Testimonials

At just 11 years old, my son’s coaches expect him to train hard and be focused on and off the ice. Playing at a high level of competitive hockey in Kanata, he is required to maintain a high level of fitness and commitment to his overall health all year round. Training with Coach Woodcock at Elite Performance Academy gives him the added edge he needs and compliments his on-ice training perfectly. He has gained insight into his own physicality and goals at EPA in ways that is not always possible in a hockey-only environment. For him, it’s not about training “more”. It’s about becoming a well-rounded athlete. His training at Elite Performance Academy is helping him work towards his end goal – which is to be at the top of his own game.

Leanne, Mom of Miles Chaput, Kanata Blazers

 

 

My son Christian trained with Coach Woodcock at Elite Performance Academy in preparation for his hockey season.  Not only did he love the training and look forward to every session, the results were great to see.  Christian was fast to the puck, strong in the corners, and had great energy throughout entire practices and games.  He even played with an improved confidence, and was able to finish in close better than ever.  He’s off to a great start, and we are looking forward to getting back to EPA when the season is over!

Joe, Dad of Christian Meliambro, Kanata Blazers

When I step onto the court, I am more confident in everything that I do. My
coaches helped push my mind set to another level. I had an individualized
strength training routine designed specifically for my sport and I was able to
practice basketball specific drills with EPA coaches, improving my game
tremendously. My skills have more flow and my play comes more naturally when
I attack the basket and when I read the defense.

My improved physical and mental strength has helped my confidence with
the ball. I am no longer worried about it being stripped out of my hands while
making a strong, post move to the basket. I am a better defender; I can get lower
in my defensive stance and can move more efficiently. My increased speed and
agility allows me to accelerate and change direction easily. When playing
basketball, I am able to utilize what I learned at EPA on the court.

Kaitlyn Young, Laurentian University Basketball

With Donnie’s help, sound advice, flexibility and understanding, my body
symmetry and muscle development has significantly improved, not to mention
that my strength has sky rocketed! As a fitness competitor I always knew carbs
and good fats were essential in a competitors diet, however I always feared
them. Since training with Donnie, I am now eating MORE of these nutrients and
seeing the great results it has given me.

I completely trust his advice, opinion and expertise. He has a knack for
understanding my needs, physically and emotionally, thereby being able to push
me beyond my limits, and of course, pulling back when required. Donnie has
become a pillar to my training/nutrition and competition preparation.

Renée Meunier, Program Manager/Career Counsellor

I was directed to Donnie 16 weeks before a Men’s Physique Competition, his
personal knowledge and guidance provided me with the tools to get ready to
compete. All aspects of training were covered from; nutrition, workout programs
and one on one training sessions. As time progressed the hard work was
evident.

Donnie was there from start to finish and I couldn’t have done it without him.
He is dedicated, knowledgeable and approachable and made me work and
motivated me to attaining my goal. I have never felt better!

Koert Winkel, Firefighter

The one on one training, Coach Ruiz offers is invaluable, I am never afraid to ask a question or try an exercise movement and receive guidance on how to execute it more accuracy. What I find invaluable about the one on one training is the mental aspect of the exercises that is imparted, which consists of knowing what I should be thinking about when I fire my muscles and what the transition is to my sport.

Skills worked on included cutting weight, becoming more explosive, and endurance. Of which they have all been achieved in a healthy natural way. Gaining 5-7 inches on my vertical jump with the variety of exercises has helped my special techniques and jumps in patterns, the overall explosiveness is essential across the board, and I have noticed these skills enhancing every aspect of my Taekwon-do, and has resulted in numerous gold medals at National and Pan-American tournaments.

I find that I have developed a mental toughness that pushes me forward, and overrides feelings of worry, and doubt, because of the unique experience I have from working with Coach Ruiz I know that none of my competitors have what I have and have done the trainings I have. With these trainings comes the knowledge of me knowing what I can do when I am tired because working with Coach Ruiz has helped me feel comfortable when I am uncomfortable and that in turn leads to the mental toughness I now have.

I have been working with Coach Ruiz for a year now, and it has only ever been a positive experience, I see the results of his guidance every time I am in the gym, and every time I compete. The knowledge and care embedded in his approach to developing athletes is one of a kind.

~ Miro Mostovac, National Taekwondo Athlete

Training one on one with Donnie has elevated my game in a way that could not have otherwise been obtained through regular practices, games or even film. The attention to detail- literally breaking down each step is why my experience translated into positive gains on the field. The techniques that Donnie brings to me from his playing days are invaluable. The slide step technique allowed me to intercept a deep ball in the conference championship game.

