Personal Trainer & Chronic Pain Relief
Overcome chronic pain, get stronger, build muscle, and lose fat. Address the cause of chronic pain and begin practicing healthy habits daily.
If you want to build a strong and pain-free body that looks good and feels amazing, book a consultation with me to get started.
Personal Training Experience
I train clients to get stronger, improve performance, build muscle, and lose fat, but my specialty is helping clients overcome chronic pain. I teach and empower my clients to do it on their own so they can continue getting phenomenal results for life.
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Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)
Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)
Certified Nutrition Coach Level 2 (Pn2)
Certified Strength Coach (CSCS)
160+ Hours Equinox Institute Training
TRX Certified Trainer (STC)
Pain-free Performance Specialist (PPSC)
Certified Personal Trainer (ACTION-CPT)
CPR Certified Trainer
Health Philosophy
When we experience pain, injury, or disease, it’s our body sending a signal that something needs to change. By discovering and replacing unhealthy habits the body heals itself without intervention. Your body and brain must not break down as you age, rather it’s a product of poor habits.
You are the cause of your pain, but you are also the solution! People go to great lengths looking for an external “quick fix” to avoid changing their habits, but these external solutions address only the symptoms and not the causes. The solution to your pain is internal, not external. You are powerful! You are in control!
Personal Training Solution
Each new client relationship begins with a fitness assessment to identify unique needs and customize a training program and nutrition plan to achieve the desired fitness goals.
I'm currently training in-person in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and I offer online coaching around the world. If you're interested in either of these, schedule a consultation and get started today. I look forward to working with you.
Tom Pfeiffer
I have a long history of back pain, but I've also dealt with chronic pain in my knees, ankles, and shoulders. I've visited different doctors for each chronic injury, but I've learned that the Western solution for chronic pain is drugs or surgery, but this only avoids the problem and doesn't identify a cause or fix anything.
I'm now completely pain-free and every year I get stronger. My passion for helping others comes from my experience of being in pain. It has taken several years of study, practice, and failure to get myself out of pain, and I've since helped hundreds of clients get out of pain.
I'm able to provide my clients with clarity and save them years of wasted effort by focusing on what matters most to get results in a fraction of the time it would take them to do it on their own. I love what I do and I'm obsessed with it. Most people watch sports or tv to relax, while I read anatomy books for fun.
I also enjoy lifting weights, sprinting, and practicing Muay Thai. I'm a voracious reader of self-help, finance, history, and philosophy. I'm grateful for every opportunity I have to help others. Thank you for visiting my website, I look forward to connecting with you!
Spinal Stenosis, Bulging Disc, Scoliosis
In 3rd grade is when it first started to feel like I couldn't sit still in my chair because my back was hurting.
At age 16 a doctor diagnosed me with spinal stenosis, a bulging disc, and scoliosis using MRI images.
Degenerative Disc Disease
At age 21 a doctor diagnosed me with Degenerative Disc Disease based on x-ray images.
He told me to “avoid lifting weights, running, and jumping, and hopefully it won’t get worse.” I avoided the things he told me and my back pain stayed the same.
Each time I visited a doctor they used expensive images to diagnose my pain, but not once did they ask about my lifestyle, teach me good posture, review my movement, or provide a specific cause for my pain.
Chronic Pain Solution
Chronic pain is almost always made worse by one particular motion, posture, or load that the individual unknowingly repeats.
If you’re currently in pain, get a diagnosis from your doctor. Follow their recommendation, and if you still have pain, book a consultation to work with me directly. I help clients build muscle, lose fat, increase strength, and get more mobile while addressing the specific causes of chronic pain.
It’s time to stop settling for less and upgrade your quality of life! Click the link below and schedule a consultation to get started today!
When to See a Doctor
Go see a doctor if you’ve had a traumatic event like a crash or fall and to rule out more serious forms of back pain like tumors, cardiac conditions, and disease. Here are qualified clinicians that can help you diagnose your chronic pain.
Consult your doctor before embarking on new exercises or self-diagnosis. You may have a specific condition that could be worsened by exercise - check to be sure.
I work with people who have visited their doctor and followed their advice but still have chronic back pain. If you want help on your journey, book a consultation to work with me directly.
Fitness Coaching Client Testimonials
"If there was a silver lining from the Pandemic shutdown it was me finding Tom Pfeiffer on Instagram. I have been working on my mobility with Tom virtually since then and it’s been a blessing. Tom is super knowledgeable, caring and witty. It’s my favorite hour of the week. Book now…you won’t be disappointed!"
- Frank I.
"Tom is highly professional, approachable, and knowledgeable about fitness and nutrition. I had previously trained with someone for a year before working with Tom, and he quickly identified ways to improve my form and flexibility across lifts. His advice allowed me to lift more and to do so more safely. Within three months of working with him, Tom helped me build muscle and definition, a marked improvement on the casual training I had been doing solo. I'd strongly recommend working with him."
