Testimonials

​Taylor (School of Mines Soccer)
I originally started going to Illite Fitness because I needed something that would put me ahead of the other soccer players who had started doing the same kind of training I had, such as technical training. Before I went for the first time, I was nervous and hesitant because I didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as I started, I knew that it would end up being very good for me and my teammates. The exercises are hard, but with each one we did, Aaron explained how it related to the game and why it was going to help us. After just a couple weeks of going, I already felt stronger on the ball, and way faster than I had been before. After going for about a month, I had started to really enjoy going because Drew and Aaron made it so much fun. I was going to improve my game, but even more so I was going because it is fun and I enjoy it. I could be doing a workout that was super hard and made me want to cry, but I would still be smiling anyway. The environment they have created at Illite Fitness makes working out surprisingly fun and easy to want to come back. Without having trained with Illite Fitness, I don’t know where I would be with my game, and I’m very positive I would not have improved nearly as much as I have. I am so thankful for Illite and everything they have done for me.

Leifdon (Penn State University Harrisburg Soccer)
​I began working out at Illiete Fitness during my freshman year of high school and it was one of the best athletic decision I have ever made. The trainers at Illete have turned me into an athlete. The trainers and community at Illete is a family. They care about what you do and how you treat yourself not only in the gym but also outside of the gym. They are always trying to learn and better their clients. I would not be the athlete I am today if it weren’t for Illete Fitness.

Sarah (Amherst College Soccer)
My goal has always been to play soccer in college, and without Illete Fitness I wouldn’t be where I am today. When I first started going to Illete, I was a shy eighth grader who didn’t know how to lift a bar properly. I honestly barely spoke, but Aaron and Drew’s encouragement and gym built my confidence. As to be expected, I was incredibly sore after my first session – I had no idea how weak my muscles were because I wasn’t engaging them while running in soccer practice. Many gyms give timed and impersonal workouts which only lead to bad form and injury or fatigue, especially when combined with competitive sports. At Illete, I can go at my own pace, mastering the proper techniques to avoid injury and also get the most out of my workout. After that first session, I went back and have kept going back for five years. Even though I’m a 5’ 4” center midfielder, I’m able to hold my own no matter how physical the game becomes due in large part to the guidance and strength/conditioning program at Illete Fitness. Their dedication to each athlete combined with a positive environment (where I smile and laugh every five minutes because Aaron and Drew are hilarious and such good people) keep me motivated and in the gym for an extra 30 minutes each session because it’s so hard to leave :) Thank you for helping me achieve my goal and dream of becoming a college soccer player!

Paulina
My husband and I are 86...well...OLD. As such we have a share in most folk’s “lack of’s”-balance, agility, stamina, strength, and semi-atrophied muscles. Enter our daughter, who signs us up with Aaron to work his magic in 8 sessions. Does he ever! With smiles, kindness, knowledge, and patience, he has improved posture, strength and balance, plus armed us with “how-tos” to continue workouts at home (Dallas)! A really good deal!
We highly recommended Aaron because of his ability to customize and modify exercises to benefit any level of fitness.

Roger

​I trust Drew Malmood more than any doctor, therapist or trainer I have ever seen in my long life.

I say this without reservation. I have known Drew for seven or eight years;
I came to him after having five spinal surgeries and I had consulted numerous celebrated medical expert’s who told me there was very little that could be done to help me. I was in acute pain and could not sleep or concentrate and felt, for good reason, that my life was about to come to an end. Physical therapists and opioid pain killing drugs did not bring relief. In desperation I decided to go to the gym and try to keep my muscles from atrophying. I found Drew and kept training with him through the years. My muscles were trained and did not decrease in size. Recently I have begun Stem-cell therapy and step upped my training to five days a week to include a new set of exercises ordered by the doctor in Houston.
Without hesitation Drew learned the new routines, taught them to me and supervised to keep me on track.

Results have been impressive. I am now able to walk with just a cane, spasiic episodes are almost gone and I able to sleep and rest. The doctors basically told me to go home and die, but with new age medicine and guidance of a gifted and masterful trainer I am able to face the future with hope and optimism.

Drew has been my inspiration and I recommend him to anyone needing training. With Drew guiding your training results will be readily apparent.

Sheryl

About a year ago, I decided to return to the sport of triathlon after a 3-year hiatus. Upon returning to my typical swim, bike, run training, I started having significant shoulder, neck and upper back pain. I noticed a substantial loss of strength and mobility on one side.

