May 1, 2017

Meet Christian Cianfrani of Intensity Fit Club in Downtown Los Angeles

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Cianfrani.

Christian, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised on the streets of Philadelphia, I joined the US Army. After a few years, I became an Officer of Aviation. I received the Army Physical Fitness Platinum Award but my real goal was to help other soldiers. While being the Executive Commander of an Aviation Company, I also was the Army Physical Fitness Officer. I started training civilians at the military gym and then decided that I wanted to be a fitness professional.

Eventually Philadelphia wasn’t big enough for me so I drove all the way to Orange County, CA in a 2-seater sports car to work at the Sports Club LA. I then moved on to teaching Boot Camp classes on the beaches. Only 2 years later, I got a job teaching at a vocational college for personal trainers. It was only 6 months after that when I became the Director of 1000 students and 15 instructors for Bryan University Fitness. I used a team to develop the curriculum for the 15-month program where I also taught specific classes including Anatomy, Biomechanics, Nutrition, and Fitness Programming. Teaching is a big passion of mine and I use it on my personal clients to help gain results and pay it forward. In 2010, I earned my Masters in Exercise Science.

Unfortunately, Bryan University closed in 2012, and I have been working for myself at Intensity Fit Club ever since. I built the smallest little gym inside my loft but it is very effective with commercial equipment. My clients get the best results because I use Scientific Evidence Research and Practice for all programs. I went from a boy on the streets of Philly to an Army Officer and one of LA’s top trainers. I am a big believer on having a well thought out plan and then executing the plan with 100% effort.

Has it been a smooth road?
Life is always full of obstacles. When I was 21 years old, my best friend passed away on Christmas morning. That followed one month later with another friend dying of cancer. Unfortunately, this was not even close to the last friend who died including the military and civilian world. I stayed focused and not only became an Army Officer but I was top of my class in Aviation School. Eventually I was not allowed to fly anymore due to headaches from a concussion. That is when I made the decision to drive to California and only focus on fitness. I didn’t have the Army money coming in anymore and I didn’t have any clients yet in California. I struggled to pay bills, rent, and food but I stayed with the plan. Before you know I was running 3 different Boot Camp classes in Laguna Beach and Newport. When I eventually became the Director of Bryan University, I thought everything was going to be fine. I was training some celebrities and I had a great job but then suddenly the school closed and I lost the job just like that. So again, I had to make a new plan so that’s what I did. I used my 2 weeks’ pay and bought equipment. I then made a website and approached different apartment complexes downtown Los Angeles with my business cards. Before you know I was busy all over again and here I am now averaging 9 to 10 sessions per day. One thing about me is that I always stay positive and never give up.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My education and experience is what separates me from other fitness professionals. I am not just a trainer but I am an educator. My programs are designed from the highest scientific information available. I have read and conducted countless studies on every topic that you can think of. I have a very specific reason for every exercise that I give and can explain it in the greatest detail. There are over 1,000 trainers out there right now that graduates from my system and I am proud to see them working and helping people. Besides the science part of fitness, all of my clients are my friends. I develop a bond and special relationship because I care very much about gaining their highest achievements.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is an amazing place to start a fitness career. There is a lot of competition but you just have to keep driving and separate yourself from the pack. One thing that holds me back is the ability to conduct classes in an outside environment due to strict rules and regulations. It is difficult to find a nice part for a boot camp class for example. When I do find a location, the city requires payment per hour. Other than that, there are many apartment and condo complexes filled with hundreds of residents and potential clients. Most of those buildings provide some gym.

Pricing: