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Hear what my clients had to say about their coaching...
I’ve always found gyms intimidating and busy. Having no knowledge of strength exercises or previous history of lifting weights it was always something I’d shy away from. Getting a coach seemed unrealistic as I thought it would cost too much and would again be a bit intimidating working 1:1 directly with someone.
Starting with Alvin has been so motivating. The small gym and small group based strength classes has meant I can learn at my own pace whilst having the encouragement plus expertise and knowledge from him and the others around me.
Alvin is kind, confident and knowledgeable and explains all exercises in detail and with passion. Having exercises modified to meet my needs has meant I can confidently feel like I have achieved and even push myself to try and lift heavier.
I wanted to ease my back pain by developing my core strength; to just be able to lift heavy; and to change my body shape (more toned), and mindset.
I’ve grown up being told that I was too slim that I don’t need to do exercise. So I wanted to change my mindset around exercise and do something for me as I embrace my 40’s, and after having children I want to get my confidence back and live well!
I didn't realise, before I started, how fun it would be! I’m totally addicted to strength training. How much energy it gives you and how your body shape changes with consistent hard work.
My back pain is easing; having a focus on pelvic floor health and core strength has been fantastic. I am already noticing a difference in my body shape and mentally I am able to see my mindset changing into a ‘I can’ approach and not worrying about what others think.
I’m so much more confident and feel like I know how to adapt exercises at home.
Alvin understands his clients that he has in the gym and understands everyone’s potential. He uses his knowledge of strength training to quietly push and motivate you to achieve more than you realise. His friendly manner makes you feel at ease and he is always ready to answer any questions needed. Alvin has supported me with some nutrition questions and is very approachable outside of the gym. Highly recommend working with Alvin.
I'm enjoying training legs!
Before I started working with Alvin, I was unsure if I would commit the time every week, and I found it difficult to warrant spending the money.
As soon as I started training I really enjoyed how I felt after the sessions and therefore was willing to commit the time, and once you take the plunge and spend the money, I think you realise there are other areas of your life that you can cut back to look after your fitness/health.
I was also worried about not being able to complete the exercises (which I think most people will feel) but Alvin made the programmes specific to my fitness levels, so there was no issue with being able to keep up physically.
Additionally, I'd wanted to break down my mental barrier of training legs as I had neglected them for years, and I wanted to get stronger.
Since training with Alvin, I've increased my 1RM for Deadlifts, increased my 1RM for squats, and I'm enjoying training legs.
I highly Recommend training with Alvin!
I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy strength training or be able to stick with it, and I was a bit nervous about getting injured or doing things wrong. But from the start, Alvin made everything feel really clear and manageable. He creates such a calm, supportive atmosphere that I felt comfortable straight away.
What surprised me most is how much I enjoy it—I actually look forward to sessions now! I started with the goal of getting stronger and feeling more confident in my body, and I’ve definitely achieved that. I feel stronger, I move better, and I’m more capable in everyday life.
Alvin really listens and tailors everything to suit me. He makes it personal, encouraging, and positive. I trust him completely and can’t recommend him enough.
I worried about being in a class of competent gym bunnies who looked excellent in lycra. And that they would be bonded and I would be the weird wobbly outsider. I worried about being uncoordinated and not being able to do the exercises and appearing weak (having broken a humerus and clavicle in recent years).
Instead, I've achieved much more than I expected. It's been more of a mindset thing for me - I have learned that I need to lift heavy (I used to worry about becoming bulky) to protect and strengthen my bones and that people in all shapes and sizes are capable of amazing things. We don't all need to look like insta fitness people.
Alvin is one of the kindest non-judgemental people I know. His belief in my ability to achieve (and exceed) my goals was apparent. His knowledge of anatomy and the purpose for and of each exercise helped me to engage and try my best to have good form.
He is very trustworthy, genuine and has a great sense of humour. I believe he cares for each and every one of us. He also has a great taste in music and knows what to curate for each session.
He's alright, he is. 10/10 would recommend.
5 years ago I just wanted to get back into exercise after having children and a lockdown. I didn't really have any specific training goals.
