Client testimonials

“Before I saw Joel, I had suffered from increasing sciatic pain down one leg for a number of months, to the point where I was barely able to stand or sit for more than a few minutes at a time. My condition felt so persistent and severe that I found it hard to believe there was any solution other than a microdiscectomy. Having remaining fit and healthy all my life, I was dismayed to find myself in that position in my early 40s.

Having Joel recommended to me was the turning point. He helped me understand the mechanics of my condition and how to avoid triggering and aggravating my pain, based on his work with Prof Stuart McGill. Joel’s professionalism and expertise were coupled with an ability to listen to me, both in terms of how my body was reacting to the progressive rehabilitation programme and in terms of my own personal goals, as he guided me through my recovery. After about 8 months, I was able to return to playing competitive basketball with no ill effects – something I did not believe was possible before I saw Joel.

The impact of my recovery on myself and my family has been immense and Joel has given me the tools to sustain that position. We are all very grateful to Joel for a job extremely well done!”

“When I first contacted Joel I was 10 months post decompression surgery at L5-S1 with a reherniated disc at the same level. I had increasing pain levels and I was now unable to train or work effectively. It was looking like another surgery was my next option. Wanting to avoid another go on the the surgeon’s table but unsure if it was possible I was extremely scared, frustrated and anxious. I am so glad I discovered Joel who armed with his unrivalled professionalism, knowledge, and kindness stepped in and guided me through the mess.

From the beginning Joel was very open and honest about my situation and fully managed my expectations. I was living life at 100 miles an hour and naively thought I could carry on as I was and somehow heal my body. My mindset soon changed when he gave me some tough love “Rach, you have got to cool your jets and strap in tight because it’s going to be the toughest ride you have ever been on”, when Joel speaks you listen!

His attention to detail is top level, from the moment I walked in the door at PerformanceRx he was on to my every move taking note on how I walked in, how I got to the floor, how my ruck sack sat on my back, how I put my shoes on and then offered me guidance on how to adjust all of these things to aid my recovery. No stone was left unturned.

Working with Joel through my rehab and recovery isn’t just the time I am with him face to face he has generously been there for email check-ins, phone catch ups and even offered advice on my sometimes ridiculous questions, nerve pain took me to some strange, dark places but Joel’s support helped get me out of them.

When first I met Joel for the consultation I was in so much pain we couldn’t actually finish the assessment. 10 months down the line I am absolutely thrilled to say I have avoided another back surgery and currently feel better than I have in a long long time. I have started training again and I am also slowly reintroducing elements of Animal Flow in to my program. I will never be able to thank Joel enough for all his help, support and guidance.”

“Hand on heart my life has changed and it’s down to Joel and his unique, detailed approach. After 10 years of lower back pain due to numerous factors, I was in a real mess. As a 34 year old with an active background, I had pretty much given up. Sitting, standing or walking for more than a few minutes were all challenging and every day tasks had been a nightmare for years. I came across the teachings of Professor Stuart McGill, an expert in spinal biomechanics and I purchased his books to learn more. At this point, I discovered Joel who, amongst many other things, was one of the few international master clinicians of McGill’s methods. Joel’s approach was nothing like I had ever experienced. The lengthy assessment and attention to detail allowed Joel to discover the deeper root causes of my problems. Joel has been in regular contact with me advising me on my progression and 6 months on and I could write so much about how my life has changed. Furthermore, I never dreamed I’d be that person writing a testimonial about how someone has had such a profound effect on my life but here I am! Joel, my man, thank you!!””

“I had suffered from low back pain and associated sciatica in both my legs for about 15 months when I came to see Joel. I had been hospitalised for several days and was told I would need a microdiscectomy, I was shocked: I wasn’t even 30 years old! Month after month the pain escalated and I was at the point where I could not stand or walk for longer than five minutes before the pain in my legs became unbearable. Within a month of seeing Joel and implementing the training schedule he provided I was down to pain in just one leg and I’d stopped taking the cocktail of ever stronger medication I had been prescribed. Within three months I was back on the golf course; by 6 months I had forgotten I had a bad back at all and my life was back to normal. Joel has performed nothing short of a miracle and I cannot thank him enough!”

