Client Testimonials

Training with Hayden at Perno Performance changed my whole approach to health and fitness. He is motivating and is an expert in customising a training plan that suits my body's needs with various drills that keep my shoulders, hips, and knees healthy, while also keeping me strong. I would recommend anyone to seek his expertise if they're looking to improve their health and wellbeing, just as it's improved mine.

I had tried getting fit by myself at the gym with another trainer, but wasn’t really achieving anything. Not long after starting with Hayden, I started to see some great results. My body shape began to change, my fitness levels increased, and my posture started to improve. The best compliment I received was from friends telling me I have never looked so fit and toned. What I enjoy about training with Hayden is rather working you to the point of exhaustion, he focuses on proper movement and technique, activating muscles you didn’t even know you had! I was so happy with the results and progress I am getting from working with Hayden, that when I recently moved interstate, it was an easy decision to keep him as a trainer and sign-up for his online coaching program.

Since training with Perno Performance, I’ve been able to get down to my goal weight and maintain it too! But Hayden hasn’t only helped me reach my goal of weight loss, but a lot of other things too. Before starting with him, I wouldn’t have described myself as the fittest or most confident person in the world. But he has helped me in more ways than one. I train two times per week, almost every week, and it’s really helped with my confidence and mental state. Hayden always helps me set goals and stick to them in a timeframe. Last year, my goal was to meet my goal weight. This year, it's to build my upper body strength. I also enjoy training with Hayden because he continues to challenge me, while teaching me new things and mixing it up, and I get to become stronger and do things I never thought I'd be able to do. Training is more fun when you train with Perno Performance, because you not only work hard, but you have fun doing it too!

After a head-on car accident left me with a traumatic brain injury, I went through years of rehabilitation and recovery. While dealing with the ramifications will be a lifelong struggle, since training with Hayden, I have gotten on top of my injuries and my pain, while also improving my strength and confidence. After every session, I feel a sense of achievement that I haven't felt since competing in swimming during my teenage years prior to my accident, which has taught me I really can conquer anything that comes my way.

Sitting at a desk all day, my back, shoulders and knees caused me constant pain. My posture and core strength was also very poor. But since training with Perno Performance, these issues have reduced significantly, and my strength has increased dramatically. Hayden tailors a program for each of his clients and his training programs that have enabled me to learn proper technique and understand the importance of it. He enables me to reach maximum performance whilst reducing the risk of injury.

I've been a Hayden devotee for well over eight years. Before training with Hayden, at least once a year I'd have an event where my back would go and I wouldn't be able to walk at all. This would lead to more and more physio to help me get back to normal life. I couldn't lift shopping from the car to the house, lift a basket of washing, stand for any length of time, or even walk the dog for more than a few minutes. That was my life and I was happy to accept because at least I was mobile. After starting with Hayden, the training has changed everything. I can now lift all of the shopping from the supermarket to the car without a trolley AND get it into the house. Plus, I haven't been to physio for over two years and now I know how to help myself when I'm in pain with a series of stretches and exercises that give me more energy and mobility than I've had in years.

Before training with Hayden, I had never stepped into a gym and only did some light jogging now and again. Weights and machines use to intimidate me, but since training with Hayden, I now love lifting heavy things. In fact, it's my favourite way to exercise! Hayden has taught me how to deadlift, squat and lots of other mucho muscle building things. From this I have noticed my body changing shape. Not only have I lost weight, but I can see my waist and hips getting smaller, and my thighs, butt, arms and back getting stronger, harder and more toned. From his training, I finally feel confident that I can sculpt my body into a work of art. Hayden's programs are personally tailored for you. He makes your workouts challenging, but they don't push you beyond your fitness levels. Hayden is a down to earth guy and training sessions with him are always fun and motivating.

Starting with Perno Performance as a complete beginner, I saw improvements right away. My posture improved and my strength increased. I also noticed a huge change in my physique and even confidence. I love training with Hayden because he is knowledgeable, motivating, and has a positive attitude.​

Living with hereditary spastic paraplegia means I have my good and bad days. Some things are harder when its cold. Other things are harder when fatigue, muscle spasms, and a lack of motivation sets in. But by committing to a routine of three training sessions per week with Perno Performance, I'm able to keep moving forward. While I used to struggle participating in activities, my strength, mobility, and confidence enables me to do things like travel and play various sports in my wheelchair. This all helps keep me fit, happy, and enjoying my life.

I've been training with Hayden for over a decade and he has proven to be a true specialist. He is very knowledgeable in the area of corrective exercise for strength and conditioning and rehabilitation. After two surgeries (hamstring reattachment and a shoulder reco), Hayden was meticulous in his approach to rehabilitating me back to full fitness and strength beyond my wildest dreams. Hayden's holistic and calculated approach results in consistent improvement, progression, and all without the threat of further injury. His dedication and professionalism is second to none. To get the best results, he continually develops effective training plans that are challenging, helping me reach my goals. Hayden is very knowledgeable and helpful in giving me sound nutritional advice and his passion for fitness and great sense of humour motivates me to want to do well and exceed my fitness goals. This journey has by far exceeded my initial goal of just "improving my fitness."

