What Are People Saying About The Coaches?

“As a gym-setting and independent Certified Trainer since 2003, I’ve seen lots of other trainers use kettlebells with their clients… but Neal teaches people how to benefit from kettlebell training for REAL. Commercialized training programs and TV shows don’t depict the proper and best ways to use kettlebells – but Neal does.  When we worked together some years back, Neal, who was the first trainer at our gym to even train clients with kettlebells there (we didn’t have any so he brought his own) – took me through the basic Kettlebell Movements and Turkish getups among other exercises.  I struggled badly at first with an 18lb. kettlebell, but thanks to Neal’s coaching and knowledge, I began to learn how to use my entire body as a powerful unit – strengthening my core and using every muscle in my body.  I realize just how dynamic kettlebells are now thanks to him.  Neal is a competent expert – when he coached me how to benefit from kettlebells the right way, I realized just how unique, challenging, and beneficial this type of training is.  As a competitive boxer and Muay-Thai fighter, I need total body control and cardio.  Since that time I’m honestly stronger – I punch and strike harder, I lift more weight, I work out longer, I’ve put on more muscle and lean mass and I have more power. As a trainer, I use the same techniques I learned from Neal on my clients to this day and they love and benefit from it big time.  As a gym-rat, I’m still reaping the benefits – I now swing 53 pounders with ease… He’s the real deal… certified, strong, knowledgeable and experienced.”

JOHANN FRANCIS

ACSM Certified Personal Trainer

USA Boxing Certified Boxing Instructor

NESTA Certified Personal Trainer

B.S. Nutritional Science

“When I first started training with Mitch Taylor, it started out as just a few months hoping to get stronger and quicker for my next high school season. Well, eighteen months later his workouts and training program have become a part of my life. Not only have I reached my goals physically, but I have gained invaluable lessons on injury prevention, nutrition, and proper training technique.  Today I can proudly say I am in the best shape I can be and truly have the muscular build, stamina, and mentality of a serious athlete. But the best part about Mitch is not just his knowledge, but that he puts his heart into it as well in the way he instills motivation, inspiration, and self-esteem into his pupils. I have had a lot of success the last six months in attracting the attention of college coaches and big part of that is the result of my training.”

Thank you Mitch!!!

-Erica Afanador

“I am a Professional Golfer so my health, strength and flexibility are extremely important to me.  Last winter, I was snow-skiing and fell after a jump.  I injured my shoulder bad enough that I couldn’t swing a golf club without serious pain.  The injury kept me away from the golf course.  I called Neal and he helped me immediately by giving me several exercises to rehabilitate my shoulder.  After doing these exercises for 1 month, my shoulder was 100% recovered and I was back on the golf course.
Neal is a professional and knows how to train anybody, but specializes in training golfers because of his extensive competitive playing background.  His knowledge and study of the biomechanical movements that the body makes during a golf swing enable him to train any golfer to gain flexibility and strength in the key golf muscles.  I’m thankful to call Neal a friend and trainer and would recommend him to anybody, either professional or beginner.”

JUSTIN MADION
Canadian Professional Golf Tour

“I trained with Neal for six months and I highly recommend him to any one who wants a customized workout, specific to your own needs and goals. The first time I met Neal, we sat down and discussed what I wanted to achieve. We also discussed my diet and exercise habits. He quickly put together a training program that emphasized core strength and flexibility.  He also demystified a lot of the gym equipment that I traditionally thought was for more serious bodybuilders.  Within a very short amount of time I cut my BODY FAT % almost in HALF! Neal is very personable, fun to train with and extremely motivating. You won’t be disappointed!”

ADAM D.

Senior Manager

Price Waterhouse Coopers

“My name is Travis Masterbone, I am currently a Division 2 men’s basketball player at Notre Dame De Namur University.  I have been training with Mitch Taylor on and off for about 3 years now, and I can honestly say without his knowledge and methods of training I wouldn’t be where I am today both physically and mentally. Everyday I go to the gym to meet with Mitch I get anxious and excited to see what he has planned for me in our workout session.  His techniques consistently push me to be where I need to be at a physical point of view but he also fills me in with the proper amount of information to understand exactly what and why I am doing exercises. As I am drenched in sweat and look back at the two hours of dynamic stretching, power lifting, strength training and active athletic drills, I am always satisfied and never regret my experience or the price I pay for Mitch Taylor.”

TRAVIS MASTERBONE

NCAA Division 2 Basketball Player

Notre Dame De Namur University

“I came to Neal in the hopes of increasing my distance in golf.  Our first session was quite an eye opener!  I was working out completely wrong and creating huge imbalances in my overall strength and power.  I just assumed Neal would show me some new exercises and count my reps and that would be that.  Wrong!  I was amazed by the knowledge Neal had of the human body and how efficient it can be.  We took it slow and he helped break my bad exercise form and balance out my body.  I have been working with Neal for about 8 months now and have gained about 20 yards with my driver! What I am most thrilled about, though, is my energy level and overall appearance.  I really owe a lot to Neal. ”

WILL H.