“Before visiting Joel, I suffered from back problems for a year and a half. I have seen many back professionals, but without success. Some of their instructions even made my situation worse. McGill’s method has been useful to me, but something was still missing. I had daily back discomfort, and weekly pain flare ups.

Meeting Joel has been the right decision. His approach has been professional, instructive, and compassionate. He has helped me to understand the source of the problem in a clear and simple way. I adapted the exercises, movements, thinking about recovery and one month later I feel great. My quality of life has increased immensely, as my low back is no longer the center of my daily thoughts.

I consider myself very lucky to have met Joel and would recommend him to anyone with back problems. ”

“Having been let down by other trainers, and given an unhelpful diagnosis by a surgeon, discovering Joel at PerformanceRx and his phenomenal approach to spinal injury rehab was a miracle. The definitive research in McGill’s books gave me concrete answers and a language to identify and describe my symptoms, while Joel’s genuine expertise in effective pain-reduction and training took me steadily from constant discomfort to symptom-free in 15 months. Objectively, the injured tissue was improved on scans and I now lift heavier than I did before the injury. Most of all, Joel’s tireless personal support makes one feel genuinely seen and cared for, with a level of practical reassuring optimism that is unmatched in my experience of clinicians and therapists in any field. I literally tell anyone I meet who is seeing a chiropractor or suffering with their back that this is the real deal and finally an answer that can help. Thank you Joel!”

“After over a decade in the Military having sustained multiple injuries to my spine and adjoining structures I again suffered an injury to my lower back that resulted in being retired from the Military. At my lowest point I was unable to walk unaided, unable to hold, lift or carry my newborn daughter, daily household tasks were impossible for me to complete at the time and I was completely housebound.

After struggling with debilitating pain and loss of movement in my daily life I was fortunate enough to be referred to Joel Proskewitz through Prof Stuart McGill. My initial consultation with Joel was about 4 hours long. For the first time I had someone who actually listened to what was going on and allowed me to tell my story rather than assuming and cutting me off every time I spoke. I came way from the assessment with a precise cause of my pain, pain triggers and the beginning of a progressive plan to get me back to the best place I can be. I’m happy to say more than a year on from my first consultation with Joel and I have improved beyond where I have been in almost 6 years.

The thing I admired most about Joel was his understanding of not only my injury but how life itself can impact recovery and that not everything is a simple linear progression. Along with his straight up honesty. Joel says it how it is and holds his clients accountable which is as it should be. 

I can’t thank Joel enough. He has changed not only my life but my families life for the better. As of writing this I have achieved my main aim so far in being able to actually play with my daughter and be a part of her life as opposed to a spectator and look forward to hitting more milestones along the way. 

Thank you for everything Joel.”

“Persistent low back pain led to a diagnosis of L5-S1 disc bulge which just refused to heal. After months of terrible pain and discomfort, including  neural symptoms down my leg which only received temporary relief from physio treatments, numerous surgeon’s advised an operation. Just before I took the plunge to go under the knife – which I really didn’t want to do - to my great fortune, friends urged me to have consultation with Joel Proskewitz; further great fortune followed when Prof Stuart McGill was present when I attended PerformanceRx. That day changed my life. Joel and the Prof gave me a thorough examination which categorically identified the cause of my pain and Joel started me on a course of specific movement and strength based exercises. Slowly, my pain started to ease under Joel’s careful supervision of my exercise plan. After a few months I was moving pain free and gaining confidence that my problem would not return. 4 years later and having seen Joel and his wonderful colleagues weekly ever since, I’m back playing tennis and moving and sitting without discomfort. I have recommended Joel and PerformanceRx to many people and will continue to do so in complete confidence that they too will receive the very best of diagnosis and help.”

