Mervyn Levin

I have been training with Keith Donald approximately the last 8 years and I was looking forward to many more years of his inspirational training sessions, but sadly for me he is leaving Sydney to take up residence in Coffs Harbour so our time together comes to an end.

To those of you who need a personal trainer, I cannot recommend Keith enough, for he is a descent, caring person who goes way beyond one's expecatations of a trainer. He is an amazing motivator who has achieved terrific results for me and I am sure that he could do the same for you.

When I first met Keith I was participating in group exercise classes at Fitness First and he happened to take one of the training sessions and I could immediately see the difference between one of his classes and the other trainers. The difference in fact was so large that from that time on I decided that it was worth the cost of having a personal training sessions with him.

I was looking to loose some weight as well as get alot fitter, stronger and healthier. I certainly have not been disappointed as these goals have certainly been achieved. So, to those of you considering using Keith .... stop considering .... use him, you - like myself, will not be sorry!

Kind regards as well as happy training with Keith

Liz, 32, Mona Vale NSW

Keith has helped me achieve goals I hadn’t identified before I started training with him.

I am 32 and have a full on Monday to Friday city job that frequently reaches well beyond the contracted 9-5.30. In my remaining time I try to do as much competitive sailing as I possibly can, although I struggle to stay focused when other fun goals crop us such as a corporate triathlon, a City to Surf type event or a low key adventure race.

Keith has identified dietary needs I didn’t know I had, helping me manage energy levels, enabling me to get as much as I can out of each week. In addition, I had been contemplating a visit to a nutritionist, but Keith helped me identify the food sensitivity that had been causing the grief.

In going to a personal fitness trainer I did not expect advice on sleep and relaxation, but Keith’s advice in these areas has also contributed to improved energy levels.

In terms of actual exercise, my fitness, stamina and strength have all improved, which I have noticed in my sailing competitions. Much of my sailing has been with sailors who are 16-25. Keeping up with this younger group and competing on the same terms as them has been fun and I believe the training has helped me not show my age! 2 day regattas of 7 races a day have not proved as much of a challenge as they did a year ago. I recently competed in a corporate triathlon event, for which I found myself very well prepared, albeit as a by-product of my training for sailing.

Jen

In October 2006 I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. At the time, I was 4 months away from getting married, and stress levels were quite high, resulting in a flare up. A flare up for me means an inflamed ileum, which is the final section of the small intestine. The result was severe cramps after eating (usually lasting well into the night), excessive diarrhoea, and a whole range of other problems, including dehydration, itchy skin and eyes, poor concentration and lack of energy. The treatment I was prescribed by my Gastroenteroligist was a strong course of steroids (45mg of prednisone). The main side effects of the steroid for me were increased bloating, particularly around the face and abdomen, and insomnia. On completion of the steroids, I did not feel better (I actually felt worse), and my problem was as ripe as ever.

I saw Keith about 8-10 weeks before my wedding, following completion of the course of steroids. My main concern was to get back into shape for the wedding, as well as controlling the flare ups nutritionally rather than with drugs. Keith put me on a gradual exercise plan consisting of cardio and weights for the final 8 weeks leading up to the wedding, combined with a diet consisting of no yeast products. They were both strictly followed and the results were phenomenal.

Whilst I didn't weigh myself or take any before and after photographs, the results of Keith's advice spoke for itself. I had never looked or felt as trim, taut and terrific! Additionally, it was of great concern that I would experience a flare up around the wedding, due to increased stress levels. However, due to strictly sticking to Keith's diet, I did not experience any discomfort leading up to or on the day. Following the wedding and subsequent to some tests carried out, my specialist confirmed I did not need to go back on the steroids, but could continue with Keith's treatment instead, as my body seemed to be responding positively to this diet.

Thanks Keith

Michelle Wibisono

When I turned to Keith for help, I had three specific goals. First, I wanted to re-build the muscle strengthin my left leg, which had atrophied for several months after surgery to reconstruct a torn knee ligament. Secondly, I wanted to gain overall strength and fitness with a structured program. Lastly, I sought to address a long-term problem that I had with dizzy spells and severe stomach pains that tended to result from a diet that was not appropriate.

Keith has helped me attain all three goals. Within only a few months, Keith's guidance resulted in the strength in my left leg returning, much to my relief. It meant that I was no longer limping, and back and hip problems that had stemmed from that limping subsequently disappeared. I had also noticed a wonderful "side-effect", which was dropping two dress sizes, from 12 to 8. I felt toned, stronger, fitter and happier. This was in stark contrast to how I felt before seeking Keith's help. Keith's very positive attitude kept me motivated and straight on a path to a body that was no longer injury-prone.

Keith also gave me valuble help when it came to obtaining my third goal. For years, I had battled dizzy spells and excruciating stomach pains, which almost always appeared if I had not eaten for three to four hours. Doctors were unable to suggest an approach to fix this, other than using medication. But Keith simply overhauled my diet and the way in which I looked at food. His introduction of a regime that suited my metabolic type has spelled an end to dizziness and stomach pains. I have also learned from Keith the importance of making time to eat well, despite a hectic work life. Gone are the days where my body would not be getting the right fuel.

