Testimonials
What our customers are saying about Acceleration Alaska

Thank you Acceleration Alaska!

Our ten-year-old daughter began Acceleration in the fall with the goal of improving her quickness and agility.  She plays on a competitive soccer team and in order to put together what she knew about the game and what she could do physically, we knew she needed some personal training.

After 3 months with Chris and his team of excellent trainers – my husband and I were happily surprised.

It was the first game and we were in the bleachers.  As we were watching the girls warm up… I leaned over to my husband and asked who one of the players was.  She was FAST and FLUID someone we didn’t recognize. When she turned and ran away from us, showing her number we realized it was our own child.

Acceleration Alaska transformed our good athlete into someone we clearly did not recognize on the field.  Because of this fantastic program our daughter is a more competent and a more confident player.  She is able to push herself a harder to get the results she wants.

Gina Dubuisson

I have been attending sessions twice a week regulary since February 2006. I have worked primarily with Chris and Tony but since the summer started I have also worked with Najee. All three are caring, encouraging trainers that emphasize proper form, varied training, and saftey.

When I first started AA, it was after a period of a year and half of little physical activity. Prior to that, I played outdoor tennis in a very warm climate approximately 4-5 times a week and considered myself fairly in good shape. I was looking for a fun way to start exercising again and a few of my friends had started AA when it was open to non-athletes.

I think the first few months of opening the program to non-athletes was challenging for the staff, because they were used to working with competitive, gifted young people with a wide range of capabilities. Suddenly they were working with middle-aged women with more limitations and less physical ability.

I have to say that in the early days Chirs and Tony rose to the challenge of adapting to their new clientele admirably. They (and Najee) have shown their adaptability and expertise by adding more strength and flexibility traning while still using the traditional AA methods. They manage to make each session challenging and different, which keeps the training fresh. All three of them have consistently postive and encouraging attitudes towards their classes, but they also have a high expectations for all of us. They are also very graceful about working with several students of varying abilities at the same time, while maintaining a positive spriit in the class.

Quantitatively, I have lost weight and gained strenth and endurance, and very importantly, have not had any injuries at all (although I have definitely have sore muscles many times. I think that this speaks to the expertise and care of the trainers.

I think that the fact I've been attending AA sessions faithfully for a year and half speaks to the ability of the trainers to keep changing things up and to keep motivating me to do more than I thought I could do. AA has been a true challege for mre, and the payoff has greated increased my physical and mental health.

Clay Hamilton

My name is Clay Hamilton. I have participated in the Firefighter Combat Challenge otherwise know as “The Toughest Two Minutes in Sports” for the past 5 years. After adding Acceleration Alaska to my training routine I immediately noticed improvements in my speed, power, and recovery rate. In the past two years I have taken almost 9 seconds of my personal record. That is a staggering improvement of almost 10%. The plyometric sessions as well as the interval training on the super treadmill have helped push my lactic acid threshold to new limits. When I began the Acceleration program I speed tested at a sustained rate of 18 mph. Today at age 34 I can sustain speeds of 21.5 mph. I have been an athlete my entire life. I am now faster, stronger, and have more explosive power than ever before. Thanks Acceleration Alaska for helping me achieve my athletic potential.

Sincerely,

Clay Hamilton
Team Captain Alaska Firefighter Combat Challenge Team

p.s. my personal record isn’t done falling yet!

Misha Wright

Just recently I visited my hometown of Savannah, GA, to participate in a annual dance concert with Sankofa Dance Theatre where I am a member and have been for the past 10 years. I thought that I was in okay shape, but after reviewing the video and pictures from the concert, found out otherwise. Upon returning from my trip in March, I was weighing in at 209 pounds. I’d made up in my mind that by my next dance concert, which is to be held in D.C. on July 20, 2007, I would not be fat, and the video and pictures would reflect that as well. So I knew I needed something to kick-start my workout plan, being that I worked out previously, my body was immune to the “norm” type of exercise...hence I turned towards Acceleration Alaska.

