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Working with APS and Ross has been the best thing I’ve done for my training in years. Or maybe ever! If you’re after a coach who will understand where you’re at, where you want to get to and how best to get you there then you can stop your search now and start working with these guys! My starting point was someone with a busy schedule, trying to balance work, family and training - often winging it on the latter and invariably losing the gamble with injury or niggles. After 10 months or so of working with Ross (on the monthly checking in sessions), I am now stronger and feeling more robust than I ever have before, with a knowledge and confidence in strength, training, conditioning and recovery principles that are leaps and bounds ahead from when I started. Ross really understands the nuances of the body, movement and all the other stuff that surrounds a training plan and busy life. I will for sure be returning to Ross in the months and years ahead as my guiding hand in staying fit, strong and healthy. I really appreciate it. Thank you!
I was lucky enough to be the winner of a competition for a free month of training with Ross at aps Coaching. From the start Ross was super flexible and let me delay my start date to accommodate the summer holidays. I've been in and out of the gym for years and up and down with my fitness levels. I was definitely at a fitness low point and felt a bit nervous going to a PT but Ross was excellent at figuring out my goals, strengths and (many!) weaknesses and explaining what exercises to do and why. He was very patient with me and encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone - especially when it came to kneeling on swiss balls! I enjoyed the sessions so much that I carried on after the free month, and would wholeheartedly recommend aps Coaching to anyone (even if, like me, you're not a "sporty" or even ex-sporty person)
Matt is brilliant. When I first met him 2 years ago I was riddled with knee and back issues and working together each week I am now mostly pain free. I’d seen Physios, Chiropractors and Osteopaths, none of whom were able to get to the bottom of my complex issues. I had only planned to see him until I was well but have found the regular training so transformative that I still seem him every week. He’s a magician!
Since Ross has been my personal trainer he's helped me go from constant back pain and other aches & sprains to regular exercise, a better diet, and more energy. Highly professional and knowledgeable. Takes the time to create a personalised plan after every session tailored to my needs and goals. I'll be running another marathon in no time!
I've worked with Ross at first for some shoulder rehab and then later as personal trainer. This has been great as Ross has taken me through a structured plan rather than me just making stuff up. Having a plan that was specific to me and tailored around my previous experience and limited time availability with a new baby at home has been fantastic.
As soon as I heard the word "rehabilitation" I realised that that was exactly what I needed.
I did not need osteo or physio or chiro and I was recommended (during a chiropractic assessment) to see a coach-mentor for rehabilitation and that person was Matt at APS Coaching.
I had struggled with what I now know to be posture stress both in relation to my day-to-day work as well as sleep posture. I'd had chronic shoulder and neck strain for two to three years and within three months of seeing Matt that that had all but gone away.
Matt provides not just a well planned set of exercises but also a well-tuned ear to listen to my mental and physical updates and changes. Matt offers pragmatic suggestions on when to stretch and exercise to fit with what I do day to day. This includes floor exercises whilst watching TV in the evening and pre-bed relaxation.
Matt talks with great empathy, making a lot of sense by explaining things in a way that has you constantly nodding your head. His favourite phrase which is also now mine is "motion is lotion".
I highly recommend Matt and his approach if you are seeking help and guided assistance with your aches and pains.
I’m so grateful to Matt for getting me back running after various problems with my knee / hip. I love that I’m now able to go out running with my son, which I never thought I would be able to do. Both me and my husband see him for personal training, and he now also works with our son who is hyper-mobile. He’s not just an excellent rehab personal trainer, but has incredible knowledge around mindset and performance training. I get so much more out of a session with Matt than just personal training. I learn something new every session.
Ross has given me a great introduction to all aspects of personal training, helping me overcome injury and setting a course for better strength. he is approachable and is able to explain complex things in simple terms, giving me easy-to-follow plans which have measurable outcomes. highly recommend.
I have been seeing Ross at APS for a few months now for Personal Training. My target was to alleviate the knee pain and inflammation I had been experiencing. We have a targeted programme to strengthen the supporting structures around my knees and it has really worked! I will not be running a marathon any time soon but I can function normally and run for the bus if I need to thanks to my regular programme. Big thumbs up and highly recommended.
I started training with Matt at APS in 2017 and over the years he has developed in-person and at home plans to help me with my goals - becoming stronger, climbing Kilimanjaro, playing netball, general movement to adapt to working from home life. Matt is friendly, extremely knowledgable and great at adapting sessions to meet short-term needs and mid/long-term goals.
I fractured my ankle in August and was keen to move normally and confidently as well as get back to climbing as soon as possible. Apart from the exercises which were super helpful and brought quick progress, what helped me most was getting frameworks, goals and background information from Ross which helped me not only judge my own progression a lot better but also stay more focused and motivated to stick with the rehab.
I’ve been really impressed by Ross’ holistic approach to training in the 6 months I’ve worked with him.
I initially approached APS seeking help to train more efficiently for the outdoor sports I enjoy (mountain biking, climbing, paddling, hillwalking) and to address a niggling injury that had been “fixed” through physio, but left me reluctant to push too hard in strength training.
Ross developed a tailored physical plan for me and also taught me ways of interpreting my pain signals so I could identify when I could safely do more and when I needed to back off.
What I’ve found most valuable, however, is being introduced to a more nuanced way of training. Before APS, my attitude towards training sessions was very “all or nothing.” I felt my workouts had to be completed exactly as laid out in a pre-determined plan and I often skipped sessions when I didn’t have the time or energy to do this.
Working with Ross, I’ve learned ways to adapt workouts on the fly, tailoring them to my energy levels and time available. As a result, I’ve become much more consistent in training and have made significantly more progress than I expected.
I have the pleasure of working with Ross, after chatting at Oakwood about my struggles to recover and perform while juggling multiple sports.
Not only is Ross extremely well-informed about nutrition and recovery, but he also has a great ability to communicate his ideas and recommendations in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. He has shown me how to optimise my recovery and fuel my body in a way that maximises my performance.
One of the things I appreciate most about Ross’ approach to nutrition is how to calculate food intake. It’s so straightforward to follow, and it has completely changed the way I think about food. Rather than just counting calories, Ross’ guide focuses on making healthy choices and realising why you are making that choice.
Not only has Ross blown my mind with his knowledge on nutrition he's also opened my eyes to a more effective way to train for the sports I participate in. My workouts are now quicker are a lot more enjoyable to perform.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my experience working with Ross at APS. His knowledge, insights, and simple approach to nutrition and recovery have helped me to take my sports performance to the next level, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to optimise their athletic performance.
Review for Xian
I have worked with Xian for over a year now and can say I see the benefits every time I pull onto the wall. Her understanding of climbing movement is second to none and her ability to communicate this and make it relevant to you is why I see myself working with her for many years to come!
Xian was able to help identify areas were I could improve my climbing, meaning I now feel like I have the tools to push myself and try harder, wether that be outside or in the gym
Xian makes coaching specific to you and doesn’t just use a one fits all approach. Movement, project/trip tactics, mental game, she does it all!
Review for Ross:
I’ve known Ross personally and worked with him for several years now.
His knowledge and expertise has helped me overcome and manage numerous injuries including golfers elbow and Rotator cuff related issues.
We also worked together to come up with a training plan which helped me to better understand load, volume and how much.
I now feel more confident on the wall and like I have the tools to better manage my body and climbing.