From training with Keith, I have attained a level of fitness that I had previously thoguht I could only dream of. Keith continually finds new and fun challenges to keep me interested and motivated, so I can only continue to be fitter, stronger and healthier. Keith's expertise, encouragement and never-failing positive approach to life and health have been one of the most significant influences in my life. I also commend Keith for taking a holistic appraoch to health and happiness: with Keith, its never just about the exercise program or the diet, but also your emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.

Sabine

I first met Keith when I joined a group training session at North Sydney Oval. I had been very stressed and overworked for quite a while and one Saturday morning during one of these training sessions I almost collapsed. As I had already seen several doctors and done all kinds of tests I was desperate to get some help from someone who would not just tell me that I needed to take some time out to relax. Keith's holisitc approach to exercise, nutrition & health was exactly what I was looking for. He quickly organised to have me tested for (sorry, can't remember exactly what it was) ... which confirmed his suspicion of my symptoms being linked to adrenal fatigue (I was at stage 2). Through a combination of correct nutrition, exercise & relaxation I am now back to 'normal' and can enjoy life again. Apart from Keith's great understanding of a humans body & mind what really makes him different is that he cares. He takes every reaction/symptom very serious even if it is not related to his program, does some research and comes up with a solution.

Thanks so much again for all your help, Keith!! I couldn't have done it without you!

All the best for now

Eva Balint MB BS FRANZCP

I have been having two fitness trainig sessions per week with Keith Donald since November 2006. My right leg is shorter than my left and I am weaker on the right side. I wanted training to strengthen my right leg and improve my balance and coordination, as well as to imrpove general and core strength, tone and fitness.

Keith has displayed and excellent knowledge of the body and I have made significant improvements in all the above areas. I recommend him as an excellent personal trainer.

Gilly Harriott

I have known Keith for over 4 years now and in this time Keith has been my personal trainer for 2 years on and off. In this time he has manage to change my life in a 360 degrees way.

He has manage to help make my life a much healthier one in many ways, that would be on a physical level and on a personal level and also on a business level.

Because of Keith’s influence, I am now an organic eater, I take more breaks with my work and I train as much as I can, this I owe to Keith and I am sad to see him leave Sydney as he is very much a mentor to me. Anyone who has Keith as a trainer or life coach are one hell of a lucky person.

Best of luck to Keith and his new journey.

Karen Jervis

I signed up with Keith Donald in December 2005. At that point I was at a stage that whilst ‘fit’ I was not moving forward or backwards, just standing still...Yet I was huffing and puffing my way around the gym every day…how does that happen ?

It happens when you have stress fractures in your life that are caused by you allowing pressures in that stifle any attempts at healthiness. These included horrific working hours (by choice), bad eating (mostly good food but too much of it, and all at the wrong times of day), obsessive workouts that included too much cardio, and absolutely no rest days. I was being wicked towards my own body soul and mind. Things had to change.

I recall Keith’s face and his tactful attempts to stifle his shock at my Health survey results and try to gently pull me back into line with a step by step approach. At first I wanted to run and make major changes but he kept pulling me back into a slowly slowly approach which was annoying, but its all clear now. Maybe it’s his South African controlled approach to life and business, but he quietly goes about the business of ensuring his clients are on the right track. No screaming, no tantrums, just that ‘Keith look’ and that ‘Keith smirk’ when you know you have been out of line. Somehow you feel compelled to act ‘right’.

Whilst the Weight Programs were carefully thought out, it was the Food plans that made the most difference to my program. Finding out I needed to have fat ( yuck - surely not ) , carbs and protein every time I opened my mouth – ie at the same time was a new one on me. Then I tried Gluten free program next. That was the big time change factor. Cut out WHEAT my friend….its so bad for you . Bloats and sticks up your internal systems. Get rid of it somehow soon. So it all began to make sense. And then it all made for viewable results. Slowly …very slowly. But that was Keith’s plan all along.. I heard it but did not want to believe it . I wanted fast results . But Keith doesn’t do ‘fast’. So if you want ‘fast results’ find someone else to give you this type of short term result…and for the record – Fast doesn’t last….( poetic huh ? )

So 10 months on I have changed many of my bad life habits due to his overhaul of my life…funny I never thought of it as an overhaul , until I decided to pen this testimonial.

• I now work no more than 8-9 hours a day.
• I now don’t log when I get home
• I now sleep 7 hours most nights ( used to be 5-6 )
• I now shop at the organic food stores ( bring your money with you but its worth it )
• I now eat Sheep’s milk yoghurt with organic sultanas sprinkled on top ( go figure )
• I now have scrambled eggs for brekkie and don’t’ feel guilty
• I now take a day off per week from exercising ( most weeks–sorry Keith getting there)

I still have some way to go in terms of reaching my goals and staying there. These types of life long habits take longer than a year to break and new ones take longer than a year to stick. But I have made a major start and only today someone told me I was a much better person to be around. I rest my case.

Adrian

I initially came to Keith looking to make a change in my lifestyle to focus on healthy living and physical fitness to manage the daily stress at work and look at increasing core strength to manage an old back injury.

I found Keith to be a very supportive coach who provided me with a holistic health assessment and nutrition plan and then worked with me over the next two years to develop my physical strength and confidence through a weights and core training program. Keith always sought to challenge me to improve without pressuring or pushing me beyond what I was capable of

I now have changed the way that I eat, sleep and exercise which has led to a trimmer, fitter me, a greater feeling of wellbeing and ability to manage daily stress levels. Keith has been a good coach and friend and has a good impact on my life.

Regards