Testimonials for Marcus Aurelius - Elgin Fitness
As a health care professional in Austin,Texas, for the past 32 years, and a competitive Olympic style weightlifter during my college years, I would like to offer my support to Marcus in his new personal training organization, a venture which, in my opinion, is long overdue. I have known this man for the past 18 years, and have admired his knowledge, passion, and dedication to helping others achieve their potential and live healthier lives. Marcus has an extraordinary ability to motivate others, and, most importantly, to believe in themselves. If you are looking for the best in personal training, you need look no further.
Dr. Harry Lundell
M.A. Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Bastrop, Texas
I have worked out with several trainers in the past and I will tell you that there is no other like Marcus. His lively banter makes workouts fun. His “That’s one; I need 30”, “Can you feel the love?”, and “Is someone whining?” keep you motivated and laughing. But don’t think he doesn’t continually PUSH you to the next level. Pretty soon it’s “I need 50 of those – on each leg” -- and you surprise yourself by doing it! After working out with Marcus twice a week since July 2008 I feel more strong, fit, and happy than I have in years. I never want to give up my sessions with Marcus!
Diana Taylor
Cedar Creek, TX
On May 15th of this year, I made a promise to myself that I would do SOMETHING to make a difference in my health and my body. On that day, I walked into Elgin Fitness, met Marcus and found the "something" I'd been looking for. Since then, I've not looked back ~ except for the occasional double-take at my reflection when I think "WAIT! Is that me?!?" I attribute the change in my fitness and form to hard work, dedication, and the guidance of Marcus, a boisterous fellow with a great big laugh. No doubt about it - he knows his stuff. Better still - he cares about his clients and treats each as an individual. How he manages to juggle 3, 4 or even 6 different workouts at the same time, I'll never know, but juggle he does - and wonderfully. Although I've accused him of giving love a bad name (one of Marcus' favorite sayings is "Feel the love there?"), there's no denying that he has a passion for guiding each of his clients to fitness. These days I'm often asked how I've made the changes I have. I always and honestly sing Marcus' praises and recommend a trip to the gym. One thing is for sure: there are no slackers here!
Krista Marx
(down 20 pounds, 2 pant sizes, and still going!)Elgin, TX
I can actually say I now look forward to going to the gym and working out with Marcus. It was hard in the beginning since I had not exercised in many years, but it is amazing how much improvement I can see in just a short time. Now I feel I have a plan I can follow that will keep me healthy and active for years to come. The individual attention provided by Marcus makes all the difference and his experience and knowledge is invaluable. I would just encourage everyone to try it..
Virginia Powell
Elgin, TX
I have arthritis in both knees and back and had foot surgery to reattach a tendon to my ankle. When I joined the Elgin Fitness Center this summer I was very overweight and had lost much of the use of my left leg which was always in pain. Going up and down stairs was a real problem. In these few months Marcus has been able to (via the dreaded squats) get me to the point where I can easily go up and down the steep stairs in our basement, walk long distances and mostly pain free. In addition I am now 20 pounds lighter working toward getting rid of that much more this Fall. Marcus is very much a benevolent dictator - he won't let you be a slacker but he is vigilant in making sure you don't go beyond your current abilities. The bonus is that other gym members provide a sense of camaraderie that is lacking most other facilities.
Joan Hardy
Elgin, Texas
I came in to Elgin Fitness during the last week of June, truly at the end of my rope. I was having so many health problems and zero energy to even do anything about it. Marcus has been Awesome! He has had so much patience with me, but knows how to encourage me to push myself harder. He knows so many exercises that every work out is different. You never know what to expect. I have lost 25 pounds and still have a way to go but, the best part is how much better I feel! Thanks a Million Marcus!
Jenny Jordan
Elgin, Texas
August 2007, I started working out at Elgin Fitness gym. I love the gym, it has all the equipment that one needs to get a great workout and the staff are the best. But my favorite thing that I like is working with the Trainer, Marcus, he’s wonderful and knows his stuff. When I first joined I was like most people and worked out without getting the Training sessions offered. After about a month of working on the equipment and not using the Trainers, I realized my weight loss was not going well. So one day I talked to Marcus, the Trainer, very nice jolly man, that’s very, very knowledgeable about exercising, weights, eating healthy and he has a strong belief in God. After a couple of training sessions and a few more weeks, the weight started to come off. Now more than 70 pounds lighter and 6 dress sizes smaller, I wouldn’t dare miss a training session. The Elgin Fitness gym is a great place and I attribute it all to MARCUS.