“Joel’s immense knowledge and experience of Prof. McGill’s scientific research and their close working relationship is extremely unique. I am both very lucky and grateful that they have generously shared their expertise with me, when many others have let me down or spoken out of their hats. In contrast, Stu and Joel are genuine and don’t do BS! They know what they know and what they don’t know. I wish that I had heard of their work some 20 years ago. But they have taught me many life lessons too, and my current resilience is in part due to their holistic approach to rehabilitation and their ability to create strong relationships built on trust and rigorous argument. They do not mind being challenged. The highest compliment that I can pay to the Prof. and Joel is that they have empowered me to become my own best advocate. And a pretty good one at that I think!”

“The greatest investment I have made for the integrity and longevity of my low back was the decision to seek the guidance and expertise of Joel Proskewitz.
Following several years of sciatic pain and muscular discomfort which had an effect on my career and daily activities, I tried many traditional approaches with very poor success and realised the severe lack of education in the health system for low back injury and rehabilitation.
During my experience working with Joel, one of the major qualities that I, as a patient appreciated was his ability to listen and to acknowledge his patient without dismissing any information. Joel has consistently conducted himself with the utmost professionalism, while being a humble and compassionate coach. Joel’s precision and thorough assessments combined with his extensive education and knowledge on the lumbar spine and biomechanics, with many years of training experience as a strength and conditioning coach have enabled him to provide me with a successful long-term outcome.
Joel has empowered me with training recommendations to support my individual structure and optimise the long-term health of my low back. Joel has empowered me to understand how best to move and train according to my own body structure and This has allowed me to pursue my career, continue my enjoyment of strength training and improve my quality of life with no reoccurring debilitating acute episodes.

Overall, my experience under the guidance and expertise of Joel Proskewitz has been extremely successful and I now have the knowledge and understanding to optimise the health of my spine for today and many years to come!”

“I started to have low back issues when I was 16y/o. After having spine surgery at 23 and still suffering daily with back pain and sciatica for the last 10 years, I sought out countless physiotherapists, osteopaths and neurosurgeons all over Europe. My trust in many of these professionals diminished, because in most cases, only a temporary solution was offered which oftentimes created even more despair. When I was advised to see Joel I had my doubts; however he was the first person who took the time to look at my body / spine and listen to my full story. I have multiple issues with my low back, neck, shoulder and knee. Joel was the first one who said that exercise shouldn’t hurt. Every exercise is adapted to my own structure and does not trigger any pain. Joel always explains the mechanics behind each exercise and has given me the ability to have total awareness of my spinal movements both in and out of the gym.

My low back has improved considerably and I have finally found someone I can trust and who will guide me through recovery and on a path to normal life without constant pain. I only regret not finding Joel sooner! ”

“I had a scan and was advised by a back surgeon that there was little that could be done to ease the pain in my back and that probably in the next 10 years I would need an operation. Luckily for me my personal trainer had read the Back Mechanic and recommended I make contact with Joel.

Joel spent a three hour session assessing the exact issues with my back without even looking at my scan and he was absolutely spot on. He designed a personalised exercise programme and gave me practical tips on how to move sit and stand to enable me to strengthen my back with the aim to significantly reducing my back pain.

6 months later how are things? Amazing! I am pain free and enjoying life to the full. Could not recommend Joel enough for anyone with back pain he has an amazing knowledge of his specialist subject.”

“In 2017 I unfortunately suffered a severe disk prolapse (L4/L5) which sadly led me to having 2 (almost back to back) surgeries. After a few months of recovery I was scared to start training again and thought I would never be able to be as active as I was before the surgeries. However I realised I already knew the best person in the business to get me back on track and had a consultation with Joel. He then took me through a specific and individualised program and explained the “whys” and the “hows” of each and every exercise.

Over 2 years on I am stronger than ever and my injury has not limited me at all, I have simply learned what I should do and how I should do it and have applied that knowledge consistently.

Joel’s care, knowledge and expertise is next to none and I could not recommend him enough to anyone needing some professional low back advice.”

