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Testimonials
Nicole Ortiz  When I began with Maximum Performance in August 2009 my workouts were lacking in structure and intensity. Although I have a degree in Exercise Science, program design was never my strong suit. Allen excels in this area and his programs and nutrition plans have given me the structure I needed. I love going to the gym with a detailed workout laid out for me. I was first introduced to a "M.E.T." program and that set me on the right path of improving my physique not only that, but now my workouts are way more efficient. Over a year later and I've experienced several other types of training as well. Allen has taught me to look more at the long term goals and that each program builds upon one another. I've had such a positive experience with Maximum Performance that I decided to compete in two Bikini competitions in March 2010. With my leaner more toned physique I was able to place 2nd and 1st consecutively. I plan on competing again and I know that with Allen's guidance I will continue to learn and improve.
Alicia Gifford
"I have always been a competitive person by nature, and athletics have always come easily to me, making it an easy task to remain fit. However, I never had to think about what workout I was going to do because it was always laid out for me by coaches since age 5. I was a gymnast for 13 years, which consequently led me into cheerleading, where I won 3 national championships. Through those activities I gained an athletic build that I wanted to maintain, but was unsure how to do it on my own after college ended and consequently my athletic pursuits. After graduating, I began to search for other options to continue to nurture my competitive nature and to maintain the body I had become accustomed to. I approached Allen in the fall of 2008 with the idea of participating in figure competitions. Through his meticulous exercise and diet regiments, I was able to attain my goal of competing and placing top 5. I have since won the Overall at the Bluegrass Muscle classic and 2nd place at the Kentucky Muscle. With this process of diet and exercise, I gained the body I wanted, but more importantly, I was taught was how to live a healthy lifestyle and how to enjoy the process of working out. I have been able to take my body, develop it and transform it to new heights that athletics never took me. Allen's dedication to my program and my progress was astounding. His knowledge of exercise and program development is astonishing, as he can develop a program into an individualized, need-based workout. He was there every step of the way to answer my questions, concerns, or to simply listen. He has proved to be more than just a coach, he is a friend and someone that I feel confident and comfortable talking to. I plan to continue to follow his guidelines and see where I can take my body next."
Mike Keck
Working with Allen has been a truly wonderful experience. I moved to Lexington in August of 2005 and found a home at LAC after checking out every gym in town. I have lifted seriously ever since my days of college football at WKU and always had a love for the weights, but I was becoming a bit stagnant in my training. After lifting alone at LAC for quite some time, I was introduced to Allen through a mutual friend. Allen encouraged me to start competing in Bodybuilding, but I had no clue how. I had built a solid base for myself, but was carrying way too much body fat for my liking. I thought about Allen's suggestion for some time, and then made the decision to go for it. I told him, if you show me how, I’ll do it....that’s where the journey really began. Allen took me from 252lbs at 15% body fat to an onstage weight of 203lbs contest ready! With Allen’s guidance and support I took 3rd place in the novice heavyweight division at the 2006 Kentucky Muscle Show in Louisville, Ky. Allen is now preparing me for the Northern Ky show, where I hope to qualify for Jr Nationals! Allen is extremely knowledgeable and thorough. What I believe truly sets him apart form others is he truly cares about YOUR results. If you work with Allen and follow what he puts together for you...you will succeed!"
Nazr Mohammed
Gerald Padilla  When I came out of high school I was a skinny 5'7" 125 lb kid! I idolized the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Hulk Hogan taking center stage with their massive muscle and supreme confidence, I dreamed of stepping on stage as a bodybuilder. When I met Allen Cress he told me he could see a potential bodybuilder inside of me, if I was determined to work hard and follow his knowledge and training of the sport, and I put my trust in him. Once I got started training with (Maximum Performance Training) Allen, my outlook completely changed. He taught me that you only get on that stage through intense workouts, proper dieting, and above all respect for the sport and enjoying the whole process! In 2009 my dream of stepping on stage and competing came true, thanks to Allen and his attention to my personal goals. I now have the confidence I was once lacking, with the encouragement Allen has and is giving me in everyday life as well as training. He taught me bodybuilding is a lifestyle and he lives it everyday!!
