I came across Brendan through a Google search, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Brendan went through my history, did some tests, and then came up with a program individual to me. With Brendan’s help, I feel strong and no longer sore. Brendan is full of knowledge and experience. He guides you through a detailed and easy to follow program. I highly recommend BodyLab.
BodyLab has been a true game-changer! It has completely transformed my perspective on food and has helped me lead a healthier lifestyle. The new diet recommended by Brendan has not only enhanced my energy levels but has also significantly improved my recovery time. I highly recommend everyone to give BodyLab a try and experience the transformative power of a healthy diet.
Working with Brendan has been life changing! After injuring my lower back five years ago, I had learnt to live with the resulting nerve damage and pain that came with it and I didn’t think there was anything I could do to improve it. Now, only three months after my initial assessment with Brendan, I have next to no pain, I am finally able to sleep comfortably again, and, most importantly, I have regained the confidence to do exercises and everyday activities that I was previously too nervous to do in case they aggravated my back. I would highly recommend BodyLab to anyone who wants to improve their quality of life after an injury. It’s genuinely the best money I have ever invested in myself! I just wish I’d done it sooner. –
After numerous physio’s not helping my knee injury derived from skiing, not only did Brendan work with me to get me back to running, he also helped heal older unhealed injuries that resurfaced during his exercise programme which was designed after an initial musculoskeletal assessment. He is an incredibly educated and experienced professional. It was a pleasure to work with him for the last 8 months to get me up and running again. Thank you Brendan for your expertise and your support!
I have been working with Brendan for a year and a half so far, and he has had a profound impact on my overall health and well-being (pre and post cancer treatment). Brendan possesses an incredible depth of knowledge and expertise, and his ability to decode the intricate relationship between food, supplementation, and my body’s unique needs has been truly remarkable.
My health journey has been challenging and very unique. Brendan has shown unwavering support throughout this, guiding me through personalised strategies tailored entirely to my body and its needs every step of the way.
With his guidance, I have not only been able to see impacts greater than I could have imagined, I also gained a comprehensive understanding of my body’s chemistry and the significance of food, nutrition, and supplementation. This wealth of information has empowered me to make impactful choices and has led to sustained changes in my life.
I have admired Brendan’s dedication and passion for his work, his keenness to continually learn and seek new and innovative practices and share these freely.
Brendan’s wealth of knowledge would be hard to match and I couldn’t recommend him enough. I have been so privileged to work with him and I look forward to continuing this in years to come!
I was a healthy and active 53 year old enjoying the outdoors and multisports activities. After a half ironman race I slowly started developing pain in both knees to the point I had to stop all activity and even walking became difficult. I tried all the standard physios, specialists, scans and x-rays as well as alternative treatments but nothing helped. After a year of this, a doctor recommended I go to BodyLab where I was assessed and put on a strength building programme, particularly around my core and glute muscles. 7 months of gym work later I was able to get off my pain medication and over the next few months I started playing tennis again and going tramping.
I am so relieved that I am getting my old life back without pain and discomfort and have appreciated Brendon’s on going patience and support during my long recovery. There’s still more work to do but I now know how to do it, and that it will take time.
I had suffered chronic back pain for several years –it left me unable to do the things I enjoy and I was reluctant to commit to anything as my pain was a major interference. A few times a year I would be hit with an acute (and debilitating) attack of pain which would leave me barely able to walk and incapable of doing anything much at all. I had done the rounds of doctor, back specialist, physios, chiropractor, osteopath and acupuncture. I had taken cortisone, anti-inflammatories (heaps of) and pain killers. I was becoming resigned to the idea of living with chronic pain and being miserable.
An acquaintance recommended that I give BodyLab a go. What a difference BodyLab made. Within weeks of the assessment I had many pain free days and have continued to improve. I have not had any debilitating attacks since starting at BodyLab. Quality of life is returning and it is seldom I take medication.
