I won my class and overall and the best poser. I continued that success to the next three competitions and turned pro in the Natural IFPA organization. I have also competed on a national level in the NPC and been featured in Oxygen Magazine three times.

I recently moved to Seattle and I am in the process of opening a gym with my husband. Mark, helped me to put together a successful program to catapult me into the fitness world.

Nina Schumacher

I have so much more self confidence now—I’m not shy when I’m around women anymore, when before I would barely even talk to them. Before when I was bored I would play video games or watch T.V. for hours on end, but now I work out or go running.

I played ice hockey for my school and before I was this big kid on the ice that no one saw as a threat, but this last year I was selected for the Arizona Ice Hockey all-star team, and led our team into the playoffs as one of the top ten defensemen in the state.

I originally started training to get in shape for hockey but soon realized that I could do much more. Mark has opened a whole new world for me, he helped me get on a diet that was right for me, and a workout program that challenged me. If it wasn’t for Mark I would probably be on my way to being 300 pounds.

I have more energy throughout the day and my endurance has tripled since I started with Mark. I now weigh 194 pounds and although hockey is over I still continue to work out with mark because of the amazing results I have achieved.

John Butler

I have been training with Mark for the past three years and must say that his training techniques surpass that of all of my previous trainers. Mark has sound knowledge of kinesiology, physiology, and nutrition. He is continually working to improve as a personal trainer by attending fitness seminars and staying up to date with advancements in exercise science and nutrition. One of my favorite aspects of training with Mark is that he is always willing to educate and share new ideas with me.

Yes, Mark has a plethora of knowledge, but what makes him an awesome trainer is his ability to communicate effectively. He can take any exercise and adapt it to a lower level or create more of a challenge. Mark’s training sessions are about the client’s goals. He is focused, attentive, and encouraging as we work toward my goals which include losing fat, skating faster, or improving power moves in my classes.

I feel better than I have in ten years. I have fewer aches and injuries, a stronger body with better balance, and my diet is cleaner than ever! My husband and seventeen year old son (hockey player) also train with Mark. We all love and appreciate him very much. I strongly recommend Mark as your personal trainer.

Connie Barnes

In prior years I had back surgery and several other surgeries including a collapsed lung. The most recent was a double knee replacement. Both knees were done at the same time. My mantra became “no more surgeries or hospitals.”

My sister also works out with Mark, but he is not a one size fits all trainer. He evaluated my situation and began a program of exercises. If I had trouble doing an exercise he found another way for me to strengthen a targeted muscle group. My progress was slow and steady. He was extremely patient and took great care that I did the exercise correctly.

Eventually, I began to gain confidence and my balance improved and it no longer took me ten minutes to walk from the parking lot to the gym. My workouts have become more intense.

I can now do squats, lunges, sit ups, balance, step ups. When I started I could not do any of those exercises. I sweat a lot I have lost 48 pounds and lost 5 dress sizes. My commitment to my workouts has also become more intense. I feel so much better and move with full confidence. My biggest improvement is walking.

I walk taller and no longer look at the ground because I am afraid of tripping. I join my sister walking our two terriers and take them to the dog park. I spend less time in the lounge chair and more time in participating in every day activities. I can keep up with my grand niece when we go to the mall. Believe me that is accomplishment. And it feels great.

Mark, I’ve come a long way and still have a way to go. But without exaggeration, I believe I would have been at least using a walker and at most might have been in a wheel chair if I had not been working out with you. Thank you.

Mark, this old lady isn’t finished yet. I’m 81 years old and my next goal is to shoot a few baskets with my grandniece.

Confessions of a Couch Potato’s Sister,
Fran McVey

After working for a year with a good trainer, he relocated to another city. He suggested that I work with Mark. My attitude was I just wanted to keep moving.

After a few sessions with Mark, he began to raise the bar. And, I started to sweat and my heart rate went up. After some fumbling and with Mark’s help and encouragement, I met the new challenges. A subtle attitude change was beginning. It was no longer just keep moving but meeting goals.

Mark kept me moving forward. He chose each step carefully and showed me the correct technique for performing each exercise. I never had aches or pains. I began to lose weight and the waist band on my jeans was getting bigger. The attitude change continued, I now look forward to working out! While my sister worked out with Mark, I did exercises he showed me that I could to do on my own. I can pile squat 80 pounds and leg press 360 pounds.

I have lost 40 pounds and 4 dress sizes, walk faster, stand taller, my endurance is up and I ‘m stronger. I have also gained significant bone density. My doctor has recently discontinued one of my medications. I just feel so good. My lifestyle is a better one which will always include eating healthy and regular exercise. Two lively West Highland Terriers who require daily walks or romps in the doggie park have been added to our family.

Mark it is not exaggeration or hyperbole to say, I would not have accomplished the goals of the past year without your help and encouragement. I’m still a work in progress and I always will be because it has become an important part of my lifestyle. Mark, my sincere thanks to you.

I’m 78 years old and my next goal is a six-pack by the time I’m 80. So, Mark you will be seeing this old gal at the gym at least until you retire.

A former couch potato,
Jane McVeigh

He also showed me how to “shop smart”, enabling me to eat healthier. Today I am motivated by the results that I have seen and maintain a regular schedule at the gym without a struggle. I owe it all to Mark!

Coleen R Salzer