The gym is busy today so I am unable to continue with our exercise progression system…it will just have to wait until it’s a little quieter tomorrow. Instead, I thought I would answer a client question I got last week. “I struggled with my meal planning last week because my schedule varies so much. What… [Read More]
What to Strengthen First?
The other day I touched on that we prefer to strengthen the “weak” muscles before stretching the “tight” muscles. That begs the question of which muscles should we strengthen first? At Stowe Training, we target the abdominal and glute muscles. The body is a kinetic chain; meaning basically your thumbs are connected to your toes…. [Read More]
Should You Strengthen First or Stretch First?
A follow-up to a post from the other day; Common Exercise Mistakes #1. Not addressing posture. During the prior video, I mentioned that certain muscles are generally “tight” and need to be stretched while other muscles are “weak” and need to be strengthened to help with better posture and ultimately better fitness”ing” ß I totally… [Read More]
“Nate helped me surpass my goals!”
“When I first considered personal training I was hoping to reduce knee pain and strength train around my knees, back, and shoulders pain-free – if possible. Having worked with trainers before, I was concerned that Nate would have the cookie cutter approach to training I’d experienced with the others. I wondered if he would have… [Read More]
“I am stronger and leaner than I have ever been in my life. Even after a spinal fusion surgery!”
I started to work with Nate 3 months after lumbar spinal fusion surgery. I followed strict doctor orders for 12 weeks after surgery to not bend, lift, or twist at all! After that 12 week time period had passed the doctor gave me strict orders to start light physical therapy to engage my core and… [Read More]
“I can even wear sleevless tops without feeling embarrassed!”
My name is Susannah. I am a fifty-eight year old retired teacher. I began working with Nathan in July of 2011. My back was aching, I was having degenerated disc problems, and my hands were starting to show signs of arthritis. Luckily for me, during the registration process, Nathan just happened to walk by and the salesperson stopped… [Read More]
“On top of the strength gains the team have an unbelievable camaraderie which makes the workouts fun!”
I remember when I first walked into Stowe Training Systems. I wanted to improve my strength and stability – especially for my knees! I wasn’t sure if foam rolling would really help with this or if I would even enjoy weight training. Well it did! The team are very encouraging and keep working to… [Read More]
“Nate’s approach is one that is welcoming. He listens, develops a plan especially for you, and he encourages you throughout your session.”
“When I began training I was hoping to increase my core and leg strength as well as feel and look better. However, I was concerned about beginning because my right knee is bone-on-bone and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get up and down. I was also concerned about all the young… [Read More]
“I feel great! I regularly go to the gym and enjoy the experience”
Severe, lower back pain is truly debilitating. I had been dealing with back pain most of my life, stemming from a childhood injury. In 2010, despite having worked with numerous physicians and physical therapists, I was experiencing unbearable pain which consistently interrupted daily activities. I had become bed ridden, and in desperation, I sought nerve block injection therapy…. [Read More]
“My muscle tone is good, my joints feel better, and I move with greater ease.”
“When I made the choice to exercise six days a week as recommended in Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. running was not an option due to knee and foot surgeries, but walking and biking and occasional hiking were part of my aerobic plan. But I needed to begin weight training at two… [Read More]
“I have achieved a new athletic physique”
Jeremiah keeps me from doing things that exacerbates SI joint problems. Incorporates lots of core strength workouts making sure I workout at least 2 days/week having me report my other workouts and keeps me accountable. He keeps me positive and helps make me proud and confident in my physical abilities. Before working with Jeremiah I… [Read More]
“Since training with Jeremiah my core strength has improved and my back problems are greatly reduced, so yes I have gotten results!”
When I first started with Jeremiah I had back problems and realized strength training would be important to help with this. When I talk to others about training I get mixed reactions like: isn’t that a lot of money? Why can’t you work out on your own? do you get results? and some trainers don’t… [Read More]
“Not only have I been strengthening my back and hip, I have been losing weight and building muscles”
When I started with Nate, I had a lot of back and hip pain and on pain meds. .I was not able to use the foam roller without going through a lot of pain, I have been working with Nate over a month now and I don’t have as much pain in my back and… [Read More]
“Nedu and Stowe Training Systems were truly a blessing and helped me get back on track!”
