I have been training with Gavin for 3 months now and he is an absolutely amazing coach. Having competed in amateur & professional badminton tournaments for over 10 years, my biggest weakness has always been strength. Despite personal efforts to go to the gym, I have always found limited results. However, in just 3 months with Gavin, I was able to put on 9+ pounds of solid muscle mass and see constant improvement in all of my lifts, as well as on the court!!! He explains in depth the benefits of each exercise and how it will translate to my speed and power on the court. He also pay close attention to my form and body condition to make sure that I will always be safe and do not overwork myself. All of his workout plans are personal to what YOU want to improve and work on, and I think that just shows how much he cares about each and one of his clients. I look forward to every session with him and will continue to train with him until my arms fall off or my body breaks :) Also, he is funny read more

I've had many personal trainers over the years, but Gavin is at the top of the list. He's a true professional at what he does. He listens to what you want from training and gives it to you. He constantly challenges you to keep going and get better. On top of that he's a great person who's interesting and easy to talk to. read more

Over the course of the past ten years, I've worked out with friends that were personal trainers and trained with three individual personal trainers. From those experiences, I've been able to get a feel for various trainer styles and personalities and had yet to really connect with someone until I met Gavin. From a training perspective, Gavin was able to easily understand my strength goals and tailored a straightforward, understandable, and highly effective program that allowed me to make gains across all three major compound lifts - bench press, squat, and deadlift. As an athlete, I was appreciative of our functional training routine and noticed a consistent improvement in my power and endurance. Gavin encouraged me to heal old injuries, and after working with his recommended physical therapist, I began to PR for the first time since college. Beyond the physical development, Gavin is in a league of his own. He is affable, kind, and understated. In an industry that thrives on intensity, Gavin will meet you where you're at, make you work hard, and treat you with a kind gentleness foreign to most personal trainers. Cherry on top: Wicked British humor. If I ever move back, I'll be with Gavin the very next morning! read more

Gavin is awesome! I have been training with him for two years and have loved my increased strength and balance and overall I am feeling great. Gavin listens, creates goals and is attentive throughout our training sessions. Gavin is reliable and never late (even with our 6am start time!) and I get a complete and challenging workout each time. He's fun, curious and in great shape himself. There is a reason why he gets all "5 star" reviews! read more

On my search to find a personal l trainer, I met with 3 different people - one wanted to charge me a million dollars, one was extremely unprofessional and didn't seem to pay attention to my goals, and one missed our consultation appointment altogether. Then I finally found Gavin, who was a breath of fresh air. Gavin is very engaged, professional and thoughtful as a trainer. He listened to all of my goals and told me how we were going to achieve them. He also listened to my I interest in boxing/kickboxing and made a point of including this se skills in our workouts. After just a few weeks of lifting heavy with him I could feel how much stronger I was getting and was willing to push myself further because he was there to motivate me and make sure I kept correct form throughout each movement. Last but not least, he is very invested in his clients' wellbeing and happiness. He is quick to check in and make sure things are going at the desired pace and is a very good communicator. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to take their fitness to the next level and have fun while doing it! read more

I trained with Gavin for about 6 months and he was by far the best trainer I have ever had. He was knowledge and motivating and he taught me so much. Not just about training but he taught me about myself and what I am capable of. He challenged me every session and truly made me want to get stronger and be better. I quickly saw results in my body and my mind set, I highly recommend training with Gavin. read more

My experience with personal training has been limited. I've only worked with two trainers - Gavin being the second one - and I've been lucky to have had great experiences all around. Gavin is an excellent trainer. I am older - past 50 - and wanting to get back into my favorite sport after raising a family. I managed to keep dabbling in my sport and dragging myself to the gym and pool but getting back into any kind of training program seemed impossible given time and various sport injuries (knees, back, shoulder). My first trainer got my knees bending and my shoulders moving but Gavin has been building the strength I need to maintain those gains and, hopefully, to compete without future injury. Not only has Gavin provided me a program of strength building, he has also quietly encouraged my progression. I honestly hardly notice when he adds weight or asks if I want to put another few pounds on the bar. The only problem I have had is conquering my own reticence in saying "ow" when something isn't right (left over from the days when 'recovery' meant big bottles of Advil in your locker). At my age, and with my old injuries, I really have to acknowledge when something gets tweaked: the 'no pain, no gain' has its limits with backs and knees and age. That said, when I tell Gavin what seems to be going wrong, he is quick to re-adjust my program or step back from certain exercises to encourage building up an underlying strength and balance. On top of all this, Gavin is a fun person to hang out with so training goes by quite quickly - he 's got that Northern English wry sense of humor so even when you are leaning against the wall and catching your breath, you aren't suffering too badly. read more

