Written Testemonials
Best workouts of my life! Thanks! - Rena Kimura
This is going to be short and sweet as I am typing with my toes because I cannot lift my arms. Aside from that, I really love the SEAL Team PT. I've told a lot of other mothers about the program, and many of them had heard about it previously but were intimidated by it - several of them have expressed a lot of interest in the program after seeing me, a stay-at-home mother of 5 young kids, stick with and enjoy the program. I really hope to keep working with the program to help my mind and body be the best they can be. Thanks, - Nancy McIntire
I am really enjoying the class. As a start, thank you for serving your country when you did. I really appreciate it. That is the only way you would have the specialized skills to teach this class. It’s a beautiful thing and I am glad you turned your skills into a clever business model. You deserve your success. Here is some feedback. I think you have trained your instructors well. They are excited, energetic, and engaged with our class. I never feel like they look down on us; instead, they motivate us with a great attitude. They act like pros. From what instructors I have seen, they are very consistent with their message about how to perform exercises and safety. It’s a great class. All the best, Austin Brockenbrough IV
I'm enjoying the "hurt so good" everyday and for the first time look forward to waking up at 5:15 in the morning. I already feel better about myself and wish I would have done this sooner. I've never been a part of a "boot camp" training so don't have much to compare it to, but would have to say... I love it. I've always been an active person, but have noticed in the past few years I’ve needed a little more motivation to get myself going. This is the perfect answer. -Courtney Parrish
Tough, tough,tough! Surprisingly enjoyable (in a very weird way) and extremely rewarding. Amanda Bibb
I'm finding the program very challenging both physically and mentally. Even though my Seal team-mate and running buddy, Rick Greenwood and I have been running 8K's and 10K's for several years, our training routines were never this rigorous, and they tended to ignore everything but legs and lungs. So, after a summer of doing very little, STPT is a real wake-up call, in more ways than one. My personal challenge is to improve my form and do more of each exercise that way. If that rascal Stukie Valentine, who got me and Rick involved, and who is ten years older than I am, can do it, I guess I can too. BTW, those instructors who have worked with us so far have all been great. See you tomorrow. Hooyah, Robert “Tony” Anthony
I have very much enjoyed the STPT experience thus far. I have always been one of those "at the gym for 6 months, off for 9, etc." and this structure not only helps with discipline, but I know I will end up in better shape. Kevin Williamson
This first week of basic training class with the Seal Team, while challenging, has truly pushed me to do more than I ever thought I could - by the time class ends and I get to work, I feel like I am ready to take on the day. While I have always enjoyed fitness classes at the gym, the Seal Team offers something different (and I think better) in emphasizing the importance of the team and helping each other. In that sense, the team exercises have been my favorite part of the training so far (relays, etc.). Looking forward to the rest of this week! Thank you, - Lynnea Barrett
It’s been about 3 months since writing you about my progress so, thought I would give you an update. I joined Seal Team about 41/2 months ago since that time I have lost an additional 36lbs and 6 inches off my waist. Hoo Yah! That’s over 150lbs since 11/06. I am now below 300lbs for the first time in 12 years. 50 more to go! I joined Seal Team under the premise that “I would be in the best shape of my life”. I can see it happening every day!! Thursday I hit a personal best of 107 sit-ups...I started this program being able to do only 6- Push-ups only 4 and a personal best of 36. I wasn’t looking for the change this program would have on me personally. It has been life changing…I handle business and real world situations totally different. I don’t allow frustrating situations to bother me. I approach opportunities from a position of confidence being proactive and not reactive. My attitude has totally changed and the small things in life don’t seem to bother me any more. I want to start each day with a dose of Seal Team Training along with the great people on our team. John you didn’t tell me about this part of my life change. Probably because you know that we wouldn’t understand. But I get it!! Thanks John, for setting an example, overcoming adversity and most of all thanks for serving our country. I am forever indebted to you and you can call on me anytime. I told you I was in for life so I can’t wait to see what a 100 year old can do. Thanks again, Bob Darling
Just wanted you guys to know Instructor House led an amazing workout last night! The “luck of the draw” approach kept it fresh, exciting, challenging and diverse! I really enjoyed working with our team! Thanks for continuing to find ways to mix it up and encourage us to really push ourselves! Looking forward to the next workout! Elizabeth L. McLaughlin
Friday evening with Instructor Gardner was the most intense workout I have experienced so far. She pushed all of us to the limit and beyond. When she broke us into teams, we had several captains that each led the team through several different exercises. Each presenting a new difficulty and a new opportunity for teamwork. With her instruction and the help of my team mates I was pushed beyond myself. Hoo Yah to Instructor Gardner and my team!!!!! Bill Campbell
The day I get to 90 sit ups I will be dancing a jig! Between holding the atomic sit up position and balancing on one leg, I felt like a weeble wobble, except I was always falling down! Thanks for exercising w/ us - it is a real motivation. – Marsh Hayes
Just a quick note to Carol House. Her work out last night was awesome. I always feel that her work outs are so well thought out and among the toughest. I left feeling whipped but proud that I made it through. Thanks a ton, instructor House, for all that you do to prepare for us. Kelly Blanchard
