At the age of 28, I came to realise that I was never going to be the slim figured woman who could eat what she wanted and never put on weight that I was a decade ago. I had tried fad diets and 7 minute workouts, bought the books and downloaded the apps and I never managed to stick at anything long enough to see results. Yet here I was, about to qualify as a doctor and I wanted to practice what I preach – get fit, get healthy and be happy! I was nervous about signing up to something like this as I had never really been a gym person so was sure I’d stick out like a sore thumb and be too unfit to keep it up. How wrong I was! From day one it was clear that these are people who know what they’re doing and who want to help you reach your goals. The assessments were extremely professional, the tailored programme extremely structured and the staff extremely friendly so I had no excuses. The idea of booking small group sessions and knