Testimonials

Note: I have not digitally edited the photos below, except for cropping and re-sizing them.


JUSTIN:

“In the two months I have been working with Colin I have lost 12 pounds and elevated my pull-up max from 3 reps to 9! His workouts are challenging and are very well structured. I have looked, felt, and performed better over the last 60 days as a result of his expertise. I am excited to continue to evolve with Colin's help. I highly recommend him as a personal trainer.”



Note: The left photo is before NO-MIND FITNESS programming. The right photo is roughly two months after.

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ERIN:

“I began a dedicated training program with Colin in January 2013 and since that time I’ve seen gains in almost every aspect of my fitness and physique. Namely, I’m stronger, faster, more muscular and defined, fit into and look better in all my clothes, and critically, I’m now proud of my body […]. Although my overall weight may not have changed much, the proof that I’m more fit is evident when I look at the sheer numbers: from zero dead-hang pull-ups and chin-ups to 10 and 11 consecutive easily, or from needing assistance with the 25 pound dumbbells to handily lifting the 40’s for squats and 50’s for dead-lifts; if I had access to barbells (or dumbbells heavier than 50lb), I’m sure I would be even stronger.

“In my personal training sessions with Colin he exhibits the greatest patience when teaching new movements and never makes me feel self-conscious even if it takes 15 times to get a movement down. He really emphasizes form and function in all the moves as the core foundation for my routine, rather than just rushing onto the next thing before I completely understand it. He is also flexible when dealing with any issues whether it is choosing different exercises to rehabilitate a minor injury I've suffered or designing workouts for vacations when I have little to no equipment available.

“I've had training sessions with other personal trainers but no one ever came close to the level of detail, care, and organization that Colin provides. Whatever your goals, if you're willing to put in the work he prescribes, I'm sure you'll see positive results like I have.”



Note: These are current photos of Erin.


ERIN (UPDATE, 7/13/2015):

Exercise Initial numbers Current personal records
DB front squat 3 x 5 x 25lb 3 x 8 x 40lb
DB deadlift 1 x 5 x 30lb 1 x 12 x 50lb
DB bench press 3 x 5 x 15lb 5 x 5 x 27.5lb
DB press 3 x 5 x 12lb 6 x 3 x 25lb
DB one-arm power snatch 6 x 1* x 5lb 4 x 1* x 15lb
DB clean and jerk 3 x 3 x 12lb 5 x 2 x 25lb
Chin-up 0 x BW 5 x 12 x BW
Pull-up 0 x BW 5 x 12 x BW
Decline push-up (feet elevated) 5 x 10 x BW 5 x 20 x BW
Air squat 5 x 20 x BW 5 x 40 x BW

Notation: sets x reps x weight
For example: 3 x 5 x 20lb = 3 sets of 5 reps at 20lb

reps* = reps per side
For example: 3 x 1* x 15lb = 3 sets of 1 rep per side at 15lb

DB = dumbbell
BW = bodyweight

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GIANCARLO:

“I recommend working with Colin to everyone I come across who is seriously interested in improving themselves. Yes, Colin principally focuses on helping his trainees achieve their fitness goals. But my work with him has yielded much, much more. Aside from flying through strength plateaus in the gym, Colin’s consistent encouragement, the example that he sets, and the supplemental materials (see his Self-Mastery Guide) he regularly sends his trainees, have inspired me to make significant and meaningful changes to many of my habits and attitudes. I am not the same person I was before we started working together, and I expect to become stronger and more resilient in every respect as we continue working together.

“Read Colin’s blog to get an idea of the kind of changes working with him will inevitably foster in your life. Better yet, here is an example of how he has helped me. I quit a job in December 2013. I wanted to pursue a new line of work and expected to find a new job quickly, but was frustrated by several late-round interview rejections. It was at about this time that Colin released his Self-Mastery Guide. After reading it, I picked up my head and calmly and diligently drove forward. Within a few weeks of what could have been devastating setbacks, I garnered two offers, both from excellent companies in a city I’ve wanted to move to for years, Boston. Without the guidance his work gave me, I likely would not be in the position I am today, preparing to start a new and exciting chapter in my life.

“As for the remarkable work Colin and I have done in the gym. To date, I've trained using his program for six months. In that time, I've gained a significant amount of muscle mass, improved my flexibility and core strength, and increased the weight I'm lifting in areas where I had plateaued. Before we began working together, I had very little upper body strength. I was a runner. In just six months, I have achieved the following five-rep maxes (5RMs): 282.5lb back squat; 320lb deadlift; 190lb bench press; 130lb press. Colin’s programs are tailored, holistic, scientific, and effective. I highly recommend him to all my friends, and would strongly encourage anyone interested in improving their level of fitness and their life to contact him.”



Note: The left photo is before NO-MIND FITNESS programming. The right photo is after.