When I first started working with a another coach, I was worried about my complete lack of knowledge of lifting weights, would I be able to do it, what if I couldn't do the exercises but everyone else could etc. I learnt a lot over the 3 years I worked with her, so changing coach was a big deal for me. Even though I was confident in what I had learnt over the time I was still anxious with the change as she knew me and my movement patterns well.
Luckily Alvin followed a similar program, was friendly, made me feel at ease, was good at explaining everything, and had a real focus on technique, not just always about adding the weight.
I think for strength training you need confidence that your trainer knows exactly what they are doing as you are lifting heavy weights, putting your body under pressure, trying new things, and putting your trust in them etc and Alvin provided this.
He always provides fun but informative well structured sessions. I like that he really focuses on the technique as well as adding weight and provides a safe inclusive space for all. Also it's great that you give guidance on the other solo sessions, things we can do in the gym and how we can test independently.
Having got used to working with another trainer, I was worried Alvin might have a different style, and be more demanding and critical, but it was all pretty seamless and just as much fun.
His confident and encouraging personality made me feel more at ease, and there was no judgement about ability, but encouragement of progression and total positivity.
My goal was to improve my back and upper body strength, which I thought had got neglected in my 50s!
I can now deadlift 1.5 x my body weight and squat body weight. I'm gradually improving overhead and bench press strength, and can now finally do a pull up without assistance!!!!
I also wish I'd known earlier that strength training would be such an important complement to my running (I haven't had a running injury for a couple of years) and it has certainly played a crucial role in injury prevention, by developing glutes and improving hip mobility and core strength which I would say have positively impacted niggly knees, IT Band probs & tendon issues I've had in the past.
Alvin is a great motivator and unstintingly supportive. You never feel you have failed you just look forward to progressing! He's also good fun and tolerant :-).
I wanted to learn to lift well with correct form, and build the weight to push myself once I’d mastered the basics. I was worried I wouldn’t be good enough to do the exercises well.
I love the way Alvin makes clients feel at ease. He make adaptions if needs be and encourages everyone to work to their own capabilities. There is absolutely no feeling of competition between others and his enthusiasm & empathy really does positively impact the way I feel about my own training.
I feel confident with performing most activities, and learnt what my favourites are! I have lifted more over the years than I ever thought I was capable of!
Alvin is one of a kind. A respectful, knowledgeable and decent human who will go above and beyond for his clients. He really does want everyone to do their best, however that correlates with their individual needs. He is passionate beyond belief which radiates through his teaching. Cannot recommend him enough.
Sounds obvious but I wanted to increase my general strength and to commit to improving my overall health. I was mid forties and although physically active with my job and cycling I had never been to a gym or had personal training before. I worried I'd be out of my comfort zone and if I'd actually enjoy it.
Alvin was welcoming and enthusiastic, made me feel right at ease straight away.
Working 1-1 really helped and was a great way for myself to really understand what I was gaining from strength training.
It's great and it's possible for anyone to give it a go! The things I have learnt in strength training I use every day, I didn't realise how transferable the skills are.
I've definitely increased my general strength. I've learnt how to lift, I've got PBs in deadlift, back squat and hip thrust that I'm well pleased with.
Alvin's approach has really helped me integrate strength training in my daily life. I feel I've developed a new attitude towards looking after myself.
Before I started strength training, I thought I was too old and wouldn’t have the ability to keep up. I was also worried it would be like a boot camp but I soon found out it is absolutely not!
It’s not as scary as I thought and it’s very rewarding! I love challenging myself and feeling stronger. I have lifted weights I didn’t think I could, I feel stronger physically and mentally.
I really like Alvin's approach, he always explains things in simple terms, physically demonstrates how to do an exercise properly, and explains why. He notices such small errors in my form and when corrected the exercise feels right, so I know it’s effective.
Alvin is such a friendly guy with a fantastic approach, and over the last year he's gently encouraged me to add a bit more weight until I’m achieving regular PB’s. If you are looking for a Personal Trainer with vast knowledge, expertise and is 100% supportive then I would highly recommend him!
As someone with a disability there is always a worry that I won't be able to do all the movements required that your trainer won't understand your needs or that there will be an element of judgement. Just saying "I'm disabled" is a huge thing. However, Alvin has always been amazing at working round my disability and making me comfortable.
