Eleven Years of Strength, Growth, and Fun

From Chronic Pain to Confidence

When Andrew Bogel first walked into Equinox back in 2009, he wasn’t new to the gym — but his training lacked direction, consistency, and expertise. Over the next 11 years, Andrew and myself built a training partnership that delivered results far beyond physical strength.

From muscle-building experiments to smarter recovery strategies, our long-term collaboration became a cornerstone of Andrew’s lifestyle — blending hard work, variety, and fun into something sustainable.

Before: Lifting Without a Plan

Unstructured routine — Lifted casually with friends, but without a plan or progression.
Work pressure — Long finance hours meant training was inconsistent and rushed.
Limited accountability — No coach, no tracking, and no clear performance goals.
Plateaus and boredom — Workouts became repetitive and unmotivating.
Injury risks — Lacked guidance on form and recovery, leading to occasional shoulder pain.

“I sort of knew what I was doing, but not really. We felt like we were getting stronger — even though we probably weren’t at all.”

After: A Decade of Transformation

Built sustainable muscle — Progressed through a successful strength phase, reaching ~225 lbs during his “summer of big.”
Smarter training variety — Quarterly program changes kept workouts challenging and engaging.
Improved mindset and energy — Reported better sleep, sharper focus, and a more positive attitude in everyday life.
Resilient recovery — Learned to train around injuries safely without losing progress.
Consistency as a lifestyle — Training became a long-term habit rather than a short-term project.

Process: From First Session to Ongoing Transformation

Shared learning

Early sessions were built on honesty and curiosity, experimenting with new approaches together.

Tailored progression

Regular check-ins every few months kept programming aligned with goals and energy levels.

Creative variation:

Workouts never stagnated — from hypertrophy phases to mobility-focused adjustments.

Deload strategy:

Smartly scheduled lighter weeks around Andrew’s demanding schedule, preventing burnout and injury.

Personal connection

Training blended humour, accountability, and hard work — turning sessions into a highlight, not a chore.

“You didn’t just hand me a one-size-fits-all programme. You listened, experimented, and made sure training was both fun and effective. That’s why I stuck around for 11 years.”

Andrew’s story is proof that long-term fitness success isn’t built on quick fixes or cookie-cutter programmes.

It’s the result of consistent effort, intelligent variation, and a supportive partnership that values both results and enjoyment. From his “jack summer” to navigating injuries, Andrew gained not just strength but a sharper mind, better sleep, and a healthier lifestyle.

His 11-year journey with us shows what’s possible when dedication meets adaptability — and when fitness becomes a lifelong investment rather than a short-term phase.