I’ve been working with Zack for 3 years and have seen amazing results in that time. I have never felt stronger or healthier. Zack is passionate about fitness and it shows through the energy and enthusiasm he brings to every session. He’s easy going, friendly personality creates a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere but makes each workout challenging and creative! he also places a high value on correct form with each exercise. he motivates me to push past my perceived limits to get results. I have incredible energy, my balance and flexibility have improved immensely and I’ve got great new muscles! If you are serious about changing your life for the better, Zack will lead you every step of the way. Thank you Zack, you are the best!
~ Renaud Gonthier, Owner, Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro
Having a person that believes in me and my ability to finish an Ironman is why I chose Zack. (and he’s the next best thing to blueberry beer!) I started training with Zack last summer at his boot camp. I entered my season of training feeling really strong and fit and it propelled my results. I had my best 70.3 that fall, and I atribute that to the foundation training that Zack provided during his boot camp. He is calm and caring in his training and then sucker punches your body into being able to perform at an awesome level. Zack is concerned about the person, not about boasting, and he creates a schedule that fosters a love of the sport.
~ Roweena Spence
I’ve been training with Zack since early 2012. I had plateaued in my workouts and needed a push to improve. Zack was just the guy. I’ve lost 25 pounds and 5% fat, and am in the best shape of my life! I look forward to our training sessions, as no two are ever exactly the same. I highly recommend Zack for your fitness and triathlon training goals!
~ Dave Gonzales, Retired Police Officer
Just recently worked out with Zack at his new training location- The Work Place (state of the art, industrial feel) gym in the Funk Zone. Zack tailored an off-season strength program for a group of triathletes. Zack began by stating the purpose of our session. Focusing on balance and dynamic strength, we were lead through a variety of exercises that targeted specific muscle groups, often neglected by triathletes. Rather than a “do this, it’s good for your X muscle “, Zack lead us with visual cues, and occasional subtle helpful feedback on form to isolate the right muscle.
In my first session, I found it evident that training and leading others to meeting goals is a passion rather than just a career. With varying levels of training experience in our group, Zack reinforced my intuition that he treated everyone equally whether one was coming off the couch or training for the next Ironman. Zack’s positive, real, down to earth demeanor, paired with his intelligent and innovative approach to training set him apart from the typical SB trainer.
~ Aldous Pabon
24 days to my first Triathlon & down 15 pounds, faster on the bike, running near 7:00 minute miles, swimming still needs work, but thanks to Zack (zackbertges.com) my Tri Coach, I’ll be ready.
The above testimonial is from March, 2012. The following is an update from same client (November, 2012)….
This letter of recommendation is for Zack Bertges, who has been my fitness coach for many years and my Triathlon coach since January 2012. Zack has helped me progress through my first Sprint Triathlon in March, in under 2 hours, an Olympic distance Triathlon in under 3 hours in July (where I medaled in my age group (55-59) and the Santa Barbara Triathlon Long Course in August in under 4 hours.I continue to use Zack in my “off season” for strength and fitness training and he continues to help me with diet, injury prevention and general health awareness issues.In closing, I am still at a loss to understand how he has managed to convince me to sign up for Ironman France in Nice in June 2013?? Must have been the inspiration of watching Zack train and complete Ironman Canada that did it.
~ Doug Lynch
For anyone looking to get in great shape and have fun doing it, I highly recommend Zack Bertges. Zack is an excellent coach who stays up-to-date with the latest and most effective training techniques. His workouts are intense but fun and never tedious. I recently recently ran a half marathon with 4000 foot elevation gain as part of the Opus Fit training club, an immensely satisfying accomplishment that I would never have done without Zack’s expert training and encouragement.
~ James Riehl, 31
When Zack sets his mind to do something, he does it. His drive and ambitions for coaching & wellness inspires me and others. He’s very disciplined in his personal life, too, and has always been very supportive and helpful to me in-and-out of our coaching sessions, as well as my son, who he also trains. He’s extremely knowledgeable of the body and how it works, and since starting with Zack, I’ve gotten stronger and improved my balance, and even when I tried to resist- Zack is a pleasure to work with.
~ Mary H., 64
I’ve been training Zack Bertges for over a year, and he’s an awesome coach. I’ve lost 81 pounds since we started, and in-addition to my weight-loss, our time has together has really helped me with my own personal growth and competitive drive. His training lifestyle helped me get started with Tough Mudder races last year, and I’m now in training for the next one! With nutritional support and challenges, as-well-as indoor and outdoor sessions, he’s always kept something in front of me to focus on, that has systematically made me a healthier and stronger person. I’ve had a lot of issues before with injuries (two reconstructed ankles from HS football), but with his background in physical therapy and pre-hab type programs, I’ve never had to worry about whether or not I’ll have problems from a workout. The training that we do is always different and exciting, and with the next event in-mind. It’s been a great ride and I’m looking forward to tackling more goals and becoming a better person. Training with Zack has been one of the greatest benefits in my life, and I thank him deeply for everything that he’s done in my life.
~ Tomac Henson, 32, Owner of Mission Tattoo
This Morning at the Gym
My workout was longer, my trainer was tough
I was tempted to tell him that I’d just had enough
But I then persevered and I’m so glad I did
Never call me a quitter – no heaven forbid
We did crunches and lunges then pushups and planks
And when it was over did I ever give thanks!
On the treadmill I ran at a steep eight degrees
But I could still speak clearly with barely a wheeze
How much stronger I’d get I was quite unaware
You may say I am kidding but of this I do swear
I did lots of pull-ups – the machine set at 10
Then Zack made me do them all over again
He wants a repeat or some two, three, or four
On the machine or the straps then end up upon the floor
And he worked me so hard but I love how it feels
And the soreness all over? That eventually heals.
-Steve Frank, ESQ, 2011
I have been struggling with low back pain due to a herniated disk. I started with physical therapy and then followed up with Zack Bertges. Zack continues to be a great influence helping me reach my goals of no back pain! He has taught me techniques which allow me to perform activities that I love, while avoiding re-injury of my back. Zack continues to create new programs for me which are challenging, and yield great results. Core strengthening is very important and at the same time I have much more endurance. I am pleased to say that I have been free from low back pain for quite some time now, and I am really enjoying life.
~ Miles Noe