Alvin has incredible knowledge but what really helped is that he genuinely is interested in working with every clients needs! He is approachable and so non judgemental, and has a passion for everyone to achieve their best!
He creates a fun, inclusive, supportive environment where everyone is made to feel welcome. Your training needs are catered for on an individual basis so that you will always achieve your best. Alvin is a fantastic trainer and I honestly could not have achieved what I have without his support, knowledge and enduring patience!
My all round fitness levels have improved, I'm so much more confident, and I'm much, much stronger. And happier!
I wanted to lose some body fat/tone up, and before I started with Alvin, I struggled knowing how much I should be eating, the combinations of foods that would work, and how much training I should be doing on specific muscle groups.
Alvin has helped me switch off and have two fewer things to worry about in life (food and exercise), and is helping me understand the relationship between food, exercise and metabolism—as well as giving me the reassurance that I'm doing the right things.
I'm fitting into some of my older clothes—plus I feel more relaxed, and excited that I can eat more of what I want, while being able to reduce the amount of exercise I do, and still make progress.
I've been a PT client of Alvin's for around 2 years now and I'd highly recommend him. My aim was to improve general fitness and muscle tone in my 40's to keep up with my young children.
I would describe myself as inconsistent in terms of fitness, not really sticking at anything but wanting results. Since I've joined, I've made consistent improvements in my strength and fitness and had fun along the way.
Alvin really knows his stuff and makes workouts enjoyable without 'beasting' you like some trainers do.
He's great an explaining the science behind things, which I really like, and the specifics on how to get movements correct. He's also great company and really easy to get on with, no muscle head gym stuff!
He's always on time and easy to reach if needed. I didn't realise just how much I'd get back from our sessions, having tried many things and not stuck at them before, it's a great investment.
I felt like you got to know me as a person and understand me.
I wanted to lose weight and reduce stress, but I was worried I may be rubbish and not stick to it.
Alvin made me feel confident and at ease. While working with him I started to lose weight, feel less stressed and feel like my mental health has improved.
Thank you so much Alvin for your support and encouragement. I felt like you got to know me as a person and understand me.
It's nice not to be uncomfortable all the time
The exercise programme is great and I'm finding it easy to stick to. It is fresh so I'm feeling positive about the gym again as I did become a bit bored with it. The fact that my programme changes every 4 weeks is great as it keeps me motivated and interested, it also makes me want to complete my workouts each week as I only have the programme for 4 weeks and I enjoy it so much I feel like I don’t want to miss any sessions. The benefits I am feeling at this stage are my tummy is appearing flatter and less bloated, and I feel like I am getting stronger each week, especially in my upper body.
Completing the daily ‘food feelings’ log was very useful in the fact it has helped me to determine which foods are contributing towards my upset stomach, my stomach pains are very rare now , its nice not to be uncomfortable all the time. I'm feeling less tired and more energetic, plus I'm getting stronger each week especially in my upper body. Working with you is a pleasure Alvin
In the past 3 months I have lost just over 1 stone
As I knew Alvin well prior to working with him, I had no reservations. I felt very determined to lose weight so having Alvin to work with helped me with pushing myself.
My main goal was to lose weight and the secondary goal was to get more toned. Now that I am comfortable with my weight I will be concentrating on strength and toning up.
I think the biggest impact from Alvin's coaching has been around not concentrating on weight fluctuations so much, which he has helped me come to terms with the most.
In the past 3 months I have lost just over 1 stone, and have a better understanding of the correct form of exercises.
My thanks go to Alvin, for his support and help. It has been nice to have a goal of working out together, learning from his expertise and implementing it at home has been easy. He has been very easy to talk to, and is approachable and understanding.
He didn’t make me feel like I was being judged and there was no pressure from him towards me which was helpful in me understanding my priorities.
Encouraging and enthusiastic without being cheesy
Before I started working with Alvin, I was concerned about training with a Peep Show style/stereotype overenthusiastic or cheesy Personal Trainer and someone who consistently tries to flog more sessions.
Alvin is very good at explaining the reasoning behind exercises and why he designs programmes as he does, he is encouraging and enthusiastic without being cheesy!
He is able to design a programme and package to fit with your goals and schedule (be that work or family).
