Initially I wasn’t keen on having a personal trainer, but my wife was gung ho about it. I kept saying to myself “what can a trainer really do for me that I’m not doing already?” But we still signed up with someone (this person even came recommended by others). 3 months later and the only results I saw were some strength gain, but no real visual difference (despite a 5lbs loss). For my wife it was worse – after 4 months with this trainer and repeatedly asking for explanations regarding exercise and meal plan selections to no avail, we finally had it with him.

It was time for serious research. We realized we wanted someone who can work with us through e-mail, but that was close enough for 1-on-1 sessions, should we need them. We wanted someone who is certified and been around for a while (not just someone who “looks the part”). We also realized that there are many different certifications out there (among which, we found out that NASM CPT/PES/CES certifications are considered to be the holy grail in this field, all of which David holds). We wanted someone who is meticulous, detail oriented and can explain *why* certain choices are made regarding exercise routines and meal plans. We were looking for someone who can -no, someone who *will*, take the time to educate us on exercising correctly and efficiently, coupled with nutritional education.

There are so many fitness programs out there, each one claiming to be the best – and each one of them seems to be a “one solution fits all”. The same goes for nutrition plans… But people are different and have different needs. I used to have lower back problems. My wife used to have constant cravings. How does one know which program is best? And even when it comes to gyms – people have access to different equipment at different gyms. How do we sort out all of this stuff?

When we first reached out to David and Nikki we received a questionnaire – an extremely detailed one. It went into details such as our exercise history, eating habits, weight history, medical problems, at what pace we’re interested in working in order to get results, and even the simplest question which no trainer has ever asked us: what are our goals? Are we looking to just lose a few pounds, or tone up? Maybe become body builders or just overcome past injuries? This was already a great sign for things to come! None of the other trainers we spoke with have ever asked us any of these questions.

Sure enough, a workout routine and meal plan which was just as detailed was sent to us (along with answers to a plethora of questions we had regarding the program), and it was even customized to deal with each of our individual issues and concerns, not to mention tailored to our specific gym equipment.

Within 5 weeks I dropped from 21% body fat to 11%!!!! Every week that goes by, my wife sees me transform and become more defined in muscle tone. After a couple of months, I had already enough strength gain to support my lower back and never had to look back since – even despite doubling the weights I’m lifting.

It was finally time for a 1-on-1 session. If this is how much progress we could see just over e-mail, what more could we accomplish in person?? The answer was clear after our first session. Of course there’s the regular drive factor – and David knows how to drive his clients!

But, most importantly, we gained INSIGHT and KNOWLEDGE. Insight into the specifics of how certain exercises need to be performed, and why. Knowledge on how different muscle groups work and how each exercise ties into that. Once we started to gain that level of understanding we were able to gain a lot more out of each routine and become more efficient in our workouts, which in turn yielded even faster results.

We’re now on our 4th month into the program and even some of our friends who have seen our transformations and were in complete disbelief initially, have now signed up to work with David and Nikki (some even residing on the other side of the world!) Both my wife and I simply can’t recommend them enough!!!

I arrived at the gym hiding behind my baggiest sweats, unsure of what to expect. David patiently went through my history and it felt weird why this stranger wanted to know so much about me. I guess I had never met anyone before that cared about their client. I don’t have an athletic background and had never lifted serious weights before. The first training session I silently went through the motions and looked incredulously at David every time he moved the pin to a heavier weight. But he believed I could do it, and he was there to support me if I faltered.

His wife Nikki helped plan my diet and cardio, however it was not like she gave me a plan and forgot about it. She always followed through, was very responsive, motivated me when times were tough, listened patiently to my rants, and kicked my ass when I truly got lazy. I can sing her praises all day. To say that David and Nikki are personal trainers is an understatement. They will change your life and take you places you never thought you could go before. This ability to push and believe in yourself spreads to other aspects of your life. You will learn to have less tolerance for bullshit and want better things for yourself.

