SELECTED TESTIMONIALS:

July 26, 2010

"Hi Troy,
I stayed on the bike yesterday and remembered to spin while climbing. (No mashing the big gears.) I also stuck with the nutrition plan we discussed. The results? I was able to hold my time on the run for 20 miles before fatigue began to creep in. I PR ed yesterday besting my '06 time by over 8 minutes and my '08 time by a whopping hour and forty minutes! The camp and your advice were instrumental in my success."

I can't thank you enough,
Michael B., Baltimore, MD

June 26, 2010

"Hello Coach Troy,
It can be said that "our life" as we know it is very much a product of the decisions we make. How we handle decisions, both "big decisions" and seemingly insignificant ones, collectively form our lives. Our lives clearly have a significant impact on those around us (spouses, kids, coworkers etc.). Therefore our personal decisions, good and bad, have a spillover effect -- an impact is felt by each person and situation that we are involved with. Reaching this conclusion took me some time (35 years) but I am very glad to now realize this. Read on to hear how you, through Spinervals, have helped me reach that point.

Most of the time the significance of the "big decisions" is not appreciated until much later. Also, many times the decisions at the "forks in the road of life" are misidentified as small or insignificant and are not seen for what they were until much later when results unfold and we are compelled to think back to the concept of how did I get to this point?

There are times though where a big decision is recognized clearly when it is presented. First, a little background to provide some you some context: I am 37 years old, am happily married and have 4 children ages two,four,six and eight. My wife and I both work full time, I am a field sales rep for a medical device company promoting the ACCU-CHEK® line of blood glucose meters. My wife is a pediatrician. We found ourselves very busy and felt saddled with personal and professional responsibilities. We were left feeling overwhelmed, mentally fragmented, and just tired on a daily basis. The high point of our day came after we put all the kids to bed. We would then watch a couple of hours of tv and indulge in multiple servings of ice cream and/or unhealthy snacks on a nightly basis. After a couple years of this pattern I felt a sudden and clear realization that this type of enjoyable "escapist" activity of sitting, watching tv and overeating junk food was in no way therapeutic. Instead this was further reducing the quality of our life, relationships and health. My wife and I made a conscious decision that night that this behavior needed to stop -- and be replaced with healthful decisions and a return to regular physical activity (We had both been active and regular runners in the past but had gotten away from running as life's demands increased.)

Through an internet search, with search terms long forgotten, I found out about your cycling DVD series. I ordered some of your DVDs. Your DVDs formed the foundation of my weekly exercise schedule. They were not difficult at all to implement into daily routines and work around our lives unpredictable schedules. Since starting regular exercise activity over 2 years ago and my life has been profoundly better. "Spinervals" helped me to make a confidently and happily choose a healthy path in my life. I feel that my quality of life, relationships with others and my ability to handle challenges have all been positively influenced by the active lifestyle that, I am happy to say, has become a part of me. Since all this started I have also completed, with age group placing in a good number of triathlon, running events from 5k to 25k, Nordic ski and mountain bike race. I have also registered for the full Detroit Marathon in October. I want to thank you for the role that you played in my growing to a better athlete, but more importantly a better father and husband. As people we seldom know the impact that we have on others. I felt compelled to let you know how you have helped me. And you may have though the main benefit of your series was to increase endurance, lactate threshold, and help with pushing a bigger gear!

One interesting thing about me is that I have type 1 diabetes. I have had it for 28 years now and through education and effort have very effectively managed my diabetes. Knowing the number of chronic health conditions that exist today, and the fact that the existence of such a condition often prevents people from becoming all that they can become in their lives.

Again, thank you for all you do for people and their families."

In Appreciation,
Tom G.

April 29, 2010

"Dear Coach Troy --
I just completed my first ½ Ironman last weekend at the Texas Ironman 70.3, and given I live in Canada with my bike training between October and April, all my riding preparation was done in-doors on the Computrainer using about 15 of your Spinervals videos.

In November you recommended to me a diverse set of your videos which I subsequently purchased and assembled a 7 month program as a result. I also employed several of your Runervals videos into my weekly training schedule.