“Mitch Taylor has trained me on and off for the past 2 years.  My main goals, as a 32-year-old career woman with a mostly sedentary day, have been general health and fitness, maintenance of muscle tone, definition, cardiovascular fitness and endurance.  At the same time I want to fix muscle imbalances so that I feel as little “body pain” as possible.  I come from a health and fitness background (NASM Certified Personal Trainer + Spin Instructor) and am finding that as a I age, sit down all day, and walk in high heels, my hour/hour and a half of my daily workout has to be as efficient as possible, correcting muscle imbalances working on flexibility, developing strength, and maintaining endurance.  Throughout the years, Mitch has always met me where I was at.  He has been conscientious of how my body is working that day, and he has provided individualized workouts based on my needs, day by day.  Mitch has been very easy to work with as he is friendly, caring, and personally invested. He continues building his knowledge base and trying out new techniques, which show me he is a forward thinker.  Mitch has been an integral part of my efforts to reach my health and fitness goals.  I appreciate his efforts to help me look and feel my best.”

JANA PETERSEN

“I’ve been training with Neal for over a year now and I have to say he has been the best trainer I have ever had.  He is very easy going and willing to work with my hectic schedule.  He is very knowledgeable and knows many different exercises.  If you don’t like a particular exercise he’ll work with you to find something your more comfortable with, that will give you the.  Since I’ve been working out with Neal I have lost about 30lbs and shaved off about 30 minutes of my triathlon time! I have also had some shoulder injuries in which he has worked with my chiropractor to help me heal faster and he continues to work with me so it doesn’t happen again!”

SITA C.

“Hello, my name is Ali Smith and I am writing this letter in regards to my experience personal training with Neal Valera. I must start off this letter by stating that Neal is a miracle worker!!! I started training with Neal in February, 2008 through June, 2008.  He was recommended to me by my former trainer.  In the four months I worked with Neal I was able to not only lose those last 15 pounds for the most important day of my life; my wedding, I was also able to trim inches from my waist, legs and arms in a very healthy way!
Throughout my training sessions with Neal and beyond those sessions Neal has been a wealth of information. He definitely knows his stuff. Through working with him I have learned not only the best exercises to meet my goals but also which foods to eat, how much, and when the best time of the day is to consume these foods. I know he is an expert in his field because I am now able to understand the importance of everything he taught me and continue to apply it to my daily life. He has taught me how to be a life-long learner and as a middle school teacher I know the value in being able to apply to other aspects of my life what I’ve learned from Neal.”

If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to call me.

Ali Smith (831)345-7117

“I’ve been training with Neal Valera since January 2008. When seeking out a trainer I was looking for something very specific. I wanted a trainer who could offer unconventional practices of training. I was tired of using all of those robotic machines and feeling bored when I worked out. I wanted to actually enjoy burning all those calories! We spend a good amount of time working out each week and it shouldn’t be something we dread doing. Neal was able to make that happen for me. We spoke on the phone before meeting and I told him what I wanted out of training. I wanted someone who could deliver results, use innovation and creativity when training and provide a conducive and fun trainer/trainee relationship. Neal goes above and beyond what I have asked for. I also needed a little something extra from a trainer, and that was patience and understanding. I come from a long painful history of eating disorders and had never lost weight the proper way. I needed a trainer who was willing to work with someone stuck in a rut and living an unhealthy lifestyle. Neal was able to teach this new healthy lifestyle in conjunction with my nutrition training I am receiving through counseling. Prior to training with Neal I had only one other personal training experience – and it was not a good one. I worked with a female trainer at a different facility who was more interested in socializing with other trainers, than paying attention to her own clients. I was paying all this money and getting no attention, let alone results. So needless today I was skeptical about taking on another trainer. But Neal has proved me wrong. I took a chance on him, as he took one on me. As I mentioned before, this training was unconventional and new for me. I was used to just doing cardio all the time, for very long periods of time. But with Neal we use the fitness ball, Kettlebell’s and boxing equip. Therefore, the changes that happened to my body were not changes I was familiar with. I used to only believe in the scale (as most people with eating disorders do). But this time I used other indicators, such as energy level, the way my clothes fit, how my muscles looked and how I felt all around. I just looked different! The scale cannot reveal all the results. And I had never felt strong like this! I’ve learned that the number going down doesn’t indicate that a person is fit and in shape. I wanted my number down, jeans size down and the feeling of strength…Neal made all those things happen. In addition I have learned new fitness techniques – I can swing a Kettlebell like nobody’s business now! In addition to this becoming my workout, it has also become a hobby and something I truly enjoy. I’ve done a total 180, thanks to Neal!
Most importantly, Neal is a dynamic trainer whose innovation and creativity proves to benefit all his clients. He is constantly encouraging me when I swear that I cannot do anymore. He supports me and makes me feel like a champ each time we train. I am lucky to call him my trainer, and would whole-heartedly recommend him to my friends and family – as I already have! I am thankful that he has been able to be such a positive influence in my life and my health. Thank You Neal!!!”

-Stephania P.

“During my freshman year in High School, I tore my ACL and the doctors were telling me that my soccer/softball career was on the line. That is when my cousin told me about Mitch Taylor, I thought I might as well try out his program for a few months. Little did I know that those few months eventually turned into over a year and a half and still going. Mitch’s knowledge and guidence has helped me throughout my injury and to get back on the field. His program has far exceeded my expectations, not only did we strengthen and rehab my knee, but also trained my body to be stronger from the inside (core) out so i could be where I am today; Stronger, Faster, and more Explosive. 18 months ago I never thought I would be able to run as fast during practice or games because of my knee, but with Mitch’s help and teaching, I am now in the best shape of my life. I cannot only run faster, but i can also throw, kick and hit the ball harder. His ability to improve your speed, agility and quickness over time is amazing. I continue to see him weekly in order to keep improving on my performance level. I highly recommend him if you are looking to take your game to the next level.”

- Melani Cabanayan