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Dennis Nel

@dennis_nel_

798

followers

436

following

@functionalpatterns @projectfunction @fp.evidence
Business Owner/Human Biomechanics Specialist 3
DM for online & in-person training—Austin,TX,USA

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Client updated progression of standing neutral from initial evaluation, 1st year and 2nd year of @functionalpatterns @fp.evidence

Michael Mentele, Age 35, Founder and CEO of a robotics company.

Personal testimony:

FP is the kind of gym I’ve been looking for my whole life. These guys are body engineers.
The assessment alone was worth two months of traditional PT.

Before I came in I was getting crippling headaches and was struggling to fix my posture despite being very active.
I worked with Dennis Nel and in 6 months I:

1. Transformed my posture
2. Have no more headaches
3. Can sprint 10% faster
4. Added 10 lbs of muscle

I feel that I was not using, say, 30% of my body. I’ve noticed significant gains in general strength in movements we have not trained due to greater core access and overall coordination, such as pullups, dips, squats, and so on.

Gyms like FP should be a utility, no different than water and power.

Founder & CEO of Functional Patterns @naudiaguilar #functionalpatterns #functionalpatternsresults #functionalpatternsisthestandard by @dennis_nel_

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15

a month ago

REPOST from @theleverking

@adam.altman had debilitating neck pain 4 months out of the year. As a CEO of 2 tech companies he needed to make the most of his time. This is where @dennis_nel_ stepped in 👇

“These are two different people,” my mom said when she saw my before and after photos. A year ago, I picked up tennis again after 20 years. It felt amazing—until the old pain crept back in, especially in my shoulder and arm. I’d injured my shoulder nearly 30 years ago, gone through surgery, PT, and even Egoscue, which helped me play college tennis. But the pain always lingered. During a recent match, I met an opponent who noticed my discomfort. We talked about everything we’d tried, and he introduced me to Functional Patterns.

I started training with Dennis Nel, three sessions a week, plus homework. The exercises were never painful—but incredibly effective. I’ve learned to activate and control muscles I didn’t even know I had—my ribs, thoracic spine, and glutes. I feel taller, more balanced, and stronger. The pain in my arm is manageable now. Even walking up stairs burns in my glutes instead of my quads! People noticed the change. A coworker saw my photos and said, “That’s not the same person!” (Then kindly reminded me I’m balding.) With Dennis’s guidance, my biomechanics are improving, and so are my results.

Now, I’m back on the court aiming for national competitions—and I’m playing multiple matches pain-free. My swing feels effortless yet more powerful. I’m even moving faster—and I’ve got the data to prove it.

BEFORE (April 2024)
❌9/10 Debilitating Neck pain for 4 months out of the year
❌5/10 constant left shoulder pain
❌10/10 left shoulder pain playing tennis and unable to play
❌Poor posture
❌Lack of body of control

AFTER (June 2025)
✅0/10 No neck pain
✅0/10 No shoulder pain while resting and playing tennis
✅Recovers faster and can play the next day ✅Massive improvements on posture
✅More control of body
✅ls faster, stronger, and more powerful on the tennis court
✅25% Increased sprint speed from 13.2mph to 16.3mph
✅Increased weight from 126 lbs to 139 lbs ✅Gained 5lbs of muscle mass

#functionalpatterns #projectfunction taken in Austin, Texas by @dennis_nel_

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6

a year ago

Full Video Testimony

— Approved Results from @functionalpatterns @fp.evidence —

Adam Altman, Age 47, CEO and founder of two tech companies, Ex college tennis athlete

“These are two different people,” my mom said when she saw my before and after photos.

A year ago, I picked up tennis again after 20 years. It felt amazing—until the old pain crept back in, especially in my shoulder and arm. I’d injured my shoulder nearly 30 years ago, gone through surgery, PT, and even Egoscue, which helped me play college tennis. But the pain always lingered.

During a recent match, I met an opponent who noticed my discomfort. We talked about everything we’d tried, and he introduced me to Functional Patterns. I started training with Dennis Nel, three sessions a week, plus homework. The exercises were never painful—but incredibly effective.

I’ve learned to activate and control muscles I didn’t even know I had—my ribs, thoracic spine, and glutes. I feel taller, more balanced, and stronger. The pain in my arm is manageable now. Even walking up stairs burns in my glutes instead of my quads!

People noticed the change. A coworker saw my photos and said, “That’s not the same person!” (Then kindly reminded me I’m balding.) With Dennis’s guidance, my biomechanics are improving, and so are my results.

Now, I’m back on the court aiming for national competitions—and I’m playing multiple matches pain-free. My swing feels effortless yet more powerful. I’m even moving faster—and I’ve got the data to prove it.

