TESTIMONIALS
“Al has shown me that anything is possible. My motivation has changed from my fear of pain to achieving strength goals I didn’t think were possible 6 months ago…”
Corrina Wiggins
A friend recommended Al to me when I had a trapped nerve in my neck. I had numbness in my hand and constant nerve pain down my arm. Before this, I had never been to a gym, couldn’t open jars or bottles, and struggled to pick up my kids. I accepted that being weak was a part of life.
Al listened to my problems and created a program to not only rehabilitate, but also make me stronger. Al encourages me to create goals that suit my everyday life and then he creates a program to help me achieve these goals.
Al’s knowledge is incredible. He clearly explains why I’m given certain exercises and finds many alternatives when an exercise isn’t suitable.
Al has shown me that anything is possible. My motivation has changed from my fear of pain to achieving strength goals I didn’t think were possible 6 months ago. I now regularly train with the crew, I’m pain-free and stronger than I’ve ever been.
“The fun and educational environment Al has created at Romero Athletics motivates me to set and reach challenging goals…”
Jenny Tran
I first started my journey at Al’s with private rehabilitation sessions post knee surgery. At this point I was experiencing constant lower back pain which impacted work, travel and everyday movement's such as bending over to put shoes on or getting into a car!
Al fast tracked my recovery by sharing his extensive knowledge and creative methods to help me understand the logic behind movements and how to utilise my body and the tools at the gym to perform at my maximum capability. Al has assisted me to put into practise his teachings and set a solid foundation in my approach to strength training and body awareness both in and out of the gym.
The fun and educational environment Al has created at Romero Athletics motivates me to set and reach challenging goals. I now train regularly with the crew which provided me with the confidence to progress from not being able to hinge without pain to now deadlifting 87.5kgs and achieving multiple PBs (with a little nudge).
“Within only a month or so, Al was able to significantly improve my mobility and reduce the pain levels in my daily life to a point that it was almost unrecognisable…”
Andrew Groome
When I was first recommended to Alan, I had recently had surgery on my spine to fix a build up of multiple issues accrued from a lifetime of heavy sport and as well as lumbar disc issues. I was in pain every day and extremely immobile, struggling to perform simple tasks like picking up things off the ground.
The surgery had resolved numbness in my legs however the pain still remained. As Al has also had his battles with back injuries, he was able to relate to the real mental struggle of the pain I was in. He was always able to offer alternative activities if a specific exercise aggravated my pain.
Within only a month or so, he was able to significantly improve my mobility and reduce the pain levels in my daily life to a point that it was almost unrecognisable. His expertise combined with having a real understanding of my injury meant that he was able to provide the right strategy for improving my overall mobility issues without causing undue pain to get there.
It is not an exaggeration to say that he has changed my life. I was miserable and in pain every day, having seen many other specialists without any success. Now after 6 months with Al, I have gone from being crippled and immobile to being able to comfortably and safely lift more than I would have ever dreamed.
I would highly recommend anyone with back pain or immobility issues to speak to Al, as you won’t find anyone better in the ACT.
“Not only do I feel I have regained my strength, but in some areas I feel stronger…”
Sarah Jesudason
I was never one who enjoyed attending a conventional gym. I always felt self conscious, found it hard to focus and I felt like I was in other people’s’ way. I was never able to get into a good routine or rhythm.
Four years ago, I heard about Romero Athletics and their style of training really interested me. I decided to check them out, and I have been there ever since! I haven’t had any major injuries or illnesses and I’ve always believed that its important to invest in your health. I feel that a big part of that is function through movement. I genuinely believe that having a regular fitness routine has endless benefits.
This was most evident to me throughout my recent journey into motherhood. Al hadn’t had any pregnant clients before so it was a new challenge for him as well as for me. There are a lot of myths about training during pregnancy and I quickly noticed that many people had their own personal opinions about it. Through my own research and working through my existing program, as well as Al’s research and knowledge, I was able to keep training several times a week right up till two days before I gave birth.
One of the core learnings for me was how important breathing is. It’s one of the key elements of our training at Romero’s. As well as this, always listening to your body and making sure you take it easy if you feel you need to. Being fit and knowing how to breath properly helped me through labour, as well as aiding me with a speedy recovery. I was able to ease into training in the gym again within 6 weeks of birth.