The Texas Ironman 70.3 was my first time outdoors on the bike, other than some pre-race warm-ups earlier in the week in Galveston, and I was able to finish 66 out of 237 competitors in my age group and 370th overall out of 1326 competitors. A true testament to the quality of your DVD training line-up."

So many thanks,
-- Graham S., Alberta, Canada

April 7, 2010

"Hi Coach Troy and everyone else --
I wanted to let you know of my personal success story with your Spinervals videos. I trained throughout the winter with Spinervals and did my first long outdoor ride today, since the weather is nice for now. I did 70 miles, including up Mt. Wachusett, and I felt great. A hilly course, too, probably 6,000 feet of climbing. Couldn't get to the summit of Mt. Wachusett because there are a couple of snow fields still on the road, but I had plenty in the tank. Based on today's ride, I am stronger than I was at the end of last season.

I attribute it to repeated use of Big Gear Strength, Spinervals 11.0. I also used Uphill Grind 7.0, Mental Toughness 5.0, and Hillacious 24.0 a lot. Great job Coach, and everyone else too! Thank you for a great product."

Thanks again,
-- Jim S.

November 27, 2009

"Hello,
I love your cycling videos and use them for ALL of my bike training! I'm in the military and have VERY, VERY limited triathlon training time. I find the greatest bang-for-buck bike training is done indoors. YOUR VIDEOS GIVE ME STRUCTURE!!

As you can see, my training is limited, and pretty random :)

Average training hours per week this year: ~6
Longest training week this year:~12hrs
Number of outdoor rides this year (not including races):3

Key results:
Longhorn 70.3: 4:47 (bike split; 2:34)
Ironman AZ: 10:30 (bike split; 5:22)

I LOVE this sport and one day I will be able to devote more time to it. For now, I give it what I can. Thank you for developing a product that allows me to enjoy my passion."

Thanks again,
-- J.M., Triathlete

November 25, 2009

"On 8.2.09 I experienced a severe accident that left me with 6 broken ribs, 4 crushed vertebra, broken bones in both shoulders and hips, a crushed and collapsed lung.the admission to a 17,000.00 helicopter ride, 8 days in ICU, 4 days in step down a lovely upper body cast, that I still have to wear. Shortly after returning home my sons were kind enough to put my trainer together and I have been doing the Spinervals DVD's and tapes, I still have a few of the tapes. Needless to say my ability to actually do any of the "workouts" has been limited. I can say that your tapes and the training program has been a real inspiration as I work my way back up to a decent riding level.

Prior to my accident and for this season I had put over 7800 road miles on my bike and was looking forward to doing some double centuries and a quad century ride. After this I was just going to settle in and do some riding as I waited out spring. Needless to say my accident changed my plans in a major way. What didn't change was the inspiration and motivation I have always gotten from your program. The Spinervals series has been a real benefit to my recovery.

I have started rehab and the PT and the PTA's have all commented on how well I'm doing. I explain to them it's because of the Spinervals program. Even if I can't do a complete program giving it 110%, I can do the program at my now 100% level.

Just wanted to thank you for the great training program. I plan on qualifying for the RAAM this summer. I know I'll make the cut, being almost 60 years old gives me an advantage. Your tapes/training programs will certainly help me get there.

Oh, I never indicated the reason for my accident: cars and bikes don't share the same space very well. The car is well, my bike not so much."

Thanks and regards,
-- B.M., Cyclist, Michigan

November 21, 2009

"To The Lifesports Team,
After a nasty bicycle accident last August, I've been stuck training indoors while some fractures with delayed unions heal. I was having a great riding season up until my crash and it just killed me to see everyone else go on with the fall riding season while I was "benched". With my arm in a sling, I quickly jumped on the indoor trainer and popped in some Spinerval DVD's. The thought of everyone riding outdoors fueled me to at least maintain my fitness while healing.

I just received the Virtual Reality Spinerval series and finished the Mt. Lemmon climb. I am sitting here soaked in sweat as I email to tell you I LOVE the virtual reality format. I felt like I was riding outdoors and probably getting a better workout than my riding buddies who are outside right now. The car cam is so smooth and I just worked on "staying on your wheel."

