Testimonials

JACOB ORAM - New Zealand Black Caps
I have experienced Greg Owen's training on both a personal level and in a team environment. Greg worked with the New Zealand cricket team a few years ago and I was quite impressed with the way in which he handled a team of professional athletes in a very high pressure environment. From a personal perspective, I trained with Greg for a year while I lived in Auckland and I thought he played a big part in getting my body match fit after suffering a couple of ongoing niggles.

I believe Greg's biggest strength is his ability to be both firm, yet fair. His training sessions and programmes are obviously tough, but you also know that there is method to his madness - it's not just about thrashing yourself. Another part of Greg's training that I really enjoyed was the variation he brings to the table. Personally, I think training programmes can get quite mentally and physically tedious. Thankfully Greg knew this and was more than willing to shake things up every now and again by swapping certain exercises around. With regards to cardio training, every session was different, whether it be session duration, intensity or simply alternating between running, cycling, boxing etc. Finally, Greg is not one of those trainers who simply stands above you and barks orders out. He does get into it himself and on many occasions we got competitive and pushed each other on whatever exercise we were doing (in particular, chin ups!).

SHELLY KITCHEN - World Top 10 Squash Athlete
I have thoroughly enjoyed training with Greg Owen. I find him very approachable, understanding and courteous to work with. He has a great knowledge of strength and conditioning throughout all sports and this is shown through the variation in training and vast improvements made by myself and fellow squash players.

CHRIS MARTIN - New Zealand Black Caps

The last four years of my career as a professional cricketer have been my most consitently successful. It comes as no coincidence that over this peroid I have been trained by the Optimal Sports team. Investing in the best people with the know how to improve my athletic performance was one of the best decisions I could have made. I discovered working alongside people who are driven to see you improve each day is key to getting the best out of your training sessions, and ultimately your performance. I went into every season after training with Optimal Sports feeling confident I had done everything within my control to survive the physical rigours of my sport. The early morning running sessions and gym rat existence are all part of being a professional athlete, however without the Optimal Sports team these sacrifices would have been an altogether more lonely experience!

JOHN WRIGHT - New Zealand Cricket High Performance Manager; Former Indian Cricket Coach

Optimal Sports has been involved with New Zealand Cricket for over six years. Their ability to develop systems and structures to optimise training performance has helped develop the professionalism of New Zealand Cricket. Greg and the team at Optimal Sports have taken an active part in the development of world class performance plans for both the professional and developing representative players. Their professionalism and support that they have provided our players has been second to none. I would strongly endorse their services to be world class and have no hesitation in recommending Optimal Sports.

KYLE MILLS – New Zealand Black Caps

Throughout the past three years I have had the privilege to have been associated with Greg at Optimal Sports. I have worked with him in a team and individual environment. What aspect I like with Optimal Sports is that when your doing the ‘hards’ they are always there with you doing it just as tough, always pushing you through the pain barrier. They take into account your individual needs and goals and adjust your performance plan accordingly. Greg has also assisted me in two injury rehabilitation's that have helped me get back into the national side. There is no doubt I wouldn't have achieved what I have without Optimal Sports.

DARYL TUFFEY – New Zealand Black Caps

The Strength and Conditioning Coaches from Optimal Sports are a tremendous resource for improving athletic performance and rehabilitating injuries. Their recommendations and guidance have helped me recover from injury and also demonstrate significant gains in strength and fitness levels. I fully endorse their approach and would recommend them to any player and/or coach who want to be on the cutting edge of strength and conditioning development.

CAMPBELL GRAYSON – World Top 50 Squash Athlete

I have been working with Greg for the past two years now mostly in a squad environment but also individually. I have thoughroughly enjoyed Greg's training sessions and I have made massive gains in my fitness and strength since working with Greg. Although Greg is not a squash player, he has taken the time to develop a good understanding of the game and has developed training programs that specifically meet my needs. I find Greg very approachable and willing to talk about all types of training, he is firm and his training sessions are tough but they always have a purpose to them. Since training with Greg he has made a big difference in helping me move my World Ranking higher.

ANDRE ADAMS - New Zealand Black Caps

I would strongly recommend Optimal Sports to any athlete or team looking to get ahead of the competition. Their Strength and Conditioning Coaches are knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to improving the performance of their athletes. Training is never boring as there is a real passion and energy for results... so don’t be surprised when your lungs start to burn half way up a Bethels Beach special! I can honestly say that I look forward to my training as it takes me to some of Auckland’s most picturesque locations.

REBECCA ROLLS - New Zealand White Ferns

I have worked both as an individual athlete and collectively in a team situation with the staff at Optimal Sports for a number of years now and have been constantly impressed by their commitment to results and planning sessions which make training enjoyable. They take a personal and professional approach to each training phase and employ the necessary considerations to female athletes well. Any team or individual serious about reaching the top in their chosen discipline should get in touch with the crew at Optimal Sports to discuss how to ensure this.

TONY IRO - Former New Zealand Rugby League Player; New Zealand Warriors Under 20’s Coach

The strength and conditioning coaches from Optimal Sports have been working with us for over four years. Their training philosophy is based on sound physiological principles giving them the ability to prepare logical strength and conditioning programmes for all our athletes. I would recommend for any sports team, coach, or athlete to use their expertise.

JOE CACHOPA - Westlake Boys High Schools Cricket Coach

Optimal Sports has been involved with Westlake cricket for two seasons providing a fitness training programme for our 1st X1 Cricket squad in our preseason schedule. We have been impressed with the high standard of aerobic, strengthening and conditioning sessions. There is no doubt that these fitness sessions have benefited our cricketers with a significant improvement in their fitness levels which has helped to minimise our injuries and enhance individual player endurance and performance.