Personal trainer · Cleveland, OH · reviewed since 2021
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%97+25.3Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.99SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#26 of 154 personal trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 84%
5.0★★★★★49 Google reviews · 16 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Decent Shape five stars based on forty-nine reviews, with the owner responding to ninety-two percent of them. Customers describe the facility as offering small-group strength training and personal sessions characterized by knowledgeable instruction, clear communication, and a welcoming community. Recurring themes include the studio's focus on inclusivity for beginners and those recovering from injuries, varied and challenging workouts, and an ego-free atmosphere that supports individual progress without judgment.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 49 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 49 Google reviews (42 with written comments).
Owner responses: the business replied to 92% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 3, 2026.
Service: Personal Trainer serving Cleveland, Ohio.
Data from Google, last updated November 2, 2026.
Score profile vs other personal trainers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and value; weakest: reliability.
Decent ShapePersonal Trainers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Decent Shape: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
99
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Decent Shape: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
97
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Decent Shape: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Decent Shape: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Decent Shape: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 62.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
49 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars49100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 42 written reviews
95%praise
Praise4095%
Complaints25%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price583%
Reasonable117%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Staff & attitude1536%
Would recommend1331%
Honesty & trust512%
Quality & results410%
Speed & response37%
Communication25%
What customers talk about
We read 42 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“He is funny, kind, and an excellent teacher—always models what he wants you to do, adjusts and helps when needed, and is so encouraging!”
“Highly recommend her and Decent Shape for personal training, especially for women looking to gain strength.”
“I've been doing semi-private group training at Decent Shape for a little over 4 months and cannot recommend it enough!”
“I'll be honest: I had never worked out a day in my life before walking through these doors.”
“I am new to strength training and had a great experience!”
“Brandon and Decent Shape eliminated that feeling immediately.”
“He is extremely knowledgeable about exercise, and thoroughly explains how to do each movement and why it’s useful for getting into shape.”
People customers mention
Brandon19 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Decent Shape for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
SSandhya5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I finally made the decision to try strength training, but was worried about feeling out of place and uncomfortable in a small group. Brandon and Decent Shape eliminated that feeling immediately. He is funny, kind, and an excellent teacher—always models what he wants you to do, adjusts and helps when needed, and is…
MMaria3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
I was in Cleveland for the summer and joined Decent Shape for the three months I was in town. The instructors were welcoming and knowledgeable, the space was open and beautiful and the classes were challenging. I am new to strength training and had a great experience!
Ssuzana1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
Hands down the best small-group gym I’ve ever been to! It doesn’t feel like a typical gym at all. The coaches are kind, professional, attentive, and truly tailor the experience to each person. Every session is challenging, supportive, and fun.
Great pricePersonal training
EEmilyLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 7 months ago★★★★★
Decent Shape is an absolute gem in the Cleveland fitness world. Brandon has created the most ego-free, effective, FUN place to strength train, not to mention it is squeaky clean and has fostered a really special community in Lakewood. The coaching expertise is unmatched. I've now trained there through a postpartum…
CColleenLocal Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
I’ve been coming to Decent Shape for over three years and can’t recommend it enough. I started with my husband before our wedding, and I feel stronger and more confident everyday.
The trainers are excellent, Brandon runs an incredible program, and the community is down-to-earth, fun, and supportive. The workouts…
Personal training
BBrittLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
The community at Decent Shape is unmatched! I grew confidence with strength training from all the trainers and other members. My personal development is valued and I feel seen as I work towards my health goals.
I finally made the decision to try strength training, but was worried about feeling out of place and uncomfortable in a small group. Brandon and Decent Shape eliminated that feeling immediately. He is funny, kind, and an excellent teacher—always models what he wants you to do, adjusts and helps when needed, and is so encouraging! Awesome music and really nice people make this a place I’ve really enjoyed and I look forward to going! I really like the atmosphere and the community it offers really is exceptional—I am so happy to have taken the leap to try Strength Foundations and I feel as if Brandon really looks out for each person who steps into his studio!!!!
M
Maria Pannapara3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Maria has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I was in Cleveland for the summer and joined Decent Shape for the three months I was in town. The instructors were welcoming and knowledgeable, the space was open and beautiful and the classes were challenging. I am new to strength training and had a great experience!