I think I will return to the outdoor bike in BETTER SHAPE than before!! I have 8 of your DVD's and carefully listen and follow the training tips. My training is more efficient and focused than before as a result. My husband has been warning the guys to look out because I am going to be an animal when I return. I told him not to give away my secret.

Anyway, I'm sure you know your programs are great!! I just had to thank you for helping me stay motivated and pumped up during my post-accident recovery."

THANK YOU!!!
-- Tina

October 13, 2009

"Hi Troy,
First off I must commend you in your excellent DVDs that grace my selves in the so called garage now a complete Indoor Training center for approximately 18- 20 of us athletes.

I emailed you last year with regards to posting your written workouts on a bulletin board and clearly mentioning your name and company along with your approval.

I have the complete 29 Competition Spinervals, three of the four Virtual Outdoor rides, the fitness DVDs and yes even some of Chris Carmichaels' DVDs. The gang clearly enjoys yours over Carmichaels and easily rates your workout the toughest of any they have ever done. This is now our second season of having you in the AC Lab every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturdays. Once again I do not charge any one in attending as it is my way of giving back to others who are not as fortunate as I have been. Your DVDs helped me in getting to and qualifying for the big show in Kona last year (2008). There I placed 34th O/A in my age group of 45-49 M year olds in a time of 10:26:05 hrs. The organisers stated it was the third toughest race conditions in the 30 year history with winds of 30-40 mph on the bike course and temps of 108 degrees at the energy lab. I spent loads of workouts with you indoors with the heat cranked to 90 degrees and would combine 2 DVDs such as the 2 hours compilation and then followed up with Tough Love. I even melted a couple of tires off while doing these workouts.

The last 3 DVDs 27, 28 and 29 were purchased directly through your company as you had a ten dollar saving. Instead of the bike stores getting my , I felt it best that most if not all goes back to you. Could you kindly let me know when the next 3 DVDs are available as we need some new blood in the lab and your new releases would be a welcome sight to us who train indoors in the north - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

As well, I will be having some shots of us on our bike and trainers watching and working to your workouts on the 42 inch LCD that your DVDs are played on for us to enjoy. Along with a water station, computers, power cranks, a couple of compu-trainers, DVD surround sound players, vinyl flooring, fans, the gang loves your workouts. One girl has lost over 120 lbs and still has some room to go. I will send off some testimonials for you along with some awesome photos if you are interested.

Once again, thanks for putting in some great DVDs so we can get in awesome workouts. I look forward to getting those in the lab asap."

-- G.E.
Vancouver, BC

September 1, 2009

"I have about a dozen of the Spinerval DVD's. I love them. I live near Colorado and workout with the DVD's several times a week from October through April. As an age group triathlete these DVD's are motivating and from my 2008 to 2009 season helped me increase my average cycling speed by 3+ mph. Thank you so much."

-- Terry J.
Triathlete

"TUCSON TRAINING CAMP: This is a must! Awesome camp, awesome coach(s), great atmosphere and great fellow athletes. If you wanna have a great hard workout for 4 or 9 nine days, learn interesting stuff and at the same time have a ball, then attend this camp, you'll be buzzing from it for the rest of the year! It'll kick your season off in a big way!"

-- J.R., CAMPION

"SPINERVALS FITNESS 1.0 - RIDE STRONG - This was my first Spinervals DVD and it has me hooked. With a difficulty rating of 6.5, it may be the one of the "easiest" Spinervals out there. "Easy" is a relative term, it's not that easy, and it took me 3 tries to finish it. Now I own a number of Spinervals DVDs, and use this as a recovery day workout or in conjunction with a shorter ride.

I was a recreational cyclist (still am I suppose) probably 20 lbs overwieght, but starting to ride 50+ miles per week. My rides were casual in nature. This DVD has really significantly helped me increase my speed and distance. Improving your bicycle riding is not about slogging out mile after mile for weekly totals...there really is a lot more going on. Training zones, heart rates, intensity, intervals/pyramids/ladders, etc... I'm into it now, and it shows big time in improvements in my riding, changes in my workouts, and reduced weight.

