Testimonial: From Massage to Fitness Client

When Dr. Andy Petroll was looking for a Thai bodyworker, he never imagined he would also gain a personal trainer. Before meeting Rehan Mahmood at Vantage Health & Fitness Collective, Andy felt a bit bored with his workout routine.

"I was consistently working out, but needed some re-invigoration," Andy recalls.

Years ago, Rehan was providing Thai massage while also teaching fitness. Andy met Rehan through a mutual Thai bodywork client. After the massage, the two instantly clicked. Andy and Rehan then decided to meet at Vantage for a training session.

"When Rehan first began as a fitness trainer, he let me know, and I immediately thought I should start working with him. I had seen trainers at a few points in my life previously, but I had a feeling I would really enjoy working with Rehan," Andy says.

Andy appreciates that Rehan has taught him a variety of exercises and blends Eastern and Western movement principles and meditative techniques. Sometimes they start sessions with yoga or Tai Chi sequences. At other times, they begin with basic stretching and light cardio to warm up. Rehan also asks him about his pain or energy levels and tweaks exercise sequences accordingly on the spot. Rehan usually begins training sessions with an abstract set of sequences in mind, but can generate new ideas quickly if needed. If a client ever requests to work on a certain muscle group prior to or during a session, Rehan can accommodate the request.

"We usually do some combination of exercises that can focus on balance, agility, and strength and can use a variety of equipment like slam balls, bosu balls, TRX, free weights and machines, maces, and kettlebells," Andy says.

Andy's favorite thing about Rehan is learning new routines and sequences that he implements when working out solo. He never feels bored during sessions and leaves feeling accomplished. Rehan ensures to provide constructive corrections and feedback while also taking note of what Andy enjoys and shapes future sessions accordingly.

"You just can’t beat Rehan’s kind, lighthearted, and encouraging demeanor or his ability to weave together a very wide range of exercise styles to make workouts that feel challenging and fun," he says. "I have worked with other trainers before, but had always felt more like they were running me through their usual routines. I feel like Rehan designs workouts specifically for me, based on not just our goals but how I feel the day of."

About Rehan

Rehan Mahmood has been a personal trainer in Milwaukee, WI for several years. He blends cardio and strength training with client work, as well as Tai Chi and yoga sequences for warming up and cooling down. Contact him for a consultation to discuss your fitness goals.