In their own words
People I’ve taught.
Not readers — the Library is new. These are people who trained with me across Portugal, Bahrain and the UAE, some of them for years, who were asked one question and answered it honestly.
Shortened to fit the page. Never reworded, never embellished, and every one of them approved the version printed here.
What they stopped believing
The question everyone was asked was some version of “what did you believe that turned out not to be true?” These are the answers to that.
On checking claims
You definitely changed the way I look at fitness claims and advice. I’m much more likely now to question whether something is actually evidence-based rather than just widely repeated, and your ability to explain the reasoning behind things in a straightforward way has always stuck with me.
On chasing quick results
I used to dip in and out of gym classes and crash diet before holidays or special occasions, always looking for quick results and thinking I had to be really strict to see them. Nelson taught me that consistency is key, and completely shifted my mindset around both training and food. I now feel in better shape in my late 30s than I ever have.
On the pattern, not the day
You taught me about consistency in training and eating. If most of the week is good and the odd meal isn’t, that’s fine. It’s the pattern that matters, not the perfect day.
What they stopped being afraid of
Nobody was asked about confidence. It came up anyway, in three separate replies, from people who do not know each other.
On asking the question
At the beginning I was sometimes embarrassed to ask whether I was “too heavy” or too unfit to do certain exercises. I worried people might judge me, or that I wouldn’t keep up. You made me comfortable enough to ask, without ever making me feel judged. Things that once felt difficult — like holding an 8kg baby — became easy enough that I could lift 30kg. I still have days when I struggle with my weight or motivation, but I no longer see myself as someone who can’t.
On starting out
When I started I wasn’t confident in myself or my body, and I didn’t really know what I was doing. Now I see training completely differently, and I have much more confidence in myself and what I’m capable of.
On strength
I’d always thought of cardio as the thing you do for health. When I kept showing up for the core and strength classes, I didn’t expect the confidence that came with getting stronger.
How it was taught
The Library is written the way the classes were taught, so it is fair to ask what the classes were actually like.
On coaching
What sets Nelson apart is that even in a group setting, he coaches you as an individual. He understands how you move, where your limits are, and what you’re capable of — and his programming is always backed by a level of technical knowledge you don’t often get in that environment. That gives you complete confidence in the process.
On limits
I’ve been going to Nelson’s spin and strength classes since 2023 and my cardio, endurance and strength have improved immensely. He understands my limits but still knows when to challenge me, which has made me far more confident in what my body can do. He’s approachable and funny, which makes it easy to keep turning up.
What isn’t on this page
Some of the kindest messages I received cannot be published, because they credit me with
outcomes I am not qualified to claim — a condition managed, an injury resolved. I am a
certified fitness professional, not a physician or a physiotherapist, and a testimonial is not
a licence to imply otherwise. One writer spotted that herself and offered to cut the line
before I asked. The standard costs something, or it isn’t a standard.
How it’s made →