Personal Success Stories

Jo

I have known Keith professionally and personally for 8 years now. In this time we have trained together on and off however in the last 4 years we have trained on a full time basis.

I originally met Keith during a boxing class being run out of my gym. 

He proved very quickly to me that he was experienced in his field and was not one of the ‘usual' inexperienced trainers. His instruction was precise and effective and he also  provided me with the kind of hard, aggression-releasing type of class I looked  for at the time!

I trained with Keith as a client for a while and thoroughly enjoyed these sessions, as always, I felt like I gained full value from them.  Keith was very accurate in his demonstration and description of the exercises he wanted me to perform. His workouts always were able to push me physically and mentally yet were never draining.

My work and personal life got very busy for a while and I had to put a  hold on my training at this time. Over this period I also went through a radical shift in health and was later diagnosed with an under active thyroid and picked up 20 kilograms over a period of 15 months. 

It was about three years ago that Keith and I spoke again about picking up training together. This proved to be a blessing in disguise. Keith sat with me and listened as I described my condition of health and lifestyle that had got me to my current level of disease. It was at this point that he started to guide me on what was going to be effective and correct for the type of state that I was in. I had been seeing a doctor concurrently and he was helping me with hormone balance issues resulting from the thyroid dysfunction and general associated health related issues.

Keith got me to fill in a detailed assessment about my current state of health, nutrition and awareness as well as taking more information from me of a physical nature. The training started out much more low key than what we had previously done but Keith explained how this was necessary so as not to further tax my energy and health due to my hormone imbalances and fatigue from the thyroid issues. We were to slowly build up my strength. We also needed to improve my state of health before pushing too hard. Keith took a path of acting as a support to what the doctor was doing. He analysed my eating habits, sleeping habits, my lifestyle including how my work affected me on a daily basis in respect to time management, he looked at what I was drinking and how much and he also discussed me with what my mental  state was like at the time.

In the last three years I have been on a fantastic journey. I have learnt how to stay healthy and what to eat that keeps me balanced in between meals and overall for the day. I have learnt about the importance of clean food and through this have had a long term detoxification of the body without having to take any weird ‘lotions & potions'! I feel so much cleaner and lighter. I now know what my body is telling me with its signals and I know when things are sliding backwards and what to do to bring this back on track again. My health has obviously improved out of sight from where I was when Keith and I started training again. I am a very positive person with a lot of direction about what I want out of my life. I always had this, but Keith helped me to put a number of things in priority that have helped me to be more clever about how I achieve what I want now.

In respect to my actual training, well, the time came eventually when Keith decided I could move forward in a more intense manner. What surprised me was how well I had reacted to the training that we had been doing. I certainly felt a lot stronger but what was really encouraging was the weight loss and improvement in energy I felt. This was clearly a combination between eating and living better and also training smarter. This probably took a period of about 8 months to occur.

Keith had re-tested me on a few occasions with regards to my thyroid  and hormones and decided we could raise the intensity further. We had been doing functional training on my road to recovery but now Keith introduced the more advanced functional training methods. The variety was the key for me in a physical and mental sense. My body reacted really well to what Keith prescribed for it and I could see as well as feel the difference.

By now 2 years had passed and I had lost the 20 kilograms. One year further from that today and I have maintained all those results and have increased my fitness levels, health, body tone and also my strength. I am able to perform high skill exercises like squatting whilst standing on a Swiss ball, various one legged weighted exercises on a Bosu ball, different primal exercises on the cable pulley systems and advanced Dumbbell exercises like snatches and power cleans.

Being a Vice-President of my company and leading a very intense working day, I am able to get up every day and take note of how awesome a day it is. I still start with the day with some fantastic exercises that challenge me mentally as well as physically but don't drain me. I am then still able to get through a demanding days work and still complete my MBA. What is really the best is that I don't feel exhausted!!!