I addressed the issue through Physical Therapy, but after about 3-4 months wasn’t having much success in regaining strength while protecting it from more significant injury and pain. This is when I turned to Drew at Illete Fitness for some help.

Through manual manipulation, stretching and workouts designed to correct dysfunctional movement patterns and improve body mechanics, I successfully continued to train for and compete in a Half Ironman pain and injury free. Truly, without Drew’s help, encouragement and patience, I probably would have hung up my race belt after 25 years of racing. Now, I am excited to continue training and racing, knowing that I am doing so in a safe and productive way.

Darren (Durango Youth Soccer Coach)

My name is Darren McKinnis and I am the girls coach for the U12 Durango Rio Rapids soccer club. I have been bringing my U12 soccer girls to Illete for 2 years. Since we started this program, the girls have become stronger, more athletic and are able to compete at a much higher level. Aaron and Drew are patient and encouraging with each and every girl. I fully trust these guys to help me develop my girls off the field. There are no cookie cutter workouts that the girls do when they show up. Drew changes it up to keep the girls engaged and growing in their physical development.

Rob Coddington
Baseball Coach
Durango High School

Aaron does a great job preparing athletes and focusing on their strengths. Baseball has a lot of old school way of thinking, where many believe lifting and weight training could possibly harm or detract from a players' performance. This outdated thinking could not be further from the truth. As a former standout baseball player, Aaron knows the intricacies of preparing the modern day baseball player for the grind of a baseball season. Many of our baseball players at Durango High School have been working with Aaron and the results are outstanding. Not only are our players stronger, but they carry themselves with confidence and a new sense of determination after working out at Illete. I hear many of the student-athletes at the High School talking about his strength and conditioning program, all with very positive feedback. I would highly recommend Aaron and Illete fitness to all who are interested in providing their student-athletes the chance to improve not only their game, but their confidence as well.

Gage Mestas (Pima Baseball)

I originally began going to Illete Fitness in the 6th grade. Being a member of Illete has increased my athletic abilitities and pushed my levels of strength, endurance, and me as a person. Aaron and Drew have always been dedicated and have helped keep me in shape throughout the duration of a sport, prepare me for the upcoming sports season, and help me with motivation, as well as mechanics in baseball and football. I fully trust these guys to make sure I’m safe while lifting and developing in the proper way. I highly recommend Illete Fitness to those who are eager to change their lifestyle and make fitness a sickness. Thank you for all the training!

Ford Pitts (West Point, United States Military Academy Rugby)


I initially showed up to Illete the summer going into my junior year through hopes to legitimize my strength and speed for the Durango High School football team after failing to see any more results in the high school lifting program. What resulted was the complete accomplishment of all my football goals in which I went from 3rd string to starting, earning All-State and All-Conference recognition along the way. The one on one experience between yourself as a client and Aaron as a trainer evolves into a real friendship of mutual support and passion to get better every day through meaningful goals. When injured, Aaron helped expand my understanding of the cause and effect of treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of my injuries and formulated custom routines to help myself heal and get stronger. On top of football goals, my childhood dream to attend the US Military Academy required a fitness test in the application process which I would not have crushed if I didn’t come to Aaron to explain what I needed to do and by when, he responded by creating another unique plan to hit the fitness levels I needed. Since my first days at Illete, I have gained 30 pounds, increased my max lifts by hundreds of pounds and have the opportunity to play division 1 rugby thanks to Aaron’s training and flexibility to always help and customize unique workout plans as well as food plans to your EXACT wants and needs as a person. Illete has brought me lifelong friendships, a lifelong passion, and a newfound confidence in my abilities as an athlete, friend, and individual. Aaron will always listen and engage in your life beyond the superficial to ensure your experience as his client is more than a monetary or materialistic thing and instead is a passionate drive towards helping you crush your fitness goals in any way, shape or form.

Breyton
​I started going to Illete my junior year of high school after I broke my back from football and lifting. Aaron was my personal trainer and pretty much my physical therapist during my recovery. He taught me the correct form and many other things that helped me get back into lifting and sports. Even after my back injury I am now able to lift more than I could’ve ever imagined pain free and my back is stronger than ever thanks to Aaron. The environment at Illete is always an uplifting and safe place. Going to Illete has given me passion for lifting and has made me want to push myself to be better everyday. I can’t recommend this gym enough if you are looking for a fun and safe environment to reach your fitness goals.