BEFORE (April 2024)
❌9/10 Debilitating Neck pain for 4 months out of the year
❌5/10 constant left shoulder pain
❌10/10 left shoulder pain playing tennis and unable to play
❌Needed 3 days after playing tennis to recover
❌Poor posture
❌Lack of body of control
AFTER (June 2025)
✅0/10 No neck pain
✅0/10 No shoulder pain while resting and playing tennis
✅Recovers faster and can play the next day
✅Massive improvements on posture
✅More control of body
✅ls faster, stronger, and more powerful on the tennis court
✅25% Increased sprint speed from 13.2mph to 16.3mph
✅Increased weight from 126 lbs to 139 lbs

Founder & CEO of Functional Patterns @naudiaguilar taken in Austin, Texas by @dennis_nel_

36

12

a year ago

Approved results from @functionalpatterns @fp.evidence

Frozen Shoulder & 8/10 Shoulder Pain → Pain Free, 18 lb Lost in 3 months

Client: Female, 48. Trained July 2025 to August 2026.

She built her posture from 25 years of computer work. In spring 2023, her shoulder pain started and never left; pain scale of 8/10, and she later developed a frozen shoulder. She began avoiding her own computer because she knew it would hurt.

Over 2 years, she tried a personal trainer, platelet therapy and an injection, 4 months of Physical Therapy, and 6 weeks of electrode therapy. Pain dropped to 2-3/10, but the frozen shoulder and the root cause remained.

She started FP in July 2025 and trained 2-3x per week with @dennis_nel_ .In 3 months, her shoulder pain had resolved to 0/10. In January 2026, she added FP nutrition and lost about 18 lb in 3 months.

Personal testimony:
“The biggest thing I learned is that the mind and body are not separate. I had spent years thinking about my body in terms of individual problems: my shoulder, foot, and knee hurt; my core is weak. FP taught me to look at the whole system and understand how one area can compensate for another. I learned myofascial release techniques to help de-stress areas of my body. I became much more aware of asymmetries. I no longer accept my body in the state that it’s in. I understand that it’s in a constant state of progression. That’s a huge win.”

Before FP:

❌ Personal Trainer, Physical therapy, injections, and electrode therapy did not resolve it
❌ Shoulder pain: 5 to 8/10
❌ Frozen shoulder
❌ 2+ years of pain since spring 2023
❌ Avoided computer work due to pain
❌ Could not coordinate more than 2 body parts at once
❌ Major glute weakness and global tension

After FP:

✅ Shoulder pain: 0 to 1/10
✅ Lost ~18 lb in 3 months
✅ Self-manages with myofascial release
✅ Frozen shoulder resolved
✅ Works at the computer pain-free
✅ Fluid, coordinated full-body movement
✅ Completed a 2.5-week international walking trip with no worry about her body

Founder & CEO of Functional Patterns @naudiaguilar

#functionalpatterns #functionalpatternsresults #functionalpatternsisthestandard taken in Austin, Texas by @dennis_nel_

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10

3 days ago

—Approved Results from @functionalpatterns @fp.evidence—

Why This ENT Doctor Turned to FP After PT Fell Short
Charles Theivagt, Age 48, ENT Medical Doctor

I started Functional Patterns after 6 months of physical therapy. While my results weren’t zero, I wasn’t getting the outcomes I was hoping for-especially with my shoulder and lower back pain. I had scapular winging that caused significant discomfort, particularly when surfing and paddling.

I began training online with Dennis Nel twice a week. Since then, my lower back pain has completely gone, and my shoulder pain is now minimal and barely noticeable. When my shoulder flares up, I have the tools and understanding to manage the discomfort. I can now enjoy life and surfing without being in pain.

Before (May 2019)

❌ Shoulder pain 8/10 pain and a constant distraction
❌Scapular winging
❌ Lower back pain 5/10 every day
❌ Ankle/femur/knee/tibia lacking neutrality
❌Lack of body of control
❌Lordosis

After (April 2025)

✅Now: 2/10 minimal, and have the tools to address flare-ups
✅Improved shoulder decompression and muscular stability.
✅ Lower back pain 0/10
✅Improved femur/knee/tibia and ankle neutrality
✅Improved gait mechanics and speed
✅increased muscle mass

Founder & CEO of Functional Patterns @naudiaguilar
#functionalpatterns #functionalpatternsresults #functionalpatternsisthestandard by @dennis_nel_

138

24

a month ago

-Approved Results from @functionalpatterns @fp.evidence —

Adam Altman, Age 47, CEO and founder of two tech companies, Ex college tennis athlete

Personal testimonial:

“These are two different people,” my mom said when she saw my before and after photos.

A year ago, I picked up tennis again after 20 years. It felt amazing—until the old pain crept back in, especially in my shoulder and arm. I’d injured my shoulder nearly 30 years ago, gone through surgery, PT, and even Egoscue, which helped me play college tennis. But the pain always lingered.

During a recent match, I met an opponent who noticed my discomfort. We talked about everything we’d tried, and he introduced me to Functional Patterns. I started training with Dennis Nel, three sessions a week, plus homework. The exercises were never painful—but incredibly effective.

I’ve learned to activate and control muscles I didn’t even know I had—my ribs, thoracic spine, and glutes. I feel taller, more balanced, and stronger. The pain in my arm is manageable now. Even walking up stairs burns in my glutes instead of my quads!

People noticed the change. A coworker saw my photos and said, “That’s not the same person!” (Then kindly reminded me I’m balding.) With Dennis’s guidance, my biomechanics are improving, and so are my results.

