WHAT DO TEAM MEMBERS SAY
Debbie Freeman
“Working with Deane has been an incredibly positive experience for me as a woman in my 50s. Through consistent training, I’ve become noticeably stronger, more muscular, and far more confident in how I move. The focus on proper form and posture has been critical—not just for performance, but for staying pain-free and active.
One thing I would like to mention was when I first began I had persistent low back pain and weak lower abdominals. Deane suggested the two might be connected. We focused on targeted exercises and specific stretches to address both areas together. Now my lower abdominals are noticeable stronger and my low back pain is gone.
One of the most meaningful parts has been sharing this journey with my husband. We train together, even when we’re away, thanks to the online sessions. It’s become something that strengthens not only our bodies, but our relationship as well.
Deane’s guidance goes beyond just exercise—his insights around nutrition and overall health have been invaluable, always encouraging us to have informed conversations with our doctors and healthcare providers. This has been a truly life-enhancing experience for both of us.”
Jarrod Bunch
“After finishing up my professional career playing football my back was a mess. After seeing a number of chiropractors, therapists and even a surgeon for answers I was told by a colleague about getting help from Deane. I did, and after a couple of months I am well on my way to getting out of pain and moving a lot better. Deane, you are a Godsend. Thank you!”
Ken Clark
“From the moment we first met it was evident that personal training is not only a career for Deane, but a passion he has explored and studied over decades. He pairs this deep knowledge with kindness, patience, and encouragement. I learned all of this first hand over the past 6 months as Deane has helped me to recover from chronic back pain resulting from years of biking, skiing, and contact sports. I thought I had to give up the sports I love, but Deane has shown me I can repair my back, regain mobility and balance, and get strong again. He has succeeded where numerous physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and fitness trainers have failed. I am grateful for all Deane has done for me.”
Nick Misischia
“Working with Deane over the past two years has been one of the best investments I’ve made in my long-term health. His expertise in functional movement, strength, and overall wellness helped me not only reach my initial health goals but build a sustainable approach to staying strong and healthy. He brings both deep knowledge and consistent motivation to every session, making progress feel achievable and rewarding. I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve their health with a smart, long-term focus.”
Evan Staver
“I started training with Coach Deane a few months ago to improve my wrestling and water polo. Shortly after beginning, I got my first pin in wrestling, and now I'm a starter on my water polo team — Coach Deane’s programming and coaching definitely has made a difference. I’m 15 and getting stronger with each workout, gaining muscle while losing fat. The workouts are challenging, and the progress has been real and consistent.”
Michelle Mills
“I’ve trained with Deane for over 20 years, and his impact on my life has been nothing short of transformative. As an extreme snowboarder and lifelong adventurer traveling the globe, I’ve put my body through a lot- accidents, chronic knee, back, and shoulder issues, and even a severe parasitic infection. Most recently, after a serious mountain bike fall, Deane once again stepped in and methodically helped restore my body. Time and time again, he has an incredible ability to access what’s going on and put me back together when I need it most. What sets Deane apart is his comprehensive approach – he doesn’t just treat symptoms, he builds resilience. Through strength training, ELDOA, and personalized nutrition guidance amongst other things, he’s kept me strong, mobile, and capable of continuing to live life entirely on my own terms. Whether I’m recovering from injury or preparing for my next adventure, I know I’m in the best hands. I would highly recommend him to anybody who refuses to slow down and wants the highest level of care to keep doing what they love.”
Charles Oliver
“I was originally referred to Deane to help improve my golf game, but quickly learned he had extensive experience working with clients dealing with injuries. At 79 years old, with chronic back pain, arthritis, and degenerative issues in my lower back—including a right deviation in my lumbar vertebrae—I knew I needed a thoughtful and personalized approach.
Through his guidance, I’ve not only improved how I move, but also increased my mobility and, most importantly, my balance. To my surprise at this stage of life, I’ve begun building strength and even adding muscle. Along the way, I’ve improved my nutrition, lost 20 lbs, and now experience more good days than uncomfortable ones. I’m also sleeping better than I have in years.
What started as a goal to improve my golf game has turned into a complete transformation in my overall health and quality of life. I frequently refer to Deane as my coach but he has become my life coach [emphasis]. His focus on my well being and constant encouragement are highly motivational to me.”
Kevan Miller
Nashville Predators forward Eric Nystrom got Miller into it, out in LA.
Watching the defenseman on the ice is one thing - it's effortless for him, especially with his pure strength.
Watching the defensemen and the rest of his class on Wednesday night in Santa Monica, led by therapist and personal trainer Deane Birkett, hold difficult yoga-like poses, purse their lips, and sweat out buckets was definitely not what we were expecting.
"This is way harder for me," laughed Miller, who graciously let the cameras document what is not an easy workout for him. "This is way harder for me than weight training or anything like that. It's a lot of holding your body in different situations and if you're just looking at it, it doesn't look as hard but then you go and do it, and it's definitely challenging."
"I think it's because my hips are so tight," he laughed, while explaining the difficult poses.
"That's something I need to work on, and something that I'm trying to get better at, so, anything that can help."
There's always something to work on, right?
"Always something to work on," he said.
The trainer, Deane Birkett, hasn't known Miller for a long time, but he saw something in him right away. "He works hard," was Birkett's immediate response when I asked what he's learned about the defenseman since he's known him.
"And the reason why is, he's got a goal. And he realizes, he's smart enough, he's an intelligent athlete and he realizes that if he wants a long-term career to be able to sustain the knocks, open up the joints so that when he does sustain the knocks, the joints can handle it."
-excerpt from nhl.com
Mark Sole
“Deane has been my personal coach for approximately three years now. After not being able to get myself up off the ground and suffering debilitating back pain I needed help.
Presently I am not experiencing any back issues. The flexibility, strength and mobility training we have incorporated into our sessions along with a focus on specific exercises relating to golf has seen dramatic improvements in my golf game. Recently I had my first hole-in-one!
Additionally, I have changed the foods I eat and have lost 41 lbs. I highly recommend Deane as your coach.”
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