Client Testimonials Optimum Health & Fitness
At Optimum Health & Fitness, we take pride in the personal successes of our clients. From weight loss transformations to sport-specific training milestones, hear directly from those who have worked with Calgary personal trainer Neil H. Jones and see how our customized fitness programs have helped them achieve their health and fitness goals.
Alix / Reduction In Hips/waist. Speed & Agility Gains. 2015/01/19
I have been training with Neil for just under two months now and it is an investment I will not soon regret. As a soccer player that has competed at the highest levels, I was already very knowledgeable about fitness training, but in the past 2 months Neil has opened my eyes to so much more.
He is truly passionate about what he does, mindful of previous injury, and he is incredibly thorough when going over your personal fitness goals. Playing a competitive sport for 18+ years can start to make working out feel like a job rather than a pastime. Neil has completely changed that for me and I couldn’t be happier being in the gym again. Neil brings a unique approach to working out as he incorporates TRX, kettle bells and battle ropes into his sessions. He always keeps things fresh and we never do the same exercise twice. Although I didn’t have specific goals other than trimming down a bit, I have seen huge changes in my body; changes I didn’t expect to see so fast! In the first month I built a significant amount of muscle in my quads and lost a number of centimeters off my waist/hips. I am still playing soccer occasionally and I have noticed improvements in my speed and agility. Neil has exceeded my expectations with his knowledge, passion, patience and dedication and I look forward to continue training with him. I used to work out because I had to for my sport, but I am now happy to say that I work out because I enjoy it. Thanks Neil for rejuvenating my passion for physical fitness!
Dean / Improvements In Golf Performance. 2014/08/17
The work that Neil and I did together was a huge benefit to my golf game. The focus on producing, and controlling of rotational force Neil teaches allows a more explosive golf swing while remaining in control of the club, which leads to increased distance and accuracy!
I would not hesitate to recommend Neil as a trainer for any athlete, whether becoming a professional is in the works, or trying to keep as fit as possible.
Jenn / Soccer Player / Sports Conditioning. 2014/08/07
Neil Jones defines passionate and professional with respect to health and fitness, truly personifying his craft. Through his vast knowledge, his attention to correct form and detail, his diverse and innovative training methods, his individualized training programs and nutritional strategies and his commitment to his clients (their goals and as overall people) – results and success are just an added bonus to the lifestyle transformation Neil delivers.
I have worked with Neil on an ongoing basis for the last couple of years through personal training and nutrition education. One of the main focuses of our training has been to work around traumatic injuries I have suffered that have gotten in the way of training the way I would like to.
Working with Neil has enabled me to exercise to the fullest capabilities of my body, as well as improving my nutrition for what is best for my body – increasing my strength, endurance, and pain free living to the elite level I was prior to injuries. Neil works tirelessly for his clients and is truly committed to the movement of living the healthiest and fittest lifestyle possible.
Jesse / Gained 10lbs Lean Mass. 2013/05/23
I have trained with numerous trainers over the years, and Neil Jones stands out as one whose qualifications and knowledge are top-notch. At the end of a session, the workout more often than not hit areas that I’ve never been able to on my own.
I appreciate that Neil understands both my abilities and limitations. He is able to provide insightful feedback on form, progress, and goals, as well as balanced advice in both fitness and nutrition. From working with Neil I gained the 10 lbs of lean body mass I was striving for. Most importantly, Neil is attentive to his clients, and brings a positive attitude to every session.
Mark H / Triathelete 2013/05/22
As a triathlete and long distance runner I realized that in order to improve my performance and reduce chance of injury that I needed to incorporate functional strength training. I was leery that a personal trainer would just provide me cookie cutter workouts that would waste my time and not assist in meeting my objectives.
Adding this segment to my training regime had to be specific and time efficient.
Neil tailored workouts specifically to my needs. I immediately felt my muscles wake up during my run, bike, swim, and ski workouts providing me the muscular balance and performance I was seeking. His variety and progression training style challenged me physically and mentally at the same time keeping it fun. Thanks Neil for providing me the missing piece to my race performance and overall health. If you looking for a fitness and lifestyle mentor that provide results Neil is your man.
