Hali: Slaying fitness goals
Hali, a desk-bound professional, had started feeling the effects of a sedentary lifestyle on her fitness. Though she was looking for new ways to stay active, she began experiencing issues like tennis elbow, brought on by activities such as cycling and keyboarding. As her fitness goals lagged due to work and other priorities, she sought help to regain her momentum and prevent further injuries.
After being introduced to Burke through a friend’s boxing class, Hali began working with him regularly. Initially, Burke helped her with physio-like treatments (PMT) to address the pain in her elbow. Over time, their sessions morphed into strength and mobility training twice a week, where Hali continues to benefit from his deep knowledge and expertise. "Burke can always find contingencies and adjust exercises to work around injuries," Hali shares. His ability to keep workouts pain-free while pushing for progress sets him apart. He has also introduced her to Tai Chi, which she finds fascinating and plans to explore further.
Now, Hali is better equipped to tackle ambitious athletic goals, such as participating in an international cross-country ski race, with Burke’s focused strength and cardio training. "He’s great at correcting form," she notes, finding his ability to pinpoint subtle imbalances and provide immediate, targeted corrections instrumental in her continued improvement. With Burke’s guidance, she remains injury-free and continues to balance her work life with fitness, confident in her ability to stay active and avoid the strains that desk work can cause. Additionally, she appreciates how Burke’s breadth of expertise in numerous areas like boxing and Tai Chi enriches each workout, ensuring that she stays engaged and motivated.
Suzanne: Gracefully aging
When Suzanne’s previous trainer moved away, she was left searching for a new fitness guide. Recommended by her departing trainer and already familiar with his reputation, she turned to Burke. Her primary goal was simple yet significant: to stay fit and maintain her mobility for as long as possible.
Burke's style was an immediate fit. Unlike other trainers who might focus solely on routine workouts, Burke took a personal interest in her well-being, extending his care beyond the gym to understand her life, her family, and her hobbies, like skiing, biking, and gardening. "Burke cares about your whole life, not just your time in the gym," she notes, highlighting his holistic and caring approach.
Now 86 years old, Suzanne credits Burke with maintaining her regular exercise regimen. The accountability he provides has been crucial in keeping her active and motivated. "The stability and routine he offers have become invaluable, especially as I continue to age.”
His studio, always evolving and meticulously kept, reflects his dedication to his clients' best interests. "After 15 years, he’s so much a part of my life," she reflects, appreciating how essential he has become to her continued health and vigor and for the personal connection that enriches her life.
Ross: Alleviating chronic pain
Ross was an avid hockey player and weightlifter before a shoulder injury and surgery in 2008 left him dealing with chronic pain and mobility issues. Despite being active, he found himself battling degenerative disc problems and spinal stenosis, leaving him discouraged and unable to move without discomfort. He tried various treatments, including physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, and even considered back surgery after his doctor reviewed his MRI. However, the invasive nature of surgery, which involved removing part of his spine, made Ross hesitant: “I was looking for a solution that would allow me to avoid surgery and better manage my pain”.
Following a recommendation from his massage therapist, Ross reached out to Burke who immediately started a training program that focused on the stabilizer muscles that are needed to support the larger ones. This approach was a game-changer for Ross. Burke’s tailored training program activated the finer muscles that had essentially gone to sleep, which was crucial for managing his stenosis and preventing his sciatic nerve from flaring up. With exercises that Ross could do on his own between sessions, Burke gave him hope and a clear path to improvement.
Today, Ross continues to train with Burke, rarely missing a session. While his stenosis still progresses, the impact has been significantly lessened. Ross appreciates that Burke assesses his balance and mobility during every session, ensuring that his training is always in tune with his body’s current needs. Ross feels supported and inspired, knowing that Burke is constantly finding new ways to help him: “It’s as if he’s thinking about me during the week.” Ross remains active with downhill and cross-country skiing, kayaking, hiking, and biking, and goes about his life “without chronic pain all the time”.
Tara: Reaching new heights
During the pandemic, Tara found herself working long hours at home, using her dining room table as a makeshift workspace. This led to debilitating pain in her neck, shoulder, and arm, compounded by stress. After trying physiotherapy and getting a proper chair, she wasn’t seeing much improvement and needed a more personalized approach to tackle her pain. Searching for a solution, she noticed Burke's sign in the neighborhood and decided to give personal training a try.
