“I first joined Groundworks last November because I wanted a change. I was in a rut that I couldn’t quite shake myself out of. I wanted a change to my overall mental and physical health and a constant push to challenge myself. Mitchell was my first personal trainer that I’ve had, and I was his first client at GWA. Because there were a lot of “firsts” I was apprehensive if this was the right choice. I was mistaken.

A few weeks into training with Mitchell, I was getting frustrated at myself. I was feeling defeated and constantly putting myself down (a frequent habit of mine). When I wanted to just give up, Mitchell kept pushing me. Eventually all that pushing started to sink in that it would take time before I got to where I wanted to be, and if I wanted to get there, I had to work hard for it. Mitchell and I kept our 2 days a week over lunch through the Winter/Spring. We also quickly developed a rapport fairly quickly over our love of comics, movies and music. It made coming to GWA much easier because of our dynamic.

By the time Spring had arrived, so had my achievements. I was constantly enthusiastic to come every week and see what challenge I could pit against myself. Because Mitchell hadn’t given up on me, it was clear that I couldn’t either. I was lifting heavier than I ever had before. My form and technique had improved considerably. My patience for myself also grew. And my self-esteem had returned again.

By the time the 7 month mark rolled around, I had now seen a visible difference in not only my body, but my mental health. I was feeling more accomplished and proud of myself to sticking by GWA and for constantly coming in to challenge myself every week, even when there were days I didn’t. Mitchell has been such a role model for me and his constant push, patience has been felt from day 1. I really appreciate his attentiveness to my overall well being, form, and his ability to track to my progress by pushing me out of my comfort zones. Because of all that I am now in a better place mentally, physically and finally found my stride in lifting.

A massive thank you to Mitchell and GWA for offering a program that suits my needs and is built around a community of people that love to challenge themselves.”