I started competing in Bikini 2011. In 2014, I thought that I reached my maximum potential as a bikini athlete. It was the moment of my amateur career, after competing in two IFBB Worlds Championships and four CBBF Nationals, that I asked myself if I was stopping there or was I going to make a big move. This big move was to join Freak Fitness.

I was already used to contest prep, but when I became a Freak, I started training and dieting at another level. Being a Freak, mean you train, you diet, you cardio, like a Freak! You need to try it to understand the difference! It was also the first time that a coach really cared about my health and my mental well-being.

It is 2016 and I am now going into my fourth contest preparation with Freak Fitness. Each time I am surprises how my body changes. It’s always a challenge for me to get ready for a show since I am a full time mechanical engineer and I work in a stressful environment, but Darren has worked with me to make sure everything is always on point.

My only regret is that I didn’t make the move to Freak Fitness earlier. Darren’s knowledge is beyond impressive and he always surprises me with what he helps me achieve! I am Proud to be a Freak!

ANGELINE JEANSON

2x National Bikini Champion

ANGELINE JEANSON

2x National Bikini Champion

Before coming to Freak Fitness, I had won my IFBB pro card in 1992 at the Canadian championships, after winning 1st heavyweight and overall titles at all previous levels. I competed as a pro for the first time in 1993 at the Jan Tana Classic, placing 5th out of 30 women. I went on to compete 3 more times, placing 5th at the 2012 IFBB Toronto Pro before “retiring” due to injuries.

In June of 2015, I decided to set my sights on the IFBB Tampa Pro in August but my motivation was lagging. I’d heard great things about Freak Fitness and had seen many pics of athletes make stunning changes to their physiques on their way to the stage, so there was no question in my mind who would be my coach! I basically contacted Darren and begged him to take me on short notice, knowing full well his roster was pretty much full.

I became a member of the Freak team, and instantly, my motivation went through the roof. I saw changes in my physique almost right away. The new training program and diet were very dialed in to my specific needs as a female bodybuilder.

Prior to being a Freak Fitness client, I had the classic issues that a lot of competitors face, fading confidence, self-doubt, and very unsure of where my conditioning should be at at any stage of dieting. I found Darren to be extremely knowledgeable, and his coaching style has a lot of energy, very motivating! I put all my trust in his hands, and followed the guidelines to a tee. I easily was in the best condition in my life at the 15 Tampa pro at the age of 51. I placed 8th amongst the best female body builders in the world, with many comments about my extreme conditioning!

What I find unique about Freak Fitness and makes it stand out from others is it’s like being part of a team or family. I found it like having my own cheerleading team as other members are super supportive during the prepping process. Also, the coach is prompt at getting back to you when questions arise, and with you for every step during the entire prep.

LAURA CAROLAN

IFBB BODYBUILDING PRO

LAURA CAROLAN

IFBB BODYBUILDING PRO

Before working with Freak Fitness I considered myself athletic but I held a lot of my extra body fat around my hips/butt/thighs and had zero upper body definition or strength. I needed a challenge and wanted to see what physique I would be able to accomplish.

I found Freak Fitness while searching for a coach for an upcoming MABBA Novice competition. I was not convinced I would be able to even step on stage but after my first consultation with Darren he was genuinely excited and confident I would be able to accomplish my goal of stepping on stage.

Since working with Darren and Christina I have won 3 National Championship titles in fitness as well as my IFBB Pro Card. Many athletes dream of winning their IFBB Pro Cards and I know I would not have been able to achieve this goal without Freak Fitness.

Darren and Christina have become not only my coaches but my friends. Darren has been able to adjust my program from a first time bikini competitor to an IFBB Fitness Pro. I have 100% confidence when it comes to my competition prep diet and training and I have never had to worry about bringing my best physique to the stage because I know if I listen to their coaching and guidance and put in the hard work I will bring my best physique possible. I have been complimented on the IFBB Pro stage with my posing and stage presence and I know it was from the Freak Fitness posing classes.

I truly believe I would not have accomplished as much as I have, as quickly as I have without Freak Fitness. I couldn’t imagine trusting anyone else with my competition prep.

BRITTANY KANNE

IFBB FITNESS PRO

BRITTANY KANNE

IFBB FITNESS PRO

My name is Gabrielle Tongol, 20-year-old CBBF Figure competitor from Calgary, Alberta! I competed at my first competition at the age of 18 where I placed 8th out of 16 girls (before photo with the green suit). I took a year and a half off to work on some improvements and then decided it was time to seek a new coach to help me prepare for
my journey back to the stage after more than enough time of a break. I came across Freak Fitness through another well-known FREAK, IFBB Pro Azaria Glaim, and contacted Freak Fitness right away and that’s where it all began!

January 2015 was the beginning to my road back to the stage as a FREAK and I can say I am now FOREVER a FREAK! I can honestly say that I have never met anyone like Darren and Christina, how they have impacted my life has been amazing! As a team, we were able to exceed my expectations by reaching the goals I had and more, and along the road we were able to create a new friendship that will last a very long time!

