Success Stories

Here are some samples of testimonials from our happy clients. Whilst everyone's specific goals, level of fitness, commitment and motivation is different, we hope that these testimonials help to inspire you with what is possible with the right trainer helping you along the way.

Feel free to contact me to discuss helping you to be a great success story!

Words cannot begin to describe how much Marcos and his program have helped me. His level of commitment and personalization are truly second to none. He not only works me hard in the gym, but also developed a personalized training program to coincide with my busy travel schedule. Plus, the level of nutritional information is far more helpful than anything I have received in the past. I have met with nutritionists in the past, and all they tell you is to eat this and not to eat that. Marcos takes it to that next lever where he not only describes why you shouldn't eat certain foods, but goes in depth as far as when you should eat certain foods. Through all of his help, I have lost nearly 20 pounds and am still losing. I feel refreshed and more aware of my basic body movements. I would highly recommend Marcos to anybody who is looking to change his/her life for the better.

-Ryan Mroz (Chicago IL)

Working with Marcos has been one of the best decisions I have made for myself, my health, and mental well-being. In the past I struggled with motivation and keeping a work out plan, and always seemed to fail after a month or so. Marcos prepares a plan customized for you based on your goals and dreams. It is not just a workout plan, but also takes into consideration your diet and your mental wellbeing. My schedule changes frequently, and Marcos is so flexible when it comes to meeting him during the week. I have truly loved the program with Marcos since they push you to a little outside of your comfort zone, and motivate you to finish. Working with him has been truly beneficial since I have been able to meet my goals and am working toward new ones. I have really enjoyed working with Marcos and cannot wait to accomplish more of my goals. I have a new found passion for working out and have been able to physically see those results. Marcos has faith and wants every one of his clients to succeed and it is so apparent through his passion with fitness. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t worked out in years or are looking to complete a marathon. He provides support to make sure that you are at your best.

Rachel Mroz (Chicago, IL)

Todd Loesch’s Success Story (picture below)

I started working with Marcos to train for a Tough Mudder. I was in pretty good shape, but had gotten bored with my routine. I was skeptical about whether I “needed” a trainer, but Marcos was absolutely worth it. He tailored workouts to match my specific goals and energy levels that day, and he was great at coming up with healthy (but still delicious!) meals and nutrition plans. Most importantly though, he gave me relaxation techniques that helped me sleep better. All in all, Marcos is so much more than just a “trainer,” and I highly recommend him!

When I begin working out with Marcos in the summer of 2009 I was just over 6 feet tall and weighed 150 pounds. Due to issues I had at birth, several of my joints are not properly aligned. Because of this I have already spent a year in physical therapy learning how to deal with the limitations this caused me. I had been told by several doctors and therapists that in order to avoid chronic pain I would need to build up and maintain muscle support for my joints to compensate for their deformity.

Before working with Marcos I frequently suffered from joint pain – several times I had difficulty walking down a flight of stairs because the pain was so bad. During our time together, Marcos worked with me to build muscle – teaching me how to work out properly and maintain proper form and balance. In addition he coached me to proper eating habits to compliment the exercise routines we were using in the gym. Marcos is also well versed in several homeopathic and dietary supplements that can aid in many ailments.

Since meeting Marcos I have never seriously injured myself in the gym – no small feat given the weakness in my joints. In addition I have gained almost 50 pounds providing much needed muscular support for my joints. I no longer have pain and I do many activities again that I had to stop doing.

Marcos is an excellent trainer, regardless of whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, or improve your general wellness. Unlike many trainers that only know how to teach someone to exercise, Marcos provides a full complement of skills including dietary and wellness tips, workout routines, massage and stretching, and much more. He is passionate about what he does and cares personally for his clients. No matter what your goal, Marcos is a great partner to get you there.

-David Pippen (Chicago, IL - picture below)

Marcos in my opinion is the most complete all around trainer I have ever met. I would strongly recommend him to anyone considering personal training. His motivational style is unmatched to anyone else that I have ever used in the past. Not only does he use all the latest positive techniques in training but has a very clear understanding on what each individual can accomplish during his training period. There were a few times where I had minor injuries and he knew exactly what to do to speed up the healing thru corrective exercises and stretching. Not only is he concerned with your daily workout habits, he also takes special interest in your nutrition, your positive out look in everyday situations, and your dedications in achieving the most out of your life. He has essentially done wonders for me both physical and promoted my positive outlook on things

Scott Rifkin, Scottsdale Az. (picture below Scott on the left and Marcos on the right)

Marcos...

I look forward to hear more about your new adventure in personal training. I would like to say that I wished I were there for your first workout.