The Seal team physical training has been a wonderful experience. I feel like a better person inside and outside. I also feel more confident that I can do "anything"....that I Put my mind to. STPT will be a new way of life for me..... Thanks to all of the wonderful instructors and motivating team members. Sihbon Brown
The last time I was this excited about getting up at 5 a.m. was Christmas morning when I was 6…this truly is a motivating experience. Blair Funk
Thank you so very much for all of your kind words today. I think that SEAL TEAM has already had a profound impact on my leadership skills and my confidence. This has been the hardest week I've experience in several years and I have made it through only by the support of my teammates and the members of the SEAL TEAM PT group. This will prove to be a life changing program for me physically, mentally, and spiritually. Thanks for all your hard work and the hard work you and your organization helps us accomplish. Bill Campbell
I'm glad you asked us to write to you about the class. I've been meaning to do it anyway. All I can say is SEAL TEAM ROCKS. There is truly nothing else like it around. I'm a pretty social person, I love to play in the dirt, and I get bored if I'm not constantly challenging myself to reach new goals. Being with this team feels totally natural for me. (It's hard...really hard, but a perfect fit for me, none the less.) Sometimes I need help, and sometimes I get to help someone else. How beautiful is that!! Now about the workouts, variety is one of the coolest aspects of what you do. The changes in scenery, as well as all the different exercises we do are good for keeping us focused, and entertained, and keeping our muscles from getting too comfortable. You really know what you're doing out there, and your instructors are well prepared and knowledgeable. Kelly Walker
Although exhausting, the Seal Team PT experience has been great for me. I am almost 10lbs lighter already and feel great even with all the aches, pain, and soreness. More importantly than any weight loss is feeling stronger and more alive. Thanks to all the Seal Team instructors and members!!!!! Hooyah! Sean Brooks
In addition to earnestly motivating its participants to succeed and reach new personal levels of overall health, kudos to SEAL Team PT for requesting feedback and being open to improvement/change. In turn, I am enticed to return, reach new goals, and intrigued to see what my more improved self will evolve to be. Hooyah Instructor McGuire Kathy Brooks
Joining SEAL Team PT has been one of the best decisions of my life. I was getting into such a rut and so bored with my workouts and routine, but now I have a newfound energy. I can already feel the progress I've made over the past two weeks. I feel that my running endurance is stronger and that my upper body strength has increased tenfold. When we were put to the task of going over the suspended log this morning I looked up and thought there was no way I'd be able to do it. I was wrong. I look forward to the many future chances to prove, most importantly to myself, that I am stronger, faster and more confident than I ever thought possible. -Jill Barnett
I just want to say that this has been a great experience and I plan on continuing with this program for a long time! All I have to say is that all my friends are getting really annoyed with me talking about seal team over and over again and how much I like it. I think I have convinced a few friends to come to bring a friend day with me! I want to thank all of the instructors for making the experience so much fun! Without you guys I probably would be still sitting at home on the couch watching TV…..no more of that! Thanks again, Lauren Bolton
I've really enjoyed the past 2 weeks. I'm new to Richmond, so it is not only a workout, but also a way for me to get to know Richmond and to meet new people. Thank you for all of your efforts! See you tomorrow Colette Vieau
I know it is a direct reflection of what you teach on a daily basis, but what a joy it is working with the experienced Seal Team PT members. They get a new person on their “team” for different exercises and you would think they would get frustrated that we can’t do as much as they can, but they don’t! They just keep on encouraging us and they take on those few extra sit-ups or push ups. Great job teaching teamwork!I look forward to continuing with the Seal Team PT program and working myself back into shape! Thank you! Alan Tubbs
I can't say that I enjoy the class but I do enjoy going to it because it gives me the best workout I can get and the feeling that, for the first time in my life, I am actually getting into full body shape. I run marathons and always thought I was in shape until I started the class...just goes to show how much of my body I was neglecting with simple distance running. This past Saturday, still extremely sore from the first week, I ran 20 miles and actually felt that even one week of the class made me a better runner. My pace was faster and the 20 miles felt like nothing. Sarah Daniels
Joining seal team has become one of the best things I have done to improve my physical endurance. I am amazed at how much my body can handle and is able to do. Karla Escalante
So far I have really enjoyed the class and am glad that I signed up. I'm just upset that I didn't sign up sooner. The best thing so far for me is the constant variation. Exercises. Locations. It keeps every day interesting. The progress from Monday - Friday has been noticeable just in terms of how long I can stay in pushup positions. The team building aspect is a big part of what I like as well. I have never been able to get as fit in group settings (I've played team sports my whole life) than I have working out on my own. Cheers to both McGuire's that have been training us. They are great motivators. Warren Wan Der Waag
I like the team building activities like the window jump and the raft. I would like to see more of these activities where I get a workout without really realizing it (like the raft). Also, I really like Rusty's instruction style because he encourages you while he's pushing you through the exercises. Ashleigh Ward
