Utter Max

For over 8 years, I experienced debilitating migraines (at least 1-2) on a weekly basis. I consulted with different physicians on the issue and always got the same response - ""we can put you on meds - you'll have to take them every day as a preventative measure.""\r \r In my first consultation with Max, he asked of my lifestyle habits and assessed the state of my muscles. He immediately suggested that if I simply drank ""x"" amount of water, with a bit of unprocessed sea salt added to it, that alone would significantly improve my condition. A bit peculiar (the salt bit) but before I even had the chance to ask why, he delved into the science behind it and what instantaneous changes I could expect to see in my bodily functions that would demonstrate the science was correct.\r \r In addition, he recommended that I make some simple changes to my eating habits (e.g., eat particular types of starches and sugars, switch to organic meats and vegetables, etc.). Again, he took the time to explain in great detail why these two measures would make a difference.\r \r I have been following Max's advice for two months now and have not had a migraine since! To declare that his advice was ""life changing"" is an understatement (fellow migraine sufferers would understand). I've reclaimed many days of my life that would have otherwise been spent in bed in pain and I've been spared from enduring medications with their own suite of unbearble side effects.\r \r What I'd like to emphasise is what impressed me most about Max that is often hard to come across with other professionals in his field:\r \r 1- His breadth and depth of knowledge on these issues: I could ask him ""why"" to any of his recommendations and he can give me a concrete, evidence-based answer on how the body functions, how we know when the body is not performing to its best ability and very specifically, how can we know when the proposed corrective measures are actually working.\r \r 2- His genuine demeanor to readily assist: he happily spent his time and energy offering counselling and it was quite clear he has a passion for health that he wishes to inspire in others too. Pros: knowledgeable about and dedicated to health & wellness more

I've attended 4 lectures Max has presented about the food we eat, the good the bad and the UGLY! He has changed how I eat - no microwaves, almost entirely grass fed meat, good carbs and raw milk! As a cancer survivor I want to avoid cancer causing foods or those that allow cancer to flourish. While I'm not perfect at it yet, I've found a whole new way to eat that is so much more satisfying. I even think better when I'm eating right!\r \r Max tells the truth about how processed foods are killing us and how we can avoid them. He's done the research and has the testimonies to go with it. He's always willing to answer questions and does his best to provide the best supplements and other aids to eating healthily as well as the best prices. He's not interested in selling anything, just getting the word out that will save lives and improve others through better nutrition. \r \r Max's motto: In health and happiness: this says it all! Pros: Total honesty about what we should and should not eat Cons: Nothing but the cost of buying very healthy food more

My challenge as each year passes is staying fit in the face of advancing osteoarthritis. Max tailors his program to meet my special needs and he has greatly improved the quality and quantity of my fitness program while helping me manage my joint pain and stiffness. He has really helped me and I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a professional trainer who listens to clients and focuses on their needs and goals. Pros: Highly credentialed, experienced and client focused more

Max's recommendations for taking high quality vitamins and GOOD oils and fat have made a hugh difference in my health. I am beyond ""senior"" citizen age but don't have any of the typical medical problems of those much younger (I take no prescription medications). I attribute my good health to following Max's good eating suggestions, exercising, and taking even his krill oil and cod liver oil. His recommendations are based on an individual's specific needs. I highly recommend Max to anyone. Pros: Does extensive research & recommends only the best more

Highly recommended. I've lost over 50lbs since I've started training with Max and still going! No matter what your physical condition, Max knows how to help you reach your goals. He is very knowledgeable about nutrition and how the body works. Easy to talk to and answers the important questions - (so how bad is it REALLY taking all those shots at the bar? ;) Not preachy, but tells you what you need to know. He's also at a nice, private gym - not crowded. Pros: tough workouts, nutrition, knowledgeable more