John Combs
"I first started training with Allen in February, 2004. At the time, I didn?t know what to expect, and to be quite frank, I was a little skeptical of what a personal trainer could do for me that I couldn't do on my own. Boy, was I ever wrong! At 5'9", I weighed 150lbs. At the time, my fitness goal was to gain muscle. However, at age 34, I really didn't know how realistic this goal was. Allen started me on core training, then on to a size and strength program. Allen's training and nutrition programs worked! After almost 2 years, I had gained 35lbs. I weighed 185lbs, and my bodyfat increased slightly. I was much bigger than I was before, and I felt extremely powerful! I was squatting over 300lbs, deadlifting nearly 400 lbs., and bench pressing 220lbs. Last year I decided to change my training program strictly to bodybuilding, and now, at age 40, I weigh 180lbs. Allen's services go above and beyond creating weight training and nutrition programs. One of Allen's best attributes is that he is a great teacher. Over the past 5 years Allen has taught me a wealth of information regarding the proper form of weight training, nutrition, supplements. Allen is extremely knowledgeable in every facet of weight training and nutrition and is always there to answer questions, advise, and offer encouragement and support. I could never have accomplished my goals without Allen. Allen has transformed my life and my body from 'skinny' to 'big and muscular' to 'lean and muscular' over the course of 3 years. I consider Allen to be one of the best, if not the best, fitness consultants. I highly recommend Allen's services."
Kara Frasure
I was the girl doing cardio for 2 hours a day. As long as I was breaking a sweat I felt like I was making progress. I would lift weights but like so many other women in the gym these days I was uneducated in what I as doing and why I was doing it. I had been exposed to trainers in the past and looked at many of them and wondered why their clients looked like they were loosing weight but not toning up and building lean muscle? I was wasting time and frustration with no real results... Then I met Allen Cress. I began working with Allen three years ago. I had always considered myself a healthy person. I grew up in Boston dancing with the Boston Ballet for 15 yrs so being physically active was nothing new to me. I first went to Allen for nutritional advice. I was working out hard and eating well, so I thought. I remember thinking I was a healthy eater, I didn't eat fast food, I wasn't someone that over ate, however, my body wasn't looking as lean and toned as I wanted it to. Allen cleaned up my eating. It wasn't a diet, it became a lifestyle. This was the first step. I had no idea this one change would be the best thing I could have done for myself. I was eating more food throughout the day, and I was in a bit of shock over this. Oh, and the best part- I began loosing weight! Next came the real physical changes. Not too long after I cleaned up my eating I came to Allen to see if he would be interested in training me. I had witnessed the amazing changes he had made to others and realized maybe my working out habits could benefit from his expertise as well. "You have to be willing to think outside the box, and be willing to work hard. You can't be afraid to challenge yourself ". Well, this is a bit of a different approach I thought. He told me "I don't sugarcoat it for you, I am upfront and the results will speak for themselves if you stick to the plan". I became intrigued that I actually felt he had challenged me to see what I was made of. I began working with him and to this day he is still my coach. My nutrition was now in check and my training was soon to follow. My workouts were and are to this day intense. They are not boring and they push me each and every workout. The inner strength and will power I have gained can?t be put into words. Truth be told, I have surprised myself. I didn't think I was capable of half the achievements my body has made. When I see how much research, dedication and passion he puts into his work it makes me want to work even harder as a client. I am asked on a regular basis by other people how Ive transformed my body into what it is today and instead of giving a long answer about my workouts or my eating habits consisting of "do's" or "don'ts" I simply say "Allen Cress". He is a genius that I do not understand at times but frankly his results speak for themselves. To this day I would not and will not train with ANY other coach period. Because of his commitment as a coach to me in April 2009 I placed 3rd in Bikini division in the Cincinnati Bodybuilding Championships. His work speaks for itself.