Now, I’m back on the court aiming for national competitions—and I’m playing multiple matches pain-free. My swing feels effortless yet more powerful. I’m even moving faster—and I’ve got the data to prove it.

BEFORE (April 2024)
❌9/10 Debilitating Neck pain for 4 months out of the year
❌5/10 constant left shoulder pain
❌10/10 left shoulder pain playing tennis and unable to play
❌Needed 3 days after playing tennis to recover
❌Poor posture
❌Lack of body of control
AFTER (June 2025)
✅0/10 No neck pain
✅0/10 No shoulder pain while resting and playing tennis
✅Recovers faster and can play the next day
✅Massive improvements on posture
✅More control of body
✅ls faster, stronger, and more powerful on the tennis court
✅25% Increased sprint speed from 13.2mph to 16.3mph
✅Increased weight from 126 lbs to 139 lbs

Founder & CEO of Functional Patterns @naudiaguilar taken in Austin, Texas by @dennis_nel_

131

28

a year ago

-Approved Results from @functionalpatterns @fp.evidence —

Jay Reynolds, Age 42, Real estate agent, former professional golfer.

Degenerative Disc Disease Diagnosis, to reversing the symptoms and pain.

I first started working with Dennis Nel in September 2024—just ten months ago. At the time, I was in serious pain. My catalyst for reaching out was something that should’ve been simple: picking up and putting down my three year old son. But the pain had become so intense it was impossible to put him down in his crib.

I have had lower back dysfunction for years. Diagnosed with a degenerative disc disease in my lower lumbar spine, with no clear healing path, I had tried almost everything under the sun. I had undergone Stem cell/bone marrow/PRP intradiscal injections—once four years ago, and again about a year and a half ago. The first treatment helped a bit but didn’t sustain. The second didn’t make much of a difference. Which was worrisome. The sharp, stabbing nerve pain in my lower back was often at a 9 out of 10.

I tried physical therapy, yoga, Pilates, HIIT workouts, and traditional Olympic lifts. They all helped to a point, but then the progress would stall. As a former professional golfer who had dedicated his life to the game, I found myself in a place where I couldn’t play golf for an entire year. That was devastating.

After just a few Functional Patterns sessions, I started walking out feeling better. Within a month or two I was walking and running on the treadmill without pain. Within six months I could hit golf balls again with no shooting pains. But most importantly: I could lift my son again.

Dennis didn’t just help me manage pain—but the strength and body awareness have truly changed how I interact with the world.

BEFORE (September 2024)
❌9/10 sharp, stabbing nerve pain in my lower back
❌Couldn’t pick up or put down 3 year old son
❌Couldn’t play golf
❌Poor posture
❌Lack of body of control
AFTER (June 2025)
✅2/10 lower back pain, feeling stiff and sore from time to time
✅Can lift up his son without pain
✅Play golf again without pain
✅Improvements on posture
✅More control of body

Founder & CEO of Functional Patterns @naudiaguilar taken in Austin, Texas by @dennis_nel_

56

11

a year ago

@functionalpatterns @fp.evidence

Michael Mentele, Age 35, Founder and CEO of a robotics company.

Personal testimony:

FP is the kind of gym I've been looking for my whole life. These guys are body engineers.
The assessment alone was worth two months of traditional PT.

Before I came in I was getting crippling headaches and was struggling to fix my posture despite being very active.
I worked with Dennis Nel and in 6 months I:

1. Transformed my posture
2. Have no more headaches
3. Can sprint 10% faster
4. Added 10 lbs of muscle

I feel that I was not using, say, 30% of my body. I've noticed significant gains in general strength in movements we have not trained due to greater core access and overall coordination, such as pullups, dips, squats, and so on.

Gyms like FP should be a utility, no different than water and power.

Founder & CEO of Functional Patterns @naudiaguilar #functionalpatterns #functionalpatternsresults #functionalpatternsisthestandard taken in Austin, Texas by @dennis_nel_

126

27

a year ago

Repost from @_kathy_alvarez_ Some @vectortrainer training this morning at @projectfunction.vegas. Man this place is awesome and has my body feeling great. 🙌 no need for peptides or any kind of endogenous substances. Just good biomechanics. #functionalpatterns #fpisthestandard #projectfunction #functionaltraining by @dennis_nel_

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4 months ago

Occasionally, I have to remind myself of the starting point. I’m motivated and looking forward to the work ahead of me.

Left side: August 2020
Right side: September 2023

@functionalpatterns taken in Austin, Texas by @dennis_nel_

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3 years ago

@functionalpatterns @fpinnovations @regentrainer @theleverageking

#fpisthestandard #functionalpatterns #fp #austin #texas

Send a direct message to train with me online and in-person—limited availability due to high demand taken in Austin, Texas by @dennis_nel_

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4 months ago

@functionalpatterns @fpinnovations @regentrainer @rg_bar_ @rg.bell @theleverageking

#fpisthestandard #functionalpatterns #fp #austin #texas taken in Austin, Texas by @dennis_nel_

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4 months ago