Gary Lavin
Founder of To the MAX Training Systems

Gary is an instructor of instructors and a coach of coaches… a top-tier trainer in every way.  His expert advice, drawn from years of experience as a writer, presenter, consultant and practitioner in the fitness industry, has led thousands to experience life changing results and performance success.   

Your fitness journey with Gary begins with an in-depth fitness assessment.  Measurements provide the hard data necessary for Gary to design your ideal program.  His intuitive ability to analyze movement patterns and to detect structural inconsistencies ensures that the program will include only the safest and most targeted exercises and protocols. 

Gary works on long term results by giving his clients a plan involving multiple facets, including a one-of-a-kind multi-disciplinary approach, drawing from the best features of many different movement forms to keep training progressive and fun.  Beyond his high-level credentials and experience, what is most unique about Gary is his passion for personal training.  For Gary, training is a labor of love, propelled by his enthusiasm and zest for a high quality of life.  Test your limits and discover with Gary the unending enjoyment and benefit that comes with life-long fitness.  Show him how far you are willing to go!

Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science, Honors
Florida Atlantic University, 1998
Associate in Arts
Broward Community College, 1986

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
National Strength and Conditioning Association

Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
National Strength and Conditioning Association

Level II Coach
USA Triathlon

Level III Coach
USA Cycling

Level One Coach
United States Track and Field

Club Coach
United States Weightlifting Federation

Advanced First aid and CPR
 American Heart Association
My story begins after being somewhat of a couch potato for most of my life. It was the early nineties when my best friend and I decided to join the local gym. I was immediately bitten by the fitness bug. My vocation at the time was as an electrical contractor, and I soon found myself leaving work early to get to the gym. I couldn’t get enough. In 1995, I decided that fitness is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. After doing a little research, I found out that I could actually get a college degree in the field. So I closed my business, went back to school and two and a half years later (15 years after finishing high school), I received my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.

Fast forward a few years to my first experience in the world of endurance sports. Some new friends dragged me out to the local mountain bike trail and we went for a ride. My first race was an off-road triathlon and the race was awesome (save leaving transition without my helmet). I was hooked; but it was not until a few years later that I left the trails behind and hit the road. The rest is history. Even when I am at my busiest, you can still find me squeezing in 30-40 mile rides and strength workouts at the gym.

Think about what percentage of time you spend on what you have to do and what percentage of time you spend on what you love to do. Now if you can somehow combine them, then you are spending 100% of the time on what you love to do. What a great way to live, right? To this day I love my job and love my life; and I share my passion for health with my clients and friends whenever possible.

When I’m not lecturing, training, working, or sleeping I can usually be found down by the beach swimming, biking or running. If you can’t find me there then I’m probably out with my friends, eating sushi, going to the movies or playing a little x-box. I also like to rock climb and snowboard, both of which are rare opportunities, living in Florida.
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