Once you meet them you will know that they are truly invested in their client’s journey, and that they love seeing them succeed. Yes I did cheat at times, and still fall off the wagon occasionally, but David and Nikki are always there to get me back on track. I am now more fit than I ever was and excited to continue to see my body transform.

Sarah H.

In October 2010, after over 30 years of lifting, I ripped both of my triceps tendons off at the elbows. My doctors and surgeon had never heard of anyone having this injury to both arms at the same time and made it clear that my lifting days were over. The injury, the surgery to re-attach the tendons, and the recovery process was all very painful and frustrating.
　　
At the time of my injury Dave Johnston and I had been training at the same gyms for about 2 years. We had not worked together as client and trainer, but we would talk occasionally about exercises or different lifting techniques. It was clear to me that Dave was not only a student of the history of bodybuilding, but also understood the actual science behind diet and exercise and kept himself up-to-date on the latest research.

As I faithfully went to the gym everyday to do my rehab exercises Dave was always helpful and supportive. When I would get disgusted that I was only able to lift 10lbs . Dave would remind me of how serious my injury was and assure me that things would get better. As I improved he reminded me of how far I had come since the injury and encouraged me to keep at it.

Over the course of the next six months I continued to lift and to recover. In the spring of 2011 I considered entering the Maryland State bodybuilding show in the over 50 category. I waffled back and forth for several weeks until Dave convinced me that I should do it. It had been 25 years since I had last competed; Dave was a great help with dieting, posing routines, and general contest preparation.

In the weeks leading up to the show we reduced my body fat significantly with Dave’s diet and cardio programs. With his help and support I achieved my goal of getting on stage one last time. Until next year anyway, when he will probably manage to convince me to do it again.

In 30 years of lifting Dave is one of the few trainers I have known who truly understands why things work; most trainers provide a one-size-fits-all program for every client. By watching him you can tell that he genuinely cares about his clients enough to hold them accountable and push them beyond their comfort zone.

UPDATE: 12/16/10 – Video added

My name is Yuri Kostovetskiy and I began training with David about 2 1/2 months ago on my legs. After the first trial session and the amazing leg workout he put me through I quickly realized that what I have been doing for legs all along was not even close to what he put me through. It was honestly the hardest workout of my life but I loved every second of it.

After just few short weeks of seeing him one time per week I have began to notice a change in my leg size and definition. I quickly realized that he is not only an incredible trainer but also a great motivator. Anytime I had questions for him about anything he was quick to reply with great knowledge about the topic.

Recently I started to train two times per week with David and I cant wait to add a third day. He has made my goal of possibly one day getting on stage much more realistic now. I know I still have a long way to go but with his expertise help, I am confident that I will reach it.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for me individually. I have much respect for what you have transformed with my body and I am confident that you will continue to do to help me make my goal a someday reality. Your hard work, dedication and efforts are always well appreciated! Cant wait to do legs tomorrow!

Yuri Kostovetskiy

UPDATE:

I began working with Dave about 9 months ago just doing legs one time per week. I quickly realized and saw my results and the weight that I was moving each week and how my legs were changing I started to train three times per week and have never looked back. I went from possibly considering one day competing in bodybuilding to doing my first show in the 2010 NPC Pittsburgh and placing 7th out of 17 in my class.

Quickly approaching my 2nd show in less than 10 days, Dave has made me a believer and showed me that I can be competitive and look like I wanted to look on stage against people who have been doing this for years. He has been my coach, mentor and motivation through this long and painful process but I wouldn’t trade it in for the world.

I accomplished my goal and have never looked better and I owe it all to Dave’s hard work and dedication to my success! He is truly my inspiration and I know he will help me achieve more personal goals I have set for myself in the future!

-competed in the 2010 NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding Championship and took 7th out of 17 in an incredibly stacked class, after only training like a bodybuilder for 8 months!

