As a professional martial arts instructor and practitioner I could not endorse Mike Alves more highly to any combative athlete looking to improve or peak their performance levels. For most of my career in martial arts I have relied on traditional methods of training in preparation for the various events I have participated in. When I made the decision to pursue an expert level certification in Krav Maga (The official fighting and self defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces) I knew I would need to seek alternative means to get my body physically prepared for this experience.

Having been a student in my classes I knew that Mike was the real deal when it came to strength and fitness. I also trusted that he could design a program that would benefit me because he had a working knowledge of combative sports training and could understand the specifics of what I was trying to accomplish. After sitting down with Mike he created a challenging and unique program that would bring me through 3 monthly phases of training culminating with a week of recovery that would leave me at the peak of my fitness at the beginning of my testing.

Mike’s personal training and support over the 3 months leading up to my exam were invaluable. I have never participated in any event where I felt as strong, agile and explosive as I did when I tested this summer. I am proud to say I passed my certification and I am humble enough to say I know I couldn’t have done it without Mike’s help and support."

 

Brian J. MacDonald
6^th Degree Black Belt
MacDonald’s Academy of Martial Arts Inc.

 

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"Hiring Michael L. Alves as my personal trainer was one of the best things I’ve done for myself. He introduced me to circuit training which completely changed the way I work out. Later I started attending his functional training class which is a blast! Michael is very well educated in his field and seems to have an endless source of exercises. He is very creative in progressing sessions, making them fun and challenging at the same time. He knows when to push you hard and when to let go. My posture has improved, my lower back pain is gone and I can state with confidence that I’m in the best shape of my life and I’ve never been stronger, physically or mentally. Michael’s warm presence and friendly smile ooze a lot of positive energy and it’s safe to say that hiring him has been a life-altering experience in the best way. I recommend him highly."

 

Nanna R.

 

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"After several years with the same trainer at BSC an unfortunate incident occurred, my trainer left the gym! What I thought was unfortunate turned out to be one of the best things that has ever happened to me. A new trainer brought new hope, new drive but most importantly required me to set a goal for my training (smokin’ hot at 40).

Mike Alves certainly fit the bill on every one of those items and for the past year has inspired me each and every week with motivation, tips and a plan to get me to that goal! I hit a few speed bumps along the way but with his constant support he got me to move around them and not to dwell on them. Next to my best friend (and “husband”), he’s my top cheerleader (I know he’s probably cringing reading that)! Every week is hard, every week is challenging but every week I feel stronger and stronger. While training may not be for everyone, Mike has worked wonders for me, all of which I am very thankful for. I am in the best shape of my life right now and have the motivation and drive to continue thanks to Mike! What I never dreamed possible, is; what I never thought could happen, can; and that pant size I skipped over as a kid has now arrived."

 

Karen S

 

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"As a life-long athlete and true "gym rat," I figured I was knowledgeable and motivated enough that I didn't need a personal trainer. Then I met Mike Alves. After a couple of years of watching him interact with his clients and seeing their joy and progress, when an opportunity arose to join him and another triathlete client, I decided to pass over the reins of my strength routine to Mike and I've never regretted it. I'm stronger and fitter and my workout takes half the time it used to. For my sport, I've never felt stronger in my swim, I can bike for hours without my legs fatiguing, and Mike's helped keep my running strong through focused injury prevention. Moreover, in each session, I learn something new about how the body works, periodization, progression, and why I should do certain exercises for specific results. I've had other trainers tell me their clients comment on how they want to look like me and are so impressed with the routine I'm doing ~ "it looks so complicated, but it clearly works!" I could have continued in my lengthy, maintenance routine, but why would I, when I can reach new fitness goals, be educated, and have fun in the process!"

 

Michelle R.

 

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"I have dropped two sizes. My husband has noticed. I sleep more
soundly. And for the first time in my life I enjoy exercising. What
more is there to say? Michael is a wizard."

Lisa B.

 

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"Michael Alves brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience to every minute of training with his clients. He is intensely focused on giving each client a challenging AND safe workout. I’m leaner, stronger, and healthier. And best of all, it's been FUN."

 

Marian D.

 

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"I now know what it's like to be in shape. Before training with Michael Alves, I looked like I was in shape... but I wasn't even close. I train with Michael in a group class. He provides just the right amount of instruction and push... alwaysspecific to the individual.When I started four months ago; I had very little command of the exercises. Now, I have command and confidence."

 

Joe Amorosino
Newton, MA

 

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"I just need to say this, in the simplest way I can: Mike Alves is an
absolutely sensational personal trainer!

