Testimonials
Discover how the individualised training programs have impacted careers of athletes just like you.
“A massive shout out to my coach Brian Hughes @trainsmart_coaching
Ciara Oliva
I knew Brian when he worked at Sport Wales when I was a rider previously and I was aware of the athletes he had worked with who would all sing his praises.
His knowledge and expertise as a Physiologist is incredible. Aside from being a world class coach, he is a dad, he appreciates the juggling act and understands that it will always be family first no matter how much I want to nail this comeback.
Two weeks after the birth of Ottilie, I rang Brian and asked him if he would coach me….
I was 7 years out of the sport and pretty unfit, but with one goal in mind. He was as excited by the challenge as myself and in that moment I knew he was the perfect coach for me in every way.
So thank you Brian, for putting up with my rants about having a bad track session and my doubts in those moments about whether this is really possible…. And for celebrating the little victories of new personal bests along the journey and always supporting me if training has to be swapped around due to family life.
Regardless of the outcome, I’ll always be grateful to you and also can’t sing your praises enough 🙏”
“I worked with Brian from 2019 until the end of 2022. I feel immensely lucky to have worked with Brian, easy to work with, professional and very knowledgeable, I could always rely on his training, and know that it would always be suitable, and result in positive changes.
Will Roberts – Professional cyclist
Sometimes I would offer my input into the training I wanted to do, and he would come back with, agreement, changes, or just slight tweaks. Other times I could take my mind off the training plan, and just do the training he had set, without me questioning it. Which helped ease the mind and let me get on with it, making the mentally tougher days, much easier.
He guided me very nicely through tough times in covid, through poor form and being relatively unfit, by keeping me motivated with challenging yet enjoyable training sessions, and the big goal of the Commonwealth games, which I ended up getting a medal in, so it clearly worked.
Overall I have only great things to say about working with Brian, all the prep worked, and I would relish the opportunity to do it again.”
“I worked I worked with Brian as my physiologist and coach from October 2018 to June 2023,during which he was able to help train me from amateur cyclist to being a member of the Great Britain Track Cycling Team.
Anna Morris – Professional cyclist
Brian has a good appreciation of the practical application of his knowledge of physiology, and alongside great interpersonal and communication skills, was able to successfully tailor an individualised training programme around my full-time work as a medical doctor, most of which required remote working.
Brian was holistic and well considered in his approach to writing my training programme, and worked well with other members of the performance support team (e.g. the Strength and Conditioning coach and Welsh Cycling coaches) to further optimise areas of my training programme.”
“Brian quite simply changed my career! Once I started working with Brian my overall level as a rider went up massively, I became fitter, faster and stronger while enjoying my training.
Joe Holt – Professional cyclist
He gave me a new lease of life within the sport and guiding me to another British national title and my 2nd Commonwealth games. I owe Brian a lot and can not thank him enough.”
“Working with Brian as my coach was transformative for my cycling career. His science-driven, individualized approach not only helped me break through a long-standing performance plateau but also enabled me to achieve the personal bests I had been chasing on the track.
Manon Lloyd – Former professional cyclist
Brian’s ability to design tailored training plans and keep me motivated was invaluable, especially when preparing for major goals and competitions.
Brian is super supportive and gets the most out of every athlete. If you are serious about reaching peak performance I can’t recommend Brian enough.”
“I worked with Brian during the last 3 months of my career leading into the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Sam Harrison – Former professional cyclist
Before seeking Brian’s expertise I had numerous coaches with world class CV’s having been with British cycling for 5 years myself.
Brian’s science and data driven approach combined with the ability to understand the human makes him the perfect coach. In just 3 months Brian managed to squeeze every last inch of performance I had left, and I only wish we had started working together soon in my career!.”
TrainSmart 