Mark / Tennis Strength / Conditioning. 2013/05/10
I’ve been working with Neil Hywel Jones now for about 3 months to improve my fitness, power and speed on the tennis court, and he does an amazing job helping you get the results you want and need.
His knowledge, expertise and ability to plan workouts that fit my needs have already shown results I can see on the tennis court. Neil’s ability to be positive, optimistic and dedicated to improve my game definitely shows how great of a personal trainer he is. I would highly recommend Neil to anyone that is looking for a trainer that is determined and dedicated to his clients.
Jen / Injury Rehabilitation 2013/04/10
Neil is a phenomenal trainer. After eight years of dealing with pain from my injury I began training with him. In a matter of weeks I noticed a drastic difference in my movement, strength and posture.
His knowledge and experience was evident as each workout targeted and strengthened my injury without causing any pain as well as noticeably corrected my posture. Not only was each session educational and fun, Neil encouraged me to work harder and provided me with delicious healthy recipes to try. Now thanks to Neil just a few months later I am back in the pool swimming competitively and enjoying training like I didn't see possible years ago!!!
Joel / Lost 33lbs 2013/02/10
I first met Neil while we were working together. I was new to the profession and was immediately intrigued by Neil’s style of training and attitude. I signed up for a Tough Mudder race and had some goals for myself to prepare – to lose 35 lbs, drop down to 10% body fat, increase strength in all areas with a focus on agility, speed, endurance and balance.
In general – my overall goal was to get back into the same type of shape I was in while playing competitive hockey. Neil’s functional core integrated style of training kept me constantly challenged with variety and progressions. I was able to reach 8% body fat and lose 33 lbs, with overall strength, agility and endurance gains I wouldn’t have ever imagined. My results have transferred over into all of my athletic endeavours, especially my rotational force in golf and baseball, and into my life as a whole. The knowledge Neil instilled in me as an athlete and a trainer far exceeded my goals, having an indirect effect on my career and my clients – his knowledge, commitment and passion for what he does is extremely motivating and inspiring.
Karen / Triathelete. 2013/01/19
My relationship with fitness began in my early 20's when I joined the RCMP and was required to exercise as part of a troop on a daily basis in a paramilitary style training environment. I am in my mid 40's now and have been committed to fitness ever since those police academy training days.
I have typically been a runner but also maintained regular weight workouts. More recently my interest has turned to triathlons. After my first summer of competing in triathlons I was looking for some kind of edge to help improve my triathlon times the following summer. I began weekly workouts with Neil with a focus on core strength. Neil's approach to strength training was a refreshing change from the weights/reps/sets style I had been used to. Neil introduced me to an endless variety of TRX and integrated multi-joint exercises, always with a focus on proper form and technique and ways to progress the exercise as I improved. It was immediately clear to me after my first workout with Neil that he is a true professional in his field who takes pride in the work he does. Neil remains 100% focused on me during our training sessions, regularly provides feedback with each exercise, and takes all of my concerns and questions seriously. Neil is also clearly well-educated in all aspects of fitness and health.
Within the first 6 weeks of working out with Neil I noticed a significant improvement in my core strength. As I began my second triathlon season, I noticed that this improved core strength was helping in each my swim, bike, and run portions. Most noticeable was my ability to maintain good running form right through to the end of a half or full marathon distance instead of feeling my form begin to cave with fatigue. Neil's knowledge and experience helped me to improve in exactly the areas I wanted to improve and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone else looking for a trainer, whether it be someone new to fitness or an experienced athlete.
Cassie / New Exercises. 2012/03/20
I would be happy to provide some feedback on my training with Neil. I think he’s a great trainer – he’s able to tell which areas I’m lacking in and helps me to improve in those areas. He really listened when I told him what my goals are and he bases my workouts off of that.
He’s constantly showing me new exercises as well as ways to advance certain exercises as I improve, all while making sure my form is correct and I’m being challenged. He is always able to answer any and all questions I direct at him – really knows his stuff and, as he’s a nutritionist, he has very good advice when it comes to eating a balanced diet. Also, he has a very positive attitude, which makes training with him even more enjoyable.
Overall, Neil is an excellent trainer and I’m very happy to have been paired up with him. I would have to say he goes over and above what I expect from him.
