I'm writing this letter to share my story of how I got involved in fitness coaching and the immense benefits it's provided for me.

College is already tough, but add in a condition that gives you brutal, long-lasting headaches, blurry vision, and pain every time you workout and it'll get even tougher. After all of junior year battling the symptoms without a known cause, the June before my senior year brought answers. However, I still felt helpless; my doctor said the best shot at healing and eradicating my Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, or IIH, was to take medication and lose weight. Not to mention, the medication would only make my headaches, dizziness, and vision worse in the meantime. Every time I went to the gym, tried to lift weights, or completed cardio, my head would throb. I ate well, but alone, it was clearly not enough to lose weight.

After battling this on my own senior year, I realized that what I was doing wasn't going to cut it. I was weaned off the medication, but my IIH only got worse. That's when I knew I needed the help of not just a doctor, but also a fitness professional. I'd seen Alex speak at an event for a club for weightlifters I was in at the University of Michigan that past winter. I remembered being impressed with his fitness knowledge and his approachability. I sent him an email and we began a discussion: my history with fitness (specifically, weightlifting), my condition, my goals, my busy schedule. I was so pleased when I learned that he had done research on my condition and had found the best fitness moves to do (and to avoid), as well as the foods that would exacerbate my symptoms. While I was ready for change, he was the one ready to guide me through it.

We spent a few months doing both in-person and online training while I was still living in Ann Arbor. I'd lost a solid 20 pounds that summer and was excited to keep pushing. While it was time to leave my college town and start my professional career teaching high school on the opposite side of the state, I was able to keep Alex in my pocket. Our phones became our communication, thanks to the online training, weekly emails, and frequent texts. By mid-September, I was already cleared of IIH by my doctor! This was a celebration, but I wasn't done yet. While I transitioned into the workforce and life after college, Alex helped me retain my fitness regimen and encouraged me to stay on track with my thoughtful eating.

I'm now a stronger (both physically and mentally) person, and I realize that I'm capable of doing amazing things with my body. I'm looking forward to continuing to build a healthier, more active, IIH-free life!

If you're debating whether this is for you, or whether it's the right time, I say go for it! In a few months from now it very well may be the best decision of your life.

-Jessica E.

One year ago, I was working 50+ hours a week and did nothing to take care of my health. I wasn’t inspired to exercise, make time for the gym, or really do anything for my health. I could feel the difference in how I felt on a day-to-day basis. The change began through my manager and colleague Revathy. She introduced me to Alex and A-Team Fitness.

The first class was tough. It was an eye opener to me how out of shape I had become. Even though it was difficult, Alex and the other members gave me the boost and encouragement I needed to get through that class and many more since. I actually enjoy and look forward to exercise now. Who in the world thinks they’ll ever enjoy exercise? It’s like magic.

Another thing I thought was pretty cool about my first six months is when Alex pulled me aside and privately challenged me to reach my 20lbs weight loss goal in 4 months. Trust me, it wasn’t easy at all. Alex believed in me and stood by me the entire way, holding me accountable everyday during that challenge. At the end of the four months, I had succeeded and was down to 203lbs from 223lbs!

My journey did not stop there. I saw that Alex was running a free intermittent fasting challenge online. I enrolled and it was mind-blowing. The challenge changed the way I was eating—even the way I thought about food. Through this challenge and Alex’s coaching, I was given control over another piece of the puzzle—my nutrition.

Loving exercise and controlling my eating, you’d think I’d have nothing else to accomplish—and you’d be wrong! After all of these accomplishments I worked up the courage to give running a try. Running is something I NEVER imagined myself doing. I joined Alex’s free running group and am now able to run two miles without stopping. I was even motivated to run the Turkey Trot 5K the morning of Thanksgiving. Who have I become?!

My strength training, improved nutrition, and new running abilities have ultimately helped me achieve one of my biggest passions—competing in table tennis. Throughout this journey I have clearly seen my table tennis skills improve, which has led me to placing in multiple tournaments against more advanced players.

I have never seen Alex give anything less than 100%. His positivity and unstoppable energy, in and out of the gym, is inspiring and infectious to anyone around him. Through my experiences with him I have learned that anything is possible if you BELIEVE, work consistently, and are willing to make the necessary changes.

I was so excited when I earned my A-Team shirt, because it is a reflection of the promises I made to myself. The promise to take care of my health and pursue the things I am passionate about have brought me to where I am today, and I thank Alex and the A-Team for supporting me through it all. I plan to continue forever with Alex McBrairty and A-Team Fitness.

