"The best don't have knowledge that you can get from any textbook or youtube video.  They have knowledge that is honed over time by applying their craft in a very deliberate and throughtful manner.  This type of knowledge simply cannot be bought or faked.  Lyall is one such individual.  His expertise comes from a passionate and longterm devotion to better understanding how the human body functions... and you will find very few who understand it like he does"

- Coach & Author at EliteFTS, Head Coach at Thibarmy, former European Powerlifting Champion

“Lyall helped me massively during my time at Dundee United with a variety of exercises. The results were very positive and I could feel myself becoming stronger and more flexible in both the upper and lower halves of my body. Throughout the season I continued to improve and build up the muscles I required. By the end of it I was lifting more than at the start and the results were clear to see”

In one word – EXTRAORDINARY

and here is why ...

Extraordinary trainer

- After almost a lifetime of dedication to strength, conditioning and fitness training Lyall has evolved into the most unique trainer I know.

Extraordinary fitness of Lyall himself

- Lyall’s own fitness is extraordinary. An extremely low body fat allows his own musculature be observed during exercise demonstration – utilising visualisation as a vital tool in exercise learning and performance.

Extraordinary ideas

- Dean Inges once said “originality is undetected plagiarism” and I am certain Lyall will not claim all his ideas are his and his alone - but he has ‘compiled’ together through experience, adaptation and a never ending thirst for knowledge - a complete body performance “bibliography”. Watching Lyall’s exercises is simply amazing.

Extraordinary anatomy & physiology knowledge

- Lyall continues to study these fundamental principles and his knowledge can rival most physiotherapists. This allows Lyall to tailor sport specific, injury specific and indeed life specific fitness programmes.

Extraordinary person

- Lyall in short, is one of the most caring, compassionate, sincere, dedicated people I have ever met. These characteristics coupled together with a great work ethic and a brilliant sense of humour have created in my opinion, the best trainer I have had the pleasure to work with. I will always wish him well.

Stuart Barton

Stuart was the Scotland Rugby Team physiotherapist for 12 years, working in 3 world cups and 101 internationals. He was also chosen to be the British & Irish Lions Physiotherapist in 2005. In 2008 Stuart set up his own private Physiotherapy Practice which he still works at alongside other practitioners.

"We were always very impressed with the work Lyall did for us in the year we had him with us at Dundee United, and I've recently sought him out for advice in my own training"

"I started working privately with Lyall when I first came to Scotland and I've trusted him ever since."

I've been incredibly fortunate to train under Lyall for four years now. In that period of time, my training objectives have constantly evolved from resuming training after a 3-year hiatus to working consistently as an elite level athlete to recovering from an injury. What hasn't changed, though, is Lyall's ability to tailor a programme to meet and surpass my needs time after time. 

What stands out is his immense knowledge that goes beyond just strength and conditioning (S&C) and his undivided focus towards your training time and objectives. You’re left with a lifetime of best practices with kettlebells and weights as well as a free education in neurophysiology and kinesiology. 

Having trained for my sport at an international level for a 6-year period with multiple S&C instructors, I can personally vouch for the fact that Lyall is the best I have come across. My training sessions have become more value for the effort I put it and the occasional use of kettlebells make it more dynamic and fun. 

No matter what your training goals, if you want to know what to do, how to do it brilliantly and why you’re doing it then Lyall is the instructor you’re looking for without a doubt.

After several years of not training due to family and work commitments, I decided I should join a local gym and try to regain some fitness. After several months of seeing little progress, I booked some private training with Lyall. Best move i ever made!! His knowledge of the bodies various systems and their interaction is impressive. This allows him to suggest exercises appropriate to the individuals existing fitness level but which allow quick progress. I find him to be a very good motivator and his attention to correct form and technique ensures safe workouts. Previously I had frequently aggravated an existing shoulder injury during training. Discussing this with Lyall, he suggested a simple positional change to allow me to complete an exercise. not only did this work without any pain, during the next few sessions as my strength improved the pain went completely. After 10 years of discomfort this was most welcome!! I have no hesitation in recommending Lyall as an inspirational, motivating, skilled, knowledgeable instructor who will safely guide any pupil in the correct direction.

“I’m a client of Lyall Rowan and his sessions have benefitted my performance a number of different ways both on and off the pitch. I would definitely recommend him to any sports person who wants to better themselves or take themselves to the next level.”

“I work with Lyall as much as possible when I’m up in Scotland because of the progress I see each time. Lyall knows what areas to focus on and knows exactly the best way for you to improve that area. The rate at which my strength and overall performance improves is far better than anyone else I’ve trained with.”

Gino Rea

Motorcycle Racer.

2009 European Superstock600 Champion.  

2021 BSB Dual Race Winner, Donnington.

“Having known Lyall for a few years his knowledge of the body and how to make it feel great is second to none.  Having had a few injuries over the years, he was able to make me feel very flexible which works well with me being a keen golfer. I would highly recommend Lyall to anybody wanting to better themselves to reach their physical peak. I just wish Lyall was around when I played.”