Before I came to Stowe, I was searching different places in Austin for someone who could meet my needs. I was having a hard time finding a trainer who could motivate me and help me reach my goals. Also, I was faced with a lot of pressure given I was a member of the University… [Read More]
“I am so happy with my results and want to keep going and get even MORE toned!!!”
“Before working with Nedu I honestly didn’t have any reservations. Sarah was so pleased and I saw her results and was excited to get started. Wasn’t nervous in any way just anxious to get started and see results. You allowed me to start seeing results in a month or so! What you are doing is… [Read More]
“Gabe put me on plan for diet and exercise that was outside of anything I had ever tried.”
“I always had a hard time gaining weight, so for me putting in the effort and time and not seeing any positive gains was my main reservation.” My top 2 goals were: Gain Lean Muscle Mass Make it to 190lbs eventually Gabe put me on both a plan for diet and exercise that was outside… [Read More]
“I would recommend anyone to Nate. He has a great attitude and knows his stuff.”
“When I first began training with Nate I was hoping to increase my strength and look better naked. Having never worked with a trainer, I was afraid I was going to be yelled at “Biggest Loser” style. I’m sensitive. I don’t like being yelled at. So far I have gotten stronger and have the numbers… [Read More]
“Since Nedu has been my trainer, I have lost well over 9% percentage points in body fat. This has dramatically improved my performance and cut down on the risk of injury to my body.”
“I work for asked me to move to the middle east, Dubai specifically, about 3 years ago to help them grow their international business. When I arrived, a semi-pro football league had been formed a year prior, called the Emirates American Football League. Made up mostly of ex-pats from the US, Britain, South Africa as well… [Read More]
“It’s been 1 year now and I have gone from unmotivated to never missing a workout.”
“I first met Nate when I started working at 24 Hour Fitness years before he opened his studio. Nate soon transferred to another location to be their fitness manager. I hadn’t seen Nate for years. I ran into Nate at Freebirds and talked to him for a few minutes. He seemed to genuinely care about… [Read More]
“So far I have had the amazing and drastic weight loss of 35+ pounds, adding a great deal of muscle tone and lowering my blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels.”
I was hesistant to begin weight training and doing cardio work because I abhor sweating and working out ever since two-a-days from my high school football days in Schulenbrug, Texas. I also had some serious reservations about the cost of hiring a private trainer and working out twice a week, especially since I don’t hae… [Read More]
“The team has proven that they do indeed know what they are doing. I am very pleased with the pace: slow enough that I wasn’t set up to fail; fast enough that I definitely see significant progress.”
“Before starting with Stowe Training Systems I was afraid that I would never lose my gut, that the trainers wouldn’t know what they were doing, and that I was too old to build muscle, lose weight, get stronger, and get fitter. The team has proven that they do indeed know what they are doing. I… [Read More]
“With his positivity and support I’ve reached goals I never would have even attempted, and I have never felt stronger or better in my life.”
Gabe has been the best trainer I could have asked for. While working with him, I have seen huge improvements in my sports, and have felt more fit and confident in every aspect of my life. Every time I get down on myself he knows exactly what to say to motivate me. I actually LIKE… [Read More]
“Since training with Nedu I have lost 11lbs, have more endurance, and much greater overall range of motion.”
Before training with Nedu I was hoping to stop putting on unnecessary bulk and build actual functional muscle. Not that this was a reservation, but I had an assumption that Nedu’s workouts would be catered towards very athletic people. I quickly learned that was a terrible assumption. Nedu caters all of his workouts specifically for… [Read More]
“I was able to accomplish my short and long term goals in a timely manner. People now look up to me as the experienced role model in the fitness world.”
“The reservations I had when considering personal training were pretty obvious. I felt like a beginner before meeting Gabe and that I wouldn’t be up to par in performance. I felt really nervous and that Gabe would judge my every move, but in the end it was the opposite of all that. Gabe helped me… [Read More]
“I’ve never told Gabe this, but training with him has changed my life. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and fitness has become a part of life for me.”