Tara began working with Burke, initially focusing on relieving her neck and shoulder pain. Burke's detailed attention to form and gradual progression of exercises made a significant difference in her recovery. “He spends a lot of time ensuring you have good form,” Tara notes, appreciating his patient and tailored approach. Over time, the focus expanded from just pain relief to improving her overall physical health and fitness. Burke’s adaptability was key—whether it was a flare-up in her knee or needing modifications, he consistently adjusted the sessions to fit her body’s current needs.
Today, Tara is in much better shape, no longer dealing with the crippling pain she once faced. She enjoys staying active with activities like hiking, cross-country skiing, and taking fitness classes. Thanks to her work with Burke, she feels confident in her form during faster-paced group workouts, knowing that she’s already mastered the movements under Burke’s guidance. “Motion is the new lotion,” she says, repeating one of Burke’s favorite mantras, which has encouraged her to make physical health a priority as she ages. Tara values the one-on-one time she has with Burke in a calm, private environment, appreciating how he meets her where she’s at without being pushy.
Matt: Achieving lasting change
Matt's fitness journey began in 2008 at a local gym where traditional methods had failed him. Struggling with poor eating habits and inconsistent routines, he found a new direction under Burke’s guidance. “He wasn’t just about numbers on the scale — he was about the whole person,” Matt recalls. Burke’s holistic approach wasn’t solely focused on weight loss but on enhancing overall health and lifestyle.
Through years of dedicated training, Matt not only lost over 100 pounds but also maintained his fitness, overcoming a slight pandemic-related setback. He credits Burke’s evolving techniques and deep knowledge for keeping the journey engaging and effective. “Burke’s adaptability, knowledge, and commitment are what make him unique,” Matt states, emphasizing the personalized care he receives.
Today, Matt values the comprehensive health benefits and the endurance he has gained, which complement his outdoor activities. Reflecting on his achievements, Matt is grateful: “If I hadn’t worked with Burke, I never would have achieved or maintained my weight loss.” He shares a light-hearted note on their long-term relationship, “I will train with him until I die, or he retires.”
Siyam: Achieving Peak Performance
As a Muay Thai fighter with over 13 years of experience, Siyam was no stranger to the physical toll of his sport. However, despite his skill and dedication, the demands of his sport often pushed his body to its limits. When he met Burke at the dojo where he was coaching, Siyam wasn’t initially looking for a personal trainer but after hearing about Burke’s Precision Muscle Conditioning (PMC) methods, he visited Burke for a pre-fight tune-up. That’s when everything changed.
“I noticed a significant improvement in my mobility and felt better prepared for my fight,” Siyam recalls. This single session led to an ongoing partnership. Burke helped him address nagging issues like tight hips and incorporated strength training into his routine. After a tough fight in 2023 where he ran out of gas, Siyam turned to Burke to rebuild his endurance. “My cardio improved, my stamina is better, and I haven’t had any problems since.”
What sets Burke apart, according to Siyam, is his creativity and adaptability. Whether working around injuries or introducing innovative exercises, no two sessions are ever the same. “He doesn’t just stick to traditional training. Burke has a lot of different ways to target the same muscles, which get better results.”
Siyam also values Burke’s relentless passion for learning. “If he doesn’t know something, he’ll find out. He’s always researching, taking courses, and finding ways to help me improve.” Through their work together, Siyam has learned the importance of recovery – a lesson that has made him a stronger, faster fighter. “If I had not worked with Burke, I’d still be overtraining and destroying my body.”
Siyam finishes with a strong endorsement: “His methods aren’t just effective – they’re game-changing. They could help so many athletes reach their full potential.”
Sharon: Building functional fitness
After returning to Canada from many years overseas and with a history of disappointing experiences at large gyms, Sharon found Burke online while seeking a more personalized training experience. Her goals were multifaceted: Managing stress from a demanding job, alleviating chronic lower back pain, and strengthening her overall body.
Burke’s approach was exactly what she needed. His expertise in Precision Muscle Conditioning (PMC) and his tailored kickboxing sessions not only addressed her physical requirements but also provided mental relief and a necessary distraction from her stressful life. "Burke understands your limitations and genuinely cares about your goals and progress," she explains, highlighting his unique blend of compassion and expert knowledge.
Through the pandemic, Burke kept her engaged with online workouts, helping her maintain strength and fitness. "Thanks to Burke, I am stronger and in better shape than I’ve ever been. I’m doing stuff that my parents couldn’t do at my age – or even most other people can do at my age," she proudly shares.
