CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

WORDS FROM MY CLIENTS

Daniel Khaimov

I first decided to try FP as I felt I was in desperate need to start exercising without having pain as a consequence. I have tried many different approaches to train with scoliosis and the most effective had been the SCHROTH approach before finding FP, but i found it limiting and only minimally effective in providing lasting relief from the back issues I was expecting at the time.

The leading scoliosis specialist in Sydney saw no reason for the pain I was describing and insisted it was simply "hypersensitivity", he dismissed my further requests for advice on training believing the few exercises I performed for him were perfectly executed and that I simply needed to continue training, leaving me with the same pain I walked into his office with and no better advice with how to deal with it.

I contact an FP practitioner at that point and he had relieved my back pain within the first few sessions. I recall spending the entirety of each session doing no more than 3 to 5 exercises as Sam's attention to detail was second to none. He made sure I was understanding the biomechanics of my movements and helped correct my faulty movement patterns. This was a radically different approach to training than anything I've experienced before.

I've been very grateful to work with Sam, and despite being extremely busy and unable to train at home, a once a week session has been enough to get me living a pain a pain free life, walking with confidence and feel a sense of strength in my body that I didn't think was possible with the level of disfunction I started with.

Over the course of training I have been able to remove a 12mm shoe raise on my right foot which I've been wearing for at least 7 years prior and every few weeks I feel like I'm finding new activations through the exercises. I have also found huge benefits in using FP to manage my RSI which has significantly improved since I started my training. despite the remarkable benefits Im already experiencing, I still feel like I'm in my infancy in practicing FP and feel like there's still so much more I can get out of it. I highly encourage anyone on the fence to give it go.

Joanne Paul

I have been seeing Sam Lightfoot for two years now and I can truly say training with Sam has been life changing.

When I first started Functional Patterns with Sam I was two years post a hip replacement with a terrible recovery and mobility severely limited despite multiple pain specialists, specialist physio, chiro etc. I was living day to day, unable to do basic housework or keep up with my son, even sitting for work caused crippling back pain.

Within months after training with Sam, pain throughout all my joints had reduced, back pain non-existent and I was regaining strength and mobility. And now two years on I’m doing things like long bike rides with my son that would have been unfathomable before I met Sam.

I travel twice a week from the North Shore because I know I could not get these results anywhere else. Sam treats all clients as individuals and is meticulous in finding what specifically works for me.

I'm excited to see how much further I can go with Sam and have regained an excitement for life that I lost for two years after my operation.

I couldn’t recommend Sam highly enough to anyone who wants to build a resilient body, reduce pain and injury and especially those feeling stuck with complex issues.

I wish I’d known earlier that pain is not a normal part of getting older and it is possible to reduce and eliminate pain and gain rather than lose function. If this is you, go see Sam.

Emily Cole

“I am so happy to have found a form of training that is working for me. I put that down to not only the type of training but also the fantastic trainer that Sam is. He is knowledgeable, dedicated, has a great deal of patience, and really cares about his clients.

In less than 6 short months with weekly sessions, my posture is greatly improved, my body feels stronger and more stable and my pain is lessening and in some places alleviated. I am amazed at the results so far and excited to see how this continues to progress.

To put this into perspective, for the past 17 years, I have struggled with varying degrees of pain, due to scoliosis. When first diagnosed I was told I could only maintain my condition, that it would never get any better and was likely to get worse.

Since then I have regularly seen a chiropractor for adjustments to try to maintain what was already a painful condition. Whilst chiropractic helped alleviate some pain, this was often short-lived and in the last few years I have noticed that my pain and general discomfort throughout my body has increased. This is despite also then combining chiropractic with regular deep tissue massages in the last 2 years.

My existing course of treatment was failing me and I knew that I needed the expertise and guidance from someone who knew how to not only help me, but also keep me accountable.

I am not a gym-goer and exercise is not something I particularly enjoy. However, I have begun to enjoy the process with Sam’s expert guidance and encouragement.

The results speak for themselves. I’ve not had results like this with other forms of exercise or treatment. I would highly recommend Functional Patterns and Sam as a trainer.”

Cian Mc Enroe

I came to Sam in a world of pain and frustration. Years of bouncing from physio, to chiro, to osteopath, to online fix yourself courses, to chronic pain treatment apps. At one stage I was even recommended surgery.