The EPA coaches have brought out my potential and have allowed me to reach all my goals in football thus far. Their experience in the game and ability to relate that to all aspects of training has given me an advantage over all competitors.

~ Harrison Dacosta, Acadia University, Defensive Back

Training at Elite Performance Academy has helped me develop a more professional mindset when it comes to all activities, including school as much as football. I really learned a lot and specific, one on one, defensive back training has helped me become much more proficient in my position. I have improved my deep coverage skills and jamming, which has allowed me to score a pick 6 in two games already this year.

~ Will Monkhouse, Defensive Back

 

Hey Pat,

I just wanted to thank you again for helping me over the summer. It really made a difference and I really appreciate it. I ran the pro agility in 4.21 and 4.22 seconds. I guess that 4.19 I ran last Monday wasn’t a fluke! The other test result went well. I had a 27″ vertical, 8’7″ broad jump, squatted 425lbs four times, benched 225lbs 13 times and cleaned 130kg twice.  Thank you again for your help and all the best!

~  Taylor Kuprowski, McGill University, Team Captain and Leading Rusher

 

If you want to improve your speed to get to the next level, then Elite Speed School is the place you want to be, but be prepared to train harder than you have ever trained before. Personally, I improved most in my initial burst off the line. What helped me most was when Pat would video tape me and show me exactly what i need to change in order to become a faster football player.

~ Matt Engel, Bowling Green State University

 

The Elite Summer Program was very helpful in preparing me for my University testing. It was both fun and challenging to go through the training regime. Coach Woodcock knows all the skills and techniques that will improve on your speed, agility, conditioning, explosiveness, and a variety of other mechanics that a good athlete must possess. Although Coach Woodcock makes training enjoyable, he also doesn’t let you slack off and pushes you to reach your limits.

~ Ettore Lattanzio, Ottawa U Gee-Gees

 

I began training with Elite Performance Academy to help me prepare for my first university training camp. Because of his professional experience, Pat was able to instruct and give advice in a way that most trainers can’t. Through Pat’s structured training and nutrition, I experienced a significant increase in my strength, speed and agility. Training with the Elite Performance Academy gave me confidence that I could compete at the university level and I would highly recommend it to anyone preparing themselves for their season.

~ Cameron Stewart, Wide Receiver, Carleton University Ravens

Donnie has exceeded my expectations. He understood my intentions from the first day and created a program that has successfully helped improve my Taekwon-do sparring abilities. The training has improved my physical ability, resulting in a better posture. I also feel better about myself. Donnie is a true professional with an amazing work ethic.

~ Mohamed El-Sarji, Civil Engineer

 

Donnie’s motivating attitude, style and approach brought out the best in me and he always made me feel very comfortable. I looked forward to every training session, it not only had an impact on my basketball career, winning the provincial championship for OFSAA, but has also had an impact on me as a person.

Being in top shape has had an affect on everything I do in life!

~Jordan Erskine, University Student

Donnie facilitates a way in which his client can learn, and understand their personal fitness journey. He not only provides a supportive, motivational, and inspirational foundation for success, but he is also able to draw upon his own personal experiences, and challenges that he has had to overcome as a professional athlete and fitness competitor, to better service his clients. He then uses this expertise to create a program that precisely reflects the client’s goal. It is this combination of qualities that makes Donnie Ruiz the best.

~Lisa-Marie McDonald, Teacher

 

I have had a few hurdles to overcome over the last year and Donnie has helped me get past many of them. Through his training and dedication to making me a better person, both physically and mentally, it has given me other avenues to explore. He knows when I am having an off day and the workout gets geared down but when he knows I’m feeling strong, there are no limits and he pushes me to them all.

~Barbara Molyneaux, Ice Service Specialist

 

Donnie helped me prepare for a fitness modeling competition and with my determination and his guidance I achieved my goal of first place. He has an amazing work ethic and is more than willing to go the extra mile for his clients and give his time selflessly. He listens to and adjusts his training for each individual’s needs. He understands the level of hard work necessary to achieve fitness goals and he is willing to put forth the same amount of effort for his clients. If you are committed then Donnie will help you see that you can achieve your aspirations.

~Amber Nagle, Personal Trainer/Fitness Model

Through an innovative training and nutrition program with Donnie, I was able to substantially transform my body and participate in the Fame Fitness Model Competition. I was able to achieve more in my 12 week program with Donnie than I have ever been able to achieve in the past six years training on my own or through other gyms.

~Gianna Busa, Fitness Model