•B.S Kinesiology
•U.S Marine Corps Veteran
•HIIT Instructor
•Advanced NASM Certified Personal Trainer
•NASM Certified Nutrition Coach
•NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist
Attended the National Personal Training Institute in Newport Beach in 2017 where I completed an advanced 9 month science based CPT & PES Curriculum including over 150 hours of Basic Nutrition.
I graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology where I studied all fields relating to exercise science, strength & conditioning, nutrition, anatomy, physiology & human movement.
Started my training business in 2017 and made it my focus to achieve high quality, driven results for ALL of my clients. I'm also an owner of my private gym, American Grit Training Facility, which is a state of the art training facility where I train my clients.
Failure is NEVER an option when you make the decision to commit to my programs. PERIOD.
My training specializations and expertise include the following:
•HIIT
•Power
•Nutrition
•Hypertrophy
•Mobility
•Flexibility/SMR
•Plyometrics
•Strength & Conditioning
•Stability & Balance
•Stage Prep. (Bodybuilding, Physique, Bikini)
•Sport Performance/SAQ
•Endurance Event Prep (Spartan Races, Mud Runs, etc..)
•Weightloss/Cosmetic (Fat loss)
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 40 times
Background checked
6 employees
9 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2023
2022
Services offered
Event to prep for
Athletic event or competition
Vacation
Wedding
Fitness goals
Lose weight
Get toned
Build muscle
Gain flexibility
Client age
Younger than 18
18 - 22 years old
23 - 30 years old
31 - 40 years old
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
44 reviews
5
98%
4
0%
3
2%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Justin G.
Apr 25, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Ben is THE BEST! From knowledge to care and understanding of his clients. I’ve worked with many trainers over the years but he is a rare fitness professional that focuses on quality care and effective tailored services to make sure his clients (like myself) are comfortable and stepping into the best fitness journey!
Personal Training
Luke K.
Aug 28, 2025
•
From Google
American Grit Training Facility is hands down one of the best gyms in Placentia! The facility is always spotless and well-maintained, which makes for an awesome training environment. The classes are both enjoyable and challenging in the best way possiblethey really push you to get better while still being fun. Every trainer here is fantastic: knowledgeable, motivating, and genuinely invested in helping you reach your goals. If youre looking for a clean, welcoming, and results-driven place to train, this is it!
American Grit Training Facility's reply
Thank you brother, we appreciate you 💯🙏🏼
Vanessa K.
Sep 22, 2025
•
From Google
I cant say enough great things about American Grit. Its a small, private gym that feels welcoming the second you walk in. My trainer Eric is incredible knowledgeable, supportive, and always pushing me just the right amount. Ive seen real progress and actually enjoy coming to work out, which says a lot! Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a more personal, encouraging fitness experience.
American Grit Training Facility's reply
Thank you Vanessa! We also appreciate you being part of the American Grit Family and Culture here! Were so proud of you and all of your accomplishments already! 💯💪🏼
Vanessa K.
Sep 22, 2025
•
From Google
I cant say enough great things about American Grit. Its a small, private gym that feels welcoming the second you walk in. My trainer Eric is incredible knowledgeable, supportive, and always pushing me just the right amount. Ive seen real progress and actually enjoy coming to work out, which says a lot! Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a more personal, encouraging fitness experience.
American Grit Training Facility's reply
Thank you Vanessa! We also appreciate you being part of the American Grit Family and Culture here! Were so proud of you and all of your accomplishments already! 💯💪🏼
Vanessa K.
Sep 22, 2025
•
From Google
I cant say enough great things about American Grit. Its a small, private gym that feels welcoming the second you walk in. My trainer Eric is incredible knowledgeable, supportive, and always pushing me just the right amount. Ive seen real progress and actually enjoy coming to work out, which says a lot! Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a more personal, encouraging fitness experience.
American Grit Training Facility's reply
Thank you Vanessa! We also appreciate you being part of the American Grit Family and Culture here! Were so proud of you and all of your accomplishments already! 💯💪🏼
Credentials
Background Check
Ben Burkman
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My Pricing is broken down into monthly packages based on the frequency a client is looking to train each week (1,2,3,4, or 5 days per week)
I also offer the option of purchasing several months of training in advance which allows clients to save money in the long run!
The more sessions you purchase, the more you SAVE!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Initial client intake consultation consists of subjective & objective sit down interview along with 1 complimentary training session to assess movement patterns and current level of fitness.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from the National Personal Training Institute of Newport Beach in 2017.
This CPT course is one of the most advanced science based curriculums offered with a duration of just over 6 months, including over 150 hours of basic nutrition.
I received my Advanced NASM CPT Certificate from NPTI upon successful completion of all coursework and final examination.
I also became certified as one of the first Instructors for a new UFC gym called CLASS where I was a group HIIT & Boxing fitness instructor for a year to help the brand get started.
Most recently I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from CSUF and run a private training facility in Brea CA.
I am also CPR/AED/FIRST AID Certified (Adult/Child/Infant) and maintain all necessary liability insurance.