S
Stacey RiethLocal Guide · 40 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Stacey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
From never setting foot in a gym to actually loving it — this place changed everything.
I'll be honest: I had never worked out a day in my life before walking through these doors. I was nervous, intimidated, and honestly wasn't sure I belonged in a gym at all. But something about this place made me give it a shot — and I am so glad I did.
From day one, the entire community made me feel like I was exactly where I was supposed to be. No judgment, no "why don't you know this already," no feeling like the odd one out. Just genuine warmth and encouragement from people who truly want to see you succeed.
The small group format is perfect for a first-timer like me. You're not thrown into a crowded gym floor to fend for yourself. The trainers meets you at your level — whatever that level is — and builds from there. I never felt behind, even as a complete beginner.
What Brandon has created here isn't just a gym. It's a community. Everyone is friendly, supportive, and happy to see you walk through the door. That energy makes all the difference when you're just starting out and still figuring everything out.
If you're like me — someone who never thought the gym was "for them" — this is the place that will prove you wrong. I only wish I had found it sooner!
Price assessment: Great price
S
suzana c1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews suzana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Hands down the best small-group gym I’ve ever been to! It doesn’t feel like a typical gym at all. The coaches are kind, professional, attentive, and truly tailor the experience to each person. Every session is challenging, supportive, and fun.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Personal training
E
Emily MartinLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Emily has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Decent Shape is an absolute gem in the Cleveland fitness world. Brandon has created the most ego-free, effective, FUN place to strength train, not to mention it is squeaky clean and has fostered a really special community in Lakewood. The coaching expertise is unmatched. I've now trained there through a postpartum period, a fractured foot, another pregnancy, and now another postpartum period and I've been thoughtfully accomodated through every change in my body. I've also watched Brandon and his team accomodate both first-time and long-time weightlifters, marathoners, triathletes, surgery and injury rehabbers, and a wide range of ages. No matter your history, fitness level, or goals, if you join us at Decent Shape you're going to get strong in a smart, steady way and have a lot of fun doing it.
Response from the owner · a year ago
You're the best, Emily!
We love the positive energy you bring to every session. We appreciate you trusting us to help you get & stay strong no matter what life brings!
C
Colleen SweeneyLocal Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Colleen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I’ve been coming to Decent Shape for over three years and can’t recommend it enough. I started with my husband before our wedding, and I feel stronger and more confident everyday.
The trainers are excellent, Brandon runs an incredible program, and the community is down-to-earth, fun, and supportive. The workouts are challenging, the playlists are always an eclectic curation of hits, and I love the polls on the chalk board. It’s fun to feel and see the progress from when I started until now. Truly one of my favorite places.
Services: Personal training
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you, Colleen! You and Stefan have both been such awesome additions to our community. Your progress and consistency is so impressive. Let's keep it going!!
B
Britt IrvinLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Britt has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The community at Decent Shape is unmatched! I grew confidence with strength training from all the trainers and other members. My personal development is valued and I feel seen as I work towards my health goals.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Personal training
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thanks so much for the review, Britt! Your consistency has been awesome and we really value your trust in us. You're a great part of our community!
C
Christina HummelLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Christina has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Decent Shape changed my relationship with working out and strength training and I’m very grateful for that! Extremely clear and easily followed instruction with a focus on form and execution. Best gym experience I’ve ever had!
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thanks, Chrissy! Your progress has been so awesome and you always bring great energy to the studio. We're happy you're here!
J
Jennifer Baker10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jennifer has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have been working with Darcy at Decent Shape for several months now and could not be happier. The workouts are varied, challenging and fun. Darcy is very knowledgeable and provides detailed instruction and supervision. Highly recommend her and Decent Shape for personal training, especially for women looking to gain strength.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Personal training
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thanks for the review, Jennifer! So glad you're enjoying your sessions with Darcy!
M
Mara Palombaro1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Mara has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Darcy creates such a supportive and empowering environment. She listens, adjusts the workout to how you’re feeling, and always finds a way to celebrate the wins big or small. I’m stronger physically and mentally because of her coaching. Couldn’t ask for a better trainer!
Services: Personal training
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thanks so much for your review, Mara! We love Darcy!