-Meenakshi S.

I wanted to share my story for all my friends who struggle with high blood pressure. I have been on a low dose of medication for several years. This had kept my blood pressure under control until early this year, when my readings started creeping up. My doctor doubled the dosage. I experienced some unpleasant side effects but little change in the numbers. I tried losing some weight and reducing sodium with little result. I had been working out regularly including some cardio, but my cardio didn't seem to be working.

I changed to a technique called High Intensity Interval training, which my trainer Alex McBrairty had taught me for weight loss. It involves alternating sprinting and walking on a treadmill for alternating 1-minute intervals for a half hour. I do this 4x a week. Within a few days, my blood pressure started to come down. 8 weeks later, both my top and bottom numbers are consistently down an average of 20 points even though I'm back to the minimal dose of medicine.

I had a doctor appointment this morning this morning. When I showed by doctor my daily readings, which I chart, she could hardly believe the improvement. I am sharing this because I think so many people could benefit from any cardio exercise but especially the High Intensity Internal Training. Go A-Team Fitness!

-Karl O.

My journey with A-Team Fitness began when my friend saw a flyer on my apartment entrance about an exercise class. I completely ignored it as I have been a high energy person ( thanks to my family genes) and thought I didn’t need any more fitness training. I reluctantly went to the class because my friend kept insisting we try it. I never thought in my life that I would complete 3 years with my trainer as of today.

Alex was not what I was expecting. His energy and empathy with people actually made me to continue even though I couldn’t sit for 3 days after the initial class.

I still remember when I couldn’t bend and touch my toes because of my lack in flexibility. This began to change gradually and I continued because I started seeing changes physically and mentally. Right now, after 3 years, my energy levels are comparable to both men and women who are at least 12 to 17 years younger than me.

In addition to Alex, I am also thankful to others members in the group who made the class fun and inspirational.

I will continue with Alex and A-Team Fitness until one of us moves away.

-Revathy P.

"You make an impact far greater than slimmer waists and lifting heavy things. Anyone can achieve success, but to live a life of significance is so much harder to find. What you do is a life of significance."

-Halley R.

"I really don't think I can fully express my gratitude and appreciation for the group you've setup. Your encouragement, and the topics you present, have been so helpful to me. I appreciate the time and effort you put into helping your community learn and grow."

-Sarah B.

"Your emails really help me. It's so easy to get wrapped up in this big world and think you aren't conquering anything. I appreciate the tips and tricks, and always your super positive emails, that really get my week off to a great start!"

-Kristie S.

"I have experienced a significant loss of weight, and my daily energy and physical well being have increased beyond my imagination. Each step of the way Alex told me I could, showed me how (even when I didn't always listen the first time), and stood by me while I did it."

-Melanise V.

"I wish I lived closer to Ann Arbor. You were my best trainer and great at encouraging me, so I kept going."

-Denice D.

"Alex is passionate about fitness and it shows in the energy and enthusiasm he brings to every session. Each workout is challenging, creative and most importantly, fun! If you are serious about changing your life for the better, Alex will lead you every step of the way."

-Heather A.

"If you listen to him and do the things he says, it works! Alex makes working out a lot of fun, and he constantly challenges me to do more than I even thought I could. He truly loves what he does and has so much knowledge to share."

-Amber P.

"I am down 33 lbs after four months of simply working the plan that he creates for me month after month. I had a big goal of dropping 70-80lbs and I feel extremely confident with Alex by my side that I will accomplish this with him before the start of summer!"

-Makale M.

"Alex was very easy to work with. He was flexible (both in scheduling and adapting to changing goals) and has a way of motivating you that doesn't come off as condescending or over-the-top. He answered all my questions, and was very willing to offer helpful suggestions."

-Jordan U.

“Alex is a great and inspirational trainer! He challenges you in every workout, gives good guidance for better eating habits, and helps you achieve goals you never thought were possible!”

-Stacey S.

"Alex is very supportive. He provides excellent motivation and accountability. When he encounters something positive from his clients and followers, he goes out of his way to share his appreciation. He really strives to connect on a personal level."

-Anonymous Survey

“He uses positive reinforcement and an infectious enthusiasm to keep his clients on track both at the gym and away. It’s been his confidence in me that has reminded me of my own potential."

-Megan M.