Mahdi Bandali

In the fall of 2023, several things made me realize I needed to do something more for my health. I had been a cyclist for many years and enjoyed good health, but as I was growing older, I had health concerns, and my fitness declined. It was hard to get out for a ride, especially since I no longer could tolerate extreme temperatures. As winter approached, I decided to join the Center, and knowing that I was very intimidated by gyms, I signed up for Personal Training “just to get me started.” My training with Mahdi has been so much more than just getting me started. Mahdi carefully explains and teaches me how to use the gym equipment, have the correct form, be safe with my workouts, and get the most from them. He also inspires me to work on the things that are harder for me. Most of all, I am no longer intimidated by the gym and look forward to going and working on the training plans he gives me. I improved my health so much in the four months I have been working with Mahdi. I came into the gym with a diagnosis of prediabetic, and my blood work has shown a major drop in the blood sugar average. I also had problems with balance and posture, having had a stroke in 2020 as well as GERD. Mahdi always adjusted the plan based on what I could tolerate and what I needed to do. My original goal was just to improve my health and energy level; that has happened. Now as I approach my 70th birthday, my goal is to get back to endurance riding and bikepacking, and Mahdi has added things to my training to help me on those rides.

I have done weight training in the past, and I needed a push to start again. Once COVID hit, I shut down and stopped going to the gym. I needed to get back into shape, so I decided to work with a Trainer and found Mahdi. I started one eight-week ½-hour session, which turned into 16 weeks, and it was great. I got back into the groove of weight training. Mahdi pushed me further than I have gone in the past. By the end of 16 weeks, I had lost weight, my BMI went down, and I felt great. I am continuing on everything Mahdi showed me. I would have never seen any results if I did not sign up for training. Sometimes you just need that extra push. I strongly recommend Mahdi if you need a trainer. Thanks, Mahdi 🙂

I have been coming to the Center for the last few years and had only considered purchasing Personal Training sessions once I met Mahdi. I first got to know him from TCNJ and later discovered that he works as a Personal Trainer at Princeton Fitness & Wellness. At first, I was hesitant to purchase sessions, but Mahdi persuaded me to work with him after showing me his work with other clients. I have been coming to the gym consistently, however, after training with Mahdi, my workout form is way better, with a significant improvement in muscle mass. Mahdi has also motivated me to follow a proper diet to help me achieve my goals. I look forward to more training sessions with him as I reach my goals.

What I like about Mahdi is that he knows how to motivate me. He makes each of my training sessions challenging but rewarding. I have PCOS and have struggled to lose weight for years.
Mandi understood exactly what I was looking for and helped me lose weight. I have lost more than 12 pounds and dropped two dress sizes in under three months of training with him. I am hitting goals that I never thought possible. He is amazing! He is focused and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. He guides you in the right direction. I will not hesitate to recommend him as a Personal Trainer if you want to achieve your fitness and health goals.

Mahdi is a fantastic trainer! After only 9 one hour sessions, I am stronger, more flexible, and have lost 6 pounds with no new aches or pains. This is even more of an achievement because I am an opinionated octogenarian with an artificial hip, two prosthetic knees, a recently strained right bicep, and a pair of hearing aids. Hypesthesia of both lower legs still diminishes my sense of balance despite lumbar spine fusion and decompression surgery six months ago. For 88 years, I have consumed fluids only to quench my thirst. To help me stay more hydrated, Mahdi bought me a water bottle and has patiently convinced me to try drinking 40 oz of water daily instead of my usual 8 oz. Because I am sufficiently optimistic about the progress thus far, I have paid for sixteen more trainer sessions.

Mahdi keeps me focused and makes sure that I keep the proper form when lifting and using machines. He also makes our training sessions challenging and fun! I felt a big difference in my endurance and strength when I went skiing at the beginning of March. I feel great! I am a young “older” person because of coming in for training with Mahdi!

Mahdi helped me create a lifestyle around fitness and good nutrition, so within my first six weeks, I lost 7 lbs.! I have a condition called DMN2, and I’m overweight. I needed to get into shape, and Mahdi understood me and helped me achieve my goals.