Learn What Works
Effective exercise involves more than completing repetitions. Learn sound technique, appropriate intensity, and how to train with purpose instead of spending years guessing.
One-on-One Personal Training • Poughkeepsie, NY
You’re Stronger Than You Think.
You can do more than you think you can. You don’t have to become a different person before you begin. We start with who you are, what you can do today, and build from there—one workout, one skill, and one success at a time.
Training that meets you where you are—and helps you move forward.
If you walk into the gym feeling defeated, my goal is to help you leave feeling capable and strong.
I’m Clarence Devens, a personal trainer at IXL Health & Fitness in Poughkeepsie. I specialize in practical, individualized coaching for beginners, older adults, people carrying significant extra weight, and anyone returning to exercise after time away.
Personal training should be exactly that: personal. For some people, twice a week makes sense. For others, once a week—or a few introductory sessions followed by periodic check-ins—is a better fit. We build a plan that is effective, sustainable, and realistic for your life.
Everybody has a first day. The goal isn’t to prove what you can do on day one. It’s to discover what you can build from there.
You don’t need to get in shape before you come see me. You don’t need to know the machines. You don’t need to impress anybody. You just need a place to start.
Build something that lasts.
Good training is constantly evolving. Your body changes, your goals change, and your program should change with them. The objective isn’t simply to survive workouts—it’s to become stronger, more confident, and more capable because of them.
Earn Your Progress
Progress is built from ordinary workouts done consistently. We pay attention to the small wins—another repetition, better technique, more weight, easier stairs—because those small wins eventually become real change.
Challenge Without Punishment
Training can be hard without being miserable. Once we’ve created the response we need for the day, we’re done. More isn’t automatically better. The right amount, repeated consistently, is what moves you forward.
Strength & Independence
Build useful strength for stairs, carrying things, getting up, traveling, working around the house, and staying capable as you age.
Beginner & Return-to-Fitness
Learn the equipment, technique, and appropriate intensity without having to keep up with anyone else. Your starting point is simply information—not a judgment.
Keep Moving Forward
When something improves, we build on it. When something stalls, we adjust. Your program should keep serving a purpose rather than becoming a routine you repeat simply because you’ve always done it.
Look for the wins you can feel.
Changes in the mirror can take time. But progress often shows up earlier than that: the first flight of stairs that doesn’t leave you winded, the weight that suddenly feels lighter, getting up more easily, or realizing you can do something you couldn’t do a month ago. Those wins matter. They’re evidence that the work is working.
Your first session
- We sit down and talk.
We’ll discuss your current fitness, goals, health concerns, injuries, and anything that may affect your training. - We warm up.
We’ll begin with an appropriate warm-up so you can get comfortable moving and prepare for the workout. - We strength train.
You’ll complete a real strength-training workout, with exercises selected and adjusted for you. If something is uncomfortable, tell me. There are usually several ways to modify an exercise while still accomplishing the goal. - We finish and check in.
We’ll stretch, talk about how the session went, and I’ll give you follow-up instructions for the next day or two.
It’s also my assessment.
Your first workout gives me an opportunity to see how you move, what you already do well, and where we may need to focus. Combined with your goals, that gives us a clear starting point for what comes next.
I have your best interests in mind all the time.
Start with one session. The worst that happens is you get a good workout and learn something useful. It may turn out that we’re a great fit. If we’re not, at least we know—and I’m happy to help you think through what kind of trainer may serve you better.
Straightforward pricing. Flexible ways to train.
You should know what training costs before you contact me. Sessions may be purchased individually or in packages for convenience. Packages do not change the per-session rate, so there is no pressure to buy more training than you need.
Personal Training
$62 • approximately 45 minutes
A focused one-on-one training session built around your goals and ability.
Training + Nutrition Coaching
$90 • approximately 60 minutes
More time for training plus practical nutrition coaching and support.
Consistent coaching does not have to mean frequent coaching. Three introductory sessions followed by a monthly check-in can provide a strong foundation. Progress may be slower than with more frequent coaching, but periodic guidance can still help you train more safely, effectively, and consistently.
Where training happens
All of my personal training sessions take place at IXL Health & Fitness in Poughkeepsie.
Because I train through IXL, clients need access to the gym in order to train with me. If you’re already an IXL member, you’re all set.
If you’re not a member yet, you can still start with a single session by purchasing a $25 day pass in addition to the cost of your personal training session. That gives us a chance to meet, train together, and see if we’re a good fit before you make a larger commitment.
If you decide you’d like to continue training regularly, becoming an IXL member will generally make more sense than purchasing a day pass each time.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to me first. I can explain how the process works and help you get your first session scheduled.
Common questions
“Can’t I just work out on my own?”
Absolutely. The advantage of coaching is efficiency: learning how to choose appropriate exercises, use sound technique, and progress them effectively. A few sessions can give you a substantial head start and replace guesswork with a plan.
“I hate working out.”
Then I don’t want to build a program you hate. This isn’t easy, and that’s okay—but hard does not have to mean punishment. We look for training you can sustain, progress you can recognize, and enough challenge to create change without making you dread coming back.
“I can’t afford training every week.”
You don’t necessarily have to. Start with a few sessions to learn the fundamentals, then use occasional check-ins to update your program and keep yourself moving in the right direction.
“Will everyone be looking at me?”
Most people at the gym are focused on their own workout—their routine, music, and goals. Everybody has a first day. You do not need to arrive already knowing what to do.
“Do I need to be an IXL member?”
For ongoing training, yes. If you want to try a first session before joining, a $25 day pass can be purchased in addition to your training session. If you continue regularly, membership will generally make more sense.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Late cancellations and no-shows are billed under gym policy. When you give roughly 12 hours’ notice and I have availability, I may be able to move the session to another time that same week. If we can’t reschedule, or the replacement appointment doesn’t happen, the original session is billed. Thanks for understanding—I hold that time just for you.
When are appointments available?
Typical availability is weekdays 10 AM–3 PM and 5–7:30 PM, and weekends 9–11 AM. Exceptions may sometimes be possible.
When you’re ready, I’m here.
You don’t have to commit to changing everything. Start with one session. Tell me a little about yourself, what you would like to accomplish, and the best way to reach you. I typically respond the same day and always aim to reply within 24 hours.
Contact Clarence
Text: 845-518-1719
Training location: IXL Health & Fitness, Poughkeepsie, NY