Brendan is fantastic to work with – patient, communicative and supportive. The point of difference with BodyLab is the initial comprehensive assessment – two hours. No-one else spent that amount of time to get that level of detail about the sources of the pain. The exercise programme was tailored to me and therefore highly appropriate. It gave me good results surprisingly quickly.
Having lived with low-level but increasingly painful lower back and left groin pain for a long time, I’d noticed a real downwards slide over the last two years. I was constantly ‘managing’ my movements to prevent spasms but this in turn was creating other problems.
I heard about BodyLab when I was working in Wellington. Within a week or two of following Brendan’s rehabilitation programme, the spasms stopped and after a couple of months, the strength in my core and lower-back has returned. I feel more powerful and confident in my lower back than I’ve done in years.
I live in Sydney and have crossed the Tasman for this guy!
After struggling for 18 months with injury and various treatment failures, BodyLab got me back on track by working on my bio mechanical problems.
Treating the cause took care of the symptoms and I’m now looking forward to getting back to competitive cycling.
I would definitely go back to BodyLab if the need arises.
When I was first referred to BodyLab I had been off work for 12 months and had had every possible kind of treatment ACC could provide from physiotherapy, osteopaths, three cortisone injections, pain management consultants, powerful pain killers, intense exercise and work conditioning programmes, etc.
Despite this, no previous treatment provider had delivered anything other than minimal short term pain relief. I was at my wits end and was becoming extremely disheartened.
However, from the first session I had at BodyLab I felt that my rehabilitation chances were significantly increased. This session was merely an assessment and analysis of my injury/disability but was done so professionally and comprehensively that I was immediately impressed.
My initial impressions were more than exceeded with my subsequent rehabilitation plan. This is because it was so expertly designed, they then provided expert training, advice, and analysis of my actions and movements as I worked through my tailored exercise rehabilitation sessions. I quickly began to feel significant improvements and have subsequently continued to improve to such an extent that I have gone from expecting to be a cripple for the rest of my life to being able to function like a normal fully contributing person again.
Their attention to detail in their analysis of my injury and disabilities, their astute and tailored programmes of rehabilitation and their intense focus on closely monitoring, guiding and coaching you throughout various stages are unequalled.
I have never seen or heard of any other practitioners in the rehabilitation field as professional, focussed, comprehensive, and so specifically tailored to each individual’s needs as BodyLab.
I cannot speak highly enough of the professional treatment I received at BodyLab. For the first time in four years I can say with confidence that I my lower back pain has reduced considerably and there are days when it is completely pain free. Without meaning to sound trite I truly feel I have been given a new lease of life and can begin partaking in activities that I couldn’t think of doing previously because of my back. The difference I found between Brendan’s approach and the numerous physiotherapists I have seen over the years is his thoroughness, not only in the initial assessment but also in how he manages your exercise programme. Unlike physios he doesn’t try to juggle other clients, plus the phone…..while you are having your exercise session with him. I hope other ACC clients get the opportunity to be treated by BodyLab. His formula works!
BodyLab are very well named. I am a 48 year old, who seriously damaged my back (prolapsed disk L4/L5) 13 years ago. I suffered from acute lower back pain 95% of the time, and was finding life very difficult and depressing. My specialist had not recommended surgery, as the risks were too high. I explored all of the usual treatment methods with very little success over a period of two or three years.
Three years ago my GP suggested that I try Brendan Roach at BodyLab. Brendan carefully evaluated my condition in a very detailed manner and developed a programme with me. I have to admit I was very skeptical to start with, after all of my previous experiences. Within eight weeks the results were really surprising both physically and with lowered pain levels.
I have continued to work with BodyLab over the past three years and still continue to improve. I am now totally pain free and feel ten years younger. Last year I started playing Golf, now on a 16 handicap and earlier this year went skiing for the first time in 13 years.
My life has been transformed. Thank you Brendan.