GIANCARLO (UPDATE, 6/3/2017):

Exercise Initial numbers Current personal records
BB high-bar back squat 3 x 5 x 65lb 1 x 5 x 312.5lb
BB deadlift 1 x 5 x 105lb 1 x 5 x 360lb
BB bench press 3 x 5 x 80lb 3 x 5 x 190lb
BB press 3 x 5 x 55lb 3 x 5 x 145lb
DB incline bench press 3 x 5 x 40lb 3 x 5 x 90lb
DB push press 3 x 5 x 25lb 3 x 6 x 65lb
DB one-arm row 3 x 5* x 50lb 3 x 5* x 90lb
DB front squat 3 x 8 x 40lb 3 x 7 x 70lb
45-degree leg press 3 x 5 x 270lb 3 x 5 x 460lb
Weighted push-up (vest) 5 x 15 x 10lb 4 x 18 x 30lb
Weighted pull-up 3 x 5 x 10lb 3 x 5 x 42.5lb

Notation: sets x reps x weight
For example: 3 x 5 x 20lb = 3 sets of 5 reps at 20lb

reps* = reps per side
For example: 3 x 1* x 15lb = 3 sets of 1 rep per side at 15lb

BB = barbell
DB = dumbbell


GIANCARLO (UPDATE, 7/20/2015):

“For the record, I also believe your programming is more effective than what I'd receive at a gym like Equinox or even at many CrossFit gyms. I've talked with multiple CrossFit gym owners over the last year about programming and in the end always concluded your programming was superior.”

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GERALD:

“Before I started working with Colin, I exercised with dedication and discipline, and after many months of concentrated work, I would see results that I was proud of. I was happy with my slow and hard-earned accomplishments. At different times, I achieved respectability at specific exercises (push-ups, pull-ups, running, squats, stretches, etc.) through various work-out routines, but I never built much muscle overall or felt especially fit. My training was unbalanced and somewhat random. I didn't think that there was really anything I could do about that, short of spending many more hours in the gym... hours I don't have.

“Then came Colin, and he designed a training program tailored to my personal goals, level of fitness, available equipment, and cramped schedule. He explained the science behind my workouts and gave me detailed answers to all of my questions. The results have surpassed anything that I thought possible. I'm stronger, faster, more muscular, and more energetic. After only 6 weeks of working with Colin, my body has more muscle definition at rest than it previously had when flexed. And what's especially novel for me is that I'm seeing results everywhere. My arms, chest, abs, and legs are all harder and stronger, and I've cut my one-mile run time from 6:57 to 6:18.

“There's no magical one-size-fits-all training program that's going to work for everyone, and most of us don't have the expertise to make the most of our time in the gym. Fortunately, Colin does. On a regular basis, Colin will evaluate your progress, listen to your feedback, and re-optimize your program. If you are serious about getting into shape, I strongly urge you to [contact him].”



Note: These are current photos of Gerald. He has just finished a bodyweight workout with a 20lb weighted vest.


GERALD (UPDATE):

“Since working with Colin, I have reached many personal milestones, including:

  • Several times, running one mile in less than 6:00 (improving my initial one-mile run time by over a minute)
  • Performing 20 consecutive deadhang pull-ups
  • Performing a muscle-up
  • Running out of heavy enough dumbbells for most of my strength exercises. My gym has dumbbells only up to 50lb. Despite this, Colin has programmed alternative workouts so that I can continue to increase my strength.
  • Holding a plank for 2+ minutes

“On a weekly basis, Colin challenges me to accomplish new feats of strength, endurance, and mental toughness. Sometimes, they seem nearly impossible, but they are always within my reach. For instance, on 1/3/14, I completed the following workout, although I can barely believe it in retrospect:

Five rounds:
30 decline push-ups
10 clapping push-ups
20 air squats
10 tuck jumps
12 pull-ups
10 (per side) lunges
10 (per side) jumping lunges

“Almost every week, I feel like I reach a higher level of fitness and set a new personal record. I'm in the best shape of my life."


GERALD (UPDATE, 6/3/2017):

Exercise Initial numbers Current personal records
BB back squat 3 x 5 x 85lb 3 x 5 x 225lb
BB deadlift 1 x 5 x 95lb 1 x 5 x 210lb
BB bench press 3 x 5 x 95lb 3 x 5 x 175lb
BB press 3 x 5 x 55lb 3 x 5 x 122.5lb
DB front squat 3 x 5 x 20lb 3 x 10 x 65lb
DB deadlift 1 x 5 x 30lb 1 x 15 x 65lb
DB bench press 3 x 5 x 20lb 3 x 10 x 65lb
DB press 3 x 5 x 10lb 3 x 8 x 50lb
DB push press 3 x 5 x 30lb 3 x 6 x 65lb
DB one-arm power snatch 3 x 1* x 15lb 3 x 1* x 45lb
DB clean and jerk 5 x 2 x 20lb 3 x 2 x 50lb
DB lunge 3 x 5* x 20lb 3 x 5* x 45lb
Weighted pull-up 3 x 5 x 10lb 3 x 6 x 50lb
Weighted chin-up 3 x 5 x 10lb 3 x 6 x 40lb
Weighted push-up (vest) 5 x 13 x 15lb 5 x 18 x 35lb
Weighted air squat (vest) 5 x 13 x 15lb 5 x 18 x 35lb
Leg press machine 3 x 5 x 130lb 3 x 5 x 260lb
Chest press machine 3 x 5 x 85lb 3 x 5 x 205lb
Shoulder press machine 3 x 5 x 70lb 3 x 5 x 150lb

