★ 5

Having Michael as my coach has truly been a life-changing experience. When I first walked into the gym, I felt completely intimidated - not knowing how the machines worked or what weight I should be using. Michael made the entire process easy and approachable, and his guidance has transformed not only my fitness journey but also my confidence!

From the very beginning, Michael has been incredibly attentive, taking all my needs and goals into account when designing my program. He created a personalized nutrition program tailored to my specific needs, providing practical suggestions to help me stick to it and adapt as necessary. In the gym, he patiently breaks down the basics of working out, which has been invaluable for someone like me, brand new to fitness. He explains how each exercise impacts my muscles, ensures I maintain correct posture, and equips me with tips and techniques to build a sustainable workout routine.

One thing that truly sets Michael apart is his philosophy - he openly shares that his goal is to empower clients to eventually continue on their own. Although I can't yet imagine my training without his guidance, this approach demonstrates his genuine commitment to my long-term success.

Despite having over 29 years of experience in the fitness world, he remains humble, driven, and focused on achieving new heights - an attitude that inspires me in every session. He reminds me that I’m accountable for my own success, a mindset I really appreciate in a coach.

Every session with Michael feels like a victory. I’ve already seen improvements in the weight I can lift and can’t wait to continue growing stronger under his guidance!

3 month update:
I’ve been training with Michael for 3 months now, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with my progress. From simple things like carrying my own groceries to hitting 200lbs on the squat machine—something I thought was impossible just three months ago—Michael has helped me achieve so much.
He’s not just a trainer, he’s a true guru. Michael helped me to get my diet under control, keeping me motivated to train five times a week (I started at three!), and pushing me to overcome my fears.
Unlike other trainers I’ve seen who are distracted or not fully engaged, Michael watches every single movement, and corrects me right away.
There are days when I show up feeling tired and not wanting to go, but every time I leave feeling great. Michael has a way of pushing me past my limits in the best way possible, and now I know no matter how tired I am, I always show up because I know it will make me feel better in the end.
I feel stronger, I look stronger. I trust and respect Michael—he’s fully invested in my success and helps me become better every single day. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see the transformation that’s ahead.
Highly recommend!

9 month update (working out with Alyssa):

After 8 months of training with Michael - who was awesome and helped me manage my lipedema symptoms while building muscle - I recently switched to working out with Alyssa Jacob (also part of Fuel n Burn), and I couldn’t be happier.

Alyssa is absolutely incredible. She has the knowledge and experience (she’s stepped on stage herself!) and brings that into every session. She helps me with my relationship with food, gives me practical tips, and explains everything in a way that just clicks.
The way she breaks down each machine and exercise is next-level - she teaches it like a formula, so you know exactly what to focus on and how to get the most out of every rep.

I feel supported, understood, and challenged in the best way. Truly grateful to have found her!

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Michael here reviewing Coach Alyssa after a rigorous 5 month prep and training at Big Tex Gym.

Seeing Alyssa already had a strong fitness foundation to begin with, after she expressed interest in becoming a personal trainer, I decided to push her to be all in and become a coach instead.

Not only telling people what exercise to do and watch them doing it, but actually both explaining and demonstrating the exercises, talking about the mechanics of the exercises, giving insight into why the next exercise is being performed in a particular way and why it is aligning with each client's specific goals. Also focusing on lifestyle habits, nutrition, mental state and affairs, and truly giving the whole experience to each client.

If you're looking for someone to hang out with and have fun while paying them, Alyssa will not be your Coach. While there will be great conversations and overall fun experiences during training, she is there to make a positive difference in your health and wellness.

I am extremely happy with her dedication and focus during her training. The questions she asked while shadowing were spot on and thoughtful. Her method of structuring her training was well executed. Even at the end when she ran whole sessions by herself while Lead Coach shadowed exemplified how far she has developed in her coaching skills. The time and effort she has put into herself and coaching is already paying off as her newly found clients are already reaping the rewards!

Ladies, you're ready to make a change and Alyssa will get you there at Big Tex Gym.

You won't regret it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Training with Alyssa is like having a spotter, coach, and hype squad all in one. She knows her lifts inside and out—whether it’s dialing in squat depth, cleaning up deadlift form, or pushing for that next PR, she’s on it. What I love most is that she doesn’t just chase numbers; she builds you up with smart programming, technical cues that actually click, and the kind of energy that makes you want to rip the bar off the floor.

