I’ve been waiting to share the following story for a long time… 1 year in the making… Debilitating gut issues, anxiety, depression, exhaustion and everyone was telling her including Doctors telling that it’s fine and there’s nothing wrong. ‘You just have to learn how to deal with it and accept it’ I don’t feel pride often. But I am genuinely proud of this: @livclements_lifts “I don’t think I could ever express how much this man has changed my life. When I first met Alex I was deeply insecure and depressed. I honestly didn’t think I could bare life too much longer. I was so stuck in this deep hole with no grasp on what was making me that way. Coming from a girl who smiled through her hardest days. My smile wasn’t there anymore and I had no explanation as to why. I spoke to one of my close mates that had been coached by Alex for three years and he said to give it a shot. My first week of coaching I went to my very first workshop not knowing anyone my anxiety was through the roof. But it all went away when I started talking to the other people who’s lives he had changed and hearing their stories. Fast forward 8 months I’ve changed my perspective on everything in my life. It was always this “why me?” perspective. And now I couldn’t imagine my life without having him in my corner. Writing this right now has made me an emotional wreck. But it shows how it important it is to have someone help guide you in the right direction even if it is challenging. His helped me grow from a girl into a woman. And too strive for my ambitions no matter how out of reach they might feel in certain parts of your life. For that @strengthofsaad I thank you for being the worlds greatest coach. And can’t wait to see you grow along side all of the people you’ve helped a long the way.”
“Wanted to say thank you for showing me how to genuinely care and how rewarding this career can be when you put clients best interest first. And i really took in what you said in the last call about putting your clients in the right path and making decision that is best for them – as a result I believed she would regress and fall back into old habits if she stopped coaching so I took it as my duty to continue to coach even if she if couldn’t afford for the meantime so that she could continue to grow and progress.”
“The truth. You’re a different breed Alex, never met anybody who goes above and beyond for the people in his corner! You’re making a huge difference in our lives and serve as an excellent example to the coaches we hope to become one day. A guy full of energy, love, compassion, and drive who isn’t afraid to pour out onto his people. Thanks for being you!!!”
“Hey Alex! I had a moment today while journaling and I just wanted to send a little appreciation message. I couldn’t help but think about where I would have been if I didn’t take this coaching opportunity with you 7-8 months ago. You were placed in my path for a damn purpose. The amount of growth and development you have helped me attain is unimaginable!! You opened doors in my mind that I thought would be locked forever. The guidance, the belief in me and the support goes far beyond what you could think! You believed in me when I COULDN’T believe in me and that changed EVERYTHING! I cannot wait to be THAT PERSON to somebody else one day! Forever grateful! muchhh love.”
“And coach that’s what I mean when I say your work with me has truely changed my life and words can’t express how grateful I am. Happy new year time to kick some ass.”
“Not only that coach but when we first met I was at a point in my life where I had no idea what was wrong. I was depressed all the time binge eating again. But I couldn’t explain it it’s like someone flipped a switch in my brain that everything that was happening or had happened finally caught up to me and I couldn’t pretend like I was okay anymore. No one knew what was wrong and in all honesty I didn’t know either. The thing for me is I always looked back on every that happened to me and it was always “why me?” rather than hang on l’m 20 years old now I went through that stuff yeah it was unfair and I probably shouldn’t have experienced it. But I also wouldn’t be in the position I am now where I’m growing to be that woman I never dreamt of being. Rather than being in a self destructive part of my life I’ve taken everything and turned it into motivation. To not give up on this life thing and that I have so much to live for even when life gets overwhelming at times.”
“You’re so good with your words Alex and so extremely thoughtful. Thank you for sending me that – your belief in me and who I can become has honestly changed me as a person. Prior to you l’ve never had that. Here’s to a huge 2023 kicking goals with the best fkn coach.”
“Wow, just wow. I feel like my eyes have just opened up even further and I can see more in my peripheral vision. Thank you so much for sharing this wisdom with me!!! Even though I am already heaps better with my spending and saving, I will be now asking myself what value this thing that I am spending money on will add to my life. I feel like I am growing bit by bit each day; in the past it’s always felt like l’ve gone one step and a few backwards, but through my ups and downs currently, it doesn’t feel like I am taking any steps backwards, it feels like through the not so high moments there’s a lesson in it which will ultimately compound me towards my goals and a better version of myself. Still taking the steps forwards whether they are big ones, small ones, high ones or low ones. I can’t thank you enough Alex, you have truly brought more value, wisdom, kindness and love into my life that no one else will ever know, understand and experience. How special, with love and faith always.”