-8 weeks later, competed in the 2010 NPC Philadelphia Bodybuilding Championship and took 7th out of 13 in men’s open middleweight bodybuilding, and 4th out of 15 in men’s novice lightweight bodybuilding.

-see more pictures here: http://gallery.rxmuscle.com/index.php?contest=40&year=207&bodybuilder=9101

Back to Client Testimonials

Dave, a personal trainer at my gym, agreed to be that resource — throughout my training and dieting, he served as my mentor and coach, guiding me to the best physique I had ever achieved.

As the months passed and the show approached, Dave would regularly provide very detailed and straightforward (i.e., no BS) instruction for each phase of contest prep.

I was very impressed by his client service, attention to detail, and passion for the sport — thanks for all the help, Dave!

Brian Denny

When I first started training with you I thought I was in shape and that my body wasn’t too bad but I was wrong. I have stuck with everything that I have learned from you and I am not using anyone else for diet or training.

I remember one of the first few conversations we had about diet and I told you it was impossible for me to do with my work and travels and you stated that you work all day and have a child at home and you can keep up with a diet.  I guess that is what pushed me to keep with the diet as hard as I have.  There are no excuses.  I have learned to travel with work and keep with my diet.

Lesley Smith-Mamula

Dedication. Determination. Drive. Desire. Passion.

For 15 years, I dedicated my life to the hardwood floors of hundreds of gyms, arenas and coliseums around the nation.

For 15 years, my determination broke old records, and set new ones.

For 15 years, my drive paid for my college education and granted me so much gratification.

For 15 years, my desire allowed me to eat, drink, sleep– and live– a life-long dream.

For 15 years my passion never faded, and I didn’t believe it ever would.

But it did; it began to wane. I got scared. I shut down. I was lost. I wasn’t a star anymore. Holy shit, I was no longer considered an athlete. I wasn’t recognized for my greatness anymore and what I thought was the ONLY thing that defined me.

It took me another 5 years to understand that my past was just a part of me and there was so much more to me and for me to express, to show to the world. I look back now and realize how close I was but just didn’t allow myself to open up. In that 5 years I was beginning what would be a failing career and a failing marriage. All of the negatives suppressed the “Nikki” everyone used to know and love. I was in hiding, but from what I didn’t know.

I slowly emerged, surrounded myself with fun people, finally allowed to enjoy my “college years.” I was getting closer, but it wasn’t until the fall of 2006 when David took me to a bodybuilding show that I found a new way to conjure the fire that I thought was lost from those 15 years. I was ready for a new challenge, one that would push my mind and body to new extremes. By the end of that year I had made up my mind to compete. I hired a coach and began a new diet and lifting protocol. I did what I was told but I didn’t understand “why“ behind it all. I didn’t see my body change fast enough. I expected a totally different experience. I hadn’t done my research. I wasn’t ready.

Being an athlete all my life I lifted heavy-ass weights because it was fun and I wanted to beat out all my teammates. I lifted to be the best at my sport, not to look a certain way. I spent countless hours in the gym to hone my skills, which allowed me to eat whatever I wanted. Was I lean, hell no, but I was fast and I could jump, so what did it matter what I ate? Even though I was in school to become an Exercise Physiologist, one class on nutrition didn’t give me the necessary tools for my new endeavor. I had to wait a little bit longer. Several months later I decided to leave my job to work with David as a personal trainer. Trainers and clients all around me were stepping on stage to compete and I was going through my “raw foods, runner, I-don’t-know-what-the-hell-I-want-to-accomplish” phase. I had slipped yet again. Fuck!

David and his training partner would laugh and laugh and laugh at me, but still try to help me get my diet fixed so I could meet my new goals. It was a constant joke and I just seemed to get fatter. David and I became very close friends and decided to take it to the next level and to the next level of fattness. I was a personal trainer and I weighed 190 pounds. Who the hell would want to hire me when I couldn’t even look the part? David was looking quite pathetic himself, but the difference was that he had “gotten there.” He had competed already and had the pictures to show his success, so fat didn’t look so bad on him. But we knew something had to change. After a whirlwind romance we fell in love and married immediately and moved to Columbia, MD to continue our personal training careers.