This week was challenging, and painful, but was some of the best fun I have had getting in shape ever. Mitch Jones
I came to Seals Training looking for a challenge both mentally and physically, and after just one week that is exactly what I am getting! I am trying to increase my upper body strength, so as much as I may not like the push ups during class, I am always thankful for them after class. My boyfriend tells me he can already see an increase in my muscle tone after just one week! I also feel good knowing all the great things I'm doing for my body during class. I like how the class changes daily. It keeps it new and exciting. I think there is a very good balance of cardio and strengthening. This class has already started to change my life, I will never have to go to that boring gym ever again! Thank you Seals Team PT Instructors- Ya'll are wonderful :) Celia Williamson
My feedback from week one of the Seal Team PT program is: 1. I haven't been that sore in many years! 2. I really enjoy the team aspect of the training. It is great to rely on each other to get things done faster. You are doing a great job of stressing teamwork. 3. I really enjoyed Thursday when we were put together with the larger experienced group. It was nice to talk to people who said they once couldn't do any push ups or sit ups and now they are doing 40 or more. More importantly, it was great to be paired with these experienced people and to have them be so encouraging and motivating. They knew I was in the new class and they would always say that I was doing a great job even though I was struggling to keep up. 4. I like how this relates to the work environment too. Rusty is the best at relating what we are doing to a corporate or team environment outside of the Seal Team PT environment. 5. This program is great because you change the things we do frequently to avoid boredom and burnout in a workout. 6. I like how you push us but say that if something doesn't feel right, to stop to avoid further injury. I am getting over two issues, plantar fascia in the foot and rotator cuff in the shoulder and although they only slightly bothered me this week, its good to know I can stop if something doesn't feel right. Lastly, the best thing is that I like about it is that it forces you to push beyond where you normally would. I told a neighbor I was in this class and she said "I heard that John was brutal in the way he pushed people." My response was that is why we pay to attend the course! I guarantee that if I went to the gym and did about three leg lifts and it did not feel good, I will stop doing them. On the other hand, if I am at Seal Team PT and someone says that if my legs aren't 6 inches off the ground, my teammates will do 100 pushups, I will do my best to keep them up! I look forward to week two and hopefully not being as sore! Alan Tubbs
SEAL team isn't just a work out every day of the week at 5:45 in the morning...it is a family and a great one at that. This IS the best thing that I have ever done in my life and I don't know why I never tried to do it earlier! Thank YOU for this amazing opportunity to part of this amazing team. Brooke Paige
Hoo-yah! Seal team has given me something to look forward to during my 8 hour stints in “cube world”. Before, I used to go from sitting in front of a computer screen to standing in front of an elliptical monitor. Now I get to exercise with a great group of people getting dirty in the fresh air! Despite some aches and pains, I am so glad that I have signed up to work with the Seal Team. It’s exciting to show up and not know what you will be doing from one minute to the next after such a predictable work day! The workouts are great, the people are great, and I look forward to seeing what new things I can push myself to do! Thank you! Katie Ketchum
My SEAL experience has been amazing. My husband, Scott (Class 182), has enjoyed his SEAL experience so much that he suggested I try, too. I’ve wanted to get in shape since having our son a year ago, and I can tell SEAL is going to do that—and more. Not only have I been pushed physically, I’ve been forced outside of my comfort zone mentally, too. I’m not a “water” fan, so yesterday’s activities were challenging! I’m thrilled to have been on the team and look forward to more exciting challenges. And, it was great to reach the :30 mark with holding my breath! The instructors have all been fantastic! Their support and encouragement has pushed us all. And, working out with the members on Wednesday was rewarding, too. The sense of team was inspiring—and pushed us to do our part. And, it’s been great to share my experiences with Scott and understand more fully what’s he’s been doing at 5:45 a.m.! We have quickly realized how our new schedule (with me doing SEAL in the afternoon) will work for us. I’m looking forward to the next workout, and I know I’ll continue to grow physically and mentally. Hooyah! Elizabeth McLaughlin
This has been one of the most courageous and rewarding experience of my entire life! Jimmy King
In addition to the great workouts and community you have created, it’s great to see and hear the respect that the members give to each other, you and our brothers in arms. STPT is really so much more than just a workout. See you soon, Mike Carris
It has been a little over a year since I joined Seal Team PT. You weren't kidding about getting me in the best shape of my life. My motivation for joining was because every person in my family has died from some form of heart disease, and I felt I was headed down that path. After visiting my doctor recently I found that my cholesterol and blood pressure weren't just in the good range, they were in the excellent range. It was like Christmas morning. I feel great and have Seal Team PT to thank for all of the great motivation. I also wanted to say the recent morning workouts have been fantastic. I feel that the members have been getting a "back to basics" by getting stronger when we don't act like a team. All I can say is keep it up. I have already started noticing people thinking of the team rather than "I got mine". Not to mention we keep getting stronger. Thanks Instructor McGuire. Cory White