I have never felt pressure to book more sessions and he is really flexible.
My main reasons for starting with Alvin were to improve overall fitness and lose some weight, understand better what to do when I get to the gym (beyond the usual spin or other such classes) and get an idea on what weights/equipment to use and how to use them.
In my time training I have improved my general fitness, feel healthier and lost some weight.
I'm much more confident in using the gym, particularly weights and other equipment, and I'm much more active and have developed some healthier habits.
I have got a lot from the sessions, improved skills and confidence.
Alvin is patient, good humoured and friendly and will quickly put you at ease.
Before working with Alvin, I was dubious about how much I would benefit from having a Personal Trainer.
I wasn’t new to exercise or healthy eating, and was fairly confident I already knew what I needed to do to lose weight.
Chatting to Alvin made me realise that I was coasting along in my current workout routine, and not necessarily making any improvements or getting stronger. He also challenged my goals, making me fully consider exactly what I wanted to achieve & how we could work together to get there.
My goals were to lose weight, feel more attractive naked, and to improve my body confidence.
So far I've managed to:
Increase my strength, particularly my press-up form and strength which has improved dramatically
Increase my confidence - my body shape is changing & I’m achieving tone and definition like I never thought possible, it’s improving my confidence no end.
Improve my knowledge and perception of food - carbs are no longer the enemy & ‘portion control’ doesn’t mean ‘restrictive diet’.
It’s quite obvious that Alvin knows exactly what he’s talking about. I don’t think I’ve asked anything that he’s been unable to answer.
He’s passionate, enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable. Plus he’s absolutely lovely - he kicks my butt & makes me laugh.
All in all, he’s an awesome Personal Trainer.
I'm actually enjoying exercise
I am really enjoying the process and feel like its changing how I think about what I eat and drink. I enjoy the PT sessions and feel more energised. I wish I could have more than 1 session a week!
I definitely feel like I am getting stronger, able to work out for longer and put in more effort for a longer period of time instead of just giving up. I don't feel as tired or wobbly afterwards!
I’d like Alvin to keep being so encouraging :)
Over the past 4 weeks my achievements include:
lost weight
better mindset
feel better, less bloated and sluggish
actually enjoying exercise!
Competent and motivational coach
When I met Alvin, my goal was to get back my motivation to exercise, and to build some muscle.
Although I wanted help to get me back to fitness, affordability and sustainability over the necessary period was my main concern. We talked through what my needs were training wise and then agreed on a price structure that was affordable.
I've managed to build up a commitment to regular training, increased my fitness, and I'm seeing muscle growth.
Alvin is a competent and motivational coach, always on time, keeps promises about communication and special needs, and has the ability to make you feel comfortable whatever stage you're at.
Having worked with personal trainers in the past I didn’t enjoy the process. Often feeling like they were simply watching me exercise and not introducing anything I couldn’t have done on my own, or really listening to what I wanted to achieve.
Alvin’s approach is different in that he takes the time to listen and really understand your goals, adapting workouts to meet your own personal requirements, not just working to a generic programme.
My goals when starting to work with Alvin were to regain confidence in how I looked, increase strength and fitness levels, and at the same time lose weight in a sustainable way. And so far I've achieved:
Increased strength and energy levels
A better understanding and appreciation for muscle function
Weight loss
A better approach to eating in order to lose and maintain weight loss.
I’ve been training with Alvin now weekly, for six months and I look forward to the sessions. He’s a genuinely nice guy, very professional, knowledgeable in all aspects of fitness and well-being, as well as being easy to get along with.
I wanted to focus on my core strength and tighten up my bum, tum, thighs and arms. It was less about weight loss and more about body tone. I have dropped a dress size. My skinny jeans either fit beautifully or are loose around my bum, thighs and waist, whereas they were tight before I started training. My upper arms are significantly more toned. I generally sleep better. I am in a better mood. I eat better and snack a lot less.
I have been training with Alvin for just over 6 months. Not only have I enjoyed every session but he has also made a significant difference to my physical and mental wellbeing. I feel much more energised, more committed to eating well and looking better! If I was training in a gym on my own, I would have given up by now but Alvin’s continuous support and encouragement have kept me focused and motivated. Thank you!