“I tend to have a defensive personality so I was worried that training with a trainer would actually demotivate me, BUT, Gabe and I have built a great relationship and he has been 100% approachable and encouraging. That’s why I’ve stuck around for two plus years! From the beginning Gabe made sure that I knew… [Read More]
“Gabe I can’t begin to explain how happy and thankful I am to be one of your clients. You’ve gotten me to levels I didn’t think I could get to, I can’t wait to see how much further we can go.”
“The only reservation that I had when starting personal training was that I wasn’t sure that I would be able to fully commit not just to the training, but to the change of lifestyle. Gabe has done an awesome job of keeping me motivated. You’ve been patient and have worked around my always changing schedule…. [Read More]
“Nate has more certs then I can count, and is probable working on another as we speak, or reading a book on some aspect are form of training. Knowledge is power, Nate knows this and it is why he has helped countless people achieve their goals.”
“Nate is a past co worker, and good friend. He’s creative, fun, and most importantly always learning, This is one of the things I admire about him the most as a trainer. He is dedicated to becoming a master in his craft which is a ongoing never ending process. It is all to common to… [Read More]
“I went from a cyclist that averaged 21 mph on the bike in a Olympic distance triathlon to a cyclist that averaged 26 mph on the bike after just 3 months of working with Nate.”
“I didn’t know how weight training could really be that effective for an endurance athlete. Well, I went from a cyclist that averaged 21 mph on the bike in a Olympic distance triathlon to a cyclist that averaged 26 mph on the bike after just 3 months of working with Nate, so…. Before training with… [Read More]
“I dropped 2 dress sizes!!”
“I have been training with Nedu 3 times a week for 5 months. He has not only completely transformed me physically, but also spiritually and mentally. He has taught me that health and physical fitness / beauty begins on the inside, with a decision, faith and continued motivation. After having two children and working long… [Read More]
“Nedu was wonderful to train with and always encouraged me to do my best.”
“I had organized a trip to hike the Inca Trail and wanted to get in shape beforehand. Nedu created a workout program with a good balance of strength training and cardio to whip me into Inca Trail ready shape! He also prepared a handy workout guide based on my goals and abilities so that I could also… [Read More]
“I dropped 25 pounds in the first several months, and have since been able to maintain my weight while putting on muscle.”
“About a year ago I had put on some excess weight when trying to bulk and decided that I wanted a more aesthetic look. Nedu created a comprehensive 30 day workout plan that included high intensity exercises in order to shed body fat. He also gave me many useful tips on how to create and… [Read More]
“The old pains, medication and about 20 pounds have slipped away.”
As a new retiree, I just wanted to kick back, stay at home and not have a schedule. I wanted my son and husband to it buggin me about exercising. I was taking medication to ease pains from an auto accident an didn’t want to add more pain. Over the last year, Gabe’s patience, knowledge… [Read More]
“He challenged, encouraged and motivated me back into shape and all of that was done within a month, he is one of the best trainers I’ve ever had…”
It usually take a little while to get a good flow with a trainer but things were different with Nedu, i was on tour with the broadway musical The Lion King, when we reached Austin I had just been cleared to start training again after a knee injury, so I walked into a gym where… [Read More]
“With Nathan’s direction, training and education I have gone on to lose 115 lbs, run two half marathons and am currently training for my first triathlon.”
Nathan is the best personal trainer that I have had. He came highly recommended when I lost my previous trainer. Nathan is extremely knowledgeable in personal training and weight loss. With Nathan’s direction, training and education I have gone on to lose 115 lbs, run two half marathons and am currently training for my first triathlon. His encouragement… [Read More]
“I ended up shedding over 25 pounds.”
“Training with Nedu has been an awesome health journey for me. When I first met Nedu I was a student at the University of Texas at Austin and an athlete for the Indonesian National Kickboxing (Sanshou) team. I had a long hiatus because I decided to study at UT and my body was out of… [Read More]