As a regular gym goer for the last six or seven years ive come across my fair share of well-meaning but ultimately misplaced tips and advice, not only about what exercises are best, but also how people think they should be performed. I've known Lyall for many years and regret not asking for his advice much earlier which would've saved me huge amounts of wasted time and effort, either doing the wrong thing well or the right thing badly. Following these endless hours and enduring huge frustration at a lack of results, I finally conceded that maybe I didn't know it all and turned to Lyall for some one-to-one training sessions. He is easily the most knowledgeable and passionate traininer I've ever come across, his understanding of the physiology of the body, focussing on the movement and function of every single muscle, is second to none. He is unfailingly perceptive and his exercise programmes are always intelligently prepared to target specific areas - which combine to produce incredible results, not only in terms of physical conditioning but which also result in massive improvements when piecing these exercises together to undertakje some of the full body compound exercises. Other gym goers as well as other trainers have often asked who wrote the programme I follow and I always point them in Lyall's direction because, without fail, they could all learn from his teaching, his methods, and his approach. I will continue to consult Lyall on a regular basis and I look forward to the next phase of my training and whatever exercises that brings!

“I’m an ex GB fencer, Scottish University Champion, and Commonwealth team member who missed out on the senior Commonwealths due to an eating disorder and gastritis. But having overcome that, I’ve learnt the importance of strength over cardio, toning over weightloss, and not having a “diet” but using food to fuel my training.  I’ve taken on a new mindset and Lyall has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but never judged me on how long I take to get the hang of something. It’s all about learning and adapting to improve myself”

I have had the pleasure of training with Lyall for almost two years now and i do not have one bad thing to say about him. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things training and health related. If asked about anything he is unsure of the answer, he researches everything to give the most accurate answer possible. He has strong views on safety while training and makes sure that all exercises are done with precision. I have had the best results so far training with Lyall.

“If you’re an older person looking for someone who can help you to improve your health, fitness and life, I can highly recommend Lyall Rowan.  Over the last two years his training has made a huge difference to my fitness, mobility, and recovery from injury. It’s been challenging and fun.

I worked for Dundee United as assistant physio between 2007 and 2016.  I first met lyall during the 2013/14 season when he was recruited by the management team at the time to assist with preparing the team for training sessions. Lyall's approach was certainly not typical of what footballers are generally exposed to but it soon became apparent to the players how beneficial the sessions were. This resulted in a number of the players going to train with lyall in their own time. Lyall worked with the players during one of the most fruitful periods in the clubs history and whilst it would be wrong to suggest this was the difference between success and failure,  he certainly had a very valuable input and this input has had a lasting impression on many of the players who were a part of the team during this period. From a personal point of view,  having had one to one training with lyall and also many discussions regarding various issues related to rehabilitation and physical performance I can safely say his knowledge of anatomy and physiology is on another level entirely.  I was inspired by his open minded approach to solving problems and amazed at the very noticeable changes his exercises could make in such short periods of time. I would happily recommend lyall to anyone who is looking to improve their health and fitness,  you won't find a better Coach/Trainer/Mentor.

“I’ve worked with Lyall on an individual and group basis originally at United but ongoing since. Working with the group/team, I’ve always felt the benefits to myself & the team as a whole. Lyall has an intense love for what he does but is able to be relaxed & flexible when needed, which is very important when dealing with 20 footballers at the same time.

His knowledge of the body is so impressive that I couldn’t help but buy into what he was doing. He is a very positive person, a thinker, & this has a knock-on effect on those who work with him. I really enjoy working with Lyall & would absolutely recommend him to anyone who wants to improve themselves.”

“If you are serious about training and are looking for the programming and coaching support that will deliver real results, I would highly recommend seeing Lyall Rowan. With a comprehensive portfolio of tools including bodyweight, kettlebells, free wieghts, primal move, and progressive calisthenics, Lyall offers the 'full spectrum' of services to his clients.

Combined with advanced understandings of human anatomy, physiology, & kinesiology; Lyall delivers effective training programmes to all levels of athlete; from complete beginner to advanced trainee. Understanding that many individuals have existing movement limitations that need to be addressed and fully resolved in order to unlock their full performance potential, Lyall implements a fantastic skill set of restorative and rehabilitative techniques. Moving into the spheres of athletic optimisation, Lyall also holds a high degree of knowledge of the dietary strategies and programming methodologies which can help individuals realise their personal strength, fitness, and performance goals.

I have known Lyall for 20 years, and in that time I have watched him develop into one of the most complete fitness trainers/guru/ pioneer that I have been lucky enough to  witness. His knowledge of anatomy and physiology is as good as any junior doctor, but what sets him apart is his application of his knowledge and skills. He is able to finely craft each clients goals and ambitions into structured plans, and his results speak for themselves. Do yourself and your body a favour and go see "the guru" Lyall Rowan.

Dr Jamie Hossack MB ChB AFFLM MRCP

Emergency Medicine Physician

Preston Trauma Unit

“Lyall is a living, breathing advert for his work. His Strength & Conditioning sessions complemented our pre-season programme perfectly and there’s no doubt that the work we did with Lyall gave Kelty Hearts the platform to go on and become Superleague champions.”

"I was honoured when Lyall asked me to write a testimonial, but I put it off for months - as no words could fully do him justice.

I was referred to Lyall a year ago for a complex vestibular migraine issue, having struggled with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and other health challenges for years.  From the start, his  strength, positivity, and empathy became a guiding force in my recovery.

His knowledge of biomechanics is extraordinary, and his unique training method not only prevents injuries but allows the body to move and function more efficiently.  His diaphragmatic restoration breathing exercises have genuinely changed my life;  significantly reducing my pain.

Beyond his expertise, Lyall is deeply spiritual and well-read, bringing a level of insight and wisdom that extends far beyond physical training.  He has also been an incredible source of support, always available when I needed guidance.

It has been a privilege to learn from him, and I look forward to gaining more knowledge and expertise in the future."