I'm closing in on 60, and whereas I've led a fairly active life, I have
never considered myself athletic and did not focus on fitness and
training until quite late. I started working out in earnest, slowly at
first, about 10 years ago. I have continued to take a wide variety of
fitness classes, from Pilates to belly dancing. Focusing more on
strength training, I decided to start working with a personal trainer.
About 2 years ago I began training with Mike and what a smart choice on
my part. It's been a great experience and I would enthusiastically
recommend Mike to anyone looking for a skilled, creative, and
personable trainer.

Mike really took the time to understand what I wanted from our training
session and set me on both a challenging and gratifying program. He has
helped me to envision a fitness and conditioning path that is
continually driving my forward. His workouts are intense, to be sure,
but they are also amazingly balanced including aspects of
strengthening, stability and balance, range of motion, endurance, and
flexibility. I really look and feel pretty fit – I'm still shocked when
people now describe me as athletic looking!"

 

Suzi Wojdyslawski
Longtime BSC member

 

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"Mike Alves has been my trainer for two years, and has made a real contribution to my health. I am 80 years old, and Mike may have been hesitant to work with me, but all he asked was what I wanted from training. I wanted strength and mobility. He devised and revised good programs for me, and I am in very good shape mentally and physical as a result. I am ten pounds lighter; I don’t move or walk likes an old lady – and my muscles are impressive! Mike is a super trainer."

 

Harriet G

 

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"Before hiring Michael Alves as my personal trainer, I thought I had a good workout routine, since using him I realize that my body can do so much more and look so much better with the help of a trained professional. Seeing really is believing."

 

Cindy K

 

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"When my daughter suggested I work out with her trainer, I questioned whether someone who worked with young adults could effectively make the shift to work with my generation. That now seems like such a ridiculous concern. Having worked with Michael Alves for over a year, I appreciate that he:

 

* cares about the whole person

* is a good listener

* communicates clearly

* Figures out how to motivate you

* starts where you are comfortable

* challenges yet supports you

* Helps you figure out what you want plus how to make it happen

*keeps training interesting by being flexible and having new ideas

* challenges himself to keep learning

* makes you feel successful

 

Michael Alves is the best!
I actually look forward to working out."

 

Kathy M.

 

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Mike,

Where do I begin….I am 42 years old and was previously very active in sports until we had children. We now have with 3 boys. They are active in sports and I coach all of them. This leaves little time for me. I found your boot camp that was offered in the morning and decided to do something for myself. This was the best thing I have done for myself in 15 years. The camp is very challenging, however it is very supportive. Since starting I have so much more energy, I have lost over 20 pounds and feel great. The only regret is that I didn’t find you sooner.

 

Thanks for everything,

Jeff Evaul

 

 

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My name is Helen Rousseau. I'm 42 and have been a stay-at-home mom for the last nine years (yikes). I learned of the boot camp through an email from my son's school PTO. Was I skeptical? Absolutely! While I often fantasized about being a morning person, a 6AM boot camp wasn't exactly what I imagined. That's all changed. After the first session, I was hooked. By the fifth week, I had lost 9 pounds and was feeling muscles where no muscle had been before! By the end of the second session, I knew something was changing for me when I started getting up on my non-class days to jog. Probably the most unexpected and significant change for me is that a commitment to exercise has emerged from me that I have never had. I really want the next 42 years of my life to be healthy and active and I'll do what it takes. The bonus is that it is so much fun: I have sweat running down my nose for an hour, have some laughs with some great people, and get encouraged by a great teacher, all while my children are still asleep. It's a great way to start the day! (Blah, blah...)

Helen Rousseau, 42

Stay-at-home mother of 4,

 

 

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I read about training (including Mike) in the Globe and thought maybe I would give it a try. As a person who has always been a solo exerciser who primarily walks for exercise, there were a lot of things I feared I might not like (group class, running, a lot of weight work, etc). But, I figured I like to be challenged and am stubborn enough I could stick it out for the month, so I signed up. I never thought that I would love it! I enjoy myself while I am there and always feel great afterwards. I will be back again for a third session!

Amy Travers, 40,

Analytic manager

 

 

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Thanks for the results. I'm pretty psyched about them! Though I think I still have some room for growth. I have to say I wasn't that psyched about going through the assessment. I was thinking that it wasn't going to be that pleasant but I guess getting into shape makes a huge difference because overall I didn't find it to be too taxing. I remembered how difficult that 1 mile was for me the first time and I wasn't looking forward to it but surprisingly it turned out to be a breeze. Maybe I'll turn into a runner after all (have never really been).

 

Quyen Chu,

36, Mother of 2

 

 

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“Btw, boot camp has been awesome...I totally love it! It's exactly what I needed to jump start my fitness routine. I can't believe 4 weeks have flown by already. :) “

Thanks!
Florence Chan,
HR Manager

 

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“I’m going through boot camp withdrawals.”

 

Perrin McCormick

Public Relations

 

 

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