La Barbera Roberson
Elgin, Texas
When I came to Marcus the first week of February I was close to 180 pounds, wearing a size 13-14 and I had a size 10 wedding dress to squeeze into by October. I am the worst procrastinator and have planned many of times to start my diet tomorrow or next week or next month. I dreaded not fitting in that dress and I knew something had to be done. As we came out of the neighboring Mexican food restaurant one evening, I decided to stop at the gym and see what kind of new program they had to offer. That was the night I met Marcus and he scheduled me to start working out under his supervision the very next evening. During my first workout, Marcus discussed my eating habits and informed me of the online meal planned offered with the membership. Following the meal plan is convenient enough that I was very strict with my diet for about the first month until I got the hang of it. Having personal training sessions with Marcus 3 times a week and following the diet plan, I lost over 20 pounds in just 5 weeks. It is easy to stay motivated when you see such results instantly and Marcus was there to mentor me along the way. When I came to Marcus my goal was to fit into my dress, now that I have come this far I would like to take my fitness to a higher level and I feel confident that Marcus will help me succeed. I may have to get the dress altered, but it will be taken in instead of let out thanks to Marcus!
Josie Cavanaugh
Elgin, Texas
When I first came to Marcus, I was a mess! Completely out of shape and in dire need of some serious work. I had been in a car crash that left me with a broken femur and unable to walk. Through a lot of physical therapy I regained the ability to walk, but still had trouble with stairs and by the end of the day had a visible limp. That was before Marcus…now, to my amazement, I can run up stairs and am able to lift my own body weight (plus some!) with the leg that Dr.’s said would never be “normal” again. It has not been easy, but with hard work, dedication and the support and encouragement that Marcus relentlessly offers I have made HUGE strides in just 3 months. My body is transforming before my eyes and I am stronger every week. Marcus is amazing…he has the ability to push you further than you think you can go and always makes sure that you are performing at your peak ability. My life is different because of Marcus. Everyone should have a little bit of Marcus in their lives!
Angela Villarreal
Elgin, Texas
"WOW!! Has my fitness level improved! Approx. 2 ½ years ago I was training on my own mainly in running and cycling. But I knew that I needed to incorporate some weights and gym time into my routine to get stronger for all the events and activities I like to do. I went to the YMCA to check out their gym and that’s where I met Marcus. The YMCA director told me that if I was looking for a good work out, Marcus was the just the right person. Boy was he right. So right, that I followed Marcus to Bastrop after he left the YMCA. Now I’ve not only gained strength, and lost weight, 20 lbs, I’ve been able to increase my cycling distance and finish my rides in ½ the time it took me 2 ½ years ago. It feels great! I feel great! Thanks, Marcus."
Penny Dikeman
Bastrop, Texas
Well, Let me start first off saying "MARCUS' is a great trainer, I had meet "MARCUS" when I got done with therapy on my right wrist that I had shattered playing softball. When I had signed up at Elgin fitness, he told me he could get it back working right and I said to my self yeah right!! BOY he was right!! "MARCUS" has built my confidence up, made me loose weight, he has also made me believe in my self that I can do the work outs he has giving me in the gym that I didn't think i could ever do. Anyone out there looking for a trainer "MARCUS" is the one! Thanks alot!
Rhonda Cox
Elgin, Texas
After working out with Marcus for several months, I realized that my 12 year old daughter could really benefit from working out with Marcus as well. I wasn't sure if Marcus would want to take on training someone her age, but he was more than willing and got me even more excited. My daughter really didn't enjoy many exercise activities and she was really needing some exercise. She took to Marcus immediately. He has shown her how to work out safely and to reach a little further inside & find more.
In only 3 weeks I am seeing so many wonderful changes in her. She is trimming down and she is feeling so much better. She sleeps better at night, she is enjoying other activities more, she is so proud of herself and has found a whole new level of confidence. I have never seen her work so hard and challenge herself like she is now. Marcus also talks with her about food choices & for the first time in her life, she is really thinking about how she treats her body. She is trying new healthier meals and snacks and it is paying off!
This experience has been a life changing experience for my daughter. Health has always been an important part of my life and I want the same for my children, but I couldn't find the right way to motivate her. Marcus has found exactly what works for her. He listens to her and talks with her. He challenges her and lets her know how proud of her he is. He changes her workouts so she never gets bored and she is learning so many ways to exercise. He is also careful to teach her how to exercise safely. She is so happy and feels so great now. She told me for the first time "I've never felt this good about myself". That says it all. Marcus, I owe you many thanks for both of us...