Feeling unfit and out of shape with a shoulder injury and lower back pain and tightness, I started working with Hayden at Perno Performance. Having made him aware of the issues I was dealing with, he set about designing a program to help resolve them. The training was focused on building overall strength, core stability, stretching and mobility, all via the use of weights and other equipment (foam roller, TRX, etc.). Nowadays, I feel much fitter. My lower back strength has greatly improved, and my shoulder problem is resolved. Hayden is probably the best trainer I've had. The sessions, while tough, are always fun and have me leaving the gym feeling a whole lot better.

At the age of 50, I had suffered from leg injuries in the past and a sedentary lifestyle working in finance. But Hayden has been just the inspiration I've needed for this life stage. He has wonderful knowledge and a wicked sense of humour. And now, with Hayden guiding my progress, I am stronger and at a level I haven't been since I was 20 years old! Of course, the journey hasn't always been easy. And yes, at times, the sessions are tough and I have found muscles that I never knew I had. But every step of the way, Hayden has stood beside me. He has encouraged, explained, and believed in my abilities. And I have prospered. If you want to get serious about improving your life, Hayden is the man.

I first started training with Hayden in 2009, and not only did he help me build body strength, but also educated me on nutrition. Since then, I have had three children but I have been able to lose my baby weight and return to the physique I had before children. I was able to lose 15cm within 3 months after returning to training, all while gaining back my inner core strength. Training with Hayden is never boring or arduous as his training schedule is fun, varied and pushes my body to new limits. I now look and feel great.

I started seeing Hayden when I learned that strength training could help prevent my running injuries. And I’ve been hooked ever since. When I injured my extra-long tailbone (coccyx), Hayden taught me some targeted exercises and drills to speed up the healing process. He also showed me some special exercises that I could use when I wake up with a sore back from sitting at a computer all day. I now always think of going to see Hayden when I have pain instead of heading straight to the GP. I have improved my overall fitness immensely and keep surprising myself when I realise just how strong and fit I am from training with Hayden just twice per week.

Perno Performance offers the complete health,  fitness and well-being solution. I approached Hayden for my fitness and dietary needs and since commencing my health and fitness journey, I have totally transformed my overall strength and toned up my body.  I have better eating habits, I have gained more energy and motivation. Hayden is very patient and thorough, ensuring you learn the correct technique and preventing injury.  I am doing things I never thought possible, and there is plenty of variety in each session. Hayden is also a great listener and puts up with my complaining when I'm having a bad day!

For a number of years I was feeling tired, had a lack of energy, a stiff neck, and an aching body. The pain was getting more and more intense in my shoulder and back regions. I was getting very concerned, so I decided to do something about it. I met Hayden quite a while ago at a gym we both worked at, so I explained to him my problems with my aches and pains, and he designed an exercise program that we’ve been building upon weekly. Every week I have been getting more and more fit. I’ve regained movement in my neck and shoulders. My cramps at night are gone as well, allowing me to sleep through to the morning without worry. Even my mood has changed. It has been quite a positive outcome.

I trained with Hayden for five years and can say it was one of the best investments I ever made in my personal health. I found Hayden to be professional but warm and understanding. His approach was holistic in that he didn’t just focus on ‘looking fit’, but took into consideration my nutrition, sleep, fitness level, and emotional well-being, while also targeting areas of my body that were always giving me grief, like my tight neck and lower back. Most importantly, he was passionate about me developing and achieving my own personal health goals. I went from being a rather lanky teenager who ate a pretty poor diet (but blessed with a great metabolism!) to gaining close to twenty kilograms of mass and taking an active and considerate role when cooking and eating (I still eat cake. Hayden is not anti-fun, just anti-cake-all-the-time). So if you’re after someone who actually wants to work with you to achieve your own health goals, I’d highly recommend giving Hayden a go.

While training with Hayden, I have seen a complete change in my body. My strength, energy, and overall health has improved. I have also learned so much about my body and am now reaching levels I have never pushed it to before. Training at Perno Performance is great. It is always positive and filled with happy people who are all there to train, learn, and grow. After years of never wanting to train, I am happy to say I now love it.

I’m one of those people who tried almost everything to get my body back after having four children. Having seen a girlfriend do the same and trying many different trainers, she ended up training with Hayden and saw amazing results. I decided to see if Hayden could help me as well. Hayden has not only helped me get rid of that leftover baby fat, he has shown me that exercising, healthy eating and just being active can easily fit into my family’s life, with only a few small changes. Best thing I ever did was go and see Hayden, and I thank him for everything he has taught me. He has helped me feel good about myself again and understand the benefits of movement.

I have been working with Hayden for a number of years and have been very impressed. He has a great depth of knowledge and is very client and athlete focused. He shows a great concern for his clients and is always looking for ways to improve the outcomes for them. I have no issues or hesitations in recommending Hayden to my patients or athletes for designing programs and putting them on the right path.