SoccerSculpt is an awesome way to work out. The outdoor setting, team environment, variety of routines each time all add up to a great workout. So much better than going to the gym!! Each time you go, you have the opportunity to push yourself a little more, and add to the workout for yourself. It's a really great way to get in shape, have fun, and meet nice people in SF. Also SoccerSculpt fits into my work schedule really well....the best part! I'm always motivated to go, and leave feeling extremely energized! Even if you never played soccer in your life, this a great way to get out and get some exercise! read more

Gavin is the best! He makes training fun and distracts you from how hard you're working out. He's also focused on the total picture of health and knows that a healthy body = a healthy mind. There are some trainers that focus on quick results but Gavin is focused on building healthy habits that are long lasting. A big part of that is diet. He looks at the whole picture and creates personalized solutions vs. cookie cutter work outs. If you had a tough day and just want to kick the shit out of something, he'll put you on a punching bag and let you go to work. Gavin is more than just a trainer. He ends up becoming a valuable friend that listens to you and helps you process the obstacles in your life. He's kind but also respects you and holds you to a high standard in order to help you achieve your goals. I leave every training session with a clear mind and a positive attitude and leave behind a puddle of sweat and all of my self-doubts. read more

Gavin helped me turn my life around. I started working with Gavin a few months before my wedding, and with his help lost almost 30 pounds and got in to incredible shape. He takes a fundamental approach to fitness and health, by focussing on the fundamentals. Sustainability, with an eye towards lifelong fitness, also sets Gavin apart. I've worked with trainers in the past that make me uncomfortable because they ignore the details of safety during weight training and other exercises. Gavin is the opposite, and has studied the human body to ensure that I do not hurt myself as I push myself to higher and higher limits. I want to be healthy my whole life, and I know the work I am doing now with Gavin is laying a foundation for that. I can't recommend Gavin enough. read more

I've been training with Gavin Birmingham about nine months now. Originally, part of the reason I chose to train with him was because the gym was located to blocks from where I was living. I've moved twice now but continue to commute across town to train with him because of the relationship we've developed. Gavin is devoted to his clients and has a love for fitness. He emphasizes proper technique in grueling (alas, I've asked for it), client tailored workouts that are effective in building strength and weight loss. He's always pushed me beyond my expectations and doesn't take no for an answer. From his encouragement and brutal honesty, I have made a lot of progress towards my fitness goals. Gavin not only likes his job, he's an excellent trainer. He's motivating and knows when to push me but is a kind and funny guy as well. If you're going to be one on one with someone for an hour, it certainly helps to enjoy their company. That being said, if you're looking for a personal trainer, I would recommend Gavin without reservation. read more

Fitness was a priority for most of my adult life but I got bored of it and took 12-18 months off. It was very hard for me to build it back into my routine after taking that amount of time off and I needed help. I started working with Gavin so he could help me build a new strength training routine and keep me accountable to it. We've worked together consistently over the last 5 months and I'm very pleased with the progress we've made. After building up the strength that I had lost, we quickly made gains week after week. I've gained muscle mass and I'm now lifting heavier than I ever have before. I honestly didn't think I could ever lift that much weight when I was doing things on my own. The only way it happened is with Gavin keeping track of my progress each session and pushing me to go up in weight week after week. Gavin is an amazing partner in all of this. He believes in building realistic and sustainable habits rather than making extreme changes. He's supportive, motivating, and really cares about the well-being of his clients. He's also smart and informed which makes for good conversations during our sessions. I highly recommend Gavin if you're looking for a real professional to help you build a comprehensive program for yourself. read more