Rachel Frost
Bastrop, Texas
I just started working out at the beginning of the year. After just a couple of months with Marcus & I can feel the difference. My family & friends have commented that I've lost weight. I know that I've toned up & my energy level has sky-rocketed. Thank you Marcus for improving my health & my quality of life. Love ya,
Monika Barnhart
Bastrop, Texas
"I had spent my life trying to understand my body: I had no idea how it worked and what it could do. By the time I was 37 years old I was borderline diabetic, carrying 50% body fat and really discouraged. Over the years I tried many trainers, classes and exercises but none of them helped me control my weight or feel fit. I was ready to give up. Thank goodness two of your other clients took me to see you in July 2005! Even that first hour, when I could do very little, you showed me so many things I could do and I knew I didn’t have to give up.
Within a couple of weeks of regular training with you, my waist slimmed and my posture corrected. In the first months all my muscles began to feel springy and responsive throughout the day. In a very short time I stopped feeling sluggish and tired. Working and spending time with my loved ones became more pleasurable because I had the energy and strength I needed.
In the past 18 months I have driven many times from NW Austin to Bastrop because it is a blast to work out with you. But, when I can’t make it to Bastrop, I still work the “Marcus Aurelius Program” three times a week on my own.I can do that because your training methods are so memorable and understandable that I can apply them any where I go. My doctor is very happy with the big improvements in my body composition and cardiovascular health. But, more importantly, whether I am skating with my daughter, fencing with my son, dancing with my husband or power lifting for fun, I have the strength and control I need to perform well and look like it comes easily to me. I feel ready for anything, especially my 40th birthday! "
Emily Wethington
Austin, Texas
You won't find a more knowledgeable, dedicated and caring trainer than Marcus Aurelius. He provides the motivation and plan to help you reach your goals. I owe him a great debt of gratitude as he gave me the tools to live a happy and healthy life. Thank you Marcus.
Joe Cappello
Bastrop, Texas
I was nearing forty, in the middle of building a business and physically was feeling miserable. I was grossly overweight and my right knee and back was experiencing chronic pain. My last blood test was showing rising cholesterol levels. My mother-in-law three years ago suffered a stroke in her early sixties because she did not take care of her diabetes. She is bed ridden and lives on a feeding tube. One night I was praying to God that he would not let me exit this Earth in that condition. I heard the Holy Spirit tell me quite clearly that “It was up to me, not him.”
Convicted, I determined that I needed to do something. I kept driving by this gym in Bastrop and every time I would drive by I would feel prompted stop in. Finally, on my way to Austin one morning and feeling prompted again I stopped and dropped in. Marcus was there and he immediately began selling me. He looked like a brick wall with a neck but I felt very comfortable with him and I knew I needed to do it. At this time in the business, this was a huge financial commitment for me but I decided to honor God and start taking care of my body.
The first week was bad. I did not realize how far down I had gotten. The first three sessions I promised myself I wouldn’t throw up in front of Marcus. I just managed. After the first three weeks things began to get better. After two months my wife was so impressed with the results she signed up. Eight months later my posture has greatly improved, I’ve lost five inches off my waist (I have pants I can no longer wear). My strength is returning and getting stronger and stronger. My wife has dropped four pant sizes and now is the envy of her ‘skinny’ sister. Friends and acquaintances that I haven’t seen in a while are astonished at how much weight I’ve lost. I cannot recommend Marcus enough. He is tough and will push you. But he balances it and never goes beyond your limits. Most importantly, he gets results. If you are looking for a system that works, and not more empty promises, Marcus is your man.
Art Powell
Bastrop, Texas
I have been with Marcus for over a year. I am still surprised that after all this time he still finds different ways to challenge me. He is a very well rounded personal trainer and can easily adapt to individual needs. One of the things that I like the most is that he will take the extra time to go over nutritional and dietary needs as well. He does a great job supplying the necessary tools needed to become fit inside and out and he does emphasize the fact that being fit is a lifestyle. I have taken a few vacations in the past year and I can definitely see where I’m headed if I continue this path. I’m absolutely sure that Marcus will motivate be to get back to where I left off. Marcus really is a great trainer and it’s good to be working with someone who loves his job as much as he does. Marcus: Great trainer, husband, father and friend.
Vanessa Nink
Bastrop, Texas
If you finish a hour workout with Marcus, everything else will seem easy.