Fast forward 12 months and I feel incredible and proud of the journey I have been on. Not only do I feel I have regained my strength, but in some areas I feel stronger. It has without a doubt improved my mental health and it is something I really look forward to.
Now I am working on gaining the right balance of not over training, ensuring I’m getting enough rest and remembering to listen to my body. Having a fab team of coaches regularly checking in on me sure does help!
“I am now lifting more than ever and have a lot more confidence under the bar…”
Mel Culpitt, Crossfit Competitor
I have always been a competitive athlete, from swimming to cycling and now Crossfit. The day I injured my back, I was riding my bike to work and got hit from behind by a car. I was in a constant state of pain, struggled to walk or sit pain free, and was dosed up each night on pain killers to sleep, I saw several different physios around Canberra, looking for the quick fix, and no fix was found.
I went to get an MRI with the result being two bulging discs and a case of sciatica.
After two surgeons recommending surgery as my best option, Al said to give him six months to help me become pain free.
When I first started with Al I could not lie on my stomach and press my own body weight up without immense pain. I am now lifting more than ever and have a lot more confidence under the bar, he has not only helped me with my back pain, but also issues I have had with my shoulder and helped me to achieve a top 100 ranking in Australia in the recent Crossfit Games.
Al is an incredibly knowledgeable individual, his knowledge and understanding of athletes is far beyond elite. Training with Al has been tremendous. I really appreciate the work he has put into helping me be a stronger, fitter and faster athlete.
“The result was a men’s open WPC World Record of 343kg Deadlift in the 110kg division...”
Billy Giampaolo, World Record Holder
After holding numerous Australian power lifting titles and records, I wanted to step it up to the big league and try for a world record.
I searched around for coaches that I thought could get me there, and after much time and research I came back to Alan Romero. He had been at Westside Barbell in the USA for a period of time, lived in Russia and trained under coaches in Powerlifting and Olympic lifting.
He has also tested and learned ways to improve athletic performance, which I had seen him put into play. Alan showed me how aspects of my lifting were severely lacking and went about correcting them with surgeon like precision.
The result was a men’s open WPC World Record of 343kg Deadlift in the 110kg division.
My advice to anyone is, if you want to take it to the next level, and do what you thought was never possible … Alan Romero is your man!
“I can honestly say its the best investment I could have ever made...”
Kelly Schippers
When I first started I had a goal to lose 10kg and tone up. I had my first session with Alan Romero, and after one training session I knew I had been doing it all wrong. Alan taught me the importance of weight training in order to get the ‘toned’ body I kept talking about.
His knowledge and insight inspired me to learn about WHY we do particular movements and exercises. He also taught me to put purpose and goal setting into my training regime rather than just doing an exercise for no reason. I train with Alan weekly for one hour and I can honestly say it’s the best investment I could have ever made.
It is so great to see that Alan honestly cares about my results, thank you for helping me achieve my goal and for keeping me on track and teaching me so much.
“I have seen first hand that he makes an obvious impact to player's performance and strength...”
Darren Bruce, Founder EMB Strategies
Alan is one of the most knowledgeable coaches I have ever met, the fact that he specialises in a variety of areas including rehab and strength means he can create a unique program to cater to those who have any difficulties with particular movements or muscle groups. He is passionate about seeing his clients get results and becoming stronger.
His eye for technique is second to none. Since working with Alan and witnessing his contributions to elite sports organisations, I have seen first hand that he makes an obvious impact to player’s performance and strength.
His extensive experience both in Australia and internationally has given him the opportunity to learn from the best of the best, making him a leader in athletic development, and strength coaching.
“Al isolated the cause of my problem and corrected it to the point that I was no longer in pain in less than THREE WEEKS...”
Nem Jovanovic
I started back in the gym specifically to fix a couple of problems. One of those was my lower back: bad hip and lower back pain that prevented me from squatting, deadlifting, cycling, sitting, standing… you name it – I couldn’t do anything properly.
At that point I had already spent a year and a half (and a lot of money) bouncing between two different physios, a GP, a rehabilitation specialist and another PT – all with absolutely no outcome to show for.
To cut a long story short, Al isolated the cause of my problem and corrected it to the point that I was no longer in pain in less than THREE WEEKS.
After getting stronger than I ever have been before, I then started throwing many curve balls at Al (absenteeism from the gym due to work demands or illness or kids) which have meant my progress has been 1 step forward 2 steps back at times, but he keeps reassessing, reformulating and getting me back on track again and again.