“Thank you so much brother honestly – the belief, the knowledge, vision, and fire you’ve instilled in me is something I’ll be eternally grateful for. Not enough words man, thank you again. I’m ready to go.”
“Alex, it feels so amazing to have someone in my corner no matter what. It is like a breath of fresh air as I know l’ll always have support. Thank you so so much for the journal!! It was such a nice surprise and so so thoughtful of you.”
“Thanks Alex every day I’m realising more and more that to have positive experiences I have to work hard for them, and that’s becoming less and less intimidating the more I do it! And becoming more of a consistent routine for me. I can create my own positive experiences instead of waiting for them to happen. I love the life I’m building for myself with your support and guidance. Thank you for supporting me to get out of my comfort zone and tackle my goals head on.”
“Like there was no direction for me and I was in complete darkness, no idea where I was going or where I should be going. I feel so relieved that I’m not going to “waste” my life in a sense because I trust that I’ll eventually reach my full potential as long as you’re around. Also I feel like my trajectory was really bad before you and you’re bringing me up on the better path. Hero’s journey tings. I feel more courageous to face pain.”
“Dude. No flare ups. Skin is like 1.5/10 inflammation. How Fucken sick!!”
“No flare up. Skin is probably the best state it’s been for months. Huge win. My skin finally cleared up like FINALLYYY no hormonal breakouts even before my period.”
“I also saw Merean’s message you posted and totally agree. I didn’t realise it until I read that but none of the people in my circle have as high expectations of me as you do! Which is great because you hold me accountable and encourage me to believe in myself that I can do things that past me and the people around me think are crazy! Thank you for being that external support for me and for all the things you’ve encouraged me to improve. It’s made such a difference.”
“Hey dude! I was reflecting after this morning, about the question you asked me in regards to the big transformations I’ve had because of our work together. And there’s one that I want to mention that is probably the BIGGEST — it’s having someone who believes in you. When we started working together, it was so clear that you truly believed in me and had so much faith in me to be great and TO DO great, and that literally has transformed me as a person because l’ve been so encouraged to BELIEVE in myself and in my capabilities as an outcome. You truly made me feel like I was made to do this and that I had every right to believe that I can be great. You opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of my strength, of my fitness, of the goals I could achieve if I truly believed in myself and pushed hard. My confidence as an outcome has shifted so much. I’m so FOREVER grateful for that!”
“Alexander is the most compassionate, motivating, loyal & enthusiast coach in the game Incredibly grateful I get to work with such an amazing human being – thank you for everything you.”
“Quite content. Constantly busy with PT business and uni which I love. Find myself developing a more ruthless attitude when it comes to people and situations which are not aligned with my values and goals. May come across as cuntish at times but also feels amazing to be able to stand for something and work towards a purpose relentlessly which is something that was lacking in my life. Direction and purpose have become so much more clear and I find myself just naturally being motivated. Intrinsic motivation and determination has never been this high in my life and am just ready to attack and grab life by the balls.”
“I’m naturally saying positive affirmations while I’m training (I’m a champion, I’m a machine, I’m a weapon, nothing can stop me) and I actually believe it too – my brain is whispering to me to compete in powerlifting so now I’m considering it I’ve been visualising winning a comp every time I train and feeling the physical and mental sensations so it’s like it’s actually happening in my mind. I want people to be demoralised when they see they’re competing against me. The Kobe video I shared with you sparked something in me.”
“Alex thank you so much for today, it was a great session and I’m really glad you’ve now seen my movement patterns and stuff so I can get back into training, I’m really excited to get back into it and kick some body composition goals It’s been so good to actually meet you in person and it’s gonna make the coaching much more meaningful now I think! I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve helped me through so far, going above and beyond to support me in changing my whole mindset, and I can’t wait to see the progress I can make with your help I’m very thankful to have you as a coach.”
“I love the delivery and how you do videos for this, you pointed out things my naturopath has never done and I’m so surprised but also not by what you said given my symptoms. I love looking at bloods as a way of optimising health and love the info dump 10000x”
“jenflackcoaching Why do I have a coach? I’m a coach myself, so why do I have a nutrition coach? I am pursuing growth, trying to get stronger. My nutrition is pretty good, I can hit my targets fairly consistently so I have thought “do I still need a coach?”, maybe I could save myself some money and go it alone. But there are days when I’m not feeling the best, or when the temptation to stop pushing and to go back to my comfort zone is high. The pressure to conform to standards of being smaller is real, if I were to go it alone I would stop. It would be easier to just stay comfortable. This is why I have a coach, I am accountable to @strengthofsaad to show up and to continue to hit my targets even when I don’t want to and that is what will get me the results I want. The good times are easy, but when the bad times come that is when you want your coach in your corner. It’s worth it.”