I chose BodyLab based on a positive outcome 5 years ago when I suffered badly from OOS. This time, following a rotator cuff sprain, I had a virtually ‘frozen’ shoulder that made many everyday tasks difficult, some impossible. Following an incredibly comprehensive initial consultation, Brendan recommended a chiropractor to realign my neck (which I had no idea was a problem) in tandem with a twice weekly strengthening programme. Both have proven successful to the point where I am now virtually pain free. Total range of movement is still some way off pending possible orthopaedic manipulation. However, because of the strength I have gained, and am continuing to improve with an independent programme, this may be avoidable altogether.
Brendan is a consummate professional, is a pleasure to work with and I recommend him and his team highly to anyone seeking an in-depth, holistic health solution. If I could clone him and have him permanently on hand, I would do so in an instant!
I lived for four years with pains in my arms, wrists and hands from OOS, occasionally severe and debilitating, but mostly manageable, although with constant fear that it would get worse and prevent me from working, recreation and enjoying life.
During that time I spent thousands of dollars on osteopathy, massage, Feldenkrais classes, Swiss ball training, vitamins and minerals, and GP visits. I limited my life, only did short stints of driving, replaced my handbags with backpacks, tried never to carry heavy bags, stopped playing tennis, changed the way I slept, took salmon oil capsules, flax oil and magnesium, went for long walks to keep fit, did Swiss ball stretches and strengthening every day, paused frequently during the day to do stretches, used a phone headset, and limited computer use to the barest minimum, with OOS software, frequent micropauses, special keyboard and ergonomically assessed office. The pain persisted throughout, sometimes better, sometimes worse.
I am so very grateful to all the staff at BodyLab for the way in which their careful, considered, soundly based work has opened up possibilities in my life that I didn’t have before, and for the freedom from pain which they’ve given me. Thank you so much.
Brendan and his highly trained team are the “patron saints of hopeless causes”— I’d had a history of spraining my ankle which ended in a break. I was about to have surgery (and time off work) to fix the problem when I discovered BodyLab’s services (which ACC paid for).
I was assessed by BodyLab and given a 50/50 chance of avoiding surgery. And after a motivating, affirming and gentle programme of micro-muscle exercises and alignment I was able to cancel the surgery entirely.
Unlike the other health professionals I’d been to, Brendan actually looked above the ankle (at the whole body) and found that my knees, hips and back were out of alignment — and once re-aligned I’ve had no problems since. I’m now dancing and enjoying life again.
I was referred to BodyLab by ACC following aggravation of an ongoing back problem.
In the past, I have had one significant back operation, removing discs and fusing two vertebrae together. I have since damaged the adjacent discs, and ACC requested that I complete a six week programme with Wellness Consultants before investigating further surgical options.
With over 20 years of back problems, and having trialled a number of exercise regimes over this time, I was sceptical of this programme, and did not believe it would help my particular injury. Wellness Consultants designed an individual programme specifically aimed at increasing support around the damaged area, reducing the likelihood of further damage and minimising the impact of existing damage.
Having now completed the six week programme, I am astounded at the incredible improvement in my strength and mobility. This has allowed me to again undertake activities once considered too risky, and has hugely increased my confidence and independence. The programme has exceed my expectations, and produced enormously successful results.
Brendan and his team at BodyLab are dedicated and enthusiastic professionals who focus on the unique requirements of each client, and ensure their programmes are designed to achieve maximum outcomes. I cannot thank them enough for the gains I have made, and highly recommend them, without reservation, to anyone recovering from a physical injury.
Thank you for your assessment and corrective exercise programme. Seeing how wonky I was in video/photos and the measurements was really informative. It also gave me clear goals to aim for and appealed to my visual learning style.
The 1:1 sessions were great and helped me learn the correct way of moving, strengthening and re-learning the correct muscle patterns. It was a very thorough process with a holistic low-key and fun approach. I feel that your programme and methods enabled me to make significant progress, which was awesome.
Prior to starting I had plateaued and thought this might be as good as I get, so I am really stoked with the improvements. Thanks again – you are all very good at what you do.