Renee

As a world title holding martial artist cross training is an important part of my training and Keith's training has provided some of the hardest yet rewarding training I've ever done. Training with Keith has increased my overall fitness and in particular has helped to build strength and speed in my legs which is a key element in the performance of Karate.

Second Dan Black Belt

NAS Women's Black Belt Sparring Champion 2001, 2002, 2003

WASO Women's Black Belt Sparring Champion of Champions 2000

GKR Women's Black Belt Sparring Champion 2003

Simone

My story...
3 years ago this passing September, just prior to getting my job here at Council, I was hit side on by a 4WD whilst working at a local golf resort. I was driving the drinks cart and was impacted at over 50km/h by the vehicle whose driver apparently never saw me crossing in front of her. The car pushed my golf buggy 15 metres down the dirt road and somehow I managed to hold on. The bull bar on the vehicle was totally wrecked so you can imagine the impact! Someone was looking very kindly on me that day, and I escaped serious injury considering what the outcome could have been.


Unfortunately, since the accident, I've been dealing with chronic pain on a daily basis. I hide it from those I meet so this story may come as a surprise to many, but often I was the one standing up at the back at meetings, or squirming in a chair from the immense pain. Due to the accident, I experienced massive internal bleeding on my gluteal muscles and down my left leg - a hematoma the size of a grapefruit on my glute was the result of the impact of the accident.
For the past 3 years I have been unable to sit for longer than 30 minutes, drive my car any distance, lift or bend. I even had to give up wearing high heel shoes. Plus so many other problems you wouldn't believe!


One of the worst complications of the whole accident was learning how to overcome depression. Looking back I know it has made me a stronger person, but for a while there it was pretty scary. I even got to the point of (briefly) wondering if it was worthwhile being in this world - that was my lowest point, which happened to coincide with the Gold Cup race week.


You may remember that I was chosen as the '2006 Face of the Carnival' for the Coffs Race Club and had a heap of really nice professional photos taken, which were made into massive posters and put up everywhere around town.    Sadly, when someone suffers from depression, your whole self image is tainted and so in actual fact, I hated those pictures and I dreaded the experience - I just couldn't see that they were anything anyone would want to see and that I would be criticised for 'not being good enough'. I was at the lowest point of my depression and no one knew. Still to this day when I tell people about that wonderful experience (now looking back) they are stunned to hear the real truth that was hiding in my eyes. That's one of the saddest things about depression - sufferers are excellent at hiding it. It also happens to the brightest, bubbliest and most confident of people and no one sees it coming or even knew it was there.


My accident case was of course a workers compensation claim and for the most part, it hasn't been easy. I've never asked for or received a payout or financial compensation - I always said I just wanted to get better.


I went to so many doctors, so many specialists, a kilo of x-ray and CT scan films later and still no one could figure out why I had so much pain whenever I sat or bent over. I had come to the conclusion that Nurofen plus and Panadine Fort (up to 3 times a day) was the only avenue of relief for me. But things started to get worse - and when all the specialists are telling you that 'eventually the pain will go away', you start to get really worried.The workers comp people weren't listening at all to my concerns - I think they were more interested in getting my case closed. Weren't they supposed to be on my side and helping me get better?    I started having days off work due to the pain but because I couldn't get in to see my doctor on the day that I was sick, I wasn't able to get a certificate to cover me, so workers comp wouldn't pay for my sick days. Things were getting out of control and I started to fear that I would drift into the downward cycle of depression and helplessness again.


I started to panic when I could no longer vacuum my house or wash the bathtub or pick up my cat. How would I cope if I wanted to have a baby?    I didn't want that decision to be taken from me. I had to make the decision to fix myself, and stop waiting for the so called 'experts' to come up with a solution.


They say that good things come to those who wait, well strangely enough, I was organising the 'Welcome to Coffs for Business & Professionals' evening, which just so happened to put me in contact with a new business who had just moved to town, called "Elixir of Life". Keith Donald (owner) came into my office to give me some gift vouchers for personal training, to give away at the work function I was organising. He noticed that I was standing awkwardly, and out of the blue, asked why I was in so much pain. I was taken aback that's for sure! We got talking and something about him really stuck with me. I took the day off work to have him analyse my health problems and the outcome has changed my life so much, that I feel compelled to share my story with others who could be in the same situation as I was.