Ryan Patrick
Ryan placed 3rd in The Kentucky State Bodybuilding Championships and recently placed 1st in the ESPN strongman competition at the University of Kentucky. Ryan is one of my most disciplined clients showing you can train for aesthetics as well as performance. “Having Allen has been more of an experience than a service. His role as a trainer has been nothing less than meticulous, but he goes above and beyond the call of duty by being more of a coach. I can rely on him whenever I have questions that need to be answered and he has been both supportive and constructive. Allen is detailed with his plans, religious about returning emails or phone calls, and committed to my success as a client. If YOU aren’t serious about making the changes necessary to reach your goals, then I would not recommend Allen; but, if you are prepared to follow his recommendations then I’m confident you’ll feel as adamant about the quality of his services as I do! I can say without a doubt he can help you reach your goals faster and I would never hesitate to recommend him.”
Jessica True
"I would like to share my personal experience working with Allen & Maximum Performance Training. This year I decided to compete in a figure competition. I knew I could see progress, but it wasn't until seeing my pictures during the 2009 Northern Kentucky Bodybuilding & Figure Championship that I could see the potential in me that Allen had seen. I placed top 5 in Figure. Allen is not only my coach but he has become a great friend of mine. He is very passionate about his career and I think this is what separates him from the rest. He not only talks the talk, but walks the walk in his own everyday life. He is an example to us all as to what a healthy lifestyle is about. Life is all about the journey, not the destination and I had an amazing journey. There is never going to be perfect timing!! Circumstances will always be less than perfect. If you have ever contemplated competing or just making a lifestyle change, do it now!! Let Allen help you. He will be there to guide you every step of the way."
Estee Saylor  It was in October 2009 I started working with Allen. Honestly, I thought to myself, "I have been a Physical Therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist since 2002, and what new and different could he possibly teach or show me in regards to nutrition and exercise?! Long story short…wow was I wrong! And I have worked with him ever since. I went from 139lbs to about 123 while increasing lean muscle mass and decreasing body fat. Allen also coached me through a national qualifying figure show. It had been several years since I had stepped on stage to compete and honestly, I was not sure I would ever be in shape to do it again. Allen was by my side and helped me with encouragement, knowledge, and support the whole way. One of my major concerns was how much weight I would gain after competing. Allen helped me with nutrition and training post competition so that I did not suffer from the "rebound effect". I have been able to gain the appropriate amount of weight at a slower, healthy pace. Now I am in shape and ready for my upcoming wedding! Allen has taught and shown me exercises that I never fathomed. He has also proved to me that females do not have to do 6 days of cardio (as I was doing) to be lean. I only performed 1 day of traditional cardio while training for my figure competition and competed in superb condition. I would recommend Allen’s services to ANYONE regardless of your goals!
Christina Taylor  "This past June, I decided to compete at the Junior Nationals competition in Chicago, Illinois. The best decision I made was to hire Allen my coach. He was able to get me to the best shape of my life and I had carbs in my diet the whole prep. With his expertise I was able to win my class in the lightweight division. Allen is much more than just a coach or personal trainer. He listens to what you have to say and really pays attention to how his diet and training programs are working for you as an individual and adjusts and makes changes as needed, there is no cookie cutter approach as with most trainers. I encourage anyone wanting to take their body to the next level to hire Allen as their coach."
Seth Broster
 “I am a swimmer and have been training with Allen for the past 2 years and have drastically increased my strength and power. My squat has gone from 95 lbs to 215 lbs for 2 reps and my Deadlift has gone from 105 lbs to 305 lbs. I have improved my times in the 100 fly by 9 seconds and the 200 free by 15 seconds. During this time I have also added 15 lbs buy following his nutritional guidelines.”