My bicycle trainer came with a Carmichael Training DVD...which is good too...but as I buy more cycle workout DVDs...I find myself buying all Spinervals. Although he and Carmichael probably share the same foundations and premises involved in building their workouts, Coach Troy is more dynamic and motivational in his delivery and presentation...and I prefer Spinervals over Carmichael. I recommend this DVD as a starter...or as a recovery day workout 100%."

-- Michael F.

"SPINERVALS 24.0 - HILLACIOUS WITH GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO.: This review is based on my first impression, as I just tried it for the first time a few days ago. I love this workout. First and foremost, the "fun" factor is high. While the first set has no gear shifting or standing, I didn't find it boring. The rolling hills were both challenging, leg burning, and fun! Of course, the final set of steep climbs was tough. The set was great, especially if you're a fan of Baltimore :-) and I found the crew of riders motivating. It was nice to see a good variety of body types, all of whom obviously were fit. I think it would be tough to do outdoor tapings because of the uncertainties of lighting, wind, etc. In addition, you can have a "too busy" background outdoors, but not in this case. Coach Troy was especially motivating. I've been waiting awhile for a follow up to Uphill Grind and I was not at all disappointed. It was be great to do a compilation DVD of "tough gear" workouts---a two hour one with segments from Bending Crank Arms (another favorite of mine), Big Gear Strength, the new Leg Strength Ulta Conditioning workout, that last 15 minute set in Totally Time Trail, Uphill Grind, and this one."

-- Suzanne E. M.

"This Man is Amazing!!!!!!!! I have been working out to coach troys "lean and mean" and "Ride strong" videos for two months, each day I put the dvd in and ride in my office after putting the kids on the bus. I have lost TEN POUNDS of fat, and still working on five more, I just ordered three more dvd's and can't wait to add them to my weekly routine...... Spinning with coach Troy has helped me get in great shape, and the best is yet to come."

-- Hoda R.

"I am fairly new to cycling however very committed. The long winters here in Canada make it very easy to slack off. After Christmas I decided it was time to start spending more serious time in the saddle, after a few weeks of the "Aero Base Builder" work out I purchased the "Uphill Grind" (7.0). This workout alhough fairly short it's very intense and does an amazing job simulating hill climbing, it had my legs screaming at me and my heart rate was as high as it would be if I was climbing an actual hill. I can't wait to get out on the open road but until then the Spinerval workouts are a great alternative."

-- Mike S.

"I've been using this DVD for several months. Not only is it a great calorie-burning and strength-building workout, but it is the best way to maintain biking strenth and speed during the winter and on rainy days. You don't necessarily have to have a trainer, either...I used a spinning bike and got great results."

-- Toni W.

"One of my favourite Spinervals. 1.0 - 'No Slackers' has plenty of variation. It is an intense 45 minute workout that includes ladders, super fast spinning, a race/TT simulation. This was one of my first Spinervals and it's one that I still use regularly. I recommend 'No Slackers' to anyone interested in a shorter high intensity, varied workout."

-- Gary R.

August 17, 2009

"I just wanted to say thank you for your Spinervals workouts. They have been a big help in the improvement of my fitness, strength and skills. I rode in the Pigman Triathlon this weekend on a relay team, a return performance of our team from last year, in a major rain and windstorm. After that, I know that your work has also helped my toughness. Thank you very much. Please keep up the great work."

-- Jim B., Triathlete
Lincoln, Nebraska

August 6, 2009

"Thanks, Marilyn!
Please also pass on to Coach Troy that I thought the camp was incredible. As this will be my first Ironman, I appreciated the opportunity to discuss questions about the event, nutrition/hydration, pacing, etc. The training was great and the experience of riding the full bike course will provide a significant mental boost on race day. It was also a privilege to be able to complete a live Spinervals type workout! In addition, the staff from the Training Studio and the bike shop (Bluegrass Bicycle?) were outstanding. I appreciated everyone's efforts to make the weekend a challenging, enjoyable, and beneficial experience for the campers. I look forward to participating in future camps."

