalators at BART were out of order because that meant I had no other choice but to take the stairs.  This condition and attitude really began to bother me because when I was a teen and clear through my thirties, I had been athletic and pretty much in shape.  But when I reached my forties, unfortunately I lost the desire to workout.

One day a good friend shared with me her need to get in shape and began to share her experience with the exercise program she had recently joined.  She invited me to come and check it out, which I did and I’m forever grateful because it was exactly what I needed.  All that was expected was desire and dedication.

Da’Mon Vann of Power-Plus Fitness was the trainer who put us through a vigorous boot camp type of training that included cardio and weight lifting.  Three days a week we would meet and the regimen of exercises increased my level of endurance, strength and most importantly my self-esteem.  I have since dropped 3 dress sizes and can once again fix into my skinny jeans.  I no longer dread taking stairs or walking long distances.  My medical doctor is also pleased with my results and has encouraged me to continue.

What kept me dedicated to this life style change was the disciplined program Da’Mon had for us and his sincere concern that we each reached our fitness goal.

Thank you Da’Mon, you have truly made a positive difference in my life.

- Alicia Meadors, Hercules, CA

The SF Chronicle ran an article on the best personal trainers in the Bay Area in December of 2006. I was re-cooping from a bad bike accident and had decided to treat myself to some good rehab as soon as I was able. After reading the article, I picked Da’Mon, because his mind, body, spirit philosophy and his focused approach with older adults.  More an a year later, I have not been disappointed. Always cheerful, full of energy and creative in his approach, working out is never dull. What always amazes me, is that simplest of exercises can work the core, to the core! There are times that I drag myself to his studio, but I always leave with a smile on my face and feeling energized from a great workout, tailored to my needs.

– Carol Markell, Berkeley

“Da’Mon Vann is the first physical fitness trainer that I ever worked with. He came to me highly recommended, and I have not been disappointed.  Da’Mon is very patient!  He works with you to make you a better, stronger person, always aware of your physical limitations.  In the year that I’ve worked with him I’ve had a couple of operations to correct pre-existing orthopedic problems.  Da’Mon has been able to continue to allow me to progress, to become stronger and better sculpted, while compensating for injuries and periods of recovery.  He is EXTREMELY patient, and knows a lot about the body, how it functions, and how you can turn your body into something you can be proud of…regardless of your age! Last but not least, he is one heck of a nice man.  He is bright, engaging, a good conversationalist, and has more talent, in more areas, than many people I know.  In summary, I look forward to every workout. Da’Mon encourges you to do what you can to improve, but not to the point where you end up hurting yourself.

- JJT, Piedmont, CA

Da’Mon is a superb fitness instructor.  Coming to Da’Mon is my 1^st experience with a trainer and working out at all.  He has successfully instructed me on core training, proper nutrition, and mental wellness.  The knowledge, skill, and mastery of fitness training that Da’Mon possesses are very impressive.  Da’Mon is able to motivate you while helping you understand and realize the benefits of your efforts.  I truly recommend his fitness services to any new prospective clients.

– Brian Campbell, Emeryville

Personal Training with Da’Mon Vann @ Power Plus Fitness has been a life changing experience for me.

Da’Mon utilizes a creative and innovative approach that integrates movement, strength and balance routines in an hour session.  Each exercise engages and strengthens the core muscles and is targeted to increase stamina as well as strength.  The goal is to maximizing the functionality of the body and keep it in balance.  Da’Mon is constantly adjusting the approach to keep the workout fun and challenging.  I had shoulder surgery last year and Da’Mon was able to tailor exercises to isolate the muscles and gradually strengthen them back to 100 % functionality.  We have also done a lot of work in the area of nutrition and Damon brings a wealth of dietary knowledge to the training table.  The Power Plus Studio is a great space to let the world go for an hour and focus exclusively on your intention to create a body you can be comfortable with and depend on to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.  Working with Damon, I have lost weight, gained strength and endurance, and developed a more focused approach to “working out”.  The journey continues and Da’Mon’s energy, spirit and enthusiasm has added an immeasurable quality to the process.  Da’Mon truly cares about your success and I would recommend him as a personal trainer without reservation.

- Jeff Adamus, San Francisco, CA

My partner and I are middle-aged and realized that we wanted to be more physically able, not less, as we matured.  We’ve been training with Da’Mon for about 9 months, and were concerned for a moment when we realized we hadn’t lost any weight. Then we discovered we’ve each gained about 5% of our weight in lean body mass while losing fat. We feel stronger and more energetic.  My partner has been coping with back problems and our gentle core exercises have improved his symptoms.  Da’Mon is a knowledgeable and very competent trainer.  What makes his work unusual is that he is simultaneously tough and gentle. We joke that he has a Marquis de Sade aspect, but in truth he is all smiles and supportiveness. He has really motivated us to stay on top of this path towards health.

– Seth Ubogy and Jerry Threat, Berkeley, CA

Da’Mon puts the WOW into your workouts. I can’t imagine what life would be like with out my Mon/Wed/Fri morning workouts with him. Talk about keeping it fresh! I never know what to expect when we meet. He must have a million different exercises in his back pocket, because he’s constantly surprising me with completely new moves and routines and it’s been well over a year now! For me, that is one of the things that keeps me hooked and looking forward to my time with him. I’m always wondering what we’ll be doing next. I love it! You’re the best, Da’Mon!

- E.G. Emeryville

I’ve worked with Da’Mon for nearly five years.  He has been good for me because my job, as a firefighter, demands that I stay in shape.  He taught me how to use good technique to reduce injury while attaining and maintaining my desired results.  I got in such good shape that I had to replace a most of my wardrobe; a slightly costly endeavor, but isn’t that the point?  I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else.  He’s like a good tailor.  He makes the right alterations so that you look your best!

– EJU, Oakland, CA

None of my clothes fit anymore so I had to go out and by new ones. It was exciting, not because of the way I looked in the clothes but the way I felt in them. I have a confidence in myself that I didn’t have before. I have to thank you because you have provided me with so much knowledge and encouragement on this journey. I came in to your studio at 130 and now I am at 115 and I feel incredible physically and emotionally. But I’m not stopping there. I reached this goal and now I have new ones, I want to continue to grow and challenge myself. Thank you for showing me what I could do.  I can earn that Body by Da’Mon T-shirt!

- Tricia Turner, Oakland, CA