Marfans Syndrome
Samantha
Five and a half years ago, after being diagnosed with Marfan's and given only a couple of years to live, having had no success with a number of physical therapists; I approached David & commenced rehab training.
I had an implantable defibrillator and didn't have enough musculature to support me walking more than 200 metres. I had been told that I would never be able to lift more than 2kg. I was in a lot of pain & heading towards being severely disabled.
Today I am strong & healthy enough to enjoy a range of recreational activities & a career centred around movement. For those of you living in Brisbane, I can honestly say - you will not find anyone better than David. He is the best, or should I say some what of a genius!
Parkinson's Disease
Ray
Ray
Ray
I have had PD for 20 years. Since changing to the Ashgrove Goodlife 12 months ago and starting with David I have seen marked improvement in my mobility and quality of life.
David has been slowly improving my ability to perform every day tasks with gym based exercises like resistance training, boxing, capoeira, and coordination activities.
My personal mobility has improved to such a degree that I am able to walk unassisted from my home in Newmarket to the gym where I once had to catch a taxi to and from the gym.
My daily household chores and simple every day duties such as grocery shopping have become relatively light work. I greatly enjoy the welcoming people and environment in the Ashgrove gym and thoroughly enjoy my gym workouts with my trainer - especially boxing and scrum practice with the Sled.
I enjoy feeling fit and strong and have improved so much that I even achieved my weight loss goal for Christmas (under 90kg). Where other people with PD are slowing and struggling I am improving my physical and cognitive function even now, 20 years after my initial diagnosis.
My trainer david has never promised a cure, but he has certainly given me hope.
Kay
Ray
Ray
David has been helping me for almost 3 years. I have Parkinsons and he is aware of what limitations that brings and is helping me to overcome them.
Apart from exercise he is teaching me the tango, which is very beneficial for those suffering with PD.
One of my symptoms is a breathing problem which can be quite distressing... David is aware of this and has been also helping me with exercises to improve this problem.
He has a lovely manner, is always courteous, very patient... not forgetting his positivity which is very important for me. Also we have fun!
My husband has been training with David for some years now Originally he needed help for his shoulder which he had broken in a fall on the tennis court.
He is well and truly back to his tennis game now, thanks to David, and continues to have weekly sessions with him
Stroke Recovery
Jill
Five years ago at 67, I had a stroke after a brain operation.
After reaching a plateau in my balance, endurance and strength I was slow and deliberate in things such as walking, home activities, exercise, catching buses etc.
I met trainer David Fernandez. David motivates me to take gradual steps to achieve improvements. He seems to have magical insights in how to improve further. Recently I went on a walking tour.
One time, I walked down a rough track to the bottom of a waterfall, walked across a couple of rocks in a stream and stood there taking a photo of the waterfall. When I realised what I had achieved, said “Thank you David”.
My gym program is now central for me in achieving and maintaining a quality of fitness and health throughout my life.
Colon Cancer
Myra
I have been working with David for 12 months now recovering from stage 3 colon cancer.
After major surgery the only therapists available to me were postnatal pelvic floor specialists but I needed someone who could work holistically on all my body's systems.
David explained physical exercises to help me regain strength postoperative (20kg weight loss through cancer treatment), how the nervous system and cortisol work and how that can affect muscle firing and digestive process.
Within about six weeks I was able digest certain foods, cataloguing safe & irritant foods. My posture was adjusted to maximise digestive efficiency.
Davids treatment plan was simple, holistic approach was easy to implement in my life also addressing the emotional trauma associated with cancer. My doctors agree that I am way ahead of the game recovery wise.
My quality of life is far superior now than it was six months ago. I have more confidence when out in public & I am far more awareof how my body reacts to stress, food, exercise and sleep.
I would highly recommend David as a trainer if you are looking to repair and train your body holistically. His kind, forthright and compassionate nature encourages you to push through the most difficult of situations.
He offers advice based on science and is also aware of the power of self belief in the healing process.
Osteoporosis
Monica
Thanks to David I am enjoying going to the gym again. I also have confidence to do more challenging bush walks which is something I really enjoy doing.
I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in 2005. This has led to Osteoporosis as well.
In 2017, When a friend suggested I join the gym with her in order to motivate each other to go I did it reluctantly.
I was still going to a physio for I had torn 3 ligaments in my left foot. The gym assigned David to me for 3 sessions.
I found his great understanding of the body and how it works gave me the confidence to slowly build up my body’s strength (core)and improve my balance. David has made me more aware of the importance of good posture and stretching for everyday muscle care and hence bones and joint care.
I find David is very patient and wants you to get something totally right before the next progression in order to avoid future injuries.
I see him every week.