Notation: sets x reps x weight
For example: 3 x 5 x 20lb = 3 sets of 5 reps at 20lb

reps* = reps per side
For example: 3 x 1* x 15lb = 3 sets of 1 rep per side at 15lb

BB = barbell
DB = dumbbell

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D.E.:

“I have worked with Colin for about five months, and I have seen encouraging results. He is very passionate about fitness, and it shows through the creative workouts he prepares and the energy he brings to every training session.

“I appreciate that he tailors the workouts to my needs, modifies the workouts as needed, and takes a progressive approach to fitness. For example, in two months, I progressed from doing 3 sets of 8 air squats to 5 sets of 25 air squats. In addition, I mentioned that my neck is really stiff because of office work, and he prescribed Ts, Ys, static stretches, and dynamic stretches in order to address the issue.

“He always listens, always encourages me to think positively when exercising, and always stresses the correct form for each exercise.

“Overall, his workouts have made a significant difference in my core strength, arms, flexibility and stamina. I recommend him without reservation.”

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ADAM STOCK:

Email: Adam[dot]Stock[at]TNLPG[dot]com

“I’ve been working with Colin Brown for 17 weeks. In that time, I have progressed from doing 3 sets of 6 regular push-ups to 5 sets of 20 decline push-ups (with feet elevated). At my weight and age, I doubted that I would be able to do any pull-ups. Now I’m up to 3 sets of 3 pull-ups in a single workout.

“My body is tighter, I feel fitter, and my wife thinks I’m sexy. All is well… in large part thanks to Colin! Please contact me if you are considering working with Colin and have any questions whatsoever.”


ADAM STOCK (UPDATE, 6/4/2016):

Exercise Initial numbers Current personal records
DB front squat 3 x 5 x 17.5lb 2 x 6 x 65lb
DB deadlift 1 x 5 x 20lb 1 x 6 x 90lb
DB bench press 3 x 5 x 22.5lb 3 x 6 x 60lb
DB press 3 x 5 x 20lb 2 x 4 x 55lb
DB one-arm row 3 x 5* x 25lb 4 x 8* x 60lb
Decline push-up (feet elevated) 5 x 8 x BW 5 x 20 x BW
Pull-up 5 x 1 x BW 3 x 6 x BW
Air squat 3 x 6 x BW 5 x 20 x BW
Weighted push-up (vest) 4 x 13 x 10lb 4 x 20 x 35lb
Weighted air squat (vest) 4 x 13 x 10lb 4 x 20 x 35lb

Notation: sets x reps x weight
For example: 3 x 5 x 20lb = 3 sets of 5 reps at 20lb

reps* = reps per side
For example: 3 x 5* x 25lb = 3 sets of 5 reps per side at 25lb

DB = dumbbell
BW = bodyweight

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VANESSA:

“Colin Brown is a wonderful physical trainer. He is very conscientious and quite good about keeping me on track with my fitness goals. He can also be very funny and insightful.

“Thanks to Colin’s efforts, I was able to lose 10 pounds and get myself in shape for a two-week hiking trip to Patagonia, during which I hiked over 12 miles a day, which I could not do previously.

“I highly recommend Colin’s services. He is the best!”

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PHIL:

“Colin is a fantastic trainer. He can really push you to get every ounce of effort out of you. I highly recommend attending these workouts [the Outdoor Fitness Workouts].”

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NB from Los Angeles:

“Colin's training has markedly transformed both my resistance routine itself and the results at which it aims. Before training with Colin, I was inconsistent in my resistance workouts. (I was also doing several exercises imprecisely and to little discernible effect.) By training with Colin, I have accomplished and exceeded several goals. I have developed with his guidance a consistent, rigorous, and effective training routine. The varied and challenging exercises have produced noticeable results: improved endurance, visible changes in musculature, and increased confidence in and excitement for resistance training. I even sleep better. I have also noticed improvements in my cardio routine, both running and tennis; my endurance and strength in those activities have improved in conjunction with Colin's training. Overall, I have stopped talking about improving my strength and actually done it. Colin's training is appropriately tough but sensitive to your individual needs. Colin's methods do produce results, and you will be the better for it.”


Last revised 5/20/2022


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