Featuring Power Duo Anna Kornilakis & Tim Ross: A Journey in Personal Training
- Hannah Gonzalez
- Jun 28, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 2, 2025
How a Brooklyn Couple Transforms with Virtual Personal Training
Q: How does a Brooklyn couple keep up bi-weekly workouts with a personal trainer in Morrisville, N.Y., for a full year?
A: FaceTime, flexibility, and lots of “Al-isms.”
Anna Kornilakis, 53, and Tim Ross, 60, have been loyal clients of Kairos Wellness Experience for nearly one year. Living and working in Brooklyn, the couple spends their summers in Hamilton, N.Y. They first met Al Gonzalez, KWE Co-Founder and ISSA Master Trainer, in 2024.
That summer, Tim and Anna trained with Al in person at the Colgate University gym and around campus. As their trip wrapped up, the couple wanted to keep training with Al. The answer? Virtual training sessions!
One year later, they continue to work out with Al — via FaceTime — twice a week.
The Impact of AL's Approach
In conversation with the couple, they share their impressive physical gains, lowered stress levels, and an extensive knowledge of Al’s positive reinforcement phrases, affectionately dubbed “Al-isms.” These words of wisdom have transformed their relationship with personal training, making it a joy rather than a chore.
‘No doubt’ — Foundations
Anna and Tim come from different fitness backgrounds. Their experience ranges from Pilates and various gym memberships to high school and college sports. Through Kairos, they have found a trainer who understands their individual needs while also pushing them to new heights.
Tim: “It took about three months to build a foundation with us, which I definitely needed. [Anna] did too. She’s never been this into working out. She used to hate it.”
Anna: “I just hate cardio. I’m not someone who craves working out. Now, I get more of a high out of working out, but I wasn’t like that before. There’s something to the buddy system and doing it together. That’s nice too.”
“We have found someone who can challenge both of us. [Al] knows we’re both in a bit of a different place, and he’s tuned into that. His style is different.”
Tim: “When I met him, I was in the worst shape of my life. My breathing was terrible. I never liked personal training because I thought, ‘They can’t teach me anything.’ This is different. He is engaging and understanding.”
‘Go spaghetti’ — Flexibility & Differentiation
Al’s flexibility is one of his standout qualities. If Anna or Tim has had a rough week, he adapts their routine based on their needs.
Anna: "Usually we do the same workout, but if one of us isn’t feeling it, he’ll say, ‘You’re doing this many,’ or ‘You’re doing low impact.’ Sometimes he even lets me challenge Tim!"
Tim: "He knows our strengths and weaknesses. Anna struggles with push-ups, while I have a tough time with balance. He pays special attention to us in those areas."
Al’s attention to detail, even over virtual sessions, enhances their progress.
Tim: “What I find remarkable is that he can tell when our form is off just over the phone. He’ll correct us, saying, ‘Okay, straight arms!’”
‘Vacation for the mind’ — Positive Reinforcement and Mindset
Al transforms negatives into positives, especially during challenging exercises. This methodology is evident in exercises like “The Boat,” which requires raising the legs in a ‘V’ shape to engage the core.
Anna: “We could never do that.”
Tim: “It’s tough. If you don’t know what it is, don’t ask him about it.”
Anna: “When we started, it seemed impossible. But Al’s instructions are clear. Instead of using off-putting phrases, he says, ‘Use your breath; this should be a peaceful movement…’”
Many clients at KWE find that Al’s encouragement is a stark contrast to typical gym mantras. Instead of “No pain, no gain,” their approach fosters a positive and healthy mindset.
Tim: “I used to love the ‘No pain, no gain’ thing. But as I get older, it’s more about managing pain rather than gaining.”
Anna: “Understanding how your body works benefits all aspects of life. Al highlights the functional parts of working out.”
The Role of Breathing Techniques
Anna and Tim are excited to celebrate their “Al-iversary.” Their workouts have benefitted their daily lives, improving strength and reducing stress levels.
Tim: “Without these workouts… My stress would be through the roof.”
Al combines breathwork and meditation into their sessions, using techniques like “balloon belly breaths” to improve focus.
Anna: “I hear Tim doing that when he’s stressed or trying to sleep.”
Tim: “Focusing on balance is key as we age. Doing hip-openers helps prevent falls. Al says, ‘You’re actually aging younger.’”
Anna: “‘Aging younger’ is a phrase he uses often! I feel stronger and capable of doing things I couldn’t before.”
Spreading the Word: KAIROS' Impact
Personal training clients and workshop participants have fueled Kairos' growth since its inception in 2019. Anna has been instrumental in attracting new clients through her enthusiasm and results.
Anna: “Al is a professional and highly effective remotely. I don’t think many can do what he does.”
Tim: “You don’t feel like he’s imposing himself on you. It’s a collaborative effort!”
Anna: “Exactly.”
Tim: “I don’t have much experience with trainers, but Anna believes this is the best training. The mutual benefits are incredible!”
“Working out together with your partner is a fantastic investment in your health!”
When they speak about Al, their admiration shines through.
Tim: “He’s just so damn likable!”
Anna: “He’s super experienced. He understands anatomy and is committed to physical and emotional health. It’s fun!”
When asked if there’s anything else to convey, Anna reflects on their journey.
“I want to do a good job for Al.”
This commitment to growth, both personal and professional, embodies the essence of Kairos Wellness Experience and the journey of transformation Anna and Tim have undertaken.