Hey baby Mamas, want a better body? Max is your man!. After recently having my first baby, I really wanted to get back to my pre-baby body ASAP, but I was a little lost ...where to start? Luckly I found Max right in the Presidio! Max is AMAZING. He has created the most enjoyable, creative, challenging workouts tailored specifically to help me attain that post baby ""beach body"" (o.k. lets be real, I'll never be a Baywatch babe, but I'll be on the beach this summer!...thanks to Max.) And Max has helped me to understand how to fuel my body with nutritional tips that have helped me revise my diet allowing me to maintain my energy not only for my workouts but also to care for my little guy. I feel great! I think I'm even in better shape than I was pre baby! I'm so happy! Stronger, leaner and with more energy! Max's knowledge goes well beyond fittness...ask him anything related to physiology, nutrition, body work...bet you a buck he knows the answer! Really impressed... I'm sure Max is one of the best trainers out there - his great energy and motivational encouragement just makes you want to work hard and do well, not only on gym days but every day to feel healthy and be happy! Pros: fantastic personally tailored workouts Cons: you will sweat!..but its good! more

Max has a vast knowledge of nutrition, exercise, physiology, etc., which other reviewers have discussed below ... and I concur with their enthusiastic endorsements! The other thing that makes Max a great trainer, and that sets him apart from others, is the encouragement he gives to his clients. One thing Max does that is unique is to make you feel good about yourself, no matter what level of fitness you're at, and then he encourages you to do your best from there! He helps you break the barriers you might place on yourself; for instance, you might not believe you can lift that 20 pound weight, but Max will help you realize that you can. While he is showing you proper technique and pushing you to excel, his manner is happy, helpful and supportive. You can count on him to help you get to the next level, and you'll actually enjoy the experience. Max also provides personalized and individual plans for exercise and nutrition, with the result that you feel that sense of being personally taken care of. THAT sets him apart! I encourage you to contact him for a consultation - even if you don't live in the Bay Area, Max can design a nutrition and exercise program for you that is designed to maximize your health and fitness. If you do live in or around San Francisco, you'd be fortunate and glad to have personal training sessions with him. Pros: His ability to encourage people sets him apart. Cons: You'll have to go buy smaller clothes. :) more

Max is an incredibly knowledgeable trainer with deep expertise in exercise, sports, nutrition and bodywork more

I spoke to a few trainers before picking Max. He was attentive from the first phone call to better understand my needs and goals. When I met him, I realized he had a very broad range of medical, nutritional and physical training knowledge to share with his clients which was important to me. I'm a long distance, open water swimmer and had specific requirements which Max understood right away. He gave me training techniques to use when I was with him or on my own that helped improve my strength, stamina and flexibility to endure my 5-6 hour swim races. I've also attended Max's nutritional seminars which are packed with lots of practical advice and tips which I use often. If you want a trainer who really knows his stuff and can advise you on a holistic level, Max is the guy. Pros: Broad medical & training knowledge, nice guy more

I had the great pleasure of meeting Max through a network of Anthony Robbins crew and graduates and I was immediately receptive to the positive energy that emulated from Max. He talks the talk... he works as hard as his clients do to maintain his fitness and live the positive and healthy lifestyle that he promotes.\r \r As a biochemistry and nutrition science major, as well as future medical doctor, I am confident in saying that Max provides the most sound and scientific nutrition and supplementation recommendations utilizing top resources based off of years of research and working with some of the top medical doctors in the country. His innovative information through his enlightening seminars is not only user friendly, but the information can be applied to anyone at any fitness level as he customizes diet and supplementation for each one of his clients. This is not a one size fits all theory... it's a one size fits only YOU which is the only way to achieve success when it comes your health and balancing your lifestyle. Max is a wealth of knowledge and is educated far beyond the top nutritionists, doctors and trainers in the country.\r \r Max is also a multi faceted trainer as he targets human physiology from all different angles, focusing on not only strength and balance but being injury free and providing methods of therapy to help his clients excel faster in their training and providing amazing results by preventing injury and not having to rehab back to Phase 1. He gives you the tools that you need for your specific goals, makes you accountable for the effort you will need to put into the program and triples the investment you make by giving you the health you have always desired in the shortest amount of time. I fully trust Max with my health and wellness over anyone else.\r \r Location is great and very accessible. The atmosphere is friendly and helpful and unlike any training center or gym in the San Francisco area. \r \r I highly recommend Max to be your resource for complete and ultimate health, fitness and weight loss or any goal that you have for your health and lifestyle. And overall, he is one of the kindest and empathetic trainers you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. NO JUDGMENT, only results. Pros: Motivating, Compassionate, Cutting Edge, Well-versed & Kind Cons: Does not like excuses or quitters... not really a con more

