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.

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

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!

I remember seeing Nikki and David for the first time at the trainer’s desk at my local gym. I recall David having a contest for free training sessions to whomever he felt deserved it based on a series of questions. I entered this contest and remember receiving a call from Nikki stating that I did not win, however asking if I wanted to start training. I held off for a few weeks thinking I could make changes on my own to lose weight and tone. However I was not seeing progress so I set up a time to meet with Nikki. I have to admit that I was pretty certain that I wanted to train with a female as I felt they could relate much better to a woman’s body in addition to sharing “the battle of the bulge” stories.

My journey started with Nikki in the summer of ‘08 to help get me in shape for my wedding in October 2008. She set me up with a diet plan, cardio plan and training sessions twice per week. In addition, Nikki would check in with me via email and text messages to see how I was feeling and making sure I was following the plan. Working out with Nikki was not an easy task! No doubt about it, she kicked my butt. Nikki pushed me and had me lift heavier weights than I ever had in the past. In addition, I made noticeable differences in my body with weight loss and muscle gains for my wedding day. Every dress fitting that I went to in the weeks before my wedding, the dress would get looser and looser.

Since that time, I continued to train with Nikki until she stopped working to have their beautiful daughter, Raven. Next, I started training with David, who was just as tough and held his clients accountable. I didn’t know what to expect at first. However I soon realized he was a trainer who I could trust to kick my butt just as Nikki had. Training with David has also been a great experience. As long as I follow the diet plan, the cardio plan and the weight training plan I consistently lose weight. I have been able to lift even heavier weights and have learned to push through the hard moments during sets.

The best part about meeting Nikki and David is that we have become great friends, in addition to watching and caring for Raven during her first year. I am constantly encouraged to eat clean, push to the next level and to never quit.

Laura Gershen

David,
So, I was thinking a lot about what you had to say today and came to two conclusions. Well, I came to a few, but here are two. One, I actually did flex in the mirror when I got home and I absolutely do notice a difference in my arms. I feel like I wouldn’t/don’t notice things is because I have an absolutely terrible image of myself. It’s not a self-esteem issue, but ultimately just body image. Until I obtain the perfect image in my head, I’m not going to be happy. And because I’ve ‘worked-out’ or have been active my whole life and have never seen results, I find it very unmotivating. I get discouraged very easily – if you haven’t already noticed. I guess I expect things that can’t be done or something that I would like to obtain in a very short amount of time and again, in turn, get discouraged easily. Does that all make sense?

I’m sure you didn’t really need that glimpse into my life but what you said this afternoon really got me thinking. And I think this might help to get me to push to the next level, or whatever you want to call it.

9/24/09

Since reading this, I’ve already written two ‘testimonials’ for you and still feel to need to write more. I really can’t put into words how different I feel – about everything…confidence, body image, not intimidated by weights…you name it. In the beginning, I felt really stupid standing in the mirror and looking at my baby muscles. And, while I still do feel really stupid, seeing results from all of the work I’ve put in makes up for it. I’ve finally realized that in order to achieve the unrealistic goals that I have in my head, hard work is the only answer. None of this has been easy, but it’s all been totally worth it and my goals seem attainable.

And in turn, the only thing I can really say to you is Thank You. You pushed me and stuck with me in spite of gumby arms and sincere lack of weight lifting knowledge. Like we talked about last night…there is a real ‘don’t want to let David down’ mentality. I’m not going to lie. It’s true. There’s so much more than just weight lifting that goes into all of this. The nutrition information that you offer – even if you don’t look things up and just tell me what you think is right (pine nuts), all of that is invaluable. I have now become a nutrition and weight loss coach for my friends. I might put you out of business…ha!

Andrea (Feldstein) Clifford


I never thought I was the type of person that would need a personal trainer. However, I had been stuck at 145 pounds for more than 6 months and with less than 2 months left until my wedding I needed help to get over that wall.

I was a little skeptical because David wanted me to change everything I thought I knew about eating and working out. I decided to trust him and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. 7 weeks later I was in the best shape of my life. I lost 15 pounds and went from a size 8 to a 4. My wedding dress had to be taken in 5 times!

The day of my wedding I felt so beautiful. For the first time in my life I was truly happy with how I looked. I can’t stop looking at my wedding pictures!

Not only did David transform my body in 7 short weeks, he has given me the knowledge and confidence to continue on my own. Training was one of the best wedding purchases I made!

Tyler Grossi
4/27/09

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Shana Nelson - Wedding Weight Loss

Shana Nelson - After

Accomplishments:
• reduced body fat from 26% to 19%
• increased strength by 230%
• dropped 2 dress sizes
• sculpted her physique so she looked terrific on her wedding day

April 21, 2006

Prospective Client:

I met David in December of 2005. I had been living with my fiancé for about two years. Subconsciously, I had assimilated to his eating habits. The result of a demanding career, and the spoils of an ex-college athlete who was used to eating whatever she pleased without gaining so much as an ounce led to many unaccountable pounds. Our busy lives revolved mostly around convenience. The upcoming wedding and honeymoon in Hawaii signified a time for major change.

I came to David as someone who always “knew better”. I had a working knowledge of dietary needs, as well as my physical strengths and weaknesses. I had been an athlete all of my life. I understood the pedagogy necessary to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but had not put it to practice. Still, I found myself making the wrong sacrifices in attempts to simplify my hectic schedule. I needed accountability and a plan.

David was astute. From the beginning, he was able to see my strength potential and set the bar much higher than I would have, otherwise. Breaking back into shape was not easy and I had to be patient, but diligent. During this time, I became more toned and increased my overall strength. I lost some weight, but was more pleased with the way I felt. After a month, David and I increased our weight training from one session per week, to two. I also, increased my weekly cardio from three, forty-minute sessions to five, one-hour sessions.

The subtle differences I have noticed have grown into major differences others have noticed. Currently, I have cut my body fatby 25% and gone down a size and a half. Although I am principally, intrinsically motivated, I could not have progressed this far without David’s vision. I surprise myself constantly at what I am able to accomplish during our workouts. David still keeps me all the time challenged, and realistically, I can accomplish just about anything he puts in front of me, which is a pretty awesome feeling. David’s focus has been what has sustained me throughout this process and for that I am grateful

I am so happy with the progress I’ve made. I am conditioned and feel confident the upcoming months will be that much more amazing because of the hard work I’ve accomplished with David.

Sincerely,

Shana Nelson

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