Our Clients Say it Best

Client Testimonials

Jeff Jacobs

Jeff Jacobs
Former President of Global Development for Qualcomm

Years of triathlon training and countless international airline flights each take a toll on your body in their own unique way. The philosophy that Anthony Carey promotes and practices can erase years of misuse. The simple, structured exercises Anthony provides for me have personally made a big difference.

Cindy Outlaw

Cindy Outlaw

Dear Anthony, YOU SAVED MY LIFE and this letter is to thank you and show you all the things that I have been able to do this summer. Due to my four bulging disks, I began the year unable to get out of bed without extreme pain. I had trouble walking and could not take care of myself or my family. Fortunately, I was reffered to you and within a few weeks of starting your program, my pain was gone and I began to have hope that I could function normally again. Thanks to you, I am pain-free and walking up mountains!!!

Erik Kramer

Erik Kramer
Former N.F.L. Quarterback

Life for an NFL player mostly consists of a daily routine that combines performance enhancement training with pain management rehabilitation. My 11-year career in the NFL gave me access to some of the country's highest profile, cutting edge trainers and rehabilitation experts. But ironically, it took a career ending neck injury to knock me out of the NFL before I landed in Anthony Carey's clinic at Function First. It was there that I was exposed to the most comprehensive corrective exercises program I had ever experienced. Anthony's unique approach to promote the proper function of the whole body in order to support and heal the problematic area delivered the results that made me a lifetime believer. Because of all my injuries and surgeries over the years, I continue to utilize the Function First way to train and heal my body every day. I only wish I would have landed in Anthony's clinic earlier in my career.

Evan Harris

Evan Harris
Founder and Owner, SD Equity Partners

Before I found Function First, I began to believe that working out was always going to be painful and started to wonder why I even bothered. After my first session I saw improvement …. I was surprised to find that I was not only feeling less pain when working out, but was also feeling great throughout my day. Thanks to the unique guidance of Function First I am not only stronger and feeling less pain, I am now more focused and productive in the office and growing my business more than ever before.

Frank Barry

Frank Barry

Function First has totally reversed my day-to-day life. Life is Good! I now workout 5 days a week, surf, and do the things I used to do. I even entered the MCRD Challenge. So my life is back to what it used to be 9 years ago. What I like best about Function First are the trainers. They are knowledgeable, professional, creative, and fun. They show an interest in me and my success. I believe this to be the most motivating aspect in a trainer client relationship. I coached for many years and the one thing I saw repeatedly in successful coaches was their ability to convey they cared for the people they coached. It changes the whole atmosphere of a coaching environment. This is why Function First is a comfortable place to be.

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Fransico V.

I am a Marine of 18 years with 3 lumbar surgeries that have not turned out well. I have tried everything to rehab my back on my own, but have not had results just poor technique. I went to Function First as a last ditch effort, in hopes that someone could help me out. Anthony Carey did just that, in the first, 2 hour assessment I gained more knowledge and exercise tips then anytime post surgery. I never would have guessed what the mind and body does to compensate for discomfort or how to get passed it. Anthony Carey knows what he is doing and knows how to explain it so that one can understand it as well. Semper Fidelis.

Dennis Santopietro

Dennis Santopietro

Dear Anthony, I want to thank you for saving my “Trip of a Lifetime.” I called you with crippling back pain on December 10th asking if you could see me. You made time for me and I pulled myself into the car to get to your office. I walked in hunched over because I was in so much pain. I needed to get right before my flight to Rwanda on the 16th. We planned a vacation to see family and friends in Rwanda and to do some trekking to see the mountain gorillas. You took the time to bring me though several exercise and I was walking straight with less pain when I left your office. I did the exercises in the planes and airports over the 13,000 mile trip spanning 30+ hours. We ended up hiking over 8 miles up and down a volcano in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to spend some time with the Hirwa family of 20+ gorilla’s. I did it pain free and walking tall on Dec 27th due to your expertise. I’m not the best at selfies but here’s one of me and three gorilla’s in the background. Thank you for what you do!