Before we moved we intended to start dieting immediately. Because we were the newbies we didn’t received the warmest welcome, especially among the members. David once overheard a snide comment a female member had made about my weight. His initial reaction was anger and once the dissipated it turned into, “It’s time to show these people what we are made of!” Five months later David stepped on stage, 5 months later I had dropped 25 pounds. I did it!! It was the first time I stuck with a plan for several months and saw the results of time and effort I had put into my training and diet. But it still wasn’t enough, I wanted to compete, dammit, but I also wanted to start a family.

Unbeknown to the both of us I was pregnant at the time of David’s competitions. Once we found out I realized how much the past 5 months had meant to me and I was determined to eat well and workout during the entire pregnancy. That is exactly what I did. Up until 2 weeks before we had Raven, in July of 2009, I was putting 135 pounds on my back to squat and 6 plates on the leg press. This was my life, this was me, why would I stop if I was healthy and I knew my baby was perfectly safe?

By the end of October I had dropped 35 pounds and maintained through the end of the year. It was time to diet again, but this time I would be getting on stage.

The last 10 months have been one hell of a journey. David tested me, he pushed me and I pushed back , he pissed me off, A LOT, but he lightly held my hand, guided me, and never leg go! I got there, I made it up on that stage. I didn’t just get up there either, I qualified for Nationals, in my first year competing!

My training partner, my best friend, my husband, brought me back and a bit of “new” me has been added. David’s knowledge of the sport and passion for the industry far exceeds anyone I have ever met. Our journeys will be slightly different in the next year and a half; I plan on competing next year (and starting nursing school) while he makes improvements to his physique to come in even stronger to compete in 2012 (and grow his business). Each step of the way new challenges and road blocks will surface but I know that David will be there, as he is for all his clients, to teach, to guide, to push even harder, so that he brings out the greatness in us all. I was already great, that is why he married me, but now I remember it and exude it.

I am ready to make some changes in my diet/workout b/c I am tired of being fat! This is the heaviest I have been in 5 years and I am getting to the point where I am disgusting myself.　 Will you help me with a nutrition plan/blueprint/whatever and maybe even some with my workouts too? (I probably would need help with the workouts since I don’t take time to plan my workouts) If I have someone to be accountable to I will do it – I am one of those people that needs someone in my face telling me to stop being a fat ass!

Any help you can give me would be SOOOO much appreciated!!

This was the email I had sent you back in Aug of 08 – I could never imagine how appreciative I would become and how much you would help me!

At the time of this email, I had no idea I would ever get to the point I am at now. I had always hoped and thought about it, but could not believe it would ever happen. Since starting my training with you, my life has transformed in so many ways and so much of that is thanks to you. With everything you have given to me, done for me, and pushed me to do, there is no possible way I could ever repay you.

***My body has transformed so much in the past 2 years, hell, in the past 6 months, that my mother almost cried when she last saw me. She was so proud of how far I had come and so happy that I was, once again, happy. And when my brother saw my abs, his mouth dropped and he was speechless – it was the best feeling ever!!*** (you can omit this part if you want, didn’t really fit anywhere in the testimonial, but I wanted to share it)

There were so many times during our workouts that I, literally, almost cried because it just hurt that bad, but you didn’t care; you made me keep going. You pushed me further than I could ever imagine I could go because you knew that was what I needed to do in order to get the body and life that I have always wanted. You constantly push me to take it to the next level – to dig deeper and give everything I have to give.