I love training and moving but I was tormented with niggles and injuries to the point of nearly giving up hope of ever running again. I could barely walk to the shops; my hip was so painful. It seemed that no matter what I tried I was heading down a path of further injury and I genuinely feared that at 27 the next decades of my life would see me struggle against an increasing decline in my mobility and ultimately for me, my freedom.

I know what you are thinking, but no, I was not a gym rat with terrible form and uneducated in how to train. I had played high level sport from a young age, had lifted for 10 years and studied and trained with some great coaches throughout that time. I was meticulous about form.

Functional patterns is on a different level though. From the first sessions Sam immediately started to identify the critical areas of focus that were the foundational causes of my issues. He built hope with me in our first conversations that I achieve pain free, strong, athletic movement and that I could get my freedom back. Then, over the following months he showed me exactly how to get there. 

His approach was humble and curious throughout. He had a plan for my progression that was constantly evolving with every time we trained together.

Now I can hike, run, swim, throw, swing maces, kettlebells, clubs and dumbbells all without pain or the fear of injury! 

Genuinely fixing your dysfunctional movement with Sam it incredibly rewarding and like all things worth doing, it takes hard work and consistency. If you are willing to put it in, Sam will get you there.

Thanks for everything so far Sam, you absolute legend. Looking forward to continuing the journey with you!

Caio Kinzel

I walked into Sam's practice to fix lots of imbalances in my body, posture and movement. After a few sessions, I was able to work out some of these problems and feel like I am moving better. I started being able to activate important muscle groups which I couldn't before. All of my pains and aches started lessening, for example, my knees don't hurt anymore when running/hiking, and my lower back feels much better. Sam is very dedicated and patient, and great at understanding my movement vices and imbalances and I highly recommend him to anybody looking into improving their posture and movement patterns.

Stephanie Bhim

Training through Functional Patterns has given me a heightened awareness of body’s alignment in everyday activities. Slouching and hunching at my desk feels uncomfortable now and it actually feels normal to sit up straight (!) Consequently, the tension in my shoulders and neck has now gone.
I also find myself naturally correcting the way I bend, lift and stretch for things around the house and feel so much stronger in my day to day in a way I never realised before.
Sam is an incredible trainer, motivator and educator. He has changed my perception of what it means to work-out and be truly fit. 

William Carter

When you train with Sam you will learn something about your own body. You’ll become very familiar with your body’s deficiencies (which are valuable to know) and then feel yourself filling in those gaps as you train. Very cool, very specific stuff that you won’t get through traditional personal training. Most importantly, the progress is visible and he’s been tracking it with pictures/video along the way. Highly recommend!

Rowan Togami Evans

Sam is a very patient, intelligent trainer who can help you with those nagging injuries and posture problems we all acquire from bad habits or too much desk work. I came here with nagging pain in my shoulder, after 3 sessions I've seen huge improvement. Functional Patterns methodology really works and Sam really knows his stuff, highly recommended.

Anthony Finnemore

Sam has been my trainer at various points over the past 4 years or so, we have worked together in a 1on1 PT sessions and group classes. During this time not only has Sam's knowledge and training styles evolved and adopted  but he has been able to work through various injuries that I have picked up. I think that sam is one of the few trainers around that passionately believes in what he is doing and wants for nothing more than you achieving your goals and maintaining a fit and active lifestyle. Regardless of where you are on your training journey i am sure that he will be able to show you a few new ways of working out.

Jamie Woodbridge

Sam's passion for fitness and his dedication to crafting the right program for each of his clients is why I'll never use another personal trainer. Been seeing him for three years and he's not only my fitness guru but also a good mate.

Jo Lindsay

I travelled interstate to spend a couple of days doing some intensive training with Sam, which he generously accommodated. Sam did a great job analysing my mechanics and helping me understand and apply better posture, movement and breathing. He was very patient but also great at pushing me to step up. I’m really excited that there is an optimal state of movement I can work towards now rather than just managing pain. Hope to be back soon Sam! Thank you 😀

Daniel Zisti

having walked into Lightfoot Functional Fitness knowing i have a few issues, imbalances and injuries that needed assessing, Sam was able to pick up on the problems straight away, ones that i didnt even know i had. wasting no time getting straight into it, he got me using muscles i didnt even know existed, with noticeable differences in my posture even just after a couple of exercises.
coming from a sporting background and an avid gym goer, i can honestly say this was one of the hardest, yet most rewarding workouts i have done.
i would highly recommend Sam to anybody that wants an overhaul in postural correction and functional mobility/fitness.
i look forward to the journey ahead.