If your goals have anything to do with getting stronger, faster, better or rehabilitated following injury – there’s no one better out there than Al.
“My only regret was not engaging Alan earlier in my competition preparation...”
Andrew Kondakis, INBA (drug free) Bodybuilder
After many years of body building training I turned to Alan in order to advance my results.
Alan opened my eyes to new training styles and methods which provided great results. I sought Alan’s assistance prior to competing in the 2013 Men’s Open Class of the ACT State Bodybuilding Titles.
Alan uses a range of varied and interesting training techniques which have resulted in me breaking through plateaus, taking my physique to the next level and ultimately achieving my highest placing to date.
My only regret was not engaging Alan earlier in my competition preparation.
I highly recommend Alan to anyone interested in achieving life changing results, his diverse range of knowledge and skills are suitable for beginners all the way through to advanced trainers.
“It has provided the foundation upon which I have radically changed my body, health and life...”
Hannah Wellman
Effective personal training is much more than cuing a set of exercises correctly.
It’s about client connection, intuition, communication and the development of trust. Alan Romero has mastered these qualities with humility and charm, while demonstrating an extraordinary knowledge of strength and conditioning principals. Our weekly sessions are never monotonous or repetitive and Alan constantly raises the bar to facilitate measured improvement and get results.
During our sessions we have utilised weight training, circuits and sprint training to achieve my goals, while concurrently working on postural improvement.
I have several long-term injuries and Alan has navigated these with careful consideration, adapting our training sessions accordingly.
I have been training with Alan for just over 6 months, and as cliché as it sounds it has provided the foundation upon which I have radically changed my body, health and life.
When I’m exhausted in a session and say “I can’t do another rep’”, he says
“two more”.
I have taken this philosophy into every part of my life and stopped wishing for change and worked for it. The day I signed up for personal training with Alan Romero I was told how lucky I was. I couldn’t agree more.
“Now I have a lot more mobility in my shoulder, pain has decreased by at least 80%...”
Tina Hayes
When I started with Alan in April 2014 I had a bulged disc, a calcified shoulder tear, orthotics and tipped had 80kg. I was a size 16/18. I had limited mobility with my shoulder and was always in pain.
Now I have a lot more mobility in my shoulder, pain has decreased by at least 80%. I no longer need my orthotics. I have lost 15kgs and I no longer have the disc issues.
There have been ups and downs with my health due to injuries and broken bones gained outside the gym. It was really frustrating coming so far then falling back and starting again.
As a wife, mum, student, and working, its been difficult making the gym a priority and learning to put my needs first. I once remember arguing with Alan about deadlifting 30 pounds, I recently deadlifted 220 pounds (100kgs)
I am doing things and have goals I never thought I would be able to achieve.
I have been able to prove to myself that I can achieve my goals when I put the work in.
“Has helped achieve results that I didn't think I was
capable of...”
Ben Alexander, Brumbies/Wallabies Prop
Al is an incredibly motivated, intelligent, and hardworking individual. I’ve been working closely with Al in his new facility for the past 6 weeks, and in that time, he has not only cured a vast majority of my aches and pains, he has also opened my eyes to my body’s true potential.
Al’s detailed understanding of how the human body should function, allows him to identify and correct any poor lifting technique and strength imbalances.
This not only helps prevent injury, but also has helped achieve results that I didn’t think I was capable of.
Exciting times ahead as the training smarter, not harder philosophy pays off.
“What really sets Alan apart is his personal investment in your success...”
Fab Rooke, INBA (drug free) Bodybuilder
Alan's accomplishments and qualifications speak for themselves. He has excelled in his own athletic goals, often against all odds. He has sought to learn from the best in world, methodically building up his expertise for years.
What really sets Alan apart is his personal investment in your success.
I've noticed he almost always knows the solution to your dysfunction or goal but in the rare challenging times when it's extremely elusive, he will not quit on you.
Yes, he will not give up on you until you succeed, in fact Alan will literally lose sleep until you succeed.
After seeking the help of almost every type of specialist ending with "ologist" and still getting no solution, my goals seemed completely out of reach.
Without the help Alan I would have never achieved my dream of competing and more importantly, being able to train and live pain free.
Thank you Alan, your help has been truly invaluable.