Cheers, Susi
I just wanted to give you some feedback as I have now completed two 6-week courses.
The results have been spectacular!
I had suffered from severe back pain, I think as the result of a fall from a bike several years ago. This seemed to make my back progressively more fragile so that small injuries created very debilitating results. The most recent small injury had resulted in chronic pain throughout my body – especially back pain, but so bad it was affecting my whole nervous system.
I went to Brendan Roach after a long trail of doctors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, rheumatologists….you name it, I’d tried it. With Brendan’s skill, determination, encouragement and motivation I am now largely pain free and have joined a gym in an effort to maintain this new good health!
I can’t speak highly enough of what he has done for me. It is completely above and beyond my expectations.
Two years ago I went to see Brendan after limping my way from Rugby game to Rugby game. Brendan tested my range of motion and designed a stretching, mobilization and strengthening programme specifically with my weaknesses in mind. I am happy to report that since I have undertaken the programme, my niggles have disappeared and I feel as though my stride has lengthened when running.
Given this success I was happy to undertake VO2 and Lactate Threshold testing with Brendan. The results have been remarkable. Brendan has customized a fitness programme for me based on the results of this testing. I can honestly say that I have never felt fitter or been leaner.
Brendan has a pleasant manner and instils confidence with his knowledge. I would have no hesitation recommending him to anyone.
As an athlete (cyclist) injuries are a fairly regular occurrence. I was unfortunate to fracture my lumbar vertebrae resulting in 4 years of unresolved lower back pain and severe episodes of sciatica also with the consideration of back surgery as a last resort.
Training is an integral part of being a cyclist and my injuries severely limited what training I could do on and off the bike. After believing that this was my demise Brendon installed a great deal of confidence after his evaluation. Brendon examined body alignment finding some pretty major areas that needed correction. I was very impressed with Brendon’s ability to discover the limits of power through my legs with and without correction. With corrections to my footwear and saddle I found the results quite remarkable not only in my ability to recruit the correct muscles at the right time but I had little or no back pain. I could now ride my bike pain free with the added bonus of more power output. After discovering these problems I had to unleash the muscles that had been asleep for 4yrs. This is where Lise used her expertise in muscle activation. Through a series of sessions, Lise helped me to awaken and activate muscles in the correct manner. I must admit I was very excited when I found I could activate muscles I had not used before and found more power which would give more speed on the bike. At the gym I was also pleasantly surprised that I could squat deeper and lift more weight. Overall my experience with Body Lab was fantastic, they have helped me to become a more efficient athlete also realising that there are more aspects to being an athlete than just training hard. Thank you for your help.
Thanks to BodyLab for fixing me up! After sustaining a broken hip followed by double hip replacement my body was in a real mess; muscle wastage, fat, very little mobility and flexibility. Now 2 years later I play interclub tennis, touch rugby and am about to run a half marathon. While going through my programme I observed what a great approach Brendan and Richard have with all their clients who come in all shapes sizes and ages. It’s friendly, calm, confident and very effective and each client is sincerely cared for. Consequently, I do not have to drag myself down to BodyLab. It’s actually a pleasure!
As a ballet dancer our body is our tool and therefore have to look after it to avoid injuries. After under going an ACL reconstruction on my left knee I needed all the help I could get to return back to dancing again. I have been very fortunate to have had Brendan by my side on this journey to recovery. He has not only helped me with my knee but also taught me so much about my body and all my weaknesses and the importance of staying fit. And in many ways I am stronger and fitter than ever before. I have just completed my first season back with the ballet company and it was a blast to be back on the stage. A huge thank you to Brendan and his team for helping me reach my goal!
Thanks for sorting out my back. Your approach and initial analysis to find the root cause of my back pain, and then to tailor an exercise routine has really paid-off. My back is stronger now than it has been for many years. I’ll be maintaining the exercises, and hopefully my back will never descend to those levels of pain again.
