Testimonials
Real People. Real Coaching. Real Change.
These stories show what can happen when expert coaching, personal accountability, and consistent effort come together.
Client Transformations
Proof That The Right Plan Changes More Than Your Body.
The current testimonial page includes stories from Private Training, Group Training, Corrective Exercise, and The Amazing 12 Program.
88 lbsLost by Cassandra in 10 months through private training.
12 weeksRichard described Amazing 12 as the program that took him from his worst condition to his best.
5.0Every featured story on the current page is presented as a 5-star review.
★★★★★
Cassandra’s Story
Starting weight: 250 lbs
Current weight: 162 lbs
Duration: Lost 88 lbs in 10 months
A few years ago life knocked me down and I let it keep me down, until finally one day I decided to stop acting like a victim and start acting like the fighter I’ve always known myself to be. I decided to start working with a personal trainer and that has been the best decision of my life! Training with Michael Sutton has been the exact push I needed to get back to the person I used to be and I can honestly say that he saved my life.
In the beginning of my weight loss journey, I started with two 1:1 sessions a week. The remaining days of the work week were spent at my apartment gym, doing personalized workouts organized by Michael. On Saturday’s I attended the ATO Fitness boot camp. I worked out six days a week for almost four months, but you get what you put into it.
Over time Michael implemented an eating program to help boost results and not only did I start to see the weight I was losing, but I started to see what I was gaining in the progression of my workouts: working harder and lifting heavier. Within 10 months I had lost 88 lbs, but more importantly gained back my competitive edge, enthusiastic nature, and my life. Although my journey started out as weight loss, it has transformed into constant progression. Now I’m focusing on form, strength, and mobility and can’t wait to see more results!
I don’t think I would have gotten the results I see today without Michael. Although it may seem like I was the one putting in the hard work, Michael was by my side every single step of the way. Creating and personalizing plans to match my needs and goals and constantly getting creative with workouts when I hit a plateau. Plus Michael always provided support when I was feeling mentally weak, encouragement when I was feeling uncertain, and enthusiasm for every milestone I achieved. It was the partnership and sense of trust with Michael that helped me put all my broken pieces back together and become stronger than ever.
★★★★★
John’s Story
Let me share two viewpoints on Michael and his skills with his clients. The first is in observing how he manages his group class (I am not a participant). I see a group of people of various ages and fitness levels who are responding positively to the ways Michael structures the class. He keeps it positive and makes sure that there is the right balance of consistency and creativity. I can speak personally in how he has managed our 1-1 sessions. As an older person who had never ventured into a consistent fitness program, I searched for someone who had the training to help me as well as the bandwidth to handle someone who was in dire need of fitness assistance.
★★★★★
dave’s Story
It’s been an amazing 6 years since I began working out seriously. The first three months brought virtually no progress. I went to the gym and went through the motions on the elliptical, treadmill, or weight equipment, not really knowing what I was doing or what I could hope to accomplish. I was stuck at 20% body fat and 184 pounds. With the initial goal of getting leaner and fit, I booked my first session and fitness assessment with Mike Sutton. He rapidly began progressing me through new and challenging exercises, which kept my interest and kept me coming back for more. The first few weeks, I would nearly dread what Mike had in store for me, but after a while I’d look forward to it. Mike would consistently provide me with new and physically challenging workouts to push my limits. Also, for me it’s very important to have fitness as an appointment to keep. When work and family life become demanding, it’s far too easy to find excuses not to go to the gym, workout, or train. However with personal training sessions booked in advance, it becomes a priority.
Some may wonder what personal training can accomplish with true commitment and dedication. I trained on average three times per week, and attended HIIT class on Saturdays. I learned what foods I should moderate, how to monitor my caloric intake and expenditure, and the importance of providing the body the right fuel it needs. Within six months, I’d been remarkably and visibly transformed. By that first summer, I routinely got comments from friends and coworkers on my new obvious level of fitness. I began to wonder what we could achieve if I really pushed myself. After the first year of training, I followed the suggestion of some of the other trainers to compete in a Men’s Physique competition. In March of 2014 I began the grueling process of the competition diet. By my May competition date, I was below 5% body fat and 158 pounds—the lightest, leanest, and most muscular I’d ever been. I took first place in the Master’s division for the Southern Colorado Men’s Physique. But now what?
It’s nice to eat again. I’m currently focusing on building lean muscle mass. I’m up to 190 pounds and still under 10% body fat—now the heaviest and strongest I’ve ever been! I’m still training 3 times per week, and attending the Saturday HIIT classes. If I ever do miss a session—I really do miss it! Fitness has become a habit and a lifestyle for me. I’m eager to see where this journey will take me. But in the end, I’m sure glad I had Mike Sutton to kick my butt down the road a bit to get me started!
★★★★★
nico’s Story
I came to Mike Sutton at the recommendation of my brother who, after having quit smoking, was looking to start a fitness program. Who knew we would stumble across the most transformative (physically and mentally) workout program we’ve ever been a part of. Mike Sutton was my trainer during an incredible program called the Amazing 12. I’m not gonna lie. It was extremely challenging and when you’re 46 you find yourself pulling motivation from all areas of your world just to muster the energy but I couldn’t be more proud! I loved working with Mike during the process – he helps (significantly) you understand the body mechanics and does it in such a way that you feel educated during the process vs. having the information fly over your head. I have since signed up for continue training through his group training options (great deal and very intense) I have never worked with somebody that provided me with so many tools, constantly corrected my form through minor tweaking and helped me become a MUCH better version of ‘me’.
I couldn’t recommend Mike Sutton more!! If my words aren’t enough, hopefully my actions are…I drove from Broomfield to Inverness (DTC) 5 days a week for 3 months – that speaks for itself! Since starting I now have my boyfriend interested in the Amazing 12 – scheduled to start mid March and two of my dearest friends attend group training with me! <3 IT!!! THANK YOU MIKE!
★★★★★
patty’s Story
I’m a heart patient so when I first met Michael I told him NO a lot. I couldn’t do the exercises he was asking me to do. He was very patient and calm with me even though I could tell I frustrated him. Pretty soon he was getting me to do the exercises that I had been telling NO about. Slowly my body started changing and getting stronger. Michael is a great trainer! I learned a lot from him and he made it fun. I consider Michael a good friend!!
Structure
Clients know what to do.
From private workouts to Amazing 12 programming, clients are not left guessing. The plan is specific, coached, and progressive.
Support
They are not doing it alone.
The reviews repeatedly mention trust, coaching, encouragement, and the personal relationship that helps clients stay with the process.
Confidence
Progress shows up outside the gym.
Several testimonials talk about better confidence, stronger habits, improved energy, and a different way of handling life.
Education
Clients understand the why.
Michael’s coaching is positioned as more than counting reps. Clients learn form, body mechanics, nutrition, and what their body is capable of.