Jen Flackk
“Alex, just want to extend a token of appreciation and gratitude tonight. Not only is it a pleasure to work with you weekly and have you mentor me day in and day out but it’s also a pleasure to see the way you present yourself on social media, the posts, the reels, the contributions. All so damn inspiring and I hope you know they don’t go unnoticed. Makes me proud to have you as coach! Keep doing what you’re doing.”
“I know it’s early but l’m so grateful l decided to have you as my coach. You’ve inspired such profound change in me in such a short time l’m looking forward to what can happen months down the line.”
“I appreciate you sending me all of this Alex – you have no idea. After chatting to you yesterday I felt SO much better about everything. To feel the support and belief you have in me is something l’ve never had before. I CAN do this and I WILL. I genuinely wish l’d met you 5 years ago. So so much more than just a coach/mentor.”
7kg loss in 7 weeks
“Thank you so much for your message Alex! Actually means a lot, you have no idea! Genuinely one of the best things I’ve done this year is hiring you, the value I have gained from working with you has been so impactful and rewarding so thank YOU for holding that space for me where I get to flourish physically and mentally, and take my fitness journey to the next level! Your coaching has exceeded all my expectations and I’m so glad I took that step. Made me laugh so hard at that comment!! that’s honestly so gratifying to hear! Believe it or not I speak so highly of you to all my family and friends, and so I know for a fact if they ever consider hiring a coach, they know where to look!! You’ll definitely always be recommended to those around me that I know will truly value what you provide. More people need to experience that!!”
“Feeling this overwhelming feeling of gratitude, that I can have someone (a coach, you) who can really support me and offer me guidance and perspective on this side of my life (health & wellness). It Client: Life feels like I have one less thing to stress about and to focus more on other areas of my life (work, career, hobbies), without being stressed about trying to always figure things out health wise.”
“My man @totumstrength put the work in and listened and trusted everything I said to do. This was the result. Trust the process and the guidance you’re paying for.”
“Brown rice, canned tomatoes, sardines, salmon and oysters all mixed together! Gluten free has helped immensely with eczema, almost in control of it now. Forever grateful.”
“I had no idea you were the man behind Orphic. Sneaky!! Still think I was one of the lucky few to get the best cert III/IV experience. It quite literally changed my life in so many ways, will never be able to thank you enough. What’s next on the cards for you? Bigger and better things no doubt.”
“Don’t know whether congratulations is the right word at this moment, but nevertheless congratulations on everything orphic. I knew I was a good pt when I came out of the industry, it has come full circle and people now shadow me, I can see just how low the barrier to entry is. Orphic changed the Fucken game man!! For me, the orphic tribe was a never ending reminder that l’m on a constant pursuit to excellence and it is my duty to remain educated in this industry and drive a higher standard. I know you ain’t kobe man but listen here’s a good analogy, if you watch nba commentators will say how kobe lives on through all these current players and they’re playing styles. Every student is a fucken Sandalis!! Your time with orphic may be done but your presence for all the students who graduated with you will be everlasting. I’m driving a higher standard in this industry with the coaches who shadow me. Like you did for me and like wood did for you. Always paying it forward. Hope you’ve been well my dude, looking forward to seeing you again soon.
8kg weight cut in 10 days w/ my strongman athlete @convictstrong_jonah. Jonah executed my alchemy to a tee and now he’s refueled 6kg back on in 12 hours and feeling great.
Very proud of @empower_strength for cracking PBs and a 307.5kg total for her 2nd powerlifting comp! Likely to qualify for nationals. She was a bit worried about making weight but I wasn’t gonna let her miss it. Went from 69.21 66.8kg in 8 days.
“She helped me grow as much as she could. And you’re helping grow me into the woman she’s proud to see me becoming. And I thank you coach cause I wouldn’t have been able to find that on my own. I always thought I could only ever be one thing and your helping me see I’m meant for something so much bigger and I know I am. I don’t want to settle into society norms I want to feel uncomfortable in this growth and although some moments will be tough. I know I’ll be an amazing coach one day and help people like you helped me. Thank you coach.”
“I’ve never had someone ask me such thoughtful questions. You have a bright future ahead of you because you give a F*** – don’t lose that.”