Thanks again,
Steve G., Triathlete

July 30, 2009

"Hey Coach Troy!
Just wanted to send a BIG 'thank you' to you. I did your training camp in Lake Placid this June having signed up for the IM in July-I was REALLY nervous about it. The camp was fantastic and to my total delight I finished my first IM on Sunday-(YAY!!) Your camp was crucial to my finish.. knowing the course and keeping all of your advice in mind got me over the finish line (not sure if you remember but basically over and over again you reminded me to spin on the bike.. so my legs were a-ok for the run). It was my first ever triathlon and it was AWESOME. I finished in the nick of time.. 16:36 :) I saw a bunch of the other campers from June who all cheered me on as I completed the course.

I can't wait to do it again and train like crazy.. thanks so much!"

-- Robin L., Triathlete

January 6, 2009

"Dear Coach Troy,
Spinervals training

I have been doing your training tapes for over 10 years now. The first tape was the Cyclearobics when you had long hair and looked younger like I did too. We trained with Wendy WingnutIngram (?) in the tape. I am writing to you to say thank you for many reasons. Firstly for giving me a chance to maintain a high level of fitness. I was a Second Dan Black belt karate instructor, runner, cyclist and swimmer. After having pelvic floor surgery I have had to give it all away for good 2 years ago except my swimming. Under guidance of my physio I am able to do your advanced Spinervals classes as I am sitting down while cycling. My fitness has never been better thank you so much. I ride with your classes everyday before work and don't feel cheated out of my fitness anymore as your workouts have enabled me to maintain my high level of fitness. I have to watch my previous running colleagues run past me while I have to walk and it doesn't upset me anymore as I am satisfied with my exercise routine under your instruction. Secondly my husband has lost 23 kgs joining me in my Spinervals training and is so much happier. Thanks for the positive impact you have had on both my husbands and my life."

Kind regards,
Jane O., Australia

September 8, 2008

"Dear Coach,
I finished my first Ironman in Louisville and had an amazing experience. I live in Orlando, Florida and don't have access to hills so I used your hill focused Spinervals. The hills were much easier than I anticipated. I kept hearing your voice in my head about momentum and cresting. I also listened to your CD's about nutrition and what to expect during an ironman and applied the information. It was incredibly helpful.

Thank you for everything you do. If it wasn't for you, I don't know that I would have had such an amazing experience at my first Ironman. Thanks!!!!"

-- Kelly S., Ironman Finisher!

September 6, 2008

"Coach Troy:
I must thank you, once again! Thanks to your advice and amazing Spinervals training videos, I just finished my first Ironman event - Ironman Louisville! I currently live in Orlando and must do all of my training on a bike trainer and treadmill. Thanks to your videos and suggestions, I finished the event in under 16 hours and felt great afterwards (I was just hoping to finish)! I can't wait to do my next Iron event - shooting for Ironman Wisconsin 2010."

Thanks so much!
Kim F., Ironman Finisher!

September 5, 2008

"I just wanted to say thanks for your help at the Louisville IM Training Camp. I followed all of your advice and I did my first IM in 14:59:49! I had an awesome time and despite the terrible heat, felt great throughout the race.

I felt very beaten down after doing the bike course at the camp and told my husband that I didn't think I could do this race. When I returned to New York, I reviewed my training camp notes and made sure that when I went down for the race, I had a good plan.

I followed your hydration/fuel plan on the bike and run and as a result, had almost no stomach upset and remained well-hydrated throughout the race. My legs felt great heading out of T2 and I was able to run right out of the tent. I jogged most of the marathon (except for walking through the aid stations) and had enough energy to sprint to the finish. My legs were a little stiff for 48 hours afterward, but other than that, I feel like I didn't even do a race on Sunday. In hindsight, I realize I could have pushed myself more on the run, but was afraid to because I wasn't sure how my body would react.

I'll be focusing on getting fitter next year, and plan to do another IM in 2010.

Thanks again for helping me have a perfect race!"

-- Susan E., Ironman Finisher!

