Testimonials

The Coaches at BarkEater Athletics are Proud to Provide a Variety of Programs to Residents of Jonesborough, TN & the Tri-Cities Area!

View the Testimonials Below to see How Our Fitness Programs Can Change Your Life!

"Ellen has a vast experience in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and she continues to sharpen her skills through regular training. Paul also brings his unique athleticism and quest for knowledge to our program. Ellen was awarded her purple belt which represents her abilities and knowledge of the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which is added to her vast experience as a Black Belt in Judo. Ellen has taught classes and brings with her the ability to share information in a fun and fundamentally sound way. Anyone who has the opportunity to train with them is going to experience a professional and sound teaching of the martial arts."

Robert Hugus, 4th Degree Black Belt, retired Police Sergeant in charge of Defensive Tactics

“I joined BarkEater Athletics 2 months ago to help get in shape for the other sports that I do competitively. I was very nervous about doing these type of workouts as I had never done a structured program that involved lifting weights. The moment I walked through the door, everyone was very welcoming. I was thinking that it would be a grind and not a lot of fun, but boy was I wrong. I normally go at 6:30 in the morning and am still waking up when I get there. By the time I leave, I am energized and in a great mood. My strength is increasing from the workouts and my mobility is surprisingly much better. Paul and Ellen are very accommodating and are very helpful with technique. They are also very good at pushing me to improve, but at a rate that is appropriate for avoiding injury. The whole experience is very positive and I highly recommend it.”

“They are also very good at pushing me to improve, but at a rate that is appropriate for avoiding injury.”

“Joining BarkEater CrossFit was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. As I enter my fifth decade, I am more fit and emotionally in tune than I have ever been despite a lifetime of sports and outdoor activities. BarkEater’s class structure allows us to look back even a month to see how much our hard work is paying off through heavier lifting, better technique, faster times or commitment to the program and each other. At the core of this though is the sense of community that Paul and Ellen have created with their deep commitment to every individual who participates. Because of this, I feel closer to the diverse group of people that I share class with than friends I have had for years.”

“BarkEater’s class structure allows us to look back even a month to see how much our hard work is paying off through heavier lifting, better technique, faster times or commitment to the program and each other.”

“Prior to beginning BarkEater CrossFit, 5 months of sitting on the sofa in isolation working from had taken a toll on my physical and mental health. I began to fall behind in my outdoor passions, becoming winded on the trail, unable to shoulder a heavy canoe or pack for long treks into the wilderness. In a few short months, I can manage my back and shoulder pain with the unattended side effects to this newfound fitness: healthier eating habits, regular sleep schedule, and returned motivation. The mix of muscular strength, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance translates into the outdoor pursuits so many of us love.”

“I can manage my back and shoulder pain with the unattended side effects to this newfound fitness: healthier eating habits, regular sleep schedule, and returned motivation.”

“There is nothing like starting the day with a killer workout. The workouts are challenging but Paul and Ellen are so encouraging. BarkEater Athletics is more than a gym, Paul and Ellen have built a community.”

“Paul and Ellen have built a community.”

“Not only has my physical fitness and mobility increased, but my mental clarity and focus has improved my day to day life. Without BarkEater Athletics, I’d still be stuck in the same routine where I thought I was making myself better, but I wasn’t.”

“My mental clarity and focus has improved my day to day life.”

“Since joining BarkEater Athletics in 2020, I feel better than I have in years! The athletes who walk through the doors enter a space where it does not matter how much you lift, it matters that you show up.”

“It does not matter how much you lift, it matters that you show up.”

“Since starting personal training with the coaches at BarkEater Athletics, I’ve been the most consistent with my exercise that I’ve ever been. It’s not always easy, but it’s difficult to deny results. A big part of putting work in at BarkEater Athletics for me is it allows me to better enjoy things outside the gym like mountain biking, paddling, and hiking.”

“A big part of putting work in at BarkEater Athletics for me is it allows me to better enjoy things outside the gym like mountain biking, paddling, and hiking.”

“Prior to beginning CrossFit at BarkEater Athletics, I’ve always been somewhat active; lifting weights for 30 plus years with occasional cardio supplementation but not really learning anything new in my exercise maintenance. Over a year now that I’ve been at BarkEater for 3-4 times a week with dramatic improvement in core strength developed through gymnastic type exercises and Olympic lifts. I’ve gained a serious appreciation for touching on some of the kinetics of Olympic weightlifters and gymnastics and it fascinates me. I’m learning.”

“I’ve always been somewhat active; lifting weights for 30 plus years with occasional cardio supplementation but not really learning anything…At BarkEater Athletics..I’m learning.”

“Paul and Ellen have been my exercise coaches since December 2019. Since then, I have been taught and trained to build muscles, have good posture, and I feel much better emotionally and physically when I leave the gym. I realized that without their support, I made a few mistakes in exercising at home. I admit I need someone to keep an eye on my progress and me working correctly because I have hurt myself in the past without a coach. I will be 68 years old, so keeping a personal trainer at the gym will be something I want to do for the rest of my life.”

“I will be 68 years old, so keeping a personal trainer…will be something I want to do for the rest of my life.”

“I always wanted to try CrossFit, but I was hesitant about joining because I had no idea how to do anything. BarkEater Athletics offers classes where people like me can join and not feel like a fish out of water! From the start, Paul and Ellen made it a welcoming experience and gave me the confidence to continue.”

“BarkEater Athletics offers classes where people like me can join and not feel like a fish out of water! ”

“I’ve had a skinny figure all throughout my life. Gyms have always intimidated me so I have always done home workouts and stayed in relatively good health since high school. A coworker recommended BarkEater Athletics…and I was surprised to find out how great everyone’s attitude was in the gym. As a beginner, I didn’t feel any judgment, intimidation, or stress working out with everyone in the room.”

“Gyms have always intimidated me…As a beginner (at BarkEater Athletics), I didn’t feel any judgment, intimidation, or stress working out with everyone in the room.”