She pushes heavy, but never reckless—always making sure technique comes first so strength actually sticks. Every session feels like progress, whether it’s hitting a new max or nailing the small details that add pounds to the bar later. If you’re serious about moving weight and want a coach who lives and breathes strength training, Alyssa is the one you want in your corner.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have had the pleasure of working out with Alyssa and I can tell you, she is an amazing coach. She is very inspiring and helped me reach levels that I thought I would never reach. She pushes you to reach your full potential and when you walk out of the gym, you feel like you have accomplished more than just getting a great workout. She is truly inspiring and brings your best self out. She is an amazing person and a phenomenal coach!

Source: Google

★ 5

Michael is an phenomenal trainer with a proven track record and great attention to detail with training and nutrition. The system hybrid classes have been really great for establishing consistency and accountability.

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Michael has been life-changing! He helped me lose weight, gain muscle, and finally get control of my diet. His workouts are effective, his nutrition advice is realistic, and he truly cares about results. Helps me a lot to reframe my beliefs and pushing my limits all the time. If you’re looking for the best personal trainer in Austin, I highly recommend him!

Source: Google

★ 5

I don’t usually write reviews- but need to drop a 5 star here. I’m pretty injury prone and my whole life have struggled to keep active since whenever I tried or started a good habit I would hurt myself and have to stop. Now whenever I come in with a new issue Michael is so resourceful at modifying an exercise or redirecting in a way that has let me learn how to keep with it! Like even if my foot or knee hurts I don’t have to stop entirely there are ways to build strength to support them as they are healing. I finally have muscles ! And my knees don’t hurt for the first time in like 10 years. I’m so grateful for his knowledge and also he is just a really awesome dude.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you’re looking for a professional, honest, respectful, and knowledgeable person to help you be your best self, Michael at Fuel n Burn Fitness is your guy!! Not only does he take pride in his own fitness and recovery, but his dedication and enthusiasm to help his clients is obvious. With his military, medical field, and wellness backgrounds he has a very well rounded knowledge base. He puts his whole heart into what he does and is a great guy all around!

Source: Google

★ 5

Had a great experience with the hybrid workouts. Even with having multiple clients it didn’t feel like he was favoring one over the other. He made sure to be there at the beginning and end to check form and push you. He does push you as well and if you’re feeling any knots or aches he has a massage gun to help. I really liked it and hope he does more hybrid classes as it’s a great way for people to have support with working out without it being too expensive; especially for those who are just getting started

Source: Google

★ 5

I highly recommend Coach Michael Gaytán for your weight loss and fitness coach. His diligence and commitment to pushing my limits have made a remarkable difference in my strength, weight, and overall body shape in just three sessions. His coaching instincts are spot-on, and I’ve seen results beyond my imagination. If you're on a fitness or weight loss journey, definitely give him a try. You won't regret it.

Source: Google

★ 5

Michael is an incredibly friendly, thoughtful and kind coach who puts the emphasis on creating sustainable plans for change that work with, around and throughout your daily life.

Fitting consistency and sustainability into your existing lifestyle and routine is a huge key to making (and keeping) progress towards a healthier and more fit future life; and that’s where Michael shines.

Source: Google

★ 5

Michael is incredible! He's been nothing but kind, caring, and genuinely invested in helping me succeed. He takes the time to understand your goals and create a personalized plan that’s both challenging and motivating. Every session feels supportive, with constant encouragement to push myself, yet always at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable. If you're looking for a trainer who truly cares about your success, I highly recommend Michael!

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Michael has been a game-changer! Balancing two jobs, I have little time to dedicate to fitness, but his HIT sessions have been 100% worth it. I’ve seen noticeable improvements in both weight loss and strength, and his personalized approach keeps me motivated and on track. Highly recommend Michael to anyone looking to make real progress despite a busy schedule!

Source: Google

★ 5

Michael is one of the most attentive and caring trainers to work with. He really kept me on track and helped me with my eating habits. Nothing but good things-! And a great experience. If you are thinking about getting into fitness and bettering yourself, get to working with Michael.

Source: Google

★ 5

Infinity/ 10 stars.

He will challenge you because he sees your potential and wants the best for you.

Grateful to have met someone this knowledgeable helping me and my fiancée meet our goals.

You can’t go wrong with him, join the gainz!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is my first time having a trainer and it's been such a I've been training with Michael at Fuel n Burn for the past two months, and I couldn't be more pleased with the progress I've made. As someone who has always been naturally small with a high metabolism, I've struggled to find reliable information and effective strategies for gaining healthy weight. It often feels like the fitness world is geared more towards weight loss, leaving those of us looking to gain muscle and mass feeling a bit lost.