Josie Hall

Josie Hall

I was introduced to Function First in January 2014 as a semi-private personal training client . The Function First philosophy has literally changed the way I view strength, mobility, nutrition, and recovery as key factors in my fitness journey. I have gained an understanding of why I was experiencing low back and knee pain, and what I needed to do about it. I To say that I have learned alot from the trainers at Function First is an understatment. Anthony, Derrick, Reyci, and Natalie are some of the most knowlegable, professional, and caring trainers I know. I feel truley grateful to work with and learn from these amazing people and mentors and I will continue to recommend Function First to anyone wishing to achieve personal fitness goals

Parvez Mahmood, M.D

Parvez Mahmood, M.D., F.A.C.S

For decades orthopedists and neurosurgeons told me I’d simply have to put up with my bad back. Anthony Carey told me otherwise. I’ve been living pain free ever since

Judi Sheppard Missett

Judi Sheppard Missett
Jazzercise Founder and CEO

I have sent many friends and associates to Function First, and the result has been lots of happy, pain-free bodies. I'm grateful to have found this wonderful program, which has helped me stay healthy and strong.

Morrissey

Morrissey
Multiplatinum Recording Artist

We all have the capacity to make positive changes to how our bodies function and feels. Anthony will walk you through the simple steps of seeing where help is needed and what you can do about it. It’s your body - and for the most part - you are in charge of it.

Jeanette Graham

Jeanette Graham

After two car accidents, a work injury, and scoliosis, I thought I was doomed to live with pain for the rest of my life - until I went in to see Anthony Carey. He really worked with me on a plan that was tailored for my body. I noticed pain relief after only ONE session. I've had incredible results with Function First.

Amanda Lawson

Amanda Lawson

I love Function First and cannot say enough about this place! In addition to offering personal fitness programs that fit your needs and abilities, Anthony Carey and his team provide a support system made up of people who truly have your best interests at heart. I love the small-group classes (X Factor), which offer a fun alternative to training on your own, and I honestly don't know where I would be without the one-on-one help I've received from Derrick Price over the past year. He has truly changed my life! I went from being an asymmetrical mess with knee pain and tightness in my hips to being the fittest and most confident I have ever been in my life. In the time that I've known him, I've improved my strength and agility, and most importantly, I've eliminated all the pain that had been holding me back from becoming a runner. With his help, I finished my first half marathon last year and I'm well on my way to slaughtering even more personal goals.

Susan Shofner

Susan Shofner
Jazzercise Instructor

With simple exercises, I am able to be pain free. This puts me in the position of being proactive about my health and not dependent on pain medications or surgeries. I can honestly say that Function First and their amazing work has allowed me to continue with my passion of dance and movement. I am forever grateful.

Ten Mendoza

Ten Mendoza

Function First is the best there is! Its ALL REAL stuff, real people real hard work; real results! I have done all sorts of exercise programs over the years and x factor training is by far the one I would do forever and yet l could never get tired of or outgrow. The masterminds of this genius transformational health management program, anthoney carey and derrick price, should be a must-have in every one's life. I am just so grateful that I met them and I highly advice that everyone come and experience what it means to be '1 percent better baby!'

Harold Fox

Harold Fox

What I appreciate most about Function First is their approach to overall physical and structural health and fitness. As someone who has been working out for over 33yrs I have seen plenty of workout, boot camp and core training fads come and go. Function First's approach to providing a total functional body workout is unmatched. Using a combination of body weight, core, balance, endurance, interval, functional and strength techniques the Function First method of training provides uniquely challenging workouts regardless of your current fitness level from beginner, elite to professional athlete. If you want to experience a fun, challenging and total body workout unlike any other get to Function First. You will be glad you did.

Eric Brown

Eric Brown

On February 16, 2011, I herniated a disc in my spine and later could not play basketball, or even run for 7 months. I tried everything I could medically, including traditional physical therapy to fix my back, but it wasn’t until I did a session with Anthony Carey that I found hope and ultimately success. His unconventional approach to rehab combined with his biomechanical expertise CURED my back. I am now PAIN FREE! I don't know what I would have done without Function First!

Stacey Penny

Stacey Penney

One of the best training teams around! They make it fun, they make it challenging, they meet your specific training needs. Smart choice, smart group.

Adair Newhall

Adair Newhall

A year ago, I was in need of something new on the workout front. I came across FF because of its proximity to Von's. I expected to stay a couple months and move on. Anthony, Derrick, Reyci, and team made it impossible to move on. Their workout regimens were fresh, challenging, and innovative. Their customer service exceptional. Lastly, they made the community a better place with their social outings. There is no better compliment that I can offer than say I'll miss the FF team and only wish that they expand operations to Baltimore, MD!

Sandy Todd Webster

Sandy Webster

In two years at Function First, I have leaned out, built strength and increased my athletic confidence. As the Editor in Chief of the premier trade journal in the fitness industry, I know how vital innovation and continuing education from the pro are to a fitness client's progress. The leadership at Function First rises to the challenge and keeps us all motivated, injury-free and progressing along the continuum toward our goals. The clientele is stellar as well. A great sense of camaraderie and a fun place to train! I leave feeling great and smiling after every workout.

Rachel Hayes

Rachel Hayes

Function First delivers results! First, the trainers' experience allows them to deliver customized workouts that challenge me, specifically, even in a group setting, while challenging the others in the class at a level they need. Second, Function First is for anyone and everyone who wants to improve overall fitness and health. The classes are very dynamic, challenging, and fun...next thing you know, you look at the clock and class is over. The team at Function First has done a lot to challenge my paradigm of what a workout is (even when I was resistant!). I am strong and more fit than I have been. The added benefit, is there are a lot of great people that not only own and run the studio but workout there as well!

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Danielle B.

I decided to join Function First and recently started working out with their fantastic staff. My experience thus far has been mostly with trainers Natalie and Reyci, and they've both been knowledgeable, supportive, and encouraging. The design of their workouts and the proper form they demand allow me to get a complete, intense workout without putting any strain on my back. Last week, I arrived at my session having pulled a muscle in my back, worried I would not be able to complete my workout. On the contrary, the deeper I got into the workout, the better I felt! Not only did it not hurt me, the exercises actually relieved my back pain, leaving me feeling better after my workout than before! I now completely understand the Function First mentality - if I strengthen all the support muscles throughout my whole body, and train them to function cooperatively through the controlled environment of a work out, those muscles will develop to properly support me through all my activities, keeping pain and injury at bay. Since adopting Function First I'm doing more and hurting less. I highly recommend meeting with this great team to see what they can do for you!

Function First Review

Doug M.

I just finished my free trial week at Function First, and so far I'm really liking it. Going to sign up to go regularly. Highlights: I can feel my whole body being worked out. Every muscle feels worked, but nothing hurts. Getting good cardio, too. In the past, training on my own, I always had 2 or 3 really sore muscles after a workout, and no "good sore" feeling anywhere else. I went in with a stiff/sore neck one day, and the trainer helped modify all the exercises for me on the fly. I was able to do a whole (modified) workout with my neck messed up because of their expertise. Really nice people, both the employees and the other gymgoers.​

Sasha Kaplan

Sasha Kaplan

I've been going to Function First for 2 weeks for their free 2 week trial of their small group personal training sessions. The studio has so many cool training tools that I have never seen at a normal gym and have never used. The Cortex, TRX and Vyper?,( can't remember what that one is called), but they are all such cool exercise devices that make our workouts different from anything I've done before. I leave feeling worked, and that a nice feelig! Also who would have known hopping can be so exhausting! The trainers are super educated and you can tell they are experts in their field. I think that is the main difference I noticed from my regular gym (the YMCA), the trainers at FF are actually fit and super in shape and show you new movements rather than stuff you already know how to do. Also, its just a nice change from the gym. These classes are kind of like circuit training meets exercise nouveau. Just overall really cool.

Function First Review

FR, M.D.

I've had the good fortune to have learned of Anthony Carey's talents to help control pain. He has helped me with exercise routines for back pain utilizing the "One To One" Video Program. The process of sending in videos to Anthony and receiving a personalized exercise program to follow is easy and extremely productive. Having access to his skills while living quite far from his facility is a wonderful option.