GET YOUR "5 STEPS TO AN UNBREAKABLE BACK" GUIDEBOOK
Athletic over 50
SPORT MEDICINE PERSONAL TRAINING
Helping active people over 50 build durability in 12 weeks with home exercises that are never boring.
Grab My 5 Steps To An Unbreakable Back
Get my guidebook for building lower back durability using exercise, recovery and healing meals!
My Journey
My journey as a Kinesiologist and Strength & Conditioning Coach has been shaped by resilience and passion. After earning my Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster University in 1997, I dedicated my career to helping others move well and live pain-free. In 2002, a mountain biking accident left me quadriplegic, but through determination, I recovered and returned to professional-level racing. This experience inspired me to found Life Works Personal Training in 2003, specializing in helping active individuals over 50 overcome lower back pain. Honored with the Canadian Personal Trainers Network Award of Merit, I continue to empower clients with personalized coaching and innovative programs.
My Approach
My approach focuses on building durability and reducing back pain through personalized coaching and the BAM system (Bum, Abs, Mid-back), designed to strengthen core stability and improve movement efficiency. I begin with a movement assessment, using the "warped mountain bike tire" metaphor to identify loose and tight spokes—imbalances in mobility and tension. From there, I create tailored programs that address these asymmetries, emphasizing core strength, muscle density, and daily habits for long-term back health and resilience.
how it works?
Not sure if you want to work with Neil in person or online? You have two ways to get started.
Try the 28-Day Durability Challenge – Get a taste of what it’s like to work with me. In just four weeks, you’ll jumpstart lower back healing, boost energy, and build momentum with simple, sustainable habits.
Book a No-Cost Strategy Session – You feel more comfortable having a chat first. We’ll go over what success looks like to you in 28 days and see which coaching program is the right fit for you.
No more waiting - your journey starts today.
RELEASE YOUR PARKING BRAKE
Enjoy some immediate pain relief & increased range of motion with Movement Preparation. Create a window for healing & growth. Start your day on the right foot.
BUILD YOUR LOWER BACK FORTRESS
Ignite your BAM! BUM, Abs & MID-BACK. A functional bum supports the knees below & the lower back above. An active mid-back creates space in the shoulders above & the lower back below while your abs inhibit a tight lower back behind. Build your fortress!
EVERGREEN FITNESS
Grow your roots deep. Establish a network of bloodflow & nerves. Create density in your muscles, bones, tendons & ligaments. Durability with movement longevity.
Life span = muscle span.
Client Success Stories
Life Works Exercises Have Helped Over 4,000 Active Individuals Be Unbreakable!
They did it and so can you. Consistency was key, to their success.
“I used to have this knot in my back...”
“I used to have back spasms."”
“I had lower back pain for the past 30 years.”
"I used to experience crippling knee pain with walking. Now I stroll 18 holes pain-free."
- Alison Pennie
"My tight glutes and back used to limit my climbing ability. I've finally improved beyond my plateau."
- Dr. Berendt
"I came in with knee pain. Twelve weeks later the pain was gone. At week eight I completed a triathlon and placed second in my age group.."
- Sydney Schuler
"Neil’s program finally fixed my years-long lower back pain as a competitive XC skier. After 3 months, I can ski pain-free and feel my glutes working. Nothing else worked, highly recommend sticking with it!"
- Gary Silvestri
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't want to workout in a gym?
No problem. Life Works custom exercise programs are tailored for your home.
What if I don't have the equipment required?
All the equipment needed are some light dumbbells (or grocery bags filled with books), elastic cables, mini-bands, a bench (or chair), a step (or staircase). If you don't have some of those items, they are very low cost to purchase. I will give you some online links to get what you need.
What if I don't have much time to exercise?
When you do your workouts on your own they take on average 30 min. For optimal benefit, it's recommended to workout 3 times per week. That's only 1.5 hrs a week. Some of my clients break a workout into peices throughout the day to get it done. After the routine becomes a habit, it's just a part of your daily schedule (like brushing your teeth).
I travel a lot for business, how do I stay fit?
Since the workouts are tailored for you home, it's very easy to workout in your hotel room, hotel gym or outside. Just pack your elastic cables and mini-bands.
How does a one-on-one ZOOM personal training session work?
I send you a link for our session. You set up your computer or phone in a location facing your workout space. Have your camera down low, so I can see you from head to toe. It's also better to position yourself with the daylight shining on you. After that, I help you set up your space and que you on your form. The first 2 sessions end up being a little longer, but after that it's smooth sailing.
What's involved in your online course?
I first visit with you on ZOOM for our no-cost strategy session (to make sure we are a good fit). If we're a good fit then I assess your movements on ZOOM to map out your energy leaks. From there, I'll build your custom program for you implement on your own. Every 2 weeks i'll send you a fresh custom program. During your 12 week journey i'll be sending you lessions on your Morning Ritual, Active Sitting Protocal, Meals That Heal, Living Your Rehab and Self Care. Once a month we will meet on ZOOM to check in. After 12 weeks we will graduate you to the next level.