- Joe Z.
"I've been working with Tom since July of 2021 and have really enjoyed training with him! He is knowledgable, approachable, and extremely supportive. Tom focuses on teaching and helps you understand technique as well as how to avoid injuries. He is also committed to supporting your nutrition goals and keeps you accountable without it feeling overwhelming. Working with Tom has increased my motivation to consistently exercise and be mindful of nutrition. If you are considering training, I highly recommend him!"
- Monica I.
"Currently working with Tom on my fitness goals, and he’s been amazing. Easy to talk to and connect. He is very knowledgeable and always willing to answer all my questions. And I have a lot. He is very specific with making sure my form is always right, which is important. He is also very responsive throughout the week with any questions I may have regarding meals. Overall, work with Tom!"
- Remo C.
“Tom is great and takes a holistic approach to help you achieve your goals. With a prior injury history, Tom was very cognizant and proactive in correcting any strength or movement imbalances before progressing to heavier weight and more complex movements. He is thoughtful, motivating, and holds you accountable. I unequivocally recommend him.”
- Lucas G.
"I started working with Tom two months ago after feeling stalled with my workouts and weight loss. It has been great to work with him and focus on the right things, not just weight loss but what I am eating and the types of workouts I am doing. Tom incorporates the right balance of keeping you motivated and accountable and is also knowledgeable (refers to basal metabolic rates!). I’ve enjoyed working with him, feel great and look forward to continuing on my journey with his support!"
-Melissa D.
"Tom Pfeiffer has been my personal trainer for the past 3 years. I lost 10 pound in the first 3 months by working out with him and following his instructions. With minor changes to my vegetarian diet and making sure I had protein in my diet I was able to lose weight.
Tom's motivation and support has helped me not only lose weight, but also to grow in my professional career, impromptu speaking, as well as deal with tough times. He is now my mentor and a close friend of mine. I highly recommend Tom Pfeiffer as he is certified and knowledgeable. You will get more than what you asked for. Give it a try now."
- Uday B.
"I’ve been training with Tom for two months now and the results say everything. First Tom coached me for my half marathon, customizing my program to focus on lower body strength and minimizing chances of injury. Now, we are working on overall strength & toning and I could not be more happy. He has a great personality, customizes his workouts so you never get bored, and is even there to help with diet, which is a large component of getting in shape and healthy. Tom is a gem in a city full of personal training options!"
- Liz T.
Tom is an amazing ally. He shows up, he’s always on time, he’s always prepared, and he always looking for ways to make you independent. He teaches you to exercise and to stand on your own two feet and take it on your own. I highly recommend working with Tom.
-Andy C.
"My wife and I had the privilege of working with Tom and couldn't be happier with the results. Tom's thoughtfulness and extensive knowledge of physical training were truly impressive. Thanks to Tom's guidance, I was able to make significant progress in improving my chronic lower back pain. What sets Tom apart is his dedication to his clients. Tom always make an effort to check in on us and ensure that we are on the right track with our fitness goals. We can genuinely say that Tom's support has made a substantial difference in our lives. We wholeheartedly recommend Tom to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and caring fitness professional."
- Roger C.
"Before starting with Tom, I wasn't as motivated - my workouts would be short and all over the place and I wasn't pushing myself. Also, I wasn't focusing on food at all - now I know how much food I need to actually eat to build any kind of muscle.
After slacking off for a few months I was seeing myself really skinny and I didn't like it. I wanted to get back into a routine, and to try to achieve the physique I've always wanted. Tom has really helped me build a plan that has translated into concrete results. We have created a routine, I've learnt about certain key movements, and I've developed the right mindset when it comes to diet.
If you know you want to work with a fitness professional, definitely go with Tom! Not only is he extremely reliable, passionate, and smart, but he really cares, and this is shown through the plans and follow-ups he does. He also adapts to different situations extremely well, so if you need certain flexibility, Tom is the one. I've been able to see great results and I've enjoyed working with Tom."
- Antonio C.
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"Working out with Tom has been transformational for me! I've been around the block with trainers and diet fads in the past, but Tom helped me reframe how I looked at my fitness goals and helped me see a bigger vision for myself and where I want to be in the future. While most trainers try and get you to become reliant upon them, Tom has helped empower me to feel like I'm in control of my journey and is just there to equip me with the tools, resources, and skills I need to get where I'm going. He's patient, focused, encouraging, and I'm grateful for the impact working with him has had on my life."
- Tim S.
"After doing the same workouts every week, I was in a rut, losing motivation, and not seeing results. Enter Tommy. Coaching with Tommy has held me accountable, and made working out both fun and dynamic. It’s not just better exercise - I’m drinking less, sleeping more, and eating healthier. The results are measurable - I’m faster, leaner, stronger, and happier since I started. If you’re not seeing results from your exercise routine, talk to Tommy."
- Philip T.