I was looking to get fitter and stronger, but was nervous about starting a health and fitness programme.
After the first session I realised that the exercises were totally tailored to my capabilities and there was no reason to worry.
Any concerns were met with answers or actions that put my mind at rest. For example, any concerns about injuring myself whilst exercising were addressed by teaching good form and correct posture. Any problems were headed off before they could happen.
Alvin is also a really kind and supportive trainer so any blips in my confidence were squashed by his encouragement and advice.
The biggest achievement is that my mindset has changed. I now believe that I have the potential to increase my strength beyond what I initially thought possible. I surprised myself at what was achievable - this has purely come through working with Alvin.
He is a great guy. He really knows what he is doing and I feel confident that he tailors programmes that will work for me. I can highly recommend him as a personal trainer.
I enjoy all my sessions
I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Alvin as a PT when I first joined the club, and I have been having weekly sessions with him for a year now.
He is always happy, smiling, professional and encouraging especially if I’m having a bad day.
His knowledge and capability are very impressive & I enjoy all my sessions with him especially the newly introduced boxing.
I have lost weight and improved fitness and would be happy to recommend Alvin to anyone.
Whilst working with Alvin, I have reduced my body fat, developed some real muscle & worked on an amazingly varied training program. I’d highly recommend Alvin for his patience, enthusiasm, commitment and the comprehensive support he gives. In particular, I’d recommend Alvin because he promotes a fitness and diet regime which have helped me introduce sustainable changes that have greatly improved my lifestyle and my health.
I wanted to lose some body fat/tone up, and before I started with Alvin, I struggled knowing how much I should be eating, the combinations of foods that would work, and how much training I should be doing on specific muscle groups.
Alvin has helped me switch off and have two fewer things to worry about in life (food and exercise), and is helping me understand the relationship between food, exercise and metabolism—as well as giving me the reassurance that I'm doing the right things.
I'm fitting into some of my older clothes—plus I feel more relaxed, and excited that I can eat more of what I want, while being able to reduce the amount of exercise I do, and still make progress.
Nothing less than impressed
Since my introduction to Alvin I have been nothing less than impressed.
Returning to exercise after over 10 years of absence was a little bit daunting, but Alvin eased my concerns with his friendly persona, insightful knowledge, and clear instruction.
Focus on my core strength and suppleness has assisted greatly with an historic issue I have with my lower back.
Now as my fitness levels increase, along with my core strength Alvin is introducing new apparatus and exercises I’ve previously not ventured into.
I look forward to my weekly sessions, and can see clear signs of improvement to my wellbeing.
When I started working with Alvin, my goal was to tone my arms and lose a bit of weight.
I really enjoy training with him, he is very knowledgeable, fun but professional.
We discussed my goals, and with his help I worked towards them and even achieved more than I set out to achieve. I lost weight, and my arms are more defined and toned.
I do really recommend Alvin as a coach 👍🏼
Thank you for the positive influence you have had on our family
Alvin was recommended to me by my husband so any reservations I would have usually had were quashed by the fact that my husband is VERY skeptical about such things, and would not have stayed working with Alvin, let alone recommended him to me, if he didn’t respect him and genuinely believe that he knew what he was on about!
It was clear from my initial chat with Alvin as to why Mike still sees him for his training sessions.
I was looking to get fitter/stronger and maybe lose a bit of weight.
My strength and stamina have improved and my metabolic age has decreased by 7 years in the last 6 months.
Thank you for the positive influence you have had on our family, Alvin!
I wanted to get fit, and I needed a kick up the arse to do it. Aesthetically I wanted to be happier with how I looked, lose fat, and gain muscle, but I needed something/someone to commit to!
Alvin you are warm, and brilliant at what you do.
You have helped me become more confident with my form, pushed me and kept me safe within my limits. I see my progression through my form, and the increase in weights and reps!
I feel so much happier; I feel fitter and stronger; and I love what I can do with my body.
Brilliant Coach!
I train with Alvin twice a week and he is a great motivator, is helping me achieve my goals of toning and weight loss.
I suffer from back and shoulder pain and some days are worse than others. Alvin is great at adapting the sessions to achieve the best results on my bad days.