To all your new clients I would like to say that they will have the best personal trainer they can get. I started out with Marcos about 2 years ago weighing in around 260 lbs and way out of shape. Marcos helped me reach my goals and then some, which I never realized I could do without his help, Marcos was concerned (all the time) with the problems with my back and he worked with me in core training and strengthening my back. Today I am down to 212lbs with the help from Marcos I have been able to maintain my weight. I would like to say if you work with Marcos and willing to listen to him he can change your life making you feel better about yourself. Marcos keep up the good work and wish you the best of luck, if I still lived there I know I would still be working out with you.

Larry Goodson (TN)

Transformational, inspirational and fun are the words I use to describe my fitness experience with Marcos. Marcos has incredible expertise in understanding your current level of fitness capabilities and then designing a program that challenges you to meet your ever evolving capabilities. He knows how to target your trouble spots while providing an overall balanced workout. When I started exercising diligently about a year and a half ago, I never thought I would be lifting 30 pound weights, doing advanced planks and one leg deadlifts on a Bosu. But with Marcos, it's much more than getting a great workout session. The other benefit of having Marcos as a trainer is that he brings exercise together with nutrition and holistic approaches to improving overall health. Working with Marcos, my body and mind have been transformed. I am physically strong, I know how to eat healthy and I have learned effective techniques for managing the day to day stresses of life. A bonus on top of all that is that I've lost 22 pounds in the process!

--Caryl Vehe, Deerfield, IL

Before Marcos started training me (and my wife), I didn't really know much about how to work out -- I figured as long as I did something like walking or riding a bike, I was good. I learned from Marcos that those activities are indeed good, but there is so much more. Marcos taught me about building up muscle and doing a variety of activities to give me a well rounded work out. My workouts are complicated by the fact that I am a Type 1 diabetic and I have some complications as a result of that disease, specifically, I have a foot issue that requires careful attention. Marcos trains me in a way that accommodates that complication. He creatively figures out how to get cardio into my workout, how to do weight bearing exercises without putting stress on my foot, and on occasion my blood sugar drops as I am working out. Sometimes, Marcos whips up a nutritious protein drink for me to give me a boost of the right carbs to sustain me during the remainder of my workout. Marcos brings his expertise in fitness and nutrition together to help me stay healthy and fit.

Ken Vehe (Deerfield, IL)

Marcos is a very dedicated trainer whom I would highly recommend to anyone considering personal training. Marcos constantly motivates me through positive feedback, while always pushing me go farther and achieve my personal best. When I have been injured or have concerns about my workout, he listens and then adapts my program to best suit my needs. I have been impressed with Marcos’ motivation to improve himself by reading and attending educational workshops. He takes pertinent information and applies new techniques into my weekly routines. I have never once been bored or felt like my workouts were stale or repetitive. Marcos also cares about his clients overall well-being—he is always checking to ensure my nutrition and sleep routines are as healthy as possible. With his input, this mother of 2 has achieved the body I never had at 20 and I feel healthier than ever. Thank you, Marcos!

D.Spector. Deerfield, IL

Marcos is more than a fitness trainer; he is a health aficionado. He has the skills and a devotion to total fitness to enable him to offer something to everyone he trains. He is adaptive, patient, and encouraging no matter his client's current level of conditioning. Yet, perhaps his greatest skill is that he listens to more than words. He observes a body's reactions and addresses exercise routines to building a full and balanced result. Moreover, he makes working out fun. He pushes you to a comfortable limit such that you grow with every session without sending you home so exhausted that working out is a painful experience.

Ron Brooks, Des Plains IL

I come from a background in power lifting. Cardiovascular strength and endurance were never part of my training. After my early twenties came and went I stopped going to the gym regularly. The weight piled on and with it came a whole slew of health related issues, and I was unable to train the way I did before. Shortly before my 32nd birthday I walked into my local gym and asked to meet with a personal trainer. Marcos was the trainer on duty at that time. We sat and talked a bit about my background and his. When our talk finished I decided to give him a try. He worked with me on developing a routine that blended Olympic style movements (my comfort zone) and core strengthening movements (definitely not my comfort zone). Using only my body weight Marcos showed me how to correct my form and aligned myself. From there we moved to light weights used in combined movements to help strengthen all of the smaller muscles that I didn't know I had. All the while upping the intensity to help train my heart to function better. Flash forward a few months later and I am definitely in better shape. I am back to power lifting but at a much faster pace, with only 30-60 seconds worth of rest between sets. Using what I learned from Marcos and applying it to Olympic style lifting I have seen my strength go through the roof. I am in better shape/condition now than I was when I was competing! I can't thank Marcos enough for his time and patience while helping me through my journey. I would gladly recommend him as a trainer, but more importantly I am glad to count him among my friends.