Testimonials are important to us, as we aim to always be the No.1 Personal Training Studio in Canterbury. We love what we do and as a small family owned business who opened our doors in 2016 we will continue to service our clients to be fitter, healthier and happier now and well into their futures. We hope you enjoy reading our reviews and testimonials. We also introduced Happy Clients so we believe they speak greater than a testimonial so please see this page for more recent achievements from our clients – enjoy!

Margaret Beech

I am very happy with ALTA, and the trainers. I always feel better for the workout. Johnnie is really working hard on my legs and balance, and I really think they are stronger. I wish you all well. Cheers Margaret (86 years  young, Margaret has been with us since 2013 starting out with JC and other trainers over time and is currently with Johnny). An amazing woman. Aug 2019.

Christina Martin

In a couple of months I will be 80 years old. Ten years ago I needed a full right knee replacement,  and in the last few years, despite walking my dog every day, I have experienced a number of mobility problems and weakness in my arms and legs.

Among these difficulties were problems in getting up from a low seat, climbing stairs and worst of all, if I did fall over, not being able to get off the ground. I thought it highly likely that I would need more knee and hip surgery, but the team agreed with me that I may be able to avoid this drastic measure through exercise.

I started my weekly sessions with the team several months ago with the aim of learning strategies for getting up from the floor and strengthening my arms and legs. Since then I do a small amount of practice at home each day.

My progress in this time has been extremely satisfying. I can now get off the floor and the team have noticed a substantial increase in my confidence. I am better able to rise from low seats and climbing stairs, though still not easy, has improved. When I consulted my knee surgeon about the necessity of another operation I received a very favourable report. He said, that in fact the flexibility of my legs was surprisingly good for someone who had experienced fairly major knee surgery. In addition he noted an improvement since he last reviewed me three years ago., It was his opinion that if I kept up the exercise, I would probably never need another knee or hip operation.

The team are very encouraging and skilled trainers in the way they are able to plan my program to meet my exact needs. Their positive approach makes my weekly sessions very worthwhile.

Many thanks, Christina Martin – May 2018

Jennifer Rouse – Member of Senior Ladies Session

During my 6 months at ALTA Fitness my trainer Lisa has been motivational and an inspiration in helping me achieve the body strength and fitness I have today. Lisa always has a smile and with her sunny personality makes exercising fun as well as helping me to achieve my fitness goals – Feb 2017.

Picture: Jennifer is on the left with Lisa and her good friend Cheryl.

Paul Kaufman – Business Owner, Masters Pursuit

Couldn’t have done this without JC – thanks! – Mar 2016.

Picture courtesy of Paul skiing somewhere!

Kay Cole – One of our favourite clients!

As I am in my 90th year I need plenty of loving care and expert help to keep me on my feet with the energy to enjoy the last miles coming up the straight to the final post. This loving care and expert help I get from Lisa who trains me to strengthen my legs and arms, walk without wobbling and stand on one leg (not that I need to do that often but the side effects are great). I was not too keen to sample this gym when I heard about it thinking that it would kill me after 87 years of desultory tennis and no other exercise. I had no idea that going to a gym could be such a pleasant experience. When I arrive Lisa makes me so welcome and enjoys helping me to become, if not an Olympic athlete, a (fairly) vigorous old lady. We have a great time together. The whole atmosphere at ALTA Fitness is welcoming and is staffed by people who are obviously experts in their field, pleasant and fun. Kay Cole – June 2016.

Picture of Kay (centre) celebrating her 90th birthday at the studio with her friends. Kay sadly passed away in 2020, we miss her beautiful smile.

Casey Wright – National Cross Country Skier

I have had the pleasure of knowing JC since I was around 13 years old. He has been my cross-country coach now for the past 4 years. I can honestly say that without JC’s extensive knowledge and experience working with elite endurance athletes, especially in the field of strength and conditioning, I would not be where I am today as an athlete. This year I represented Australia at the 2015 Falun World Championships, Sweden.

JC understands that in order for an athlete to reach their full potential, physical and mental health and wellbeing needs to be closely monitored. The enthusiasm that he brings to every session and the unconditional time he devotes to all of his athletes continues to impress me. Further more, his outstanding drive to continually build his knowledge and understanding of coaching elite endurance athletes provides me with the confidence that his training methods are valid and will result in the desired outcomes – May 2015.

Picture of Casey training with JC at Falls Creek, Casey is now living in Alaska fulfilling her dream and made it to the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics – well done Casey!

Nicky Green –  Golfer (High level club player)

I have known JC for 6 years. He has been my personal trainer throughout this time.  We have worked on balance strengths, and on conditioning for Golf.

Over the years I have noticed that I am physically balanced, due to the full body exercises, that give you more control of all muscles. This is a large part of golf conditioning as well. JC’s expertise in balance strength & golf conditioning had been beneficial for all aspects of my Golfing Life. JC also makes exercising fun – May 2015.

Picture: Nicky doesn’t tell you this but she is always winning tournaments!

Ingrid Tsiligiannis –  Marathon Runner

I have enjoyed my time training with JC and over the years have had some pleasing results with my running times, in particular Marathons. We have always followed a varied and innovative approach to strength training, core stability and flexibility – May 2015.

Picture of Ingrid winning her age group