Wall of love for GrowStrong Health & Fitness

Joining a gym can be quite daunting, especially for someone like me who had never joined a gym, and if i’m being truthful always had a negative perception of the gym environment and personal trainers. I joined the gym just so I could keep up my running. After having my first consultation with Julian we discussed specific goals such as improving aerobic and anaerobic fitness, improving strength and improving my body composition, which he ensured me would ultimately impact my running. With the cardio and weight training programmes he had designed for me my progress in all these areas were significant, not only could I see the results, but I could feel the change in my body and ultimately my running improved.  I completed a half marathon 4 months into my training with Julian and I knocked 30 minutes off my best time.  Julian has an impressive fountain of knowledge and through his sessions he passes this on.  He also puts in maximum effort to ensure you get the most out of your sessions so you can achieve your goals.  With Julian's personal approach and guidance in our sessions I am reaching my goals and constantly setting new ones.  Julian has not only helped me change physically but he has changed the perception I had of gyms and personal trainers.  I couldn't have asked for a better trainer :)

If you're wanting a genuine, down to basics trainer to get you motivated and keep you on track, Julian is the trainer for you.  His thoughtful and insightful style will keep you focused and coming back for more. I'm back in the jeans bought 5 years ago! 

I have had a few trainers before, in and out of the army. Fitness has always been of great importance to my well being. As we mostly know, the discipline to get up and go to the gym and train effectively is very hard, especially when life is busy. Having a session booked in gets you there, and with Julian training you it is always enjoyable. Julian's approach to training is very relevant and tailored to your fitness goals and abilities. Having Julian train me, means I get the most out of a short time which is great for busy people. He has helped me achieve my fitness goals and do really well in my dirt bike races. He even came out to watch me train on my dirt bike to help understand what it is I actually do. Julian will ensure correct technique which means fewer injury's and getting the most out of training. Overall Julian is one of the best trainers I have ever had, he is laid back and approachable, he challenges me and has now become a good friend. 

I worked with Julian when we lived in Auckland from 2013 to 2015. Julian always has his clients best interest at heart and will go out of his way in order for you to reach your goals. Always pushing you to the limit, to be the best you! If you are after a PT that actually does care, Julian is your man!

Julian has been my personal trainer for just over one year. He is a very professional and helpful trainer. He coaches and motivates me towards living a healthy lifestyle and has helped me lose my body fat. With his help of proper training techniques, l am able to achieve my wellbeing, fitness and body goals. l am very proud of my current body shape. Thanks Julian you are such a professional and wonderful fitness trainer.

Julian brings a warm approach and wealth of physical knowledge to his training. After obtaining significant injuries from kickboxing, resulting in multiple surgeries, Julian provided me with specific training for the sport I had no longer been able to train in. With his experience, Julian also provided techniques to improve my flexibility, mobility and strength – all of which I had lost from surgery. Having Julian as a personal trainer revitalised the sport for me, it provided the enjoyment and intensity I had missed for years, and greatly assisted my overall physical awareness.

For the last 12 months I have been training with Julian Te Tai. Julian has bought planning and enthusiasm to my workouts where before I was really just “going to the gym” and lifting some weights. We are working off a strength and weight gain plan and he regularly reviews my workouts and puts new challenges in front of me. Since training with Julian I have gained 8 kilos of muscle, but its really been in my strength I’ve noticed the most difference, especially across key exercises such as deadlift, squats and bench. The only downside of training with Julian has been buying new clothes since my old stuff is too small now! Julian is a neat guy to train with. He has an awesome sense of humour, is very motivating and easy to spend time with. I highly recommend Julian and his approach, because it works!

Following an unfortunate accident I needed to get my fitness back up to a high level in a very short time frame to pass final police testing - a career I'd been dreaming about for ages! Julian took me on board, provided me with a training plan specific to my needs, taught me about quality not quantity, gave me confidence and just knew exactly what to do to get me to where I wanted to go.  I am heading away to police college in Wellington this weekend after nailing my final tests.  I have Julian to thank for that!  He did an amazing job and I will miss training with him.

Julian, has made a massive difference to my training!  I have a fear of being one of those guys that goes to the gym for a year, and nothing changes.  Julian has worked with me to create a training plan that I love, and 3 months in I’m already seeing awesome results.  I would encourage anyone who wants change to talk to Julian…Looking forward to my 200kg squat!!!

Julian takes time to get to know your goals and also (in my case) the challenges of ensuring a 52 year old body can continue to function well. This has meant that certain exercises are not possible for me and Julian has accordingly configured my routine to suit while still looking to meet my goals. Not only has Julian designed programmes that meet my needs but more importantly he ensures my technique is sound, constantly making small adjustments to exercises to ensure that I get the best result and to avoid injury. I have been to many gyms over the years and had many personal trainers however, Julian is by far the best. The combination of his qualification and expertise together with a genuine interest in people and in making a difference means his clients are well served. I went into Christmas 2012 feeling as good as I’ve felt; not bad for a 52 year old!