“After being diagnosed with L4-L5, L5-S1 disc bulges at 19, followed by 6 months of back discomfort, neural symptoms down my leg and unhelpful advice from several practitioners, I booked a consultation with Joel Proskewitz. He identified my injury, pain triggers, hip structure and taught me how to perform movements in a spine sparing manner suited to my anatomy. I noticed fast, significant improvements within days of following his prescribed exercise plan and advice - it’s safe to say that Joel has altered my approach to training for the better. I am now training frequently, playing sports and more importantly I have a blueprint for remaining free of back pain. I feel confident knowing that any queries or questions that I may have, Joel will be able to help in a refined, expert manner.”

““I came to see Joel because of my low back pain and the impact it was having on my professional rugby career. I was unable to properly strength train and condition myself for rugby. After an in depth assessment of my low back, Joel was able to show me how to apply the appropriate exercises and movements to my daily routine and training program. They were the simple things performed with perfect execution. The exercises respected my own structure and anatomy. I am now back training and playing rugby and all I can say is ‘healthy training, healthy spine!’

”

“Over the past year, I’ve have been helped by Joel following a series of lower back issues. After unsuccessfully seeking help from several sources in my local area, I was linked to PerformanceRx and Joel through BackFitPro.

From the initial telephone consultation onwards, it was clear Joel was the right choice to help me deal with the highly complex issues I faced with my lower back. His ability to articulate these complexities in layman’s terms is nothing short of remarkable.

During my initial consultation, it was made clear to me what my injury was, how certain movement patterns I followed would act as pain triggers and the limitations my hip structure placed on my biomechanics. Again, all explained in a real life useable manner to help me understand how to modify not only my training, but also my day to day movement patterns. On completion of the assessment Joel then taught me how to perform movements specific to my anatomy, to begin the process of building resiliency in my lower back.

Armed with Joel’s report, I approached my employer who sent me for an MRI scan. The results of the scan were exactly as assessed during my initial consultation, a true testament to the precise level of diagnosis Joel is able to provide using his understanding of Dr McGill’s scientifically proven method.

As a remote client of Joels, I visited periodically as I progressed through the ‘prescription’ provided during my appointments, this allowed me the freedom to progress at my own pace, whilst being able to freely contact Joel for advice and support as required.

A year down the line, not only do I have a useable strategy to eliminate my pain triggers, I also have an understanding of these pain triggers that gives me the self efficacy to adapt my behaviours to ensure pain free movement.

Joel will not only get you better, but he’ll also teach you how to understand how you, as an individual with your own limitations, can stay pain free beyond your time working with him. I recommend Joel and PermanenceRx to anyone I interact with who is struggling with low back pain.

Thanks Joel!”

“Joel, thank you so much for fixing me. When we first met I was in a bad way and my back injury was inhibiting my performances. Your skills and knowledge meant you were able to isolate the problem and prescribe the perfect exercises to alleviate the symptoms completely. Everything you’ve taught me has been invaluable. Thanks for everything!
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“Joel, I am writing to thank you for everything you have done to address my long standing back complaint. The impact has been nothing short of incredible. You will remember when we first met about a year ago that my day to day experience of recurring lower back pain was something I assumed I would just have to live with. What prompted me to consult with you were the frequent episodes of painful back spasms that left me unable to move freely for days or weeks at a time.  Inevitably the effect of these episodes would subside over time through rest and inactivity however they would reoccur again at some later date resulting in a stop/start ability to play golf, go to the gym or live a normal life. Over the last 10 years, in an attempt to proactively manage and maintain my back health I had seen numerous back pain specialists and physios, consulted with back surgeons (who recommended an operation) and tried extended periods of Pilates , Yoga and swimming. The activities that most people suggest are ‘good’ for the back. But nothing seemed to result in improvement. Your initial assessment , considered diagnosis and recommendations gave me great confidence and within a short space of time my back was stable and the pain was gone. 
Here I am a year later celebrating the fact that I have not had one episode of back spasm since we met and with no lower back pain. Throughout the year  I have been to the gym 3-4 times per week  have played golf twice a week ,cycled without any discomfort and even played tennis again .. all without any side effects. With your help I now know what activities to avoid and those that I can undertake without fear .. I feel in control of my back condition in a way I have never felt before. I can’t thank you enough Joel. ”