I have never liked working out. I have been training with Gavin for six months now and he somehow keeps me coming back week after week. He is very knowledgeable and gives me exercises that push me out of my comfort zone but allows me to feel successful while doing them. He keeps me focused and motivated. read more

I'm 26 and started working with Gavin in Jan 2018 with the goals of decreased body fat, improved strength, and better balance. In just a couple months I've ticked all of those boxes and more (yup, you CAN do morning workouts). Having worked with personal trainers in the past, I was reluctant to try again--disappointed by what I felt like were either boring or lopsided routines. With Gavin, however, each session is not only the total body, physical challenge I was looking for, but it's also a total blast. Using all of the awesome equipment Diakadi has to offer, Gavin seems to teach or show me something I'd never seen nor done before. Whether it's kickboxing, climbing ropes or slamming a hammer against a tire--I get a workout that's not only really fun and interesting, but also leaves me feeling, balanced, relaxed and stronger each time. While you might be intimidated by a hour one-on-one with someone--Gavin's super easy-going, and casual approach makes it go by in an instant. If you're waiting for the right moment, don't--JUST DO IT. Gavin will meet you where you're at, both physically and mentally, and help get you where you want to be before you know it. read more

Crissy Field. Friendly people. Fun and challenging workout. Gavin makes sure everyone is getting the most out of their time. Good stuff.

No matter how many times you've been, you have the ability to push yourself as hard as you want and/or can each and every session. Gavin does a fantastic job of simlutaneously tailoring the workout to the individual, while maintaining the overall group dynamic. I would highly recommend Soccersculpt to anyone looking to have fun while they get in shape read more

SoccerSculpt is the absolute best way to get back into shape! If you're thinking about joining a gym or working out on your own, your probably just like how I was. I had been thinking about it for years. I decided to try SoccerSculpt on a whim and it turned out to be just what I needed. Gavin has recruited an amazing group of people to work out and have fun in one of the best locations in the city. Everyone gets to work out at their own level, but Gavin makes sure that everyone is pushing it to their limit. You'll be sore after your first session, but it's the best kind of sore where you know you've accomplished something. I can't recommend SoccerSculpt enough for anyone looking to get in shape. Give it a shot and you'll feel the difference after a week. Not only that, but you'll also meet some awesome people while doing it. You can't lose! read more

The dynamic nature of this class set it apart due to the variety of exercises, instructor knowledge and availability of sessions. The workouts are gauged in their intensity and focus resulting in different areas of the body and muscle groups being selected. Even though training as a group Gavin can assist you with your own needs. So whether you're new to fitness or looking to push yourself further he will be able to assist and coach you ensuring you get the maximum benefit from each session. As well as a qualified personal trainer he is also a certified soccer coach so you get two for one!! If you've never kicked a ball before you don't have to worry you will still be totally involved and under his tutelage you'll soon find yourself comfortable with a ball at your feet and even doing a trick or two! Again for those that have played soccer before each session will leave you with something you can take to the field for your next game, be it ball control, fitness and strength or coordination and agility. I would recommend anyone to try there are morning and evening sessions and the group is always fun and friendly plus working out in the fresh air leaves you feeling energised and rejuvenated. It's a great way to stay in shape. read more

