Real People. Real Results.
Here is what clients say about training with Coach Mark DeWolf at Square One Academy.
'I have been coaching for over 10 years and what I am most proud of is not any individual result — it is that many of my clients have been with me for years. The testimonials below are real, unsolicited, and unedited.
Client Spotlight: Phil Charko
The Starting Point: Phil came in as an avid gym-goer looking to maintain his health and longevity into his later years, but he was starting from a point of very limited structured weight training experience.
The Strategy: A relentless focus on the fundamentals and evidence-based programming. By cutting through fitness fads, we prioritized squats, bench presses, and deadlifts every single week for the past five years, adapting the movements to keep him safe and progressing.
The Results: Now in his early 70s, Phil is significantly stronger, lean, highly mobile, and entirely pain-free.
In His Words: "Mark has been a fabulous coach for me... since working with Mark I am now much stronger and this starting from a point of very limited weight training. His research and experience allows him to cut through the fads and mis-information... Mark is a motivating and very personable coach that can help you attain your fitness and health goals. I recommend him to all."
Client Spotlight: Megan
The Starting Point: Despite always being an active person, Megan struggled with consistency. Navigating life’s ups and downs often made her gym sessions feel like just another chore, and previous experiences with other online trainers left her feeling unsupported.
The Strategy: Delivering deeply personalized and highly responsive online programming. By prioritizing attentive communication, fast feedback, and tailoring her workouts directly to her specific needs, we built a flexible system designed to work with her life rather than against it.
The Results: Since teaming up in 2024, the gym has completely transformed from a stressful chore into a sanctuary. Megan now feels safe, highly motivated, and confident, bringing newfound consistency to her routine and a major boost to her overall happiness.
In Her Words: "I’ve had online trainers before, but none have been as supportive, caring, and responsive as Mark. He listens to my needs and preferences... His unwavering support has made a significant impact on my fitness journey."
Client Spotlight: Scott
The Starting Point: A hardworking doctor in his mid-50s with a demanding schedule, Scott came in as a self-described "skinny guy" dealing with lingering right shoulder pain. His strength had hit a ceiling, having never deadlifted more than 225 lbs.
The Strategy: A custom, 4-day-a-week powerlifting program designed to accommodate his busy life. By being 100% "on" and attentive for every single rep and set, we focused relentlessly on flawless technique to safely push his limits while actively rehabbing his shoulder.
The Results: Elite relative strength at a low body weight. Scott now pulls a massive 405 lb deadlift, squats over 245 lbs, and benches 165 lbs. His shoulder pain is completely resolved, and at 55, he remains lean, healthy, and entirely pain-free.
In His Words: "Mark has tailor-made varied power lifting programs specific to me and my goals. His focus on proper form and technique keeps me injury-free. In fact, his work has strengthened and resolved the pain I had in my right shoulder... Now, at 55, thanks to Mark’s guidance and expertise, I am stronger than ever and in the best shape of my life. I could not have come this far without his help; he has been worth every penny."
Testimonials