“When I went to see Joel, I had lost all hope of getting my low back better. As a competitive Olympic weightlifter, I trained every day and I could no longer do this. After meeting with Joel he gave me a good perspective of what I could do later on. I was so impressed with the way that Joel works and how he explains things, I felt that everything had fallen into place. Working with Joel over the last few months has allowed me to feel normal again and the exercises are really working to make me so much stronger. I cannot wait what the future has in store for me.”

“About 4 months ago I painfully limped into PerformanceRx to see Joel Proskewitz. I was hopeful that he could help me reduce my leg pain that was originating from my low back. I had read Prof McGill’s Back Mechanic book and had been recommended to see Joel by Professor McGill. After a very thorough examination Joel located the source of my pain and so began a series of visits and specific movements & exercises. I am now pain free; able to sleep well at night and hike any distance I’ve chosen so far. I cannot thank Joel enough for educating me about my back health and for giving me a foundation for a continued pain free existence. It’s been life changing!”

“The first thing to say is I like Joel, I like him a lot. When you meet him it’s immediately obvious he’s a good natured soul, a man you can trust. I went to see Joel last year after years of low back problems and he made an immediate impact on my personal and professional life. After 7 years of pain and lower back spasm he seems to have succeeded were many others failed. The relief I feel is huge. After my initial assessment he assured me that my problems would be manageable if I followed his advice. “I can’t guarantee you’ll never have another back spasm but I am sure that if you follow my advice you’ll have less of them” - he said. I’ve not had a back spasm since that conversation!
Thank you Joel...I’m immensely grateful.”

“There are personal trainers – then there are coaches. Joel is a Vince Lombardi in the fitness world. I have seen Joel teach, coach, instruct, train, inspire, and motivate – all at the same time. The ability to integrate these very important processes into one experience is probably the hardest skill a personal trainer has to master – and few do. Joel Proskewitz is one of those rare coaches that fully embodies the entire skill set needed to take anyone to their highest potential and beyond. If you’re training with Joel – you’re training with the best. Be ready for the JP experience!”

“When I came to see Joel I had lost all faith in getting my lower back better and being able to return to my love of show jumping again after a nasty horse fall. I had been to see many different consultants and muscular therapists but wasn’t getting any better, in fact I was in more pain from doing the exercises they had taught me to do. After meeting with Professor Stuart McGill and Joel Proskewitz I knew I had met the best people. Joel has been absolutely fantastic in my recovery. He has shown me movements that allow me to move and train totally pain free. Joel is extremely smart in how he implements the correct exercises for rehabilitation and performance. Joel has given me so much more confidence in what I am able to do. After seeing so many people, I was very lucky to find Joel.”

“Joel Proskewitz has been a total saviour and I don’t know what I would have done without finding a newspaper article about his work. After a thorough assessment, he designed and supervised a series of increasing rehabilitation exercises to alleviate my back problem. In the 15 months since I first saw him I have followed his instructions and have not suffered any further pain – which is incredible. I maintain the program and my back is now stronger than it has been for decades.
 
In my opinion, Joel’s knowledge and understanding of musculoskeletal systems and injury prevention whilst exercising is second to none. 
I recommend all my friends to PerformanceRx, whether or not one needs a specialist consultation with Joel for rehabilitation or to see one of his his trainers, who are similarly instructed. My friends have since also found it incredibly helpful to check over on going exercise programs, so as to avoid later stress injuries.
 
PerformanceRx is a brilliant studio full of genuine expertise, in what seemed a veritable ‘jungle’ of potential treatments available. I am so glad I found Joel Proskewitz.”

“As a former competitive powerlifter of modest ability but real passion for the sport, low back pain has been a familiar problem, and it had been having a particularly ruinous effect on my training for about two years. It left me frustrated and fairly certain that I would have to choose between pursuing the sport I enjoyed so much, and quitting altogether before it was too late to avoid chronic pain later in life.