Daniel Smith
Bastrop, Texas
I needed rehab after a motorcycle accident where I frayed the meniscus in my knee. Initially, I was trying to progress too fast based on what my chiropractor was saying. My other health care professional was telling me to stay off of it completely. There had to be a middle ground. Using some intelligent resistance exercises with rubber bands I am progressing at an amazing rate. After four months of not progressing, in two weeks I'm able to run and am building overall strength. I'm even thinking of competing in a triathlon! Best regards,
Leslie C. Forbes
Austin, Texas
First let me tell you that I am not an exercise/gym person and dreaded the thought of having to exercise at all. My motivation for starting to workout was my son's approaching wedding, so in October 2006 I met with Marcus and started "working out" three times a week. Marcus's never ending personality made working out enjoyable and fun and the time passed quickly. That is not to say that all the exercises he seems to "dream up" are always fun, but they are effective. I decided when I first started working out that I did not care what the scale said I weighed (and I never got on it to know), I only cared about losing inches. So far I have dropped a size and I am continuing to lose. There are numerous exercises Marcus teaches you that can be done in your home on your gym "off" days. My overall stamina and strength have improved greatly and my energy level has exploded. I actually look forward to going to workout .. something I thought I would never say. Marcus you deserve a gold star!! Thanks for this exercise experience.
Jan Smith
Rosanky, Texas
I started going to the gym less than a year ago, and I was in absolutely terrible shape. The amount of progress I have made since then is almost immeasurable, and its all thanks to Marcus. He helped me with everything from my posture to the falling arches in my feet, and because of that I'm bigger, faster, stronger, and in all around better physical condition. Now I'm doing things I never thought I was capable of, and still continuing to make progress. I even look forward to going to the gym, and actually consider it the high point of the week!
Andrew Clark
Bastrop, Texas
I started working out with Marcus after several years of crazy hours, overwork, constant travel, and airport food. I always felt tired, achy and stiff, and was unhappy with my appearance. I hired a half dozen trainers, joined a bunch of different gyms, and spent a fortune on workout videos. I'd try to work out, but soon lost my motivation and went back to my old habits. Now, in just a month of working out with him a few hours a week, I can already see big changes in my health. I am much stronger and more fit. My posture has improved, I'm sleeping better, I'm making better food choices - and the only aches I have now are the good kind that come after pushing myself to accomplish something new! If you are looking for a personal trainer, you can't do any better than Marcus. Working out is now an important part of my life, and thanks to Marcus, I don't dread it: I know my workout is going to be spent with a supportive partner who makes me laugh while he makes me sweat. The time flies by. And the results speak for themselves.
Jennifer Warwick
Bastrop, Texas
It has truly been a joy and a blessing to have found Marcus at Bastrop Fitness. I had been basically inactive for 20 years and needed someone who would not only help in my physical training, but in my motivational training as well. He makes it a joy to go to the gym because he cares about what is going on in your life and your family. I feel better than I have in years and I have finally found a personal trainer who actually cares.
Larry Watkins
Bastrop, Texas
Last year I had surgery and then went on an adventure sport vacation with a group of athletic people. It about killed me. I had no idea I was in such terrible shape! A friend recommended Marcus and so I wasted no time in arranging a consultation. Within a few minutes of our conversation I knew he had the psychological skills to make me work hard, even on those days I would prefer to take it easy. Now, I am much stronger, more balanced, and have built up my endurance level considerably. I can’t imagine working with a more positive, cheerful, and uplifting trainer and it was those characteristics precisely that caused me to push myself even harder in workouts. Thanks, Marcus! C
Cindy Murdock
Bastrop, Texas
When I began my search for a personal trainer, I was overweight, with Type 2 diabetes & high blood pressure.
I had been working out (mostly cardio) & watching my diet for several years & had lost a little weight, but was not experiencing the results I hoped for. I realized I needed advice, support, assistance, & accountability in order to make a total lifestyle change.
Marcus stresses good nutrition & "functional fitness". He delivers a never ending supply of training exercises that are very effective.
After about 6 weeks of consistent training with Marcus, my jeans had become looser & my doctor reduced the dosages on my diabetes & blood pressure medications. It has now been almost a year with Marcus as my personal trainer. I have lost 2 jean sizes (so far).
What I have gained, however, is that I am stronger, leaner, more fit, healthier, & have better posture & more energy.
Marcus is very passionate about helping others improve themselves. His sense of humor helps make the workouts more tolerable, & even enjoyable. I still have a long road ahead of me to get where I want to be, & it will not be easy, but I know that Marcus will be there encouraging me every step of the way!