Brett Bartholomew
Performance coach, author of the best-selling book Conscious Coaching & globally recognized keynote speaker.
“I couldn’t have been prouder to watch young coach Alexander Sandalis present some of the course with me! I have literally watched this kid grow and develop into such a self-aware – high-level coach who I first met through a video he sent me to become an intern at my old facility Woodfordssc West (then coach)! Alex to me is the perfect example of someone who will never die wondering in life (reminds me of … well me lol) and literally took every opportunity I threw at him. More importantly, he is a friend and good human – more than anything I am so proud I can mentor these young trainers & coaches and then watch them take on the world.”
Christian Woodford
Industry Leading Coach & Owner of Woodford Sport Science Consulting
“You’ve got such a powerful aura and passion that if you channel it effectively, could be life-changing for so many.”
Karl Goodman
Owner Of Athletes Authority
“You’ve Done So Much For My Business”
Jason Cox
[Before Meeting Alexander] “I felt completely helpless. Nothing I tried was working. Was forming habits that were leading to an onset of an eating disorder. Became desperate for change but needed guidance from someone I respected/trusted otherwise I knew I wouldn’t be adherent to what they were telling me. You were the perfect fit. [After Meeting Alexander] Feel like I have the education and balance around nutrition that I’ve always wanted. Food freedom. Happiness with myself and what I see in the mirror (most days). A more consistent menstrual cycle. I CAN SLEEP. I’m so much more optimistic and positive that things will work out since working with you. Now I feel like I’m working towards becoming the person I’ve grown up looking up to/admiring and wishing that was me.”
Alex
[Before Meeting Alexander] “I felt so alone and had no direction or end in sight. No energy to get through the day. Unhappy with my body. PMS, anxiety, and depression. I always felt mentally stuck and that I can’t move once I sit/lie down. I want to feel optimistic and excited for the future, not anxiously ruminating and doubtful. [After Meeting Alexander] I feel so relieved that I’m not going to waste my life in a sense because I trust that I’ll eventually reach my full potential as long as you’re around. Also, I feel like my trajectory was really bad before you and you’re bringing me up on the better path. I’m DESTROYING the old me. Thank you for giving me my life back.”
Kiara Di Giovani
“[Before I met Alexander] it was like there was no direction for me and I was in complete darkness, no idea where I was going or where I should be going. [After Alexander] For the first time, I have faith in myself that not only am I on the right path now, but even when things get difficult I’ll always always steer myself straight. Also having someone in my life that I respect, look up to and learn from has made such a big impact on my life I can’t really emphasis how much though like honestly I think I would’ve withered away and stayed the same my whole life and not achieved anything [if I hadn’t of seen you].”
Christian
“I was reflecting this morning, about the big transformations I’ve had because of our work together. And there’s one that I want to mention that is probably the BIGGEST – it’s having someone who believes in you. When we started working together, it was so clear that you truly believed in me and had so much faith in me to be great and TO DO great, and that literally has transformed me as a person because I’ve been so encouraged to BELIEVE in myself and in my capabilities as an outcome. You truly made me feel like I was made to do this and that I had every right to believe that I can be great. You opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of my strength, of my fitness, of the goals I could achieve if I truly believed in myself and pushed hard. My confidence as an outcome has shifted so much. I’m so FOREVER grateful for that!”
Merean
“It was the first time I bought something and didn’t have to look at my bank account.”
Ben DiCiocio
“Where to begin with Alexander, I came to Alexander low on confidence, a few niggling injuries and a recent lung pneumothorax. What Alexander has done with me in 4 weeks is nothing short of unbelievable, I’ve discovered a new side to training, different approach to life and has changed me so much as a person, I am now growing in confidence and anything is achievable for me. I would recommend Alexander to anyone, he engages with people on another level which makes training with him all the more worthwhile. I’ve achieved so much with him in such little time and I am so excited for what the future holds. Mate, gotta say if you got me to send you a video of me talking about this stuff 4 weeks ago I wouldn’t have done it, I’m still coming to terms with how much impact you’ve had on me in 4 weeks, even the slightest things I am noticing! Thanks again bro ?? my future in sport is a lot brighter after meeting you!”
Ben DiCiocio
AFL Athlete & Cert III/IV Student
“Thank you so much for the last 6 months! Jen and I had spoke about it you bring so much more to our lives then just education it helps us both bring the best out of ourselves. Can’t wait to see how far your passion takes you just make sure you remember us little people when you make it big ? Alexander Coached me through the WSSC portion of my Cert IV with Orphic Education. Never could I have imagined so much passion, commitment, and knowledge being brought to the table and passed onto us as what he did. No stone is left unturned due to his methodical literature and will to pass on as much information as he possibly can. He brought the best out of every single one of us and his diverse and open-minded way of thinking had us leaving every class not only smarter but wanting to be better people. It is an absolute privilege to have this guy in your corner.”