With Joel’s expert advice and guidance I’ve been able to quickly eliminate my pain triggers, started to enforce good habits, and reconstructed my technique on the competition lifts. I’m confident that I can use what I’ve learnt to surpass my previous competition total and continue to enjoy a healthy back! - Thank you Joel”

“I had continuous low back pain for 25 years which finally became unbearable. I was introduced to Joel who was the only person who traced the injury back to my days of rowing while at University. He then changed my exercise regime by removing certain activities and including others. I followed his program and advice to the letter and 6 months later, not only am I virtually pain free, I’m back playing football and even went sculling again this summer. The only part of my body that wasn’t in pain after the sculling was my back! I haven’t felt better in years. A huge thank you.
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“4 month’s ago, I had a low back assessment by Joel Proskewitz. It was in depth and provided me with a clear understanding of what my pain triggers are and how to avoid them. He then recommended I work with one of his trainers at PerformanceRx, who has been great in providing clear instruction and cues for the exercises in my rehab programme. In that time I have gone from being in constant pain throughout the day to barely noticing any pain.

Joel is a very passionate guy, and you know that he genuinely cares about his clients. Having been through two spine surgeries already, I’m grateful to be working with Joel and PerformanceRx, and know that I’m in safe hands for the future!”

“When I met Joel I was post back surgery and very low mentally and out of shape physically. Over the course of a year Joel got me fit , strong and above all confident and very body aware. He is without question one of the most well informed , well connected, sensible and top of his game experts in the area of back and body rehabilitation. His training skills are effective and challenging yet totally safe and measured. He is a rare breed and I feel lucky to have him on my side.”

“I was recommended to see Joel Proskewitz after many practitioners failed to help my lower back. I had spent 2 years trying to get pain free, which in turn did not allow me to play much golf. Joel explained the rehabilitation process with thought and logic; taking me through a step by step recovery process in building back my pain free capacity. I saw the results over time as pain decreased and I’ve now returned to playing golf every day with a healthy, pain free spine.

Joel has worked incredibly well as part of my coaching team, completely turning my physical health around from chronic pain to hardly getting any signs of a bad back.

Not only have I returned to full time golf but I have learnt tremendous amounts of knowledge and have enjoyed working with such great guy. My dream is to play on the PGA and European Tours and now I’m able to work extremely hard to achieve that with tournaments, practice and Joel as part of my coaching team.”

“25 years ago I had an accident in which three discs prolapsed. I was in a cycle of absolute agony followed by a slow recovery period and then I would resume exercise only for my back to “go again” A surgeon offered to do a spinal fusion which luckily I declined. A life of pain killers, physiotherapy, manipulations and injections followed until I read an article in the Daily Mail about Prof Mc Gill in which Joel Proskewitz was featured, this was a life changing discovery for me.
After a detailed examination Joel soon pointed out that the exercises given to me by others were actually making my back worse and that by carefully controlled exercise I could resume a normal life.
I am now 9 months into rehabilitation with Joel and already the difference is immense, the worst I get now is an ache which I am now able to reduce to almost nil by following Joel’s instructions on back hygiene combined with a specific exercise regime designed for me.

A big thank you Joel.
”

“When I first went to see Joel my back was causing me pain all through the day and making me miserable. Joel has managed to work out which day to day activities flare my back up and found alternative ways around them. This, combined with exercises tailored specifically for me has made my back feel better than it has in years. Joel has fantastic exercise rehabilitation knowledge and has made me realise how so much of what I have been told before is wrong. I strongly recommend Joel if you have been suffering from back pain and want to get fit again.”