Two years ago, as I was staring down my 30th birthday, I decided it was finally time to get into shape. Prior to working out with Gavin, my routine in the gym was limited at best. I would generally stick to the few machines I felt comfortable using, pick a "doable" resistance, perform a few measly reps, only to inevitably end up on some ghastly cardio machine to count down the minutes until I could go get my fruit smoothie I so earnestly 'worked-out' for. Understandably, this cyclical pattern was not producing the results I had hoped for. Gavin changed that. Today, I am stronger and healthier than I have ever been in my entire life. What makes working with Gavin so great is his ability to push me to new personal records, while still keeping my health and safety his top priority. As a result, I have never felt more confident working with free weights and performing otherwise complex exercises. Knowing that he is monitoring my posture, pace and progress, allows me to focus on my form and properly isolate and exercise the intended muscle group. While most trainers stick to rather repetitive routines, Gavin keeps things fun (relative for a gym) and incorporates the myriad of equipment that Diakadi offers. I generally workout with Gavin 2-3 times a week and no two workouts are the same. Typically, we will focus on a specific group of muscles (upper body, lower body etc) for an hour at a time. This will almost always include some form of free weight exercise, resistance training (TRX straps/bands) and core exercises, such as planks. On days where I am looking for more of a 'general' workout, we will incorporate boxing, climbing, and tire flipping to ensure all of my muscles are equally sore heading into the weekend. *Depending on the goals you define with Gavin, your workout may be entirely different. When Gavin is not training in the gym, he is coaching a local high school soccer team. I only mention this, because that skill set translates into his approach towards training. He knows when to offer encouragement, how to keep me engaged, and how to keep me coming back for more--the results speak for themselves! As an added bonus, he is a serious Game of Thrones fan, enjoys classic rock, is a huge history buff, and being from Manchester, he has plenty of opinions of the recent Brexit vote. If you are looking for an encouraging trainer who will help you get strong and healthy, Gavin is your man!! read more

I've been to other trainers before, and Gavin blows them out of the water. He's very good at reading how hard he can push you and when you need to scale things back or power through an exercise. I never dread going to a session with him - an issue I had with other trainers. He mixes things up, but circles back to exercises so you can see how your strength and stamina have improved. His demeanor is calm and approachable and he's always engaged in the session, not phoning it in. Plus he's an athlete (soccer), which I think gives him an edge and experience that other trainers don't have. read more

I've been training with Gavin twice a week for over a year now and have had a great experience with him as a trainer. For me, it is often tough finding a solid personal trainer who pushes you and makes you leave after the hour sweating and feeling pumped for the day. You will definitely get that with Gavin, and he will also go the extra mile to work with you on eating healthy because no amount of work in the gym will counter a bad diet. He was good at designing a realistic fitness strategy that allowed me to work hard during the week while still enjoying my weekends. He's also a really cool guy who you will enjoy talking to during your workouts. My favorite line of his is, "summer bodies are made in the winter." I highly recommend training with Gavin! read more

Would highly recommend Gavin if you're looking for an excellent trainer.

I had a hard time finding the right trainer to really push me beyond my limits. Gavin is the best trainer in SF and makes sure to always push me beyond my goals. If you're looking for a no bullshit ass kicking trainer, Gavin is your guy! read more

Gavin is awesome! Super great to work with. He will keep you motivated and get you into shape. He constantly switches up the routine keeping it fun and fresh. read more

Words cannot describe how awesome Gavin is, you have to experience him for yourself. For over 3 years, he has subjected me to the most grueling workouts and as a result I am in better shape than I have ever been. His workout sessions are never from a cookie cutter. They are tailored to your needs and ever changing, always keeping you on your toes. He's introduced me to weight lifting, calisthenics, boxing, agility drills, and has got me performing skills I never thought I could do. Gavin pays attention to the smallest details in your form, adjusting a wrist position or alignment to insure you are safe and getting the most from your effort. As if this weren't enough, he has an extensive knowledge of body mechanics. A while back he played a huge role in rehabbing me from a sports injury. 18 months ago, I ruptured my Achilles tendon and could barely stand on the bad leg after surgery. Gavin made it his mission to return me to my baseline. After a few months of work, the injury was a distant memory and I had not only regained my mobility but my confidence too. I couldn't have done it without him! With all this said, the reason I keep coming back has to do with what a great guy Gavin is. His laid back demeanor and always upbeat attitude make the idea of going to the gym much easier to take, even on days when my motivation is low. If you want someone who will inspire and commit you to reaching your goals, go see Gavin immediately! read more

Gavin is the best. He's kind, sharp and great at motivating you to take yourself to the next level. I've been working with him for over two years and he's helped me build my strength, fitness and overall confidence. I can't recommend working him enough! read more