"I met Tom in 2019 when I was starting my new lifestyle journey. Tom was super approachable, understanding and helpful when helping me with a new meal plan. Tom is very empathetic so he truly cares about his clients' well-being. If you're looking to start a new lifestyle, a new fitness journey and need help, I highly recommend Tom Pfeiffer!"
- Danielle I.
"I have tried working out with a trainer many times but never stuck with it. That all changed with Tom. He made workouts fun, with different games and constant jokes. Beyond that, I saw and felt the results which just further motivated me. Tom is the only reason I am still actively working out and enjoying it instead of being a fat lazy stoner."
- David O.
"After a year of not having a structured, effective workout routine, I was feeling the impacts - weight gain, lack of flexibility & mobility and bad posture. I was just plain out of shape. Working with Tom was immediately motivating and transformational. His energy and expertise is contagious and I immediately felt that I had made the right choice. Over a six month period, Tom has helped me reset my posture, improve my strength and mobility and find the internal motivation to improve my overall well being. If someone asked me if Tom was the right trainer for them, I would tell them not to hesitate and get going immediately!"
- Jonathan C.
"Before working with Tom, I had minimal experience in the gym — I've been lean and lanky for many years, never thinking I should build muscle. I got quite bored of running and decided it was time to get fit. From the moment we began working together, Tom was attentive, knowledgeable, and fun to work with. Not only am I much more confident at the gym, but in a mere month of working together, I've seen very noticeable results. Tom's approach is a holistic one, focusing not only on exercises but on diet and lifestyle in general. He pushed me to excel physically, and also ensured I had enough time to recover. If you're looking for guidance, support, and expertise, Tom is your guy. I couldn't recommend him more highly."
- Marcelo L.
"Have loved working with Tom so far. Not only because I see positive physical results, but also because he's fun to be around and doesn't make fitness boring or too serious. I have gained a ton of confidence from working with him, as well as knowledge about food and nutrition. Sign up for training with Tom, your glutes will thank you."
- Alison B.
"Like many people, 2020 was a year stuck inside and therefore resulted in "Covid Weight". I was going to the gym but not seeing any results both in muscle development or weight loss. I had seen Tom on instagram sharing tips so I reached out.
Working with Tom has been great. I have learned a set of tools that I can use any time and anywhere. After 8 weeks I am seeing a difference in my body and the weight loss has begun. I think the greatest thing is that Tom helps you develop a "healthy lifestyle" that will continue with you. And his positive personality really inspires you to be better. Highly recommend working with Tom."
- Christopher M.
"Tom has been training my partner and me for six months and we are incredibly happy with the results. Both of us lost a lot of strength (and gained a lot of weight) during the pandemic. I also lost a lot of my core/stabilizing strength since throwing my back out a few years ago. With Tom we've seen phenomenal growth in both strength and fitness. After focusing on our nutrition, we have also had significant weight loss.
Beyond results, I also highly recommend Tom on a personal level: as a queer person, it can be rare to find a trainer who is thoughtful about pronouns and doesn't make me feel out-of-place in the gym. Tom is technically-focused (he'll even bring out his iPad to show you anatomical diagrams), warm, kind, and encouraging. If you're considering starting with training, Tom's your guy."
- Alden G.
"I've had several personal trainers in the past. They were good and I did get some results, but until I started training with Tom, I'd never realized that a relationship with a trainer could set me up to be so self-empowered and motivated. His training programs are thoughtfully designed and he has a wealth of mind-body-nutrition philosophy that I really appreciate. What's more, Tom is a light-hearted, funny guy and is really engaged and hands-on during our sessions. I highly recommend Tom to anyone who is looking to look and feel great, and to have a great time doing it! Thanks to Tom, I'm in the best shape of my life."
- Justin G.
"I heard about Tom through a friend he was training. Before meeting Tom, I had only had very limited exposure to the gym, poor eating habits, and my father was in the ICU with COVID-19. I was deeply unhappy with my body and felt that a physically fit body was unachievable for myself. Besides my friend's recommendation, I chose Tom as my trainer because of his age (ability to relate) and the attention he gave to an integrated workout. He was able to speak to the importance of not only exercising the upper body, but the lower body as well, with a holistic approach to fitness that carefully captured and addressed my concerns regarding food and general lifestyle. Throughout his program, he supported me emotionally -- with optimism, encouragement, and insight. Tom has a wisdom and wealth of knowledge when it comes to fitness and food! Not only is Tom a lionhearted teacher, but a sincere mentor and ally to anyone looking to transform their life!"
- Luis S.
"I think it doesn’t take much to just be a trainer but it does require a ton of dedication to be an expert. Tom is an expert in every sense. I’m not a novice in the gym but have (over the years) collected several injuries that are challenging to train through and come back from. After each session with Tom I have a better understanding of where I went wrong in the past and a solid plan to reach my goals in the future—for that I’m incredibly grateful. This man knows his stuff!"
- Blair P.