“I have been training with Joel for the past 10 years since he arrived in London. I say training because Joel doesn’t “train” in the true sense of the word. What he does is fine tunes; he is a technician; a master craftsman. He is in a different and unique league. His goal is not to exhaust his clients on a treadmill or to achieve their maximum heart rate and recovery as quickly as possible, but to achieve their true potential over whatever period of time it takes. And this is how he achieves perfection, which is his ultimate aim. Each client is his project, and the achievement of his or her real potential is his ultimate goal. Whatever the age or physical or mental state of his client, he ensures that whatever it takes he will achieve this. He looks after three generations of my family all of whom have different requirements in terms of physical and mental well being, and each one of them is thriving. I cannot recommend him highly enough.”

“I came across Joel after reading Stuart McGill’s book, Back Mechanic. Having gone through two chiropractors, three physios, one osteopath and a private pilates tutor over the course of five years, I had reached a point of desperation and needed to find a solution to my chronic lower back issues. Having been told repeatedly that I had “non specific back pain”, it was a huge relief to be told that there was a cause, and it was something that could be rectified. Joel was the first person who really took the time to assess me thoroughly, and it paid off. Within a week, I had experienced my first pain-free day, and this has only increased since. For the first time, I feel like I’m on the road to recovery.”

“Meeting Joel Proskewitz has been an absolute pleasure. Joel is a wonderful trainer, he has inspired me with his vast knowledge of the body and taught me so much about nutrition. Every session with Joel is varied and different, he inspires me to work out and keep strong and healthy. Thank you so much Joel for your fresh approach and being a compassionate teacher. ”

“I have known Joel Proskewitz for over 20 years. He is an experienced professional trainer and conditioning specialist, and I have used him for the rehabilitation of my patients with knee problems pre- and post surgery. He is excellent in his field.”

“I started training with Joel Proskewitz after my surgery and on the recommendation of my physiotherapist. She was spot on. I have never done gym work before, fearing I would find it boring. I rarely do the same thing twice with Joel. He is unfailingly attentive, gives pertinent explanations of why we are doing something and in a particular way. He is enthusiastic without being false and has thought things through before I arrive. He arms me to exercise on my own as well and my body has not looked like this since I was twenty!”

“I reluctantly decided to use a personal trainer 10 years ago, and was introduced to Joel. I have found every session to be meticulously planned, functional, and designed specifically around my needs and capabilities. He has kept me motivated throughout this period, and I look forward to my two sessions per week.”

“Joel Proskewitz is an exceptional personal trainer. He is clearly focused on helping his clients push themselves to their limits and is constantly innovating training sessions to ensure they remain interesting and challenging.”

“At the age of 13, I was the WUKF National Karate Champion. I then fractured a vertebrae in my lower back (L5) which left me in constant pain and unable to walk more than 10 paces without having to sit down. After about 9 months, I was lucky enough to be introduced to Joel Proskewitz. Within a few weeks, Joel’s precise prescription of my targeted rehab and conditioning exercises had got me pain free and shortly after I was able to start my karate training again. Joel’s constant encouragement and enthusiasm has kept me going and I am now back to competing and being ranked one of the highest karate competitors in the UK. Joel, I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me.”

“When I came to see Joel I was close to losing all hope of ever recovering from my hamstring tear. I had been out of competition for nearly 2 years and seen 4 different physios with next to no result, I thought my career was over. After a initial consultation I knew I had come to the right place for any chance of recovery. Over the course of 6 months, Joel took me from a person who could not extend my leg fully without pain, to a national champion who is pain free and training harder than ever. I owe my recovery entirely to him.”

“I can’t thank Joel enough for both his physical and emotional support during what was a very difficult and painful time. After injuring my back and having 2 prolapsed discs I was very close to having surgery. I had already had 2 unsuccessful steroid injections and was taking several prescription painkillers to cope. All I wanted was to be free from the pain that had rendered me immobile for several months. I met with Joel who with his wealth of knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and in particular the low back, persuaded me to forgo the surgery and let him handle my recovery. As it concerns my health, it was the best decision I have ever made. He worked with me over several months encouraging me through some very dark moments where I very nearly gave up. He taught me how to move again and showed me how to re-educate the muscles that had basically shut down as a protective devise. Joel knew my body would heal itself and with exercises specifically selected to strengthen, he got me pain-free and helped me gain confidence in my body’s ability to move. I am so grateful to Joel for his support and would highly highly highly recommend him to anyone who is injured or needs body strengthening or anyone who wants to understand how the musculoskeletal system works and how best to strengthen it. The fact that I am now back to training and completely pain free is a testament to Joel’s abundance of knowledge and his careful approach!”