By doing that, you gave me the strength to push myself in so many other areas of my life. Not only did you transform my body, you helped transform me back to who I used to be. (I know, corny and very cliché, but true!) Even though I was “emotionally unstable” (haha), you stuck with me and tried to help me work through some of the worst times of my life. You gave me the strength that I needed to stand up for myself, to take control over what I could and find a way to deal with what I couldn’t. When my life was falling apart, you helped me find a focus point in my training. You helped give me back the confidence that I used to have so many years ago, but let fall away from me. You gave me the “command to rise” and for that I am eternally grateful!

Thank you,

Liz Paesani

After years of being extremely active – a 3-sport athlete in high school, college intramural sports, and running 10Ks and half marathons as a graduate student – it seemed I had hit a wall when I moved to Baltimore to start my career. I enjoyed going to the gym nearly every day, but I was lacking motivation to push myself and work extremely hard. In years past, I had always incorporated weight training with cardio, but I found myself lifting lighter weights and idly churning on the elliptical machine. I had always been a relatively healthy eater, but I didn’t put a great deal of effort into planning meals and ensuring I was getting the right balance of carbs, fats, and protein for me.

I felt that I was very knowledgeable about health, fitness, and training. I was skeptical about the real value I would get out of a trainer; in fact I thought that all I really needed was a spotter to help me get through the last few reps.

David convinced me otherwise! He first helped me determine my specific goals and the underlying reasons why I found myself simply going through the motions. He provided me with the customized training plan and diet that were required for me to reach my goals. He recognized that it was important for me to understand the rationale for each exercise in the program as well as the kinesiology and science behind his recommendations, and he provided that expertise.

I enjoyed his “tough love” style of motivation – he really challenged me. He made me realize how strong I already was and how strong I could be if I worked hard. His requirement to keep a journal was essential for my progress.

At 26 years old, I feel that my fitness level and appearance is better than when I was in college, probably even high school. My back, arms, and shoulders are much more defined. I’m continuing to increase weight in all my lifts. I gained weight (muscle) but went from a size 6 to a size 2/4. I listened to David and didn’t worry about doing crunches but focused on diet and cardio, and my abs were chiseled in plenty of time for my vacation to St. Martin. Training with David was a great investment.

Erin Morrisey

Back to Client Testimonials

Needless to say I soon feel victim to freshman weight gain. After a year of indulging in the college lifestyle I realized I had lost my once athletic physique and soon began training again. Once I had a steady routine going I heard about fitness competitions, and the urge to compete overcame me. I knew I wanted to be on that stage, and I thought I could do it all by myse

lf. I spent hours researching the perfect workout routines, and reading endless forums of how to drop weight fast to get that toned look. I thought I’d be on stage in no time. Boy was I wrong!

But luck have it after a year of what I like to call “backyard training” I met my current boyfriend, Yuri Kostovetskiy, who was training to compete in bodybuilding competitions. This is how I met Dave, and how he became my trainer.

After my first workout with Dave I realized that no amount of information I read online could have pushed me to my potential like he does. Dave pushed me past the limits I had set for myself and made me realize how much potential I had to transform my body. After several months of training I took my first step on stage, and finally got my chance to compete; and instead of filling that need and urge I had had to compete, I became thirstier than ever for success.

Competing in Philly was an eye opening experience into a whole new level of competition, and I learned many humbling lessons. As stated, I was raised training and I was used to working hard and winning. At my first competition I came in 7th place; to be honest, at first I was upset. I wasn’t used to working so hard and not placing. After I had some time to get over it, I finally realized, it’s not about where you place, or if I came home with a trophy: It was the fact that I had set a goal of stepping on that stage knowing that I had pushed myself as hard as I could and that there wasn’t anything else I could have done to be prepared. Once I made that realization I knew I had succeeded.

I could not have done this without Dave, because he not only pushes me in the gym, but he helps me see the big picture, and how success is really defined. That being said, I’m more fired up than ever to compete in six weeks at the 2010 NPC Maryland State, and plan to keep training hard and competing in the future!