I knew that starting off with Acceleration Alaska would push me to my max and get me started with a regular workout regime. I chose the group that started in the morning, with the understanding that it was a great way to start the day, and to get those muscles pumping and blood flowing. I admit, it was extremely hard at first, but eventually it got easier and I was able to get through the workout with ease. From the first month alone I lost 10 pounds, that includes the help of a great eating plan as well. I felt my body fat turn into muscle and the inches melt away. Now today 30 pounds lighter, with 5 pounds to go from my first goal of 175, I turn back to A/A, knowing that doing the program will melt those last 5 pounds away with ease and probably more, which I welcome with a smile.

I recommend Acceleration Alaska to anyone looking to kick-start their workout plan or even to enhance the plan they already have. I not only guarantee that they will lose weight and inches, but will gain a new self-found attitude about themselves, life in general and respect for the program overall. And they too will be raving to others about the how good Acceleration Alaska is. Thank you to the team of Acceleration Alaska and especially to you, Chris. I can now go to my dance recital not only looking slim, and trim...but sexy as well.

Heidi Valentas

I started Acceleration Alaska in February of 2007. I definitely would refer to myself as a recreational athlete. Prior to Acceleration, most of my training had been done independently without a lot of coaching or guidance. I have competed in running events and triathlons in the past. Based on recommendations from several friends, I decided to give Acceleration a try. I added two Acceleration workouts a week to my regular workout routine that involved running, biking, swimming and weight training.

Recently, I completed the 2007 Gold Nugget Triathlon. My time improved by 4 minutes, 30 seconds from the year before. I felt a lot of this improvement was due to my training at Acceleration. Not only was I more prepared physically, but I felt I approached the race with a stronger mindset as well. Although my time improved, I actually trained fewer hours per week than I did for the 2006. I can see the benefits of this short, intense workout. The trainers are professional, knowledgeable and provide a workout designed for my fitness level and goals. I truly appreciate their expertise and encouragement.

Matt Novakovich
Top Road Cyclist in Alaska - www.bikeak.org

How has Acceleration Alaska’s Sports Training Program helped your overall athleticism?
Cycling is a very muscle-specific sport, concentrating most of the gains on the quads. Although cycling is a great for the heart and easier on the body than running it lacks the body/weight bearing that our bodies need for overall athleticism. Acceleration has allowed for growth in the cycling area but has also given us great general fitness that makes it possible to play other sports such as running, basketball and football without soreness but with an increase in confidence, speed and agility.

What gains/improvements/PRs have you had since starting Acceleration training?
As a semi-professional in cycling, I have traveled around the U.S. racing over the past 5 years. Although I ’m now 5 years older, I’m seeing PRs that I never thought would come to me as one typically will see decreases in fitness over time. This Spring I placed 3rd and 8th at the Sea Otter Classic (Previous best finish was 11th in 2003). My national ranking is #2 for masters (30+) athletes out of a registered 4000 athletes competing for points.

My other PR came recently, as after 7 attempts to break a 16-year Alaskan record on Arctic Valley Road, I finally beat the record. Interestingly enough, I beat the record during early season (it was snowing) and I beat the record by 79 seconds.

The above PRs came as a result of the increased power-to-weight ratio that Acceleration has helped me gain: my ability to push more power at lower efforts and lower heart rates. However, my most noted improvement is my sprint speed. In all my races this year I have won my sprints and hope to stay undefeated in this area.

What aspect of your cycling career does the Acceleration program help the most with?
Power to weight ratio. As cyclists, we get very specific Quad growth from pedaling. The dilemma is how to get strength improvements on the calves, hams, and glutes. Weight training is usually what most cyclists turn to. However, integrating these muscles to work in harmony is the battle that Acceleration fights. Acceleration’s program uses unique training that has given me an increase in muscle mass of over 2 inches on my legs but not wasted muscle, sport-specific muscle.

Why do you use Acceleration Alaska for cycling training?
As cyclists, we spend thousands of dollars on equipment and training to find small advantages. Acceleration is an incredible value that gives huge advantages.

What do you think of the staff and level of service at Acceleration Alaska?
The staff seems to be the elite of The Alaska Club. When I refer Tony and Chris to cycling friends I refer to them as my coaches. Although their background is not in cycling specifically, they offer advice and sound training in all areas of sport such as general fitness, racing strategies and nutritional guidelines that radiates improvements in my specific sport.