August 13, 2008

"I just wanted to drop a quick line to express my appreciation for your Spinervals videos. I am a recreational mountain bike racer and complete in an annual race called the 24 Hours of Adrenaline www.24hoursofadrenaline.com. I have raced in six 24 Hours of Adrenaline races since 2001. Our team "the Sean Fahlman Experience" placed second in the 2007 Canmore, Alberta, Canada event and as a result we decided, as a team, that we would put a little effort into preparing for the 2008 event. This meant, for most of us, training specifically for mountain biking for the first time in our lives. I spent about 300 hours on the trainer dripping on the floor of my laundry room as did each of the 5 members of "the Experience". We used a mountain bike training guide to set up a program which peaked for the July race and used many of your videos throughout the program. The extra work paid off and we took first place at last months 24 Hours of Adrenalin World Championships in Canmore. We finished a full lap ahead of second and three laps up on third. I have to pass along much of the credit for our success to your workouts. I must have watched lean and mean 100 times on a mini DVD player mounted on my handle bars. I have attached a link to a news article about our race results just in case you want to read more about the Sean Fahlman Experience. We have registered for the 2009 Canmore event and are planning another winter of training with coach Troy.

Thanks again for making a great set of videos. Click here for the article."

-- Neil

August 8, 2008

"Hi Troy,
I just wanted to let you know that your influence as my (former) coach continues to be an important factor in my multi-sport success. This past June, I competed in the Race Across America (RAAM) as a member of a 4-person women's team (Colorado Flash). This follows in the path of Val Gattis, Anne Vivianni before me and the race went extremely well as we beat the British women's team as well as the 30-year olds! This route featured over 108,000 feet of climbing, and my training/team partner for this race, Helena Harmon and myself averaged over 17 mph for our mileage (approx 1800 miles). We owe a major part of our success to your spinervals DVDs for which we trained diligently throughout the winter/spring months. As the race neared, I also listened to your nutrition audio CDs "Eat, Drink, and Go Fast as well as "Iron Focus". While these were developed with the long distance triathlete in mind, they are extremely helpful to those who compete in long distance endurance cycling."

-- Carol W., Elite Duathlete and RAAM Rider

July 17, 2008

"Dear Coach Troy,
I'd like to express my appreciation for the training tools you developed, which have been instrumental this year as I trained for my first Ironman in Lake Placid. All winter, I cycled using your Lake Placid Training Ride DVD. Following the cadence and gear settings you specified throughout, I became a much stronger cyclist over the winter months. By the time I went to your Training Camp in June, I was familiar with every turn and landmark on the course.

The Lake Placid Training Camp came at the perfect time, giving me a much-needed opportunity to practice what I'd spent all year learning in the actual course. The training schedule, coupled with your lectures and the great group of athletes, provided exactly what I needed. I came out of the training camp with a defined and crucial set of points to work on during the weeks leading up to the event, specifically making changes to my bicycle seat and on-the-road nutrition.

I would also like to extend a special thank-you to all the coaches, who did a great job with the motivation and assistance they provided on the road."

-- William P.

June 23, 2008

"Troy,
I am a member of team ColoradoFlash ( www.ColoradoFlash2008.com) that won the women's division of Race Across America and the 50 plus women category of RAAM this week. The weather in Colorado this spring was very horrible for training. We had a lot of spring snow! So I was forced inside on the CompuTrainer and used your videos to train for the event. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for all of the videos that you produce. One of my favorites was the TimeTrial --and it has improved my time tiral tenfold. Your emails and discussion of Mt. Lemmon had me so pumped; that when we went to train in Tucson I made sure we did the climbe up Mt Lemmon twice during the week. It made a huge a difference.

Again, you have no idea the impact that you had on my training. But I want to thank you for the quality products that you produce and as I coach I will be encouraging my athletes to use your products supplement their programs.
Thank you!"

-- Helena

April 22, 2008

"I just wanted to write a quick note to thank you (and Coach Troy) for your series. Prior to getting Spinervals videos, I had a very hard time sustaining the motivation to do hard efforts for more than a few minutes on my trainer.

Over the winter my wife bought me "Tough Love" and "Tucson Training Rides". In the last two weeks I finally worked up to the point where I could do the complete Mt. Lemmon ride. I had never thought I could maintain an effort at LT for nearly 90 minutes. It was amazing! I couldn't believe I spent that much time indoors doing such a hard effort.

I don't race much, but I do enjoy getting stronger and more fit. These DVDs are wonderful. I plan to get the whole "On the Road" series for next winter, but I really hope you do some more of these outdoor rides. Maybe even a few locations in Europe?"

Best Regards,
Mark R.