Athlete Testimonials
Scott Q, Cyclist
I've been cycling and racing bikes since 1984 and I still don't really know how to train properly, especially as I get older. Left to myself, I create an endless cycle of training too hard and having to recover for a long time, leading to discouragement and less-than-pleasing fitness.I turned to Jonathan - a long-time cycling acquaintance - to coach me and help me train (properly) for the upcoming cyclocross season. Smart move on my part. While I expected a "physical" coach - one who fed and reviewed lots of numbers - I soon learned that Jonathan brings a lot more to the table than that. His awareness and wisdom regarding the mentality around cycling makes him an exceptional sports-psychology coach. Of course the numbers are part of the overall training program, but are very nicely kept in perspective through the psychology-focused coaching that Jonathan provides. I feel really good about my training and its trajectory, and am having a lot more fun than I've had in some time. I attribute this primarily to Jonathan's measured approach to building my fitness, and to his attention to my mental state.
Troy B, Cyclist
Jonathan has been extremely helpful to my training for the past year and a half. After getting to know him through his excellent massage services, when he announced he was returning to coaching I thought this was a great opportunity to get some direction for my various goals. As someone who is constantly bouncing around between cycling and running (with a little lifting and swimming thrown in) Jonathan has helped me balance it all and even better, enjoy the process along the way! I’m not the fastest but I’ve been able to hit every race I’ve had my eye one from 100 mile gravel events to half marathons and found myself strong and happy in each event. I even won my age group in a mile race! His regular check ins keep my training to responsive to how I’m feeling, what I’m enjoying, and even the rest that I need (that we all know can be hard to take!). This year I am pregnant for the first time, and Jonathan has kept my training fun and doable throughout. Waking up and not overthinking what I need to do every day, but rather looking on training peaks and seeing the workout laid out for me, has kept me sane for the past few years. I would recommend to him to any endurance athlete looking for a coach!
David H, Cycling
‘The strength, power and endurance that I have gained through Elements Training Company has provided me with all the tools and confidence I need to have a successful Cyclocross season’.
Ryan D, Elite Runner
As a distance runner, I tend to get pre-occupied with running-only training and neglect other types of important cross training. Working w/ Jonathan at Elements has helped me focus on core and strength training while continuing to run. The program he created for me integrates my current training with whole-body resistance workouts that are fun, effective, and time-efficient.
Corrie S, Runner
I broke my ankle while running on a trail. I had been wanting to increase my posterior chain strength and decided the time while injured was a great opportunity to do so. Only, I didn’t really know how. I decided to get the help of Jonathan Garcia. I consistently followed the plan he gave me. It was completely different than anything I had tried before. After a couple months, my body was really transforming. I finally have glutes! I have learned so many different exercises and have been challenged to do things I never thought I could. After a year of struggling with this broken ankle and spending way too much time in a brace, I was able to start running again. I was very surprised at how strong I have become from the training. I hardly missed a beat.
Martha T, Cyclist
I started training with Jonathan to get in shape and to overcome the inevitable injuries that were interfering with my ability to ski, mountain bike, etc. Jonathan worked with my physical therapist to design a program. The system he used was easy to figure out and gave me something “check off” each day, which really helped with motivation. Within weeks I was feeling better and stronger. Most recently he helped me train for a road bike ride in the south of France with expert road bikers (which I am decidedly not). I was not only able to do the rides but was up for good wine and food at night. Now that’s a successful training program!
I am still working with Jonathan and plan to do so for quite some time. His training helps me be as strong and fit as possible so that I can enjoy the active life I want to live.
Scott H, Cyclist
Coach Jonathan with Elements Training Company has been my cycling coach for the past 6 ½ years. In the beginning my goal was to get into good enough shape to start racing both road and mountain. We started with strength and on the bike training programs. Over time I have seen a 40% increase in power, a marked increase in endurance and an increase in finish positions of 10 places on average. He has also worked with me on the strategic, mental, emotional and the nutritional side of competitive cycling. His experience as a professional cyclist, runner and massage therapist have helped me reach my goals and get through many trials and tribulations of the sport such as injury, low motivation, poor finishes and stress. What I appreciate most about working with Jonathan and Elements Training is he focuses on the whole package (Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Nutritional).
Laurel R, Runner, Cyclist
I highly recommend Jonathan Garcia as a coach. As a serious age-group endurance athlete, I have found Jonathan to be incredibly knowledgeable of the physical and mental aspects of triathlon. He is also very accommodating around the realities of life and adjusts workouts accordingly. Most importantly, he believes in me and my abilities – at times more than I do. In the four months I’ve worked with Jonathan I have already set a 5K PR (personal record), raced my first TT (time trial) and stood on the podium twice – once for a an age group win and another for a third place overall female. His periodic training plans allow me to get fast and strong, but also includes adequate rest for recovery.
Levon K, Elite Cyclist
After the 2021 road season I knew I needed to change my training. Whether that was preseason preparation of intervals, volume or strength and conditioning, I decided to call Jonathan and get his professional opinion. The goal was to become physically stronger while improving muscular balance. Jonathan prescribed a strength and conditioning program for 16 weeks. I went from barely squatting 185 lbs to 250 lbs! Jonathan was communicating with me on a weekly basis to make sure I was not over training on the bike and meeting the nutritional demands from training. My body is now better balanced on the bike as well as day to day activities. I would highly recommend Jonathan Garcia at Elements Training Company to anyone seeking a well balanced approach to training and quality of life.
Bill K, Cyclist
I recently took up cycling when a friend asked me to participate in the 'Ride the Rockies' six day bike ride. As a first time rider, a retiree, and over 65 I needed to be sure I was well prepared for the ride. Jonathan put me on a 12 week training program that I followed and he reviewed my training results with me several times a week. Following his regimen I was well prepared.............the ride was fun and rewarding...............and I easily kept up with those who were 25 years younger than me!
David M, Cyclist
I have been extremely impressed with Jonathan’s assistance and the quality of his guidance. His attention to detail in designing my customized workouts has been exceptional and his monitoring of my progress and feedback to my questions very timely. His coaching “bedside manner” is excellent, balancing my desire to progress in my cycling with realistic workouts and expectations. I couldn’t be happier with his assistance.
Scott S, Runner
Jonathan's attention to detail and responsiveness to his athletes is top notch. I have competed in multiple races since being coached by Jonathan ranging in distances from 10k – Half Marathon (Pikes Peak). I have exceeded my goals every time. I stick to trail running and would certainly recommend his coaching services to anyone interested in gaining a good motivating Coach that will certainly give you a good chance to meet your goals.
Chris W, Cyclist
Jonathan is by far one of the best endurance coaches I have worked with so far. His ability to work around my school schedule and other priorities in life is a huge help. His openness to communication is what I find makes him so helpful. If I ever had questions or concerns, Jonathan was on it to figure out a way to answer them and get them sorted out. After bike races, I would often call Jonathan to discuss the day's race and what I could take away from each race. His experience in racing has also been a huge help to me; he gives me advice after every race and helps me improve from event to event. Another big way Jonathan has helped me is by balancing my school cross country running with cycling. He has made my transition between each sport and season extremely smooth and simple, as well as helping me stay injury-free through each transition. One of the most astounding things Jonathan has done for me as a junior athlete is finding opportunities for me to participate in. Opportunities for junior road racing are few and far between, but Jonathan has actively looked for group rides, midweek races, and even invitations for me to race out of the country. I am extremely happy with Jonathan’s coaching and hope to work with him more in future seasons.