Client stories

In their own words.

Luca Turner in Nottingham Forest kit, playing in a match and doing dumbbell lunges in the gym

Luca Turner

Nottingham Forest Academy

“You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.”

Martin has played a massive part in my development, both as a footballer and as a person. From a shy young player to where I am today, he has helped me develop my confidence, physical performance, resilience and mind-set.

More importantly, Martin has taught me the value of discipline, commitment, consistency and having the right attitude.

He genuinely cares about the people he coaches and has always pushed me to work harder, believe in myself and strive to improve.

Coach MG doesn’t just develop footballers — he develops people.

His passion, knowledge, high standards and genuine care have made him a hugely important influence throughout my football journey.

He has introduced me to people of all walks of life, I have trained in gyms that typically I wouldn’t have gone it and made me see the impact sport has on people. RIP Tony Laing one of the many I’ve been introduced to along our adventure together.

Martin Gooden smiling with Marcus in the gym

Marcus

Leicestershire

“If you’re ready to make a positive change, I highly recommend Martin Gooden. He’s certainly made a difference to mine.”

Being coached by Martin has been an incredibly positive experience. His knowledge, expertise and unique approach to coaching have made a real difference to me.

The sessions are motivating, give me a renewed sense of purpose and have helped me feel more energised to manage the demands of my job while being more present for my family.

Martin’s coaching has had a genuinely positive impact on my life, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking to improve their mindset, health, energy and overall quality of life.

Oscar in Nottingham Forest kit, and training in the gym and on the track with Martin Gooden

Oscar

Nottingham Forest Academy

“Martin has taught me that the harder I work, the luckier I become.”

I’ve worked with Martin since I was seven, and he has had a huge impact on my football and personal development. He has helped me improve my movement, strength, athleticism and confidence, while teaching me the importance of discipline, commitment, consistency and hard work.

Martin genuinely cares about me as a person as well as a footballer. He pushes me outside my comfort zone, builds my confidence and always wants to see me succeed.

Passionate, knowledgeable, committed and genuine — Martin gets the best out of me.

Although I’m still not convinced his 10-second rests are actually 10 seconds!

Brandon in Nottingham Forest kit, squatting in the gym, and giving a thumbs up with Martin Gooden

Brandon

Nottingham Forest Academy

“Martin is an excellent performance coach, and I would highly recommend him to any aspiring athlete looking to improve their performance.”

Working with Martin was a challenging but highly rewarding experience. His performance coaching sessions helped me improve my fitness testing results as an academy footballer, supporting my development and performance on the pitch.

Although the sessions were demanding, they were always enjoyable, purposeful and beneficial. Martin knows how to push you beyond your comfort zone while helping you work towards your full potential.

Mr Bizley training on a seated row machine in a CPT t-shirt

Mr Bizley

Production Engineer Manager

“Martin combines knowledge, experience, motivation and humour to get the best out of you.”

I absolutely love my coaching sessions with Martin. Having my own gym and the discipline to train independently, I didn’t necessarily need a personal coach, but these coaching sessions take me to another level. Martin pushes me to work hard, challenges me every week and makes sure I leave having given 100% of myself.

I’ve known Martin for around 10 years after being recommended to him and have trained with him on and off as circumstances have allowed. He understands my capabilities, knows how hard to push me and adapts every session around my needs and the injuries that limit me. He also recognises that at 52, I can’t necessarily train the way I did at 42.

The coaching sessions are enjoyable, challenging and varied, and I regularly take away new exercises to incorporate into my personal schedule. I am also kept accountable with my nutrition and lifestyle choices, reminding me that how I look after myself directly impacts my performance.

There’s a real sense of pride in knowing that, at 52, I can still perform at this level.

Martin keeps the sessions fun while maintaining his high standards — and somehow, even while boxing and working up a serious sweat, we manage to put the world to rights!

I genuinely look forward to every session and would highly recommend his coaching and his style of getting results.

Ray Taylor with Martin Gooden: in the ring, holding a championship belt, and doing pad work in the gym

Ray Taylor

Electrical Contractor

“He challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and take on something I never thought I would do — boxing.”

I owe a great deal to Martin Gooden. His positivity, knowledge, wisdom and guidance have played a significant role in my personal development over the past 14 years.

I initially started working with Martin to become a better version of myself, both mentally and physically. As the coaching progressed, he challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and take on something I never thought I would do — boxing.

Through his coaching, conditioning and guidance, Martin helped me build the confidence to face my fears. I took his advice, stepped into the ring, won my first fight and went on to compete in numerous bouts, meet incredible people and experience opportunities I would never otherwise have considered.

What makes Martin different is his ability to think beyond conventional training. His understanding of human behaviour, mind-set, nutrition and physical performance is exceptional. He knows how to challenge you, develop your confidence and help you achieve things you may never have thought possible.

Even after 14 years, I continue to work with Martin because I value the variety, consistency and quality of his coaching. For me, it has never simply been about exercise; it has been about continuous personal development, maintaining high standards and investing in myself.

I would highly recommend Martin to anyone who values their health, performance and personal growth and wants to work with a coach who genuinely understands how to bring out the best in people.

Nick Carroll with Martin Gooden: pad work in the ring, and posing together in CPT t-shirts

Nick Carroll

Business Owner, UK

“It was Martin’s exceptional professionalism, expertise and ongoing support that helped me overcome adversity and achieve something truly unforgettable.”

I first started training with Martin nearly 25 years ago following major spinal surgery in my early thirties. As part of my rehabilitation, I needed to lose weight, rebuild my fitness and strengthen my core to support my lower back.