“Having suffered back pain for over 10 years and seeing various medical professionals, I was referred to a specialist for an operation to “cure” a bulging disc. I had a discectomy and laminectomy at l4/5. After the operation I was still in pain. The surgeon suggested nothing further could be done.
I found Professor Stuart McGill and started reading his 2 books, later attending a seminar that Professor McGill gave. I was then recommended by Professor McgGill to see Joel Proskewitz, who started prescribing exercises specifically for my problem rather than generic exercises.
Joel seems to be a master at spotting things others had missed; he studied my posture, my walking and seating positions and amended the exercises to my needs and requirements. Further meetings and Joel has shown me how to perform daily routines with reduced pain, along with this is a reduction in painkillers. Although rather than the pain recurring due to following errant patterns of exercise or actions, I am now recovering and able to exercise pain free on a daily basis.”

“I started training with Joel two years ago to get me ready for ski touring in the Swiss alps. He devised a program for me on- and off-season. I have strength and endurance to help me up the mountains on the sometimes 3-4 hour climbs in high altitude and explosive power still in my legs to let me bounce through the powder on the way down. He has transformed me! The real test came on a week long ski tour with five men who had all trained by cycling, running and playing squash. By day three when they were all needing a lie in, I was as fit and up for it as on day one. And another plus, after years of carrying that pregnancy blubber that no amount of yoga and cycling could shift, I feel great in a bikini for the first time in years. Thank you Joel!”

“After an ACL repair surgery and some physiotherapy, I was referred to Joel. I hobbled in barely able to do much apart from walk. All I can say now is I’m back in my heels able to do more than I could before my surgery and obviously a glutton for punishment as I seem to be going in to workout with him several times a week. Joel is passionate about what he does and I can confidently say he knows almost everything there is to know about the human body and training effectively. He has not only rehabilitated my knee but strengthened and toned my body – so I’m a believer!”

“I started seeing Joel four months into a very slow recovery from a bulging disc. After limited success with Pilates and traditional physiotherapy, I was looking for somebody to coach me in Low-Back Stability Training.

My experience with Joel has been terrific. His approach goes well beyond Low-Back Stability Training. He takes a holistic view considering all the factors that may be contributing to your problem and designing a training program to address them. His advice extends beyond the gym, addressing issues of pain relief, posture, gait, footwear and suggesting useful solutions. Of all the health professionals I have consulted, Joel is the one who stands out for his keen intellectual interest in getting to the bottom of my own individual problem. He is also the person who has made the most difference to my recovery. I have got more out of my sessions with Joel than with other professionals. Thanks to him, I have finally been able to get back to a normal pain-free life.”

“Joel is always meticulously prepared and uses the latest scientific techniques. He is constantly educating me – not just on how to do an exercise, but more importantly why each exercise is important and functional. Joel has even developed specific training for my race car driving. As a result of training with Joel, there has been a significant improvement in my core strength and overall fitness. Highly recommended.”

“I have trained with Joel for 10 years, and I simply can’t imagine life without him. He is not only passionate about physical strength, but also mental health. Joel offers me sculpted muscles, physical balance, boundless energy and inspiration to live a healthy lifestyle”

“After my knee surgery I hit a point where the physical therapy was not helping me improve anymore. My knee was still not strong and I lacked the strength and confidence to do things like stairs, hike and downhill skiing. My physical therapist recommended Joel and I cannot imagine what I would have done without his help. Not only is my knee stronger and completely pain free, but we have begun to transform my whole body. I am stronger than I have ever been and I look great! Joel has reworked my diet and he gives me routines to do while I am on holiday so I don’t lose any momentum with our training. Thank you Joel!”