I am very pleased with my overall level of fitness and wellbeing. All credit to you and Yolanda – was a great experience- genuinely feel my posture has improved, as has my flexibility and agility. I’m far more aware of my core and now focused on continuing the Bodylab programme. I thoroughly recommend the 12 Week programme.
After sustaining a lower back injury from snowboarding in 2015, I had continuous pain in my lower back, exacerbated by any form of exercise, and even standing. After attempting to rest patiently, I became frustrated with the restrictions my back was causing on my life. Brendan was recommended to me by a friend, and I have not been disappointed. I was impressed by Brendan’s friendly approach, and thorough initial assessment and analysis, where he identified the source of my constant back pain.
Through tailored programmes that I could complete at home, I have been able to strengthen my back and improve my overall body alignment. At each session, I felt listened to, reassured and encouraged. My prior attempts to strengthen my back had been discouraging, but through Brendan’s programmes, I find I look forward to doing each rehab session and noticing my progress as a result. The dream of running and exercising without pain has become a reality, thanks to the expertise of Brendan. I cannot recommend highly enough. Thank you!
I am so pleased I was referred to Brendan at BodyLab. His professional assessment and subsequent solution to my ‘issue’ of one leg shorter than the other has given me results far greater than I would have imagined. I am so happy that I can now move without chronic pain, have a lot more energy and new found confidence, such that I have booked a Great NZ walk, unthought-of prior to my visit to BodyLab!
I would absolutely recommend contacting BodyLab for an assessment.
Thank you very much for the bike fit and work around my “challenged anatomy” i.e. short leg. I didn’t have a chance to ride for any length of time at the weekend but my ride home was unreal, for once I felt like I fitted my bike rather than sitting in it so to speak. Suffice to say, it was one of my most enjoyable rides home (here in Karori), had more power and my bike is now much more comfortable. Thanks again Brendan, you offer an excellent service.
Over the years, I have had repetitive shoulder issues during my sport. I thought that I want to get behind the cause and fix it once and for all. I went to see Brendan at the Body Lab and we discovered that my posture wasn’t optimal. Throwing weights overhead with incorrect posture is an injury just waiting to happen! All because of too much desk work over the years with not enough breaks!
I have had a long journey with Brendan at the Body Lab to correct my posture and to move better. It was really hard to strip back my exercise and it was really frustrating at times. But I can now say that I have learned so much about myself and it was well worth the time invested. I am so much more aware of my posture and have managed to strengthen the right muscles to correct my posture. I sit better, I move better and I exercise better. Thanks, Body Lab! I can highly recommend you guys!
Brendan also helped me with some nutritional support. This too was just amazing! I have come down in weight, I don’t suffer from bloating and gut issues as much anymore. I have pinpointed some foods to avoid and this has been life-changing for me. I never knew that what I was having was causing me so many issues. I am now in a happy place where I know what to eat, what to avoid and how to fuel my workouts. Thank you so much for that too! I really appreciate what I have gained from that.
Five years ago I had an ankle injury, because it wasn’t rehabilitated properly at the time a number of issues came about. They prevented me from carrying out my active lifestyle. Unfortunately, the issues that occurred couldn’t be explained by a number of specialists and physiotherapists. Over this period of time my mobility, strength, flexibility and functional movement deteriorated to the point where I was probably only just getting one foot in front of the other and my balance was a major issue which caused me to take a fall at work – which could have been a blessing in disguise, as this led to me being referred to Brendan at BodyLab. After four and a half years of specialists and physiotherapists and no one being able to tell me what was wrong, I was a bit skeptical as to whether this would help. First up was a myoskeletal assessment (first time it had been done) and the results from this were a relief because finally after all this time, someone gave me hope that the issues I was having could be fixed. A strengthening programme was made for my particular needs which was done under the guidance of Lauren. As I started to build strength I noticed I was able to start doing things I had lost the ability to do. If it wasn’t for Brendan and Lauren I would still be struggling to find out what was wrong and because of the industry I work in I may have been made medically unfit. I will definitely be using BodyLab in the near future for a strengthening programme to continue building in strength and mobility.