Throughout my prep there were many challenges and struggles that I came across when trying to reach my ideal physique/conditioning. No matter what obstacles I had, whether it was the feeling of doubt, lack of confidence, unmotivated, or whatever it was – Darren was and still is someone I can always turn to and he knows exactly what to say to put things into a different perspective. Now, he doesn’t BS you, he tells you how it is and this is another thing I admire about him – again, like I said, he just ALWAYS knows how and what to say to you to help you overcome these struggles which is GREAT and very rare to find in a COACH which is why I like to consider Darren more of a friend! He gets to know you on a personal level and not just as a client and coach relationship, this makes you feel very comfortable and open at all times without being afraid of “oh no what will Darren say?” On the topic of building these kinds of relationships with his clients, it just shows how much he REALLY CARES for his clients, it’s truly amazing to see the amount of time, care, and attention he gives to each of his clients! Regardless of how busy, tired, or crazy he may be, you bet that his replies to you will always be meaningful, thorough, and super supportive!

In addition to having Darren’s awesome support, Christina’s expertise on posing, stage presence, tanning, suit color/design, hair and make up – you’ve pretty much got the full deal! She’s always open to assist with making those tough decisions when it comes to the final touches and details. It’s so awesome and very comforting!

With the incredible support of these two we were able to accomplish BIG things! Starting off with placing 1st at the 2015 ABBA Southerns in the Figure Short division and claiming the Figure Overall title as well, then two weeks later placing 1st at the ABBA Provincials in the Figure Short division. To say I was happy doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt during those two weeks!

Freak Fitness believed in me from DAY 1 and on all the days where I didn’t and without their support I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all of this as my “comeback” to the stage! I went from placing 8th at my first show to all these 1st place titles and now moving onto Nationals in hopes of my IFBB pro card in a matter of a year and a half… CRAZY if you ask me!

All in all, my experience has been and continues to be something I never expected when I first signed on with Freak Fitness. I’ve been giving MORE than I’ve ever received when it comes to Freak Fitness’ coaching services and I am beyond grateful. This is exactly how coaches SHOULD be – I couldn’t ask for anything better! From the diet, workouts, communication, support, and personal relationship – the list goes on – There is NOTHING more I could ask for and I will forever be a FREAK and PROUD to be! Thank you Freak Fitness for EVERYTHING!

GABRIELLE TONGOL

National level Figure competitor

GABRIELLE TONGOL

National level Figure competitor

Before training with Freak Fitness, I was already competing at the provincial level but I was not making changes to my physique nor did I have dieting nailed down.

I met Darren at a local show and we hit it off instantly. We have become friends and he’s a man that I now trust and I know he has my best interest at heart. I needed someone to give me confidence and to help me be the best I could and well. I must say after 7 years I got that and more.

Darren has incorporated a lot of different techniques so that after years of training with Freak my body has transformed dramatically. Since starting with Freak Fitness, the outcome has been incredible: from winning the overall Mr. Manitoba and super heavy weight winner in 2010 to earning Top 5 placings at Nationals 2012, 2013 and 2014. My physique has never been bigger and fuller at off season weight of 325 with abs (peaking through lol) and contest weight now up to over 270! I stay leaner but larger all year and feel a lot healthier even though I am that much bigger.

The reasons that make Freak Fitness so different are many.When I feel things are not how I want them to be, through on-going and constant guidance and direction, things will be changed according to my needs; my diet is individualized to me. I regularly consume over 6000 calories a day during contest prep, so I know it’s not the same as anyone else’s; my workouts are, again, my workouts and they are killer… always keep me challenged and improving. In the end, we have built an amazing friendship over the years that no matter if I compete or not we will remain friends forever.

MIKE ZYLSTRA

National level bodybuilder

MIKE ZYLSTRA

National level bodybuilder

When I first start with Freak Fitness, it was about two month after I had done CBBF Nationals in 2014. I was the horror story of post-show rebound. I had placed horribly and had no plan from my previous coaches for a reverse diet. After gaining 30 pounds of unflattering weight and having zero energy and just constantly being in a horrible state of mind, I decided that I need to do something. I was binge eating multiple times a day and had the worst relationship with food.

Being still very new to the competition world, I reached out to IFBB Pro Azaria Glaim. She had amazing results with her coach, and she had told me her experience with Darren Mehling was better than anything she could have hoped for.

I started my first off season plan with him that September 2014, and my life has changed in more ways than I could even begin to explain. He helped me put the peanut butter away, guided me to find my focus and motivation again, and also showed me a side of myself I didn’t know existed. He told me over
and over again how I was destined for greatness.

With his constant guidance and patience for my relentless self-doubt, we were able to place first in my class and win the Overall title at the 2015 ABBA Northerns, and do the exact same thing at the 2015 ABBA Provincials six weeks later.

Everything about the Freak Fitness training and methods work, especially the pep talks, and I’m looking forward to another amazing competition season and excelling past any of my expectations.