Susan Bunning
Gary Wheeler
I have thoroughly enjoyed the workout sessions, as each of them has been customized to be varied and challenging. I look forward to working with you to achieve my future goals, and thank you for assisting me in meeting my present goal of losing weight/toning up in such a quick period of time. If anyone is in the market for a trainer, I would highly recommend they consider you and your Maximum Performance Training Program, as I know it works. Thanks again, Allen!” Regards, Gary Wheeler
Ralph Wimsatt  "I had shoulder surgery a few years ago and lost weight in the process. After recovery, I started working out on my own and tried various weight gain supplements with no success. I began training with Allen 6 months ago with a goal to gain weight and increase muscle. He designed a workout program and a nutrition plan for me to reach my goals. I have gained 30 lbs, almost all muscle, and look and feel like a different person. The workout plan has and continues to evolve as I progress. The individual workouts with Allen are intense, but I have learned through him that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. I am impressed with Allen?s knowledge of training techniques, nutrition and overall good physical health. I have made a lifestyle change and would highly recommend Allen to anyone seeking a plan to reach their physical fitness goals. Allen has been a great coach but also someone I would consider a friend.
Sean Burke  “I first learned about Allen when I had just started working out at LAC by reading an n article by him posted on the bulletin board at the gym. I read the article and basically ignored it as it was basically the exact opposite of what I had learned and been told in the past from previous trainers. I have always been very active and in good shape but like most my metabolism slowed in my mid 20’s and I started growing the “beer gut”. It had been at least 6 years since I had seriously worked out and I decide that it was time to start again. After about 3 weeks of working out on my own I felt like I was doing more harm to myself then good. Having bad shoulders that in the past would sideline me for 3-4 weeks seemed to be getting worse and I felt somewhat lost. After a particularly bad workout I walked by Allen’s article again and decided that I would check him out. After looking at his website I was instantly curious and finally sent him an email. He wanted some precise background info including diet, injuries, current workout routine, etc… Looking back now at the email I sent I don’t know why it took so long for me to actually seek help. Between my severe food allergies and shoulder issues I can only imagine the look on Allen’s face when he read it. I have been working out now with him for about 6 months and have made some extremely positive changes. I started out at about 189 pounds with a 36 ½ inch waist and now I’m down to 170 pounds and 33 inches. My shoulders are also much better. With my new nutrition and workout plan I can honestly say I have never felt or looked this good. My before and after pictures speak volumes of Allen’s knowledge of the body and how it works and his ability to transform you is unmatched anywhere.” |
Allen has been an important part in my strength and conditioning program in the off-season. His methods have helped me to increase my overall strength and power which ultimately helps my game and reduces the chance for injury. His nutritional recommendations also have helped me increase muscle while reducing bodyfat.
“I began working with Allen about a year ago, following a diagnosis of a herniated disc in my neck I received a referral to him from my neurologist's nurse, who indicated that she would recommend trying to work with Allen before having surgery for this problem. I have worked with him consistently twice a week, and can honestly say that my pain is gone in my neck region, along with the numbness which extended down my right arm. I am very pleased with my results. I hope now to continue to improve my overall fitness level and to age gracefully! I respect Allen's level of knowledge and his non judgmental attitude, and willingness to work with all ages. I would highly recommend Allen!”
“I just wanted to drop you a quick line to let you know how pleased I am with the results I have seen from both your strength/conditioning program and the recommended dietary changes. It has only been four months, but I have now lost a total of 23 lbs. (18 lbs. of fat), and gained 6 lbs. of muscle. My body fat has gone from 20% to 12% in this same time period. I have also experienced some tremendous health benefits, as my blood pressure was consistently high, but is now regularly reading in the normal range, which is attributed to the exercise and dietary change.|
" I respect Allen's level of knowledge and his non judgmental attitude, and willingness to work with all ages. I would highly recommend Allen!"
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