Testimonials
Dane - Before
Dane - After
Jordan - Before
Jordan - 5 weeks out.
Coming up to my 24th birthday I realised something; being overweight with diabetes, and heart problems that run in the family is a bad idea. So I joined the gym promising myself by the time my 25th birthday came around I'd be a fitter, healthier person. The first three months were a waste. I was working out 4 days a week and was getting nowhere. Mike helped me change that. I started training with him towards the end of last year (2010) to get the results I'd wanted that I wasn't achieving on my own - it was easily the best decision I'd made for myself in years. The next three months would see me losing 12kg with a gym routine and dietary help from Mike. Considering the frustration of losing 0.4kg the previous three months of working out, I was impressed. The problem however, was that it wasn't enough! I enjoyed the physical transformation I was making and needed another goal to strive for. In January 2011 Mike suggested training for an amateur Powerlifting competition that was to be held in March. With just over seven weeks to go, and needing to cut another 9kg of body fat to qualify for the 93kg category - not to mention learn how to Deadlift, (a lift I had never attempted before) and gain strength for the competition, it was a near impossible dream, but he had confidence I could do it. In seven weeks - just under two months (still blows my mind really) - with Mike's help each week, I'd done what I'd set out to do and more! 9kg shed, lifting personal bests in the Squat and Deadlift, with perfect form and competing with my family watching me do something that no one would have guessed I was capable of. All that being said, there's still 9 weeks until my 25th birthday - I plan on seeing Mike again to see what he can do to help me achieve my goals before then, if past experience is anything to go by, it'll be a lot.
- Dane Tomlinson, YMCA Mt Albert Member
I spent a long time trying to write this testimonial. Firstly because I'm a perfectionist, but mainly because Michael has helped me in so many ways, in so little time, that there are no words to describe how talented Michael is or how thankful I am for the help he has given me.
I was never a 'fat person', in fact in my early years of high school I was diagnosed anorexic. It was because of this that as I got older people were scared to tell me I was getting overweight because of a fear of me not eating.
It was only once I couldn't fit a single thing in my wardrobe that I realized I had a problem. I joined the YMCA using a friends free week pass and I was hooked. I would work out every day for a minimum of two hours. After a month of exhaustion and pain I finally weighed myself to find that I had lost absolutely no weight I just couldn't understand why.
At this point I was pretty much ready to give up on the gym. However, to my luck Michael convinced me to join his 6 week blitz promising to give me those quick results I was desperate for. And didn't he come through!
He not only taught me how to exercise and eat effectively but he improved my posture (special thanks from my mum for that) as well as my confidence and energy levels. I went from being a slumped over, self conscious 71 kg to a toned 66 kg with the skills and ability to continue to get what I want from my body. I lost 1cm around my arms 4cm around my legs, 3.5cm around my chest and hips and an amazing 9cm around my belly button all in 6 weeks.
I cannot thank Mike enough for all the effort and early mornings he put into my training. I would completely recommend him to anyone who wants results in not just their physical but mental fitness.
- Natalie McNulty, YMCA Mt Albert Member
I wanted to get into Powerlifting to build my physique and strength for my chosen sport of Pro Wrestling.
I began Personal Training with Mike at the beginning of the year (2011). He took me from learning the squat technique and starting with just the bar, to a 490kg RAW total consisting of a 170kg Squat, 105kg Bench Press and a 215kg Deadlift (all personal bests) at a novice Powerlifting comp in March.
With Mike's ongoing training and advice I have captured the Armageddon Cup twice, co-held the New Zealand Tag Team Championships twice and now have my sights set on the New Zealand Heavyweight Championship.
- Brian Saint James
Impact Pro Wrestler
YMCA Mt Albert Member
Since the beginning of January 2011 I have been training with Michael 1 on 1 once per week.
As a full time University student I was at first questionable about whether or not this was high enough on my priority list and if I would be able to afford it. Looking back it is the best decision of my life in regards to the gym and lifting weights, it is also one that has changed my entire life both inside and outside of the gym, making myself a better person for it. Mike’s philosophies with training have transformed my body in ways that I could not have imagined. He has trained me both physically and mentally in the sense that he not only pushes me to my absolute limit each time we train, but he has also taught me about the importance of hard work, consistency and staying positive.
I began training with Michael with a goal of competing in my first bodybuilding competition on August 28th 2011. After setting a date, Michael and I sat down and we wrote up a plan of action. At first I bulked up to 100kg and was sitting at 13% body fat, since then I have been cutting and am currently 90kg at 7.5% body fat- 5 and a half weeks out from the comp with a goal of competing at 4% in the region of 84-87 kg.
There has been ups and downs with my preparation for this competition but Mike has gladly reminded me why I do what I do and has kept me motivated.
Whether you are wanting to get on stage or simply trying to look good for summer, if you are willing to work hard and stay focused, I can’t stress enough how well Mike can help you achieve your goals.
YMCA Mt Albert Member