I can see a difference in my confidence and fitness. Each session I walk away feeling good and more confident within myself.
Thanks Alvin!
Alvin is a great coach and his enthusiasm and support are amazing
My main concern before I began training with Alvin was that I would feel an idiot for not understanding how to use the gym equipment, or that I would not be able to do the exercises properly.
Alvin was extremely supportive. He took the time to carefully show me how to use the gym equipment or do the exercises, and never became impatient if I made mistakes but instead offered praise for those actions I was performing correctly.
My main reasons for hiring Alvin were to feel confident using the gym on my own and to improve my level of stamina and overall fitness. Unfortunately the last two lockdowns seriously disrupted our programme. However I definitely am confident now to use the equipment in the gym on my own and frequently attend twice per week in addition to our coaching session.
I have a better understanding of how to put together my own gym session including how to warm up and down. And I also appreciate the benefits of monitoring my diet and what I eat as well as having a variety of exercise activities ie swimming.
Alvin is a great coach and his enthusiasm and support are amazing. In particular, when I had a back problem he took great pains to ensure we could still complete a session without causing further problems by adapting the session.
I am so much more happier and confident with my fitness and body shape!
Alvin is a super friendly, talented personal trainer. I needed his expertise as I am already an active person so I find it tough to trim/tone down.
Even though I am very active already within team sports, I still get that fitness fear that I might not be able to perform particular exercises, and I hate running!
But with Alvin's knowledge and calmness, he eases you into new exercises you've never come across, tackling areas you didn't know how to reach, knowing all the right areas to work on I found instant response from my body shape and fitness within one month!
Every time I catch up with him one to one he changes and increases my workouts gradually, pushing my efforts further without even realizing, as the exercises are always different, exciting and challenging, and keep me on my toes.
I also struggle with eating the right foods which affects my training, so Alvin helped me tackle that too.
It's hard to let go of favourite habits, but amazingly Alvin made it seem easy by gradually cancelling out certain foods and adding more goodness.
My diet is now totally changed and really can see the effect food has when it comes to training.
Using the app makes working out very flexible, to suit your timetable around work and social times of when you are free and comfortable to workout, which I found helped me to achieve my goals. It was like I had Alvin in my pocket at all times helping me keep track!
I have been with Alvin for 5 months now and am so much more happier and confident with my fitness and body shape!
Its super exciting just imagining my achievements in the next 2months even when I'm already feeling this good!
I always came away thinking 'yes I can do this'
I'm stronger; I've dropped a dress size; and my eating habits have improved massively. I'm actually thinking about food portions and what I am eating.
I really enjoyed the 12 weeks and It was the first time I had stuck to a training programme. Since being back from my holiday I have stuck to training 4-5 times a week and eating well.
I always came away thinking ' yes I can do this'. Thanks Alvin!
I didn't feel like he judged us at all
I didn't think the online elements would encourage me but the Facebook community was a great idea and helped me to express how I was feeling without being judged.
Alvin contributed to our support and was really positive when we spoke, I didn't feel like he judged us at all and was genuinely trying to help us.
My mind set is very different when thinking about food, I feel healthier and understand that it's the small steps that make the difference.
Alvin made sure the changes were manageable and broke them up into bi-weekly focus points; made me focus on what I had achieved, and backed it up with facts; and put me at ease so I could confide in him.
Alvin has been amazing. The support has been incredible and I would highly recommend it. To have someone essentially be there for you every step of the way while you try to achieve these really hard goals is empowering. It is a support network that I have not been able to find before in my friends, family, medical professionals, my own personal trainer or weight loss groups that I have attended.
I wanted to develop and maintain core strength whilst getting stronger.
Through plenty of encouragement, and guidance with clear instructions from Alvin, I've become a lot stronger, and I'm lifting weights I never thought I would.
Alvin's a great coach with plenty of knowledge and experience, making training sessions challenging and fun.
I was looking for better strength and mobility, but was worried about causing myself damage.
With thorough warm ups, and a very gradual approach to ‘loading’, I've seen significant improvements in both.
Alvin generates a hugely supportive and encouraging training environment. Sessions are fun and hugely beneficial physically. He is patient, informative and always willing to answer questions and give tips. He strikes the right balance between pushing me along but not going too far !