I had worked with Joe as a trainer and boxing instructer for more than a year before our band took him out on the road with us. He was a great personal trainer to begin with. I'd gotten in much better shape and become a pretty good beginner boxer in the time we spent together previous to the tour but it was on the tour that I made the real improvement. Lifting and running workouts at the hotel in the mornings were followed by boxing workouts in the afternoon at the venue after soundcheck. Still, the most impressive work wasn't the work he did alone with me but the work he did designing workout plans for everyone in the band. The morning workouts were conducted in groups, sometimes two, sometimes four or more of us. Joe was able to design workouts that were challenging and interesting for all of us. They were designed so that we could all workout together yet they varied according to each of our abilities. He pushed us to progress at our strengths yet took careful notice of our weaknesses and difficulties and took steps to improve our conditioning in those areas while taking care not to exacerbate earlier injuries. I, for instance, have bad knees and several of us, being in our late thirties and early forties, have back problems. Perhaps the greatest testimony I can give is that with a band of seven semi-lazy musicians, he managed to get six of us working out nearly every day. And he did it without driving anyone crazy, which is something almost impossible to pull off for a new guy on any tour. Hell, most of the time we're ready to kill each other at the drop of a hat.

Adam Duritz- Counting Crows

Joe makes working out fun. Painful, but fun. He is the most well rounded trainer I’ve ever seen. Joe will have you kick boxing one session, pumping iron the next and then doing yoga.

David Bryson- Counting Crows

I started training with Joe during, quite possibly, the most difficult time in my life. His unconventional methods focused not only on my physical, but also on my emotional well-being -- incorporating the two into a holistic unit. He instinctively infused valuable healing lessons into a vigorous and creative workout. I left everyday feeling physically and psychologically revived. It was my therapy... the only regret I have is not being able to train with him more than twice a week... Oh, and he kills at impersonations!!

Nikki Varhely- Television Producer

My session with Joe felt about 500 percent more for my body than the hours I spend sweating it out at the gym (not to mention way more fun!). As a trainer he exudes a very considerate authority that says “You are in good hands,” which is both comforting and inspiring. I have never had a better workout.

Lauren Lister- Staff writer for Movieline, Hollywood Life, and Maxim

“I have worked with multiple trainers in Los Angeles and Joe Rivera is the only one that “truly” brings a multidisciplinary approach to workouts. He combines yoga, boxing, martial arts, calisthenics, and strength training all into one workout. He makes every workout unique, helps you achieve results quickly and cares about his clients. I have worked with Joe for several years and I still look forward to every workout!”

Jeremy Milken –Milken Foundation

Working out with Joe is one of the best things you can do for yourself. You will never find a more versatile trainer, who will keep you challenged, motivated and interested. My energy levels were soaring, I lost weight and I have made changes that will last a lifetime.

Jim Bogios-Counting Crows

I hadn't worked out in fourteen years. Joe came on the road with us and I lost forty pounds and am in the best shape of my life. Joe is patient and funny and he can really get you to move in ways you never thought possible. Joe's the best.

Charlie Gillingham- Counting Crows

What can i say that hasn't been said? Joe Rivera ( pronounced RIVV-AIR-AAAA, with a splash of vim and an ounce of vigor!) is a great motivator who keeps the process of getting in shape interesting, and overall, very painless - no easy task as we all know. Joe's bedside manner is as good as it gets...........his ability to tour the country with rock bands however leaves a bit to be desired!

Dan Vickery-Counting Crows

After suffering a neck and shoulder injury in a car accident almost 5 years ago, I gained over 40 lbs and went from a size 32" to a snug 36"--the result of immobility and inactivity. After my injuries healed as much as they would, I tried to "get back on the wagon" so to speak, but despite building up my endurance so I could run up to 5 miles 3-5 days a week, I remained at 220 with a 36" waist. Then I met Joe.

We were introduced in May, and told him about my IMPOSSIBLE goal to "look good" for my wedding in August. He said, "no problem," and I just figured he didn't understand what I wanted. Rest assured, he DID, and for the next 7 weeks, Joe was able to devise workouts for me, that my neck and shoulder could tolerate, but that pushed my body to levels far beyond what I could have on my own.

He re-designed my body from the inside-out, building core endurance, training mind and breath, and affecting lifestyle habits such as eating, drinking, and sleeping--funny thing, after I started working out, I didn't WANT to drink or eat poorly!

To his word, Joe was able to give me the ultimate wedding gift: confidence and pride as I stood at the end of the isle waiting on my lovely bride. I've not only lost almost 30 lbs and counting in roughly 7 weeks, but I've had to exchange my suit for a smaller size--one with pants that had a 32" waist!

Joe is worth every penny, and I would venture to say even more. His trick: he loves what he does, and that transfers into his work--if you can even call it that. I'm pretty sure he would be doing this, even if he "worked" somewhere else. That's just Joe.

Landon Covington

Joe Rivera is undoubtedly the most focused centered fitness trainer I have worked with. Before I began training with Joe I was a skeptic, I had workout on my own for over 10 years and began to plateau. I doubted Joe was the answer. Within 15 minutes of our first session my skepticism was washed away in a river of my own sweat. And I hated him during moments of our first sessions. The next day I felt parts of my body I had never felt before.  Joe’s workouts are unlike anything I could coordinate on my own. He applied a diverse training regiment that was different every time, from boxing, to power yoga, to weight lifting routines that are truly unconventional. And he always brings great energy and enthusiasm to each session and it drives you. Joe’s passion for results inspired me as a client.  He is extremely well skilled and knowledgeable in his craft, and it is evident in the results. The results we have achieved blew me away. Thanks to Joe, I can honestly say I am in the best physical condition of my life. Kumbie Mtunga

Four months ago, I added training with Joe in boxing and kickboxing - for the challenge, and for more cardiovascular and strength training. Not only did any extra fat melt off my hips, but I became functionally stronger, more physically confident and balanced. Joe is intuitive, creative, highly trained, and fun. I highly recommend his talents for those looking to take their workout and body to the next level.

MC Sungaila-Attorney