Michael's expertise has been a game-changer. His deep knowledge about nutrition and tailored diet plans have made a significant impact on my journey. For the first time in my life, I'm seeing noticeable changes in my body. The muscle definition and overall weight gain I've achieved in these two months are beyond anything I've experienced before. He took the time to understand my unique challenges and goals, crafting a plan that was not only effective but also sustainable.

What truly sets him apart is his genuine dedication to his clients' success. He's always available to answer questions, provide insights, and adjust plans as needed. This level of personalized attention has made all the difference for me.

If you're looking for a trainer who is knowledgeable, supportive, and truly invested in your progress, I highly recommend Michael Gaytan at Fuel n Burn!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've nearly completed my three months with Michael Gaytan, and it's truly been a beneficial experience. Going in, I was almost a complete beginner to all things fitness (even my Phys Ed classes growing up were not very educational,) but he's been patient, instructive, supportive, and encouraging - without being condescending or coddling.

For those most interested in results: I started out having trouble squatting much further than 90 degrees, even when holding low or no weight; in a recent session, I did 120-pound cable squats low enough to touch my butt to my heels. I also started out struggling to do six walking lunges even when using a pole for assistance - and have recently done 24 paces, unassisted, while holding eight-pound weights in each hand.

Through his free first session, Michael will evaluate your current capabilities and establish your baseline. Even if you have physical limitations due to disability or injury, he'll do his best to create accommodating workout plans. If you're a beginner, he'll teach proper form and posture, identify the machines and demonstrate how to adjust and use them safely, provide advice on how to get the most effective workout for the time spent (focusing on compound exercises,) and set up a customized meal plan - no matter what dietary restrictions you may have.

My meal plan did not dictate what I was "allowed" to eat every day; it established a personalized guideline of calories and macros, and I was able to choose how to meet them. The best meal plan is the one you'll actually stick with, as Michael puts it; it does no good to try to change everything about how someone eats to make them eat "the right things." He makes it clear that "bad foods" are not the issue: a lack of balance is. Food is fuel, but it's also an important component of culture and human bonding, and Michael recognizes that. At least for my own plan, the approach wasn't a harsh "What will you sacrifice to meet your goals?" but rather "How do you find a balance?" (That said, weight loss was not my primary goal.)

The training to follow was truly personalized, focused on helping me become better than I'd been, not about making me meet some external standard. In my experience, he truly "meets you where you are." At no point did he compare me to anyone else, positively or negatively. He also didn't negatively compare me my present performance to my past: as he makes clear, you'll have days where you have more energy and stamina, and days where you're just not feeling it. The important thing - and all that he asks for - is that you the best you can do on that day.

That said, he always would challenge me - but he made sure to do so safely. Whenever I struggled to learn an exercise, he'd reduce the weight, explain the fundamentals, help me find the right positioning, and try again - with no judgment, no disappointment, no frustration. Proper form is paramount; speed and strength come over time, and all progress is incremental. When I was impeded by pain from an old injury, he demonstrated stretches that would help, and would find different exercises to work the same muscle groups without straining that area too much - and he adapted to this without impatience. He also helped me become more patient with myself.

Michael is positive, considerate, and unfailingly respectful, no matter your skill level - and he also won't tolerate you disrespecting yourself. He recognizes that the mental and emotional facets of life are also important to evaluate and to train; his Friday check-in forms include questions about stress and mood. By prompting reflection on habits, patterns, stressors, conflicts, setbacks, and accomplishments, he encouraged me to be aware of how I treated myself and how I spent my time and energy. He coaches you not just to have more conscious control of your body as it moves through space, but to have more conscious control of yourself as you move through life.

While hiring him is not exactly cheap, it is a tremendous value for the money spent.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great trainer who pushes you beyond what you thought you were capable of. No matter how much I complain, he pushes me anyway and low and behold, I'm stronger than I've ever been before in my life!

Source: Google

★ 5

Michael was super enthusiastic and helpful with our short program. He answered questions we had promptly and is very knowledgeable about fitness and nutrition in general.

Source: Google

★ 5

Worked out, got macros advice, gained muscle. Basically all you need in a personal trainer!

Source: Google

★ 5

10/10 recommend training with Michael - he exceeded my expectations as a trainer.