I’ve been training with Hayden for over five years and have honestly loved every minute of it. He always listens to the goals I want to achieve and designs programs to make sure they happen. A big part of my training is working on legs, booty and abs, and I have seen a huge change in these areas since starting with him. Not only have I toned up my body, I have also increased my strength to levels I never thought I would be able to reach, like lifting over 100kg in deadlifts! Hayden always makes sure I am doing each movement correctly so I don’t get injured and to ensure I am working the right muscles. I love training with Hayden and I would definitely recommend his training programs to everyone! 

I have trained with Hayden for over eight years and always find the sessions enjoyable, varied and sometimes challenging. I am doing exercises I didn’t think I was capable of. I think back to when I started this journey and the feeble attempt at push-ups. Now I am proud to say they become a natural part of a routine. I am 52 years young and am feeling fitter, stronger and healthier than when I was younger. Getting fit and staying fit has improved my overall look on life. Thank you Hayden for having motivated, challenged and believed in me.

I used to suffer with constant back and shoulder pain for many years due to my work sitting at a chair for most of the day. But since training with Hayden, these issues are under control thanks to a personalised strength and mobility plan, some of which I perform in my spare time. I have followed Hayden from venue to venue throughout the years, which is a testament to the respect and trust I have in him. His constant support, as well as his knowledge, has helped me achieve fitness and strength goals I never thought possible.

Hayden has been my go-to trainer for over ten years. His ability to tailor our sessions to meet me where I'm at physically (and even emotionally) at every session is what sets him apart. When my fitness was at an all-time low, he patiently worked with me to rebuild. Similarly, after a number of injuries, he worked with me to strengthen and improve. Hayden stretches you without pushing you to a breaking point. I would describe his approach as holistic and person-centered. An added bonus, and a personal highlight for me, is that conversations with Hayden are always intelligent and thought-provoking.

While trying to move a child from a doorway one day, I must have bent awkwardly and felt a sharp strain in my lower back. I suffered all day, went home and put heat on it, hoping that it would be right in the morning…  I was wrong. The pain went on for days. My weekly session with Hayden came around, and I almost cancelled. But before I did, I decided to attend anyway. Upon arriving, I informed Hayden of the situation. His reply: “No problem”. He began loosening my upper and lower body, before taking me through some drills. I left Hayden that day in a lot less pain and awoke the following morning to absolutely none. He gave me some exercises for homework, and I have been pain-free ever since. All up, his methods took about four days to fix. No physio required. I highly recommend seeing Hayden if you suffer from consistent niggles or pain in your body.

I have been training with Hayden for over five years. From zero motivation, I have transformed into a person who doesn't miss a session, even on the days I am not feeling my best! He is very knowledgeable and customises each session based on how you are feeling that day. He pushes you to achieve your personal best without you even realising. I feel more motivated, stronger, and confident every single day.

Exercise and the gym isn’t really my thing. It was always a chore for me until I started training with Hayden. Initially, my goal was to just to pass a fitness assessment, but I’ve been loving my results and overall health improvement that now I can’t imagine not training. My body is toning up. My posture has improved. My strength has increased. With a strong focus on correct technique, I always walk away from training knowing I’ve worked out the right muscles for maximum results. I think of Hayden as my lifestyle coach, training for the mind and the body. He is always positive, motivating, and full of helpful advice, allowing me to feel refreshed and ready to take on the week. I would highly recommend Hayden to anyone wanting a professional yet personable trainer.

When I first met Hayden, I was very unfit and unhealthy and needed to lose a lot of weight. But from the get-go, I felt comfortable and in good hands. Hayden has always instilled confidence and belief in me achieving my goals. His knowledge of health and fitness is exceptional and I always feel I am being trained safely. Technique is very important to Hayden. The sessions are always fun and challenging, and always lead to great results.

I've known Hayden for the past six years and have been training with him for the past four. Hayden is a fantastic trainer, attentive, thorough and personable. My two sessions with him are a highlight of each week, and I've genuinely never been in better shape. I'm stronger, leaner and more confident to throw myself into any physical situation, knowing that Hayden has prepared me to handle it. Above all else, Hayden is a great person and I've happily brought friends and family into the fold to train with him, who now serve as long-standing clients. Consider this my referral for anyone else thinking of reaching out! You won't regret it.

I have been training with Hayden for over four years. He was strongly recommended by someone I respect. My limited expectation then was recovery after a procedure. Over the years, I have evolved from v1 to v2 to v3. I am now aiming to build strength and muscle size. He understands muscles, joints and motion better than any other trainer. When I am struggling, he guides me to recovery. When I am well, he constantly challenges me. If you want to get fit, look nowhere else; train with Hayden. For everything else, there is Mastercard!!

Recognising an active lifestyle is important to our health as we grow older, we took the advice of our son and started training with Hayden at Perno Performance. Since then, biweekly sessions have become an essential part of our schedule. Over the past four years, he has improved our strength, balance, mobility, and overall fitness in a positive environment. Each session is tailored to our needs, with exercises designed to boost our energy and help us reach our fitness goals. We especially like that Hayden challenges us to constantly improve, whether it is to correct our technique, lift a heavier weight, or try an exercise we previously deemed impossible. Working with Hayden has given us extra springs in our steps and has placed us in a position to take advantage of all the adventures we have planned. We look forward to seeing what else we can achieve from his personalised training.