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October 2020 by Nathan Ladd
Matt is masterful at crafting exercise and therapy plans specifically suited for each person that trains with him.
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July 2020 by Michele Ruschhaupt
I’ve been working with Matt remotely for around 6 weeks now. I came to him struggling with adrenal fatigue. I’m so much better already and look forward to actually building some strength in the coming year. He has such a deep understanding of how to consistently guide you and help you make individual gains depending on your challenges. Thanks so much brother. ??
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March 2020 by Zack KC
Matt has helped me improve my flexibility in a very brief period of time. He is very knowledgeable and a pleasure to be around. His Kung Fu is also legit and battle tested by numerous fighters.
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April 2019 by Josh H.
When I started Tao a year and a half ago I was 33 and starting to nurse a beer belly and a bad back. Previously to joining I had lifted weights for 15 years and done yoga for 5 years. I felt strong in certain muscles but not in my body as a whole. My shoulders ached and I didn't know why. I desired a stronger core, proper attention and focus on form, more connection and functional strength throughout my body, not just my arms or legs, but how they all work together. Yoga was hurting my shoulders because the classes were so fast that I couldn't focus on form. Just going to Tao for the past year and a half has transformed my entire body. I've learned how to use my lats instead of my shoulders and my core instead of my lower back. My awareness around my posture has shifted completely, my wife says I walk completely different, taller and more confident. This work takes patience and focus but is extremely rewarding if you're looking to make a shift in your life and build a strong foundation. Matt is incredibly knowledgable and patient and has a gift to motivate and take you through the levels he has created. He is great at holding space for everyone in their physical challenges but also any mental challenges that come up around this work. I am now in level two and working towards one handed pushups and pull-ups, something I never thought would be possible, is almost achievable. That being said, the confidence and awareness and strength in my core that I have gained from Tao is way more valuable than any of my physical goals that I impress myself with. This is an ego-less community. If there is competition it is with yourself, which feels really great. We help each other out and push each other. Whether you are going to heal some old wounds or achieve some physical goals, it all feels possible there. Also, the layout is brilliant. You take an assessment and measure strength and flexibility and Matt tells you what your weakest link is in your body and the way it currently functions and why, then you work on strengthening that aspect of yourself until your next assessment. I love that there's no guessing involved but it's all based off of proof. I'm also taking Kung Fu there now and learning how to apply this new functional strength. This work has changed my life. Do your temple a favor:)
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March 2019 by Melissa Irene Israel
Great gym and guy running it Matt is tough
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March 2019 by Diana Caldwell Saunders
I've been at Tao for over 4 years now and have made much progress at Matt's direction. If you want personal attention with body issues, this is the place to be!!! All adults ages and physical abilities will make gains!!
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April 2017 by Tracy Jane Brown
Listen up, folks! This place has changed my life. When I started at the beginning of March I used a cane and every step was an excruciating struggle. Today I got on the mat and did floor work on my messed up knees!!! And the best part was all the joy my class mates shared with me. Not only are the instructors super encouraging, but the students all keep each other motivated. Do this for yourself and you will not regret it! Thanks to Matt for all your awesome help.
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November 2016 by David
Since i have been going to Tao health & fitness i have seen a great difference in my flexibility, endurance, strength and mental clarity.MATT does an amazing job on teaching each technique and follows up with me on refining my movement to eliminate compensation. I feel very fortunate in taking these classes. i highly recommend his training. He is very attentive and cares about your results. .
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September 2016 by cody klein
I started training at Tao Health and Fitness because I was tired of the gym and was looking for a type of exercise that would more accurately address structural imbalances that I've had for many years. My right shoulder was noticeably lower than my left with atrophy of my neck and shoulder muscles. My condition was the result of a car wreck back in 1999 that left me with herniated disks in my neck, diminished motor function and sensation in my right shoulder. I began to see improvement after three months of training. I've been training at the Tao for over a year now and my shoulders are level and equal in strength. Diminished sensation at the top of my right shoulder is the only lingering issue. Over the years I've had massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture treatments that have helped, but didn't resolve the atrophy and lack of motor function. I'm grateful to Matt for his patient help guiding me through this process. You should give the Tao a try. They're a great group of knowledgeable professionals.
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June 2016 by benjamin green
There are several solid place you could train in South Austin but I feel the Tao is the absolute best. Matt the Chief instructor and Owner is incredibly knowledgeably and takes the success of those training under him very seriously. Since I have been training here I have cleaned up some shoulder issues I was having, set new PR in the overhead press, fixed my push ups, and learned more about train myself and others. The Tao is great for everyone but it is speaks volumes about a place when other trainer, instructors, and teachers come there to train.
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November 2015 by Matt M
I started at Tao back in June, and I can say that since I started I have had and seen vast improvement, with everything from daily basic actions of either picking things up or doing vigorous activities. My first and best feature and function I noticed after my first month of training was my posture. I use to walk and slouch so bad, but shortly after starting with Matt at Tao it improved greatly! Now I walk tall and proudly, even when I'm hauling heavy backpacks from class to class all over campus. Of all the places you could go I would suggest here. Matt is a awesome trainer who will not only teach you how and why to do things, but he will explain the process and break it down for you best as possible. Not to mention everyone there is friendly and welcoming when you walk in the door. They also offer different workshops of all kinds, on occasion they have amazing guest speakers to come in and not just talk but physically work with you on certain things depending the topic. Plus when Matt plays the gong from time to time it's super relaxing. I would highly suggest coming here to start your path to true body and mind strengthening.
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September 2015 by dale whistler
I've practiced and taught yoga for over 30 years, but still I had this nagging low back discomfort. The pain vanished after the first month of training with Matt. This system is quite scientific and systematic. And Matt keeps himself informed with new information. After nearly two years of three times a week I'm still getting stronger every workout. It is a veritable fountain of youth. I feel lighter, more capable, and more robust, safer in everything I do because my body is sturdier and more coordinated. My gait pattern and posture have changed much for the better, and I now look forward to being super fit and strong into my elder years.