Besides his years of experience, it’s evident that he truly cares and puts the time and dedication towards each of his clients. Michael meets you where you’re at while tailoring every session to your needs and push for growth.

I couldn’t be any happier with the progress, both physically and mentally, that I’ve seen from training with Michael.

So if you’re looking to make a change for the better, don’t hesitate to schedule your consultation!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excelente entrenador

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Michael is an awesome trainer! I've been working with him for over a year and I'm the lightest and strongest I've been in years. He's also the only trainer I've seen that offers extra services to really dial in to the sweet spot of where you need to be calorie wise and cardio wise to accomplish your goals. No going by standardized calorie intake that may or may not work with you. 10/10 recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m extremely thankful I found Michael. His knowledge and techniques are unmatched. Today was my first session and I never had such a good pump from a workout. Looking forward to our future trainings. Never thought I’d be this excited to workout😝 I’ll be back to post the progress!

Bonus:
•Free consultation
•App allows for easy bookings
•Nutritional guidance
•Budget friendly
•Works with each client’s specific needs
•VO2 Max/Metabolism tastings (no guessing)
•20+ years of knowledge and experience

Source: Google

★ 5

Love training with Michael! His boot camps are great for any skill level and an excellent addition to your weekly/exercise routine

Source: Google

★ 5

Michael can help achieve the impossible. You have to trust his knowledge and believe it's possible. Great exercise routines for your condition and shape, plus great food plans for complete transformation.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Through Micheal’s strength and diet coaching, I have finally beaten diabetes. In addition, I have competed in two weight transformation competitions. I don’t know if these monumental events would have been possible without his training and support.

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Michael was the best decision and investment I made on my health. He is intuitive and plans all the workouts in advance. He also possesses nutrition knowledge which enables him to guide his clients in the best possible direction. He is friendly and makes you feel at home on tough workout days. I gained tremendous amount of physical strength by choosing his 6 month personal workout plan and highly recommend him to anyone who is looking to get fit and strong.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mi primera vez y me sentí genial, excelente entrenador y muy buena rutina la de hoy. Se habla inglés y español así que el idioma no es excusa… ☺️💪🏻

Source: Google

★ 5

Súper entrenador y lo importante que habla español para los que no sabemos inglés 💪🏻

Source: Google

★ 5

Great energy great coach. Great mentor. High level training with high level results

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m forever thankful that we crossed paths. Micheal took deep dive into my health and helped me get to healthy and hormones straight. He’s seriously one of best at his craft. I learned so much knowledge about flexible dieting and how I should workout more efficiently. He’s of the best coaches I have ever worked with. 10/10 Highly recommend him!

Source: Google

★ 5

Michael REALLY knows what he is talking about!! As a former personal trainer who got super out of shape during covid and working in tech, he has gotten me fitter and stronger than I have EVER been, and my weight is still higher than it was at my previous peak. I’ve lost 25 lbs so far and have another 20 I’d like to lose. My past injuries don’t bother me anymore, and I’m constantly receiving compliments from people on my social media and in person. Plus, Michael is quite the gem of a person who genuinely cares about his clients and is fully supportive. I’ve met trainers and coaches who work with clients who are beginners or have a significant amount to lose who can be outright jerks and that is not him. He’s celebrated every win with me along the way and he’s the first person I text when I hit a milestone or a NSV and he’s never made me feel bad about myself. I also think it’s rare to find trainers who can get you looking good AND also strong AF. Best trainer in ATX right here. I wish I would have found him sooner!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent coach, and highly recommend him for personal training.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent workout plans, easy to follow and understand. Thanks Fuel N' Burn!

Source: Google

★ 5

Hi,

I have trained with Michael for 4 months, working out 3 days a week. The experience has been absolutely fantastic !!!. Michael is incredibly knowledgeable, motivating and attentive to individual needs. His well structured workouts helped me achieve significant progress in my fitness journey. I appreciate the variety of exercises that kept things interesting and challenging. I highly recommend Michael to anyone seeking dedicated guidance and result oriented training.

Source: Google

★ 5

Michael is a wonderful person and coach!
I have attended several of the boot camp classes they are fun, casual and effective and I really enjoy them :) Beginner, experienced, fit, unfit Michael will help you get the best out of the classes.

Source: Google

★ 5

Loved working with Michael- he helped me have accountability and always had the time dive deeper into any questions I had around a routine. I was able to loose weight and keep it off.

Source: Google