Scotty Mcgill
Cert III/IV Student & Powerlifting Athlete
“I wanted to thank you very much for all of the effort that you’ve put into helping me achieve optimal health and wellness. It is abundantly clear that you have a deep sense of care for all of your clients’ individual needs. The journey was nothing short of incredible. I feel very privileged to have had such a strong foundation set for me to achieve my future health and wellness goals. You have also gone completely above and beyond by answering all questions I have had along the way to the best of your ability whilst always offering advice and providing valuable insights. I know that you are destined for a career nothing short of greatness given that you continue to provide the same level of care that you currently display for your clients. It has been a fantastic journey and I thank you very much and wish you every success for your future endeavours.”
Jesse Fleiszig
Soccer Athlete (FTS Development Squad)
“Thank you doesn’t seem to sum it up but for lack of a better word thank you. Your passion for what you do is admirable and really sparked a drive in both myself and Scott. You have an ability to get the most out of people and made us feel comfortable to share and learn without judgement. There are no limits to what you’ll achieve, I have no doubt you’ll make an excellent educator if you continue down that path and we’ll be first in line to buy tickets to the first Strength of Saad course should it ever exist. (Alexander) is passionate, committed, extremely knowledgeable. Alexander has an open mind and teaches from an unbiased perspective to allow us to create our own beliefs and not only make us better coaches but also better people. If you ever have an opportunity to learn from Alexander make sure you make the most of it.”
Jen Flack
Cert III/IV Student & Personal Trainer
“Alexander is a magnificent coach and human. So caring and knowledgeable. Never had a coach I’ve connected with like this before and it’s been a joy being taught and growing with him each week for the past year or so through all of the ups and downs.”
Katie Payne
“I’ve been training with Alexander for 10 months and it’s been the best decision I ever made. Alexander was fantastic to work with & exceeded all my expectations. I was always so impressed with the knowledge, professionalism & effort Alexander produced. Not only did he want the best for himself by striving to perfect his craft, he gives his all to his students and gets them results. It was more than just lifting weights, there’s a science behind it so it was an education, It was changing a mindset to better myself by knowing when to push the limits and when to pull back & re-assess. It’s about preparing you mentally so you can push yourself physically. if you’re really serious about strength & conditioning and being smart about it. I would highly recommend Alexander and his expertise. Most importantly – I loved training with Alexander and the programs he designed to cater to my goals. I found a friend in Alexander, and I wish this talented good guy the very best!”
Bianca Varigos
“I’m very honoured to not just call you a mentee but you’re an amazing colleague. I feel really honoured to be associated with you and I really love the message you’re putting out there and the extent that you’re going to spread these good messages and also what you’re doing to better yourself. For those that don’t know Alexander has invested so much time into education and development and it’s quite phenomenal and inspiring to watch.”
Dave O’Brien
Coach & Former Owner Of 5th Element Wellness
“How do pick the best coach for you? For me, it’s honesty, passion and good communication. Equally important is that they have the relevant qualifications, experience and willingness to reflect and learn. Alexander has the above attributes and more. He has single-handedly had the biggest influence on my strength and conditioning. What I like about him and what I connected with most was the meticulousness with which he prepares himself, his coaching and his athletes. Great coaching is subjective; being a good person is non-negotiable. Alexander embodies both.”
George Bouios
Soccer Athlete (State League 2)
“I have literally watched this kid grow and develop into such a self-aware, high-level coach! Alex to me is the perfect example of someone who will never die wondering in life… (he) literally took every opportunity I threw at him.”
Christian Woodford
Coach & Owner of Woodford Sport Science Consulting
“I’m more about people – when you have good people around you can’t go wrong. I think of you in a similar fashion. I know you’re fuckin super passionate and how hard you work.”
Joe Defranco
World-Renowned Strength & Conditioning Coach & Owner Of Defranco's Gym
“The attention to detail, the catering to every student, the work ethic and the relentless passion that exuded from Alexander made this course by far the best I have ever attended.”
Minhaz Chowdhury Physiotherapist & Cert III/IV Student
“He’s helped me immensely navigating my gut issues, transforming my ‘all-or-nothing’ mentality and providing new life-changing habits.”
Angelica Ercolano (PT)