In a nutshell, the hematoma on my bottom had been forcing me to sit awkwardly for such a long time, that it changed the curvature of my spine. The injury tightened my left quad muscles more than my right side, which then forced my pelvis to tilt forward, which then made my lower back arch more. The arching then over time shortened my lower back muscles, which was the main cause of the lower back pain (cause when I sat, the muscles were pulled tighter that what they were designed to do). What a mess. When I presented Keith's findings to a professional doctor, they confirmed his diagnosis. I'm just wondering why no doctors figured this out before, it just seemed so simple. I couldn't help but feel angry.


Keith, a personal trainer and holistic health coach took the time needed to listen to me properly. He spent hours listening and asking questions about the problems I had encountered since the accident - something I had never experienced before. He also, out of the blue, said "How are you dealing with this anger I can sense". Well, I just burst into tears. For 3 years I had been battling with the 'system' trying to convince them that my pain was very real and that it was affecting my quality of life and how I felt about myself. Over and over again I was told by Doctors that 'nothing was wrong with me'.    It was a hard battle and I had just about given up, resolving to the fact that 'this' was how I was going to be and that I should get on with life.


Keith pulled together a unique program of stretches and isolated exercises to help correct my pelvic tilt and undo the tightness on my left side, but something unexpected for me (as far as an exercise coach goes) was that he also helped me correct my self esteem, stress levels and general feeling of happiness and got me setting goals in all aspects of life. He also did a metabolic-type testing on my eating habits and so now, I am eating foods that are best for my metabolic physiology (and not what is good for the 'majority'). I had been trying to lose weight, but the low fat eating style was making me tired and I found I had more headaches. Keith typed me as a 'protein type' and got me eating heaps more meat. My cravings disappeared and I have lost weight by eating! Its totally not what I expected or what I had been told by so many doctors and so called 'health experts'.
The best part is that less than 4 weeks after starting Keith's program, I had stopped taking pain killers all together. After 6 weeks, I could say that I was pain free. It was awesome. Now, 3 months on after meeting Keith, my life is where I couldn't have imagined it would ever be. Talk about good karma!


I still see Keith once a week and we are working solidly on a program to bring me back to full strength and total wellbeing. I strongly urge you to speak with Keith if you have pain or problems with losing weight. Please feel free to pass this story onto your family and friends if you think it can help them.

Mervyn

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

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.

Maureen Spence

After having tried many local gyms and fitness centres, I found a flyer about elixir of life and did a little research followed by an appointment with Keith to see if this program would suit me.    

I was looking for something different as my past experiences always lacked intensity, sound knowledge and personal assistance. I am happy to say I have found it all at elixir of life. I find Keith and his program to be very thorough, organised and personal.        

I have been attending now for just on one year and Keith continually adjusts my program to suit my personal advancements. This is important to me as I need to be motivated and bore quickly with the same thing day in and day out.

Keith's program is not just exercise, but a detailed assessment of my wellbeing.

Having lost a few kilos is an added bonus, I feel stronger, taller and motivated to continue on this path. How lucky are we to have this facility available to us in Coffs Harbour.

Denice Collis

I have been under Keith's tutelage for 12 months and have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges that he set for me during that time.

Keith has always been mindful and accomodating of my personality, moods and especially my needs as he is with everyone in the group.

I have gained immensely in strength - not just within my body but also within myself - my self esteem, confidence and happiness. An example and testament to Keith's great work was when I finally wore the new gym gear that I had bought several months ago but never had the confidence to wear - a tight sleeveless sporty top and short pair of gym shorts. The other day I finally wore them for the first time and actually felt confident and sexy. This new energy has also enabled me to take on more challenges with the surety and confidence to know that I will be able to achieve them.