Physiqology Testimonials of Sports Performance Enhancement
Skiing
I am a formerly competitive, nationally-ranked skier. When I first came to see Mark for strength coaching and injury rehabilitation, I weighed approximately 220 lbs., was 20% body fat, and was recovering from a total Achilles reconstruction.
After three months of working with him, I had lost 20 lbs., and was down to about 12% body fat. My calf was working well enough for me to fully participate in my ski season, and for the first time since my training accident, I began to believe that I could make a full recovery. In fact, I had my best ski season in recent memory.
Mark’s coaching is much more than just a great workout. Through working with him, I gained new insights into training, nutrition, and therapy. From a nutritional standpoint, I had been short-circuiting myself for years, and never realized it. He knew how to help me fix my injury AND train me for my sport, so that I did not have to miss my season, and through his connections to top health professionals, I got the best treatment to make a fast recovery. He truly presents a comprehensive, high-level service.
Scott Stein, Ski Coach
Body Building / Physique Transformation
Working with Mark Diaz has been a blessing for my body composition, nutrition and workouts. I started working with him as my personal trainer about 4 months ago and have had some amazing results. When I came to him I was very unhealthy… he fixed that quickly and got me on the right track to a healthier lifestyle and proper training routine, which is re-evaluated on a monthly basis and adjusted according to my progress.
He takes the time to explain what my training programs entail – their function and the theory behind them; I like that about him. If you follow his nutrition and workout plan as he lays it out, there really is little room for error except that of your own. He has vast knowledge of strength training/nutrition, and really works with you on a personal level and takes his work seriously. I’m very happy to have him as my coach; I wouldn’t trade him for anything or anyone.
Elvis Soler, CEO, Above and Beyond Cargo, recreational bodybuilder
Running / Marathon Preparation
When I started training for the New York marathon in 2005, I felt pain in my right knee for days whenever I ran more than five miles. In our first session last fall, Mark identified several imbalances in my lower body strength. I was thrilled to learn I could fix the problem, but frustrated by my inability to get to the gym and do so. As a new business owner, I always found a work obligation that took priority.
Mark coached me not only physically, but also emotionally. He offered encouragement, while gently yet firmly reminding me to schedule a training session--even if I could only squeeze in 45 minutes between meetings.
After several months, another trainer remarked on my hamstring strength. The comment caught my attention because that had been a problem area. I dusted off my running shoes and hit the park. Within a couple of weeks, I was running five and six miles at a clip – pain-free.
Mark helped me strike a healthy balance between my crazy career and physical fitness. I've learned how to make the most of my workout time, and the improvements in my strength and overall fitness encourage me to keep going. In fact, I'm in better shape now as I approach my mid-30s than ever before."
Mistina Bates, CEO, Market It Write
Martial Arts
Mark Diaz has been supervising my strength conditioning since July 2003. I am a competitive fighter in Seido karate – a demanding and hard striking style of karate. In the last three years, I have competed and won my division in four world tournaments in Tokyo, Japan; New York, NY; and Sydney, Australia. In my most recent world tournament in Australia in December 2003, my training under Mr. Diaz was instrumental in my strength, power, and speed gains, which led me to a first place finish in the 1st kyu – Advanced Brown Belt Division kumite (fight).
As I prepare for another world tournament in South Africa this September, and my black belt promotion in October, I put my training confidently in the hands of Mr. Diaz. Beyond his knowledge, he has a sensitivity to my needs and concerns as an athlete, and makes me feel that we are truly a team sharing the same goals. His expertise in the field of sports conditioning, and his excellent motivational coaching style are an invaluable asset to my training and to that of any competitive athlete. It is with this confidence that I highly recommend him to any training athletes to reach their greatest potential.
Ash Roeca, Black Belt, Seido Karate