Max Utter is one of the most advanced trainers in fitness today. His knowledge, techniques, and ability to understand what is happening to you internally make him the best treat you could ever give yourself if you're serious about your health. I began working with Max over a year ago. I was a training actor who had aspiration of fitness modeling. ALL THE INFORMATION I HAD PULLED FROM THE ""FITNESS MAGAZINES"" WASNT HELP|NG MY HEALTH OR LOOK AT ALL. It was MAX who built the foundation of my training. He taught me proper nutrition, lifting protocals and technique, Cardio techniques, and common mistakes that others made in the gym. Most importantly, he taught how to be an athlete who felt great inside and out who also happened to look great as well. Now i'm an actor in LA becoming known for his body. I've put on 25 pounds of functional muscle since first working with Max, and i am constantly complimented on my physique (gym goers constantly ask if i am a trainer... when i say no, they ask if i will train them anyway...seriously). The best part of this is I am injury free, fully flexible and athletic (i.e. not a bulky fatty mcfatty). NONE of this would be possible without Max and his dedication to helping me learn how to be the best i can be. However, Max has one ace in the hole. He's a fantastic human being. When I left to come to LA, he would send me follow up emails and phone calls. Not as a trainer, but as a friend to see how i was doing, and thats more important than anything. His skills are unmatched, his workouts will make you feel better than you ever have, and he's a scholar and gentleman. I recommend him to anyone looking to improve themselves; age, occupation, and goals be damned. Pros: Functional Training, rehabilitation and holistic coaching Cons: You can't take him with you in a suit case more

Max is an incredible trainer-nutritionist-sports massage therapist-pain relief specialist, in addition to being a dynamic, positive, knowledgeable, well-educated and all around amazing individual. He examines every aspect of personal health-fitness, nutrition, sleep, hydration, etc-then creates a program based on your individual needs and lifestyle. I began working with Max after having difficulty losing post-pregnancy weight. Max not only helped me to lose the weight, but also to gain muscle and strength, increase balance and coordination, and significantly improve my diet and nutrition. Furthermore, he has provided me with extremely helpful information regarding my daughter’s nutritional needs. His sessions are fun and functional, and he will work you hard, but the payoff is tremendous. I would absolutely recommend Max to anyone looking to make significant changes in overall health and lifestyle. more

Max is the most energetic, knowledgeable, and informative personal trainer/fitness guru/massage therapist/ nutritionist around. He is the full package of health training and information of how to live a better fuller life. He is an encyclopedia of knowledge on the human body. Being a competitive athlete Max has continued to push me beyond my hopes. I'm injury free, stronger, more focused, have a WAY better nutrition than I ever have in my life...even better than during my professional competition days in my ""prime."" After working with Max in the gym for several months and following his nutritional advise I feel better, look better, and AM in much better overall health than I could ever imagine for someone my age! I highly recommend Max to positively change your life and get you achieving your health and fitness goals. Pros: He knows his stuff Cons: There aren't any! more

Max is one of the most knowledgeable personal trainers I've worked with; he can not only give you a great, fun, hard, workout, but give you a specific deep-tissue massage and tell you just about anything you ever wanted to know about nutrition. With all of his certifications and education in his background, I'm not worried that I'm injuring myself during the workouts, and even if I'm sore somewhere, he can do bodywork to fix me! more