I have never had an injury related to any of my training related to Acceleration. All of the training is progressive, controlled and monitored. Many times I have asked for “more” only to be counseled to “take it easy, today.” This wise counsel has allowed me to grow consistently without setbacks. I attribute this to the staff as well.

Tiffany Novakovich

How has Acceleration Alaska’s Sports Training Program helped your overall athleticism?
Acceleration has helped me feel like a powerful and agile all-around athlete. When I’m running on rough trails, I feel like I can navigate my way through the obstacles better because of the increased agility Acceleration has given me. I also feel more stable on my mountain bike and in control of the bike, instead of the bike controlling me because of the increased core strength I’ve gotten from Acceleration. I started coming to Acceleration 3 months after I had my baby and I am amazed at how quickly, yet progressively it helped me transform myself back into an all-around athlete.

What gains/improvements/PRs have you had since starting Acceleration training?
After starting Acceleration training, I immediately saw my strength as a runner increase. I am able to run hills and sprint much faster. Surprisingly, I’m able to run long distances at a faster pace than I ever have also. As a cyclist, the most drastic change I’ve seen is in my sprinting ability. Acceleration has helped me gain a major amount of strength in my legs that enables me to increase my speed on the bike quickly and maintain that speed for a long period of time. I’m doing my first races since having my baby and the times I’m getting are just seconds away from my best times ever on the same courses. As the season progresses and I continue training at Acceleration, I look forward to many PRs.

Acceleration and the trainers at Acceleration have helped me make major improvements with strength training and weight lifting. They have taught me proper form and technique and also helped me construct a personalized strength training plan that complements my cycling training and fits into my training (and otherwise busy) schedule. I have also gained a surprising amount of core strength.

Not only has Acceleration given me physiological benefits, I have noticed I have more of a mental edge as well, which is imperative in competitive sports. Some of the training we do at Acceleration goes well beyond what I thought my limits were. As my training has progressed, I find myself doing things I thought I could never do. I have gained a lot of confidence in my cycling strength as I notice (and the trainers remind me of) my progress at Acceleration.

What aspect of your cycling career does the Acceleration program help the most with?
It is fitting that the Acceleration program has helped me the most with my ability to accelerate on my bike. With the increased power I’ve gained from Acceleration, I am able to get up to higher speeds more quickly, and also maintain higher speeds for the duration of my races. My power to weight ratio is so much higher now than it has ever been and it has dramatically increased my sprinting ability. If I catch Matt off guard, I can even out-sprint him sometimes!

Why do you use Acceleration Alaska for cycling training?
I use Acceleration Alaska for cycling training because it is an incredible bargain! It is like having a personal trainer three times a week to guide me through the workouts that I am not an expert at. It is also a huge benefit to have a trainer and workout buddies to meet with three times a week to do the workouts together that I would probably skip if it were up to me to do them alone. In other words, I can show up with no planning or preparation on my part and expect to get an incredible workout that fits perfectly into my training regimen.

What do you think of the staff and level of service at Acceleration Alaska?
The staff at Acceleration Alaska represent the pinnacle of professionalism. All of the trainers are very knowledgeable, inspirational, truthful, and always willing to help. Tony and Chris are always willing and available to answer questions and give training advice. They are very knowledgeable about so many aspects of sport, including strength training, weight lifting, cardio training, intervals, mental toughness, and nutrition. They are very well-acquainted with each athlete and pay close attention to tailoring the workouts to fit each athlete’s individual needs. They are also not afraid to say “I don’t know, let me do some research before I answer that question.” And they always follow up with a bunch of research and a good answer.

Sherry

Acceleration Alaska has accelerated me back into shape after my third child. This program is for all athletes who are serious about getting back into shape at all levels…if it is just for weight and fitness or for more advanced athletes who are training. They do a great job!! Thanks!

My experience with Acceleration Alaska has been fantastic. The program offers a diverse, high quality level of training to anyone that is looking for it. The staff is experienced, professional and motivate me to do my best. I like that.

I grew up ski racing on a national and international level. Structured training was a big part of it. Acceleration offers a great deal of structure that is important for anyone training for either a specific sport or for someone who just wants to be in good shape.