Debbie Fahrenthold
Bastrop, Texas
I have been training with Marcus since November of 2005. I drive weekly from Austin to Bastrop to train with him because he’s that good. There may be three or four other people he is training at the same time, yet we all are doing different workouts based on our goals, and physical make-up/needs. Since I can only see him once a week (wish I could go more!), he develops routines with my equipment that I bring with me that I can do on my own—therefore, I have no excuse not to work out! Also, if I am having a physical problem due to overuse or an injury, he takes that into consideration in the workout. Marcus’ thorough understanding of the physical anatomy combined with his up-to-date knowledge on the current health/exercise trends gives him the ability to create a variety of workouts that are never repetitious or boring and always a challenge. I have the choice to work out with trainers here in Austin but I choose to drive to Bastrop because Marcus’ workouts have proven to work for me.
Maria Raper
Austin, Texas
I am pleased to call Marcus my personal trainer, but feel blessed to say that he is my friend. I have known Marcus for little over year, that is when I started training with Marcus 3x a week. Marcus pushed me to do things that I did not even know I could do again. Marcus set me up with a eating plan and I can say that I saw results right away. I was sleeping better, but more amazingly I had so much energy. I recommend Marcus to anyone out there looking for a personal trainer, you will not only gain a trainer with a tremendous amount of knowledge in his field, but you will gain a trainer that deeply cares and is committed to his clients. Thanks Marcus for all your support and encouragement, it has meant a lot to me.
Melissa Alvarado
Dale, Texas
Pushing into my fifties and not liking the direction my body and health was going, I decided it was time for a change. Enter Marcus -he has helped me understand the importance of changing my lifestyle. When I started with Marcus Sept. 2006, I thought after the first session ....... this is not for me. But he convinced me to give it time and I would see the results. And he was right. I have more energy, better flexibility, stamina and finally sleep so much better. He makes me laugh while working up a sweat! Thanks Marcus. You are the best!
Ellen McDonald
Bastrop, Texas
"I am pleased to call Marcus my personal trainer, but feel blessed to say that he is my friend. I have known Marcus for little over year, that is when I started training with Marcus 3x a week. Marcus pushed me to do things that I did not even know I could do again. Marcus set me up with a eating plan and I can say that I saw results right away. I was sleeping better, but more amazingly I had so much energy. I recommend Marcus to anyone out there looking for a personal trainer, you will not only gain a trainer with a tremendous amount of knowledge in his field, but you will gain a trainer that deeply cares and is committed to his clients. Thanks Marcus for all your support and encouragement, it has meant a lot to me."
Melissa Alvarado
Dale, Texas
"After a month of bi-weekly sessions with Marcus, I noticed considerable improvement with my energy level, stamina and strength. Marcus has taken the possibly catastrophic event of breaking my toe, and turned it into one of the best things that has happened to my game. Now, five months after I started, generally look and feel better than I ever have. The instruction is motivating and excellent, the members are polite, and working out has become a fun experience I truly look forward to."
Bob Brown
Bastrop, Texas
My deepest devotion goes out to Marcus Aurelius who helped train and strengthen me while I recovered from chronic back and neck pain. I approached Marcus in December 2005. For nearly 6 months I had been struggling with severe pain and not really able to overcome. I was basically seeking some expertise in strength training to see if I could get any relief from the pain. Marcus sat down with me and got a plan which covered not only strength training but a nutritional plan for better wellness overall. Within three weeks of our workout sessions I was completely pain free. I was able to do things that I had not been able to do for years. I was exercising and eating better which resulted in me feeling better. I owe a great deal of gratitude to Marcus. His passion, understanding and love for working out caused me to want to keep coming back for more. After more than a year of training with Marcus I have been pain free. I would recommend his services to anyone.
Joelle Lively
Bastrop, Texas
Dec. 1, 2006, having determined to have my second knee replacement surgery, I decided to get into the best physical condition I could before surgery. Marcus took me on until my surgery Jan 11, 2007. I was squatting and doing all kinds of maneuvers that I had never dreamed of doing with my knees. What is more, I went in with pain and came out of class feeling limber and marvelous. Did it help my surgery?. Yes, I was discharged from the hospital on the fourth day and went to a reception on the way home. My recovery time has almost been cut in half. I am still in therapy, but I am going to Marcus just as soon as therapy ends. I trust his knowledge of my ability. He will have me "fit" and strong in no time. Thanks,
Anne Beck
Bastrop, Texas