Having someone who has the expertise to give me the tools to solve the cause of an injury is far more valuable than spending twice as long fluffing around with alleviating the symptoms temporarily. They really know what they’re doing at BodyLab, listen and measure carefully then give clear guidance and support. I can’t recommend them enough.
After countless visits to numerous physio, sports massage, chiropractors and back specialists. I was finally referred to Brendan by a friend. 3 years of living with chronic pain in my lower back, which radiated down my leg and into my ankle. Hindering my sport and work life, sitting and standing became almost unbearable, the discomfort and frustration of trying to fix an issue that felt unfixable, surgery was looking like it would be the only option. Thanks to Brendan, a targeted, challenging and sometimes interesting exercise programme. I now live pain free and continue to work on stabilising the core muscles to support my back, to prevent the same injury reoccurring. Thank you Brendan and the team at BodyLab Wellington.
I recently had a bike fitting with Brendan at the Wellington BodyLab site. Brendan provided a thorough muscular/skeletal assessment and explained the science behind what he was doing at every step of the process. I was impressed with how quickly he was able to identify my underlying muscle/ postural imbalances, which were causing me knee pain and tendinopathy issues on the bike. Brendan gave me a quick fix to this issue with some shoe inserts for one foot and some strength excercises to help correct a knee tracking issue. Within a week or two my knee pain had all but gone and my comfort on the bike was tenfold. There are so many things that a person can spend money on to improve performance and prevent injury, and initially I was hesitant to spend money on a physiology consult (a field of sports science I knew little about), but I can safely say it is the best money I have spent in months leading up to race day so far.
Aspiring Ironman triathlon competitor.
The service and advice I have received from BodyLab has been nothing short of excellent. During their comprehensive exercise test (with ECG, gas analysis and BP monitoring) they diagnosed a potentially life threatening cardiac health issue. The data they provided me with enabled me to get rapid medical intervention funded by the public health system. After the operation I had BodyLab design my rehabilitation plan as their approach was more holistic and aligned with my personal aspirations than the limited advice I was receiving from the medical specialists. BodyLab empowered me with good advice and information to make good choices, they gave me simple and achievable goals that kept me motivated. I have really appreciated their holistic, science based approach backed up by the latest research. It has given me quick and dramatic results, bringing my five key health indicators within the healthy range. Best of all I feel great.
In March 2019 my life as I knew it all came crashing down around me. I was hastily diagnosed with a UTI and treated as they repeated for 12 months with cocktails of antibiotics, blockers, remedies the list goes on… As I bounced around GP, urologist and natural health “experts” offices, and the side effects of various medications, remedies and reoccurring torturous symptoms continued to affect me, I was getting very disheartened (euphemism) and in a crippled state both mentally and physically.
In May 2020 I reached out to BodyLab in a last ditched effort with very little expectation of a positive outcome. I was pleasantly surprised! Brendan contacted me directly and for once someone actually listened to me as I explained my condition. Very quickly we delved into diagnosis involving in-depth analysis of symptoms, pain, diet, lifestyle, medications, lab testing, gut health, physical mobility, the list goes on. The best part was I didn’t have to stress about how to fix me, Brendan took the worry away and made the track to recovery bite sized and understandable. He constructed a plan tailored specifically to me and a 24/7 support system for any concerns or updates I had. The plan was multifaceted but also simple, and over the course of the next 6 months I slowly began to return to my former health.
Brendan truly coached me from the brink of physical and mental exhaustion to a state of positivity and physical strength enabling me to cope with the arising challenges. He was absolutely eager to help as best he could, which was more than adequate. For that I am forever in his debt regardless of the contractual obligation we had. I am now fully equipped with an arsenal of good practices, dietary guides and exercise programmes that have allowed me to take back control of my life in a way I never thought possible. My future is brighter than it has ever been so, thank you Brendan!