Reflecting on her journey, she credits Burke for her enhanced functional fitness and a reenergized state of mind. "If I had not worked with Burke, I probably would have faced many more physical limitations in enjoying everyday activities," she admits, grateful for the impact Burke has had on her life.
Hamoudy: Realizing athletic potential
As an amateur Muay Thai fighter, Hamoudy knew his performance relied on being explosive, flexible, and resilient. But years of “old school” weight training had left him with imbalances and nagging pain that were holding him back. He needed strength and conditioning that would unlock his potential while addressing his body’s limitations.
Enter Burke. The two met at their local dojo, where Burke immediately impressed Hamoudy with his deep knowledge of modern training techniques that were grounded in science. Burke designed a tailored program to target Hamoudy’s body’s imbalances, which included opening his hips and strengthening critical areas. The program didn’t just improve Hamoudy’s flexibility; it also set the foundation for greater speed and power in the ring.
That foundation was put to the test before a major fight, when Hamoudy faced a tight shoulder and restricted movement. “Burke worked magic,” Hamoudy recalls. “It was like he was fixing a car.” By fight day, Hamoudy felt ready, confident, and fully capable. Burke’s ability to blend precise physical training techniques with targeted recovery strategies ensured that Hamoudy could perform at his best.
Reflecting on his journey, Hamoudy shares, “Training with Burke has made me a more complete fighter.” Today, their work together continues, with Burke helping Hamoudy address imbalances, push past plateaus, and keep improving. For Hamoudy, his progress would not have been possible without the guidance of a coach who truly listens, customizes every session, and delivers real results.
Nancy: Getting back on track
When Nancy first met Burke through kickboxing at a local dojo, she couldn’t have imagined the impact he’d later have on her life. A lover of fitness classes as well as skiing, hiking, paddling, and camping, Nancy was always active, but as she aged, she began losing muscle mass. “I’ve always had trouble putting on muscle, but as I got older, it started to get much worse,” she explains.
Before the pandemic, Nancy had a consistent fitness routine, but lockdowns disrupted everything. By the time her gym reopened, her enthusiasm had waned, and she was going only once or twice a week, avoiding weight training entirely. “I’d lost my fitness mojo,” she admits. Even outdoor activities felt harder – she became winded hiking and struggled to ski more than a couple of runs. “I no longer recognized this sedentary person and was becoming depressed”.
When Nancy started training with Burke, her goal was clear: Rebuild strength and re-establish a fitness routine. His sessions were transformative. "Burke makes lifting weights fun, and his energy is contagious," Nancy shares. He held her accountable in a way that motivated her to increasingly re-introduce fitness and outdoor activities back into her life. The results have been life-changing. Nancy has regained her strength, energy, and love for being active. "I can even lift my kayak onto the car now without any trouble," she says proudly. “As a result, I’ve found incredible joy in my life again and am excited for what's next.”
Amelia and Andrew: Overcoming fitness slumps
In 2022, Amelia and Andrew found themselves struggling to stay active after the pandemic. They lacked accountability and motivation to work out consistently, which left them feeling unfit. Searching for a personal trainer, they came across Burke, whose environment and approach immediately appealed to them. They wanted to improve their fitness and get stronger but knew they needed someone to keep them on track.
Amelia and Andrew started buddy training with Burke, appreciating the flexibility of working out together while sometimes focusing on different exercises. "Burke does a great job managing both of us," they mention. Sometimes one partner focuses on boxing while the other weight trains, yet they never feel neglected. Burke’s ability to seamlessly switch between them keeps the sessions engaging and tailored to their individual needs. He listens well, mixes up the routines each week, and ensures the workouts are never boring.
Since training with Burke, Amelia and Andrew have noticed significant improvements in their fitness. "We feel stronger and have better endurance," they say, adding that they now see the results in other activities like hiking and cycling. The consistency they aimed for has paid off, as they've built the strength and stamina to enjoy more of the outdoor sports they love. Burke’s guidance extends beyond the sessions, providing Andrew with additional routines to follow, ensuring they stay on track even when away.
Burke's relaxed, personable approach, coupled with his expertise in areas like boxing, has made their training both enjoyable and effective. "If we hadn’t worked with Burke, we’d probably still be sitting on the couch, less fit and less healthy!"