Max...What can I say...He's Amazing! On my 1st training session, I was blown away by Max's wealth of knowledge - anatomy,physiology, body mechanics,nutrition and even how phases of the moon affect the body! His ability to assess my ache , pinpoint the cause - enlighten me about the muscles I have, what I'm missing and how to work on improving my strength, muscles and fittness. Max helped me through a very interesting creative workout - really great stuff! To add to the expierence, the gym is housed in a building in the Presidio that once was a stable. The beautiful original wood plank floor, the high cielings and historic stall signs hanging on posts over the free weights really set it appart from any other gym anywhere what a special place to workout with the best trainer around! more

I was very impressed with my very first session with Max (I am on session number 3 now). I am primarily interested in identifying weakness areas in my workout. However, while we were working out, Max diagnosed a problem with my periformis muscle which was causing a dull ache in my butt. The pain was not excruciating but frankly it was causing me pain in many different activities like running and even just bending over. Max suggested a few simple stretching exercises and viola no more pain. It was kind of life changing. Thanks Max. As far as the workouts go, Max helped me recognize that my core stabilizing muscles need attention (and frankly, I would have never figured that out on my own).. more

Best All Around Trainer Ever\r \r Since going to Max my results have been amazing. I feel stronger and more flexible, but the most amazing thing is that my joints feel reborn. I was really having trouble with the joints in my hands- Max suggested a gluten free diet and within 90 days the results were dramatic- the swelling was gone- I have a strong grip again-and the pain is gone. I was also having trouble sleeping but using a few of his suggestions I am sleeping at night -the first time in a long time I actually feel rested. I have gone to a lot of professionals and have not found anyone that has done so much to turn my life around. I feel so lucky to have found him. He always keeps things interesting - changing- and he makes you want to feel better about yourself. Best of all he practices what he preaches- he is is great shape and an inspiration to all. Pros: Max is the best pro Cons: Nothing bad to say- it is just all around terrific more

I trained with Max for several months for strength training. He seemed knowledgeable and was also helpful with nutrition. more

I've worked with several trainers -- Max is extraordinary. He combines deep and broad knowledge with a positive motivational style that leads to fast and visible progress. Training with him is not just a workout -- it is a learning experience that will help me attain lifelong fitness.\r \r I recently suffered a knee injury and had trouble walking stairs and even getting out of a chair. An orthopedic surgeon suggested a full knee replacement, but I opted to try exercises first. Max took me through a focussed rehabilitation program of strengthening the knee and working on balance. Ninety days later, the knee is back to 100% and I was able to hike steep hills and even go surfing with no problems.\r more

Max Utter is an amazing trainer. He is not just a trainer, but also a sports massage therapist, pain specialist, and nutritionist. I started seeing Max when I was training for my marathon. He gave amazing sports massages, the kind that hurts, but you know the pain is good for you. During the massages he would explain what caused the pain and what I needed to prevent the pain or injury from coming back. Max is very knowledgeable. He also explained about nutrition and what I was lacking in my diet. Afterwards my quads and hips would feel so much better(I can walk normally again) and I would learn several new cooking recipes and strength exercises.\r \r Recently, I saw Max as personal trainer. I wanted to loose a few inches to fit into my wedding dress. I saw him every other week for about 4 months. I'm not a weight room kind of person because I don't know what I'm doing in there. Max went through several exercises with me, so when I got to the gym I knew what I was doing. He also showed me several exercises where you can do at home. He made sure I did my exercises in good form. Since he knows I'm a distance runner, he showed me exercises that would strengthen me for running as well as fit into my dress.\r \r Max customized my workouts and really pushed me. I am in better shape and health than when I was in high school and that was eons ago. I would highly recommend Max for a sports massage, personal training, and to learn how to take better care of yourself.\r \r He is even available on Saturdays. more