What initially attracted me to Martin was his extensive knowledge and experience — and, as a lifelong boxing fan, his impressive background in the sport. After a year of targeted strength and fitness work, we launched into a boxing journey that gained regional media coverage and culminated in several competitive fights at iconic venues, including Bethnal Green’s legendary York Hall.

While determination was key, it was Martin’s exceptional professionalism, expertise and ongoing support that helped me overcome adversity and achieve something truly unforgettable.

As a business owner, Martin’s advice on nutrition and lifestyle has really helped me perform daily and get through the days I feel tired.

Thanks for everything, Martin. Hands up!

RB

Sales Director, Online Client

“I now have more energy than I did ten years ago.”

I have been training with Martin Gooden for over a year, and the difference in how I feel is remarkable.

As a busy professional with long working hours and frequent travel, I needed to make lasting changes to my lifestyle. I wanted to become fitter, improve my nutrition and have more energy — but I needed an approach that would work alongside a demanding career.

Martin understood this from the start. He adapted the training around my professional life, making it manageable, enjoyable and sustainable, even during particularly busy periods.

Since working with Martin, I have lost a significant amount of weight. More importantly, I have built muscle, improved my fitness and the quality of my nutrition, and now have more energy than I did ten years ago. I genuinely enjoy training and looking after myself more than ever before.

For me, the biggest achievement is that these changes feel sustainable. Martin has made a lasting difference to my health, energy and quality of life, and I would wholeheartedly recommend him.

Ashley Whitt in boxing gloves and a CPT t-shirt with Martin Gooden in the ring

Ashley Whitt

Media Presenter & Fighter

“As an experienced trainer myself, I learn something new in every session with Martin.”

Training with Martin is brilliant. His experience, technical knowledge and passion for boxing are second to none. He pushes you to perform at your best while teaching you the true science behind the sport.

As an experienced trainer myself, I appreciate the value of quality coaching, and I learn something new in every session with Martin.

I highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve their fitness, develop their boxing skills, or simply enjoy challenging, high-quality training in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

Louis Askew with Martin Gooden, Martin's arm around his shoulder

Louis Askew

Senior Cybersecurity Analyst

“More than a performance coach — a true mentor.”

Plenty of trainers can teach you how to lift, but Martin changes the way you think. His motto — “Just turn up, and the rest will sort itself out” — reshaped my discipline in the gym, my career and my personal life.

I went from a skinny beginner to a strong, lean, explosive athlete. With Martin’s tailored workouts and expert nutritional guidance, I gained real strength, lean muscle and ultimate gym independence.

Every session is the perfect balance of hard work, laughter and high energy. Whether we were grinding through heavy lifts or burning out on the boxing pads, Martin always kept it enjoyable and genuinely cared about my growth.

If you choose Martin Gooden, you aren’t just getting fitness results — you’re getting a stronger mindset, incredible confidence and a coach who invests in your total success. Highly recommended!

Rachel with Martin Gooden: holding a CPT Performance award together, and in boxing gloves with pads

Rachel

Working Professional

“Martin has completely changed my approach to my mind, health and fitness. He gets results, but what makes him different is how he gets you there.”

Before working with Martin, I had never even stepped inside a gym. He took the time to understand my lifestyle, goals and commitments, then created a personalised plan that fitted around my routine. He gave me the confidence to believe I could achieve things I never thought possible.

Martin continually challenged me to step outside my comfort zone. Every session was varied, motivating and tailored to my abilities, leaving me physically exhausted but feeling fantastic.

His support extended beyond our coaching sessions, with regular check-ins, nutritional guidance and accountability to keep me on track, even when training independently. For someone balancing a busy professional life, having that structure and support made all the difference.

I had tried numerous fitness and weight-loss plans over the years, but Martin was the first coach who made the entire journey both effective and enjoyable. I’ve become stronger, more confident and far more knowledgeable about my training and nutrition.

If you’re a busy professional woman looking to invest in your health, build confidence and achieve lasting results, I couldn’t recommend Martin highly enough.

Although I still can’t jump on a box!

Mike in boxing gloves with Martin Gooden, both smiling outdoors after an early-morning session

Mike

International Project Manager

“Training with Coach Martin Gooden has been a real game changer for me.”

With a demanding work schedule, frequent business travel and young children, finding time to train consistently has always been a challenge. Having two dedicated mornings a week for high-intensity boxing training with Martin has given my week structure and created a solid foundation for improving my fitness, nutrition and overall lifestyle.

Martin strikes the perfect balance between support and accountability. He encourages me, pushes me to perform at my best and doesn’t let me make excuses when I’m falling short of my commitments.

The results speak for themselves. During 2026, I’ve lost over a stone, significantly reduced my alcohol consumption and improved my sleep. These changes have had a real impact on my fitness, health, general wellbeing and performance at work.

Beyond the physical benefits, I genuinely enjoy the coaching sessions. They’re challenging, rewarding and an excellent way to relieve stress and switch off from the pressures of a high demanding job.

I’d highly recommend Martin to any busy professional looking to improve their fitness, develop healthier habits and achieve lasting results. With the right coaching, accountability and willingness to put in the work, you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

Toby in Leicester City kit on the pitch, with an inset of a training session in the gym

Toby

Professional Footballer, Leicester City FC

Currently on loan to South Shields

“Training with Martin made a real difference to my development as a footballer.”

His boxing and fitness sessions improved my strength, stamina, agility, and overall conditioning, all of which translated onto the pitch.

The sessions were always challenging and pushed me beyond my limits. I’d highly recommend Martin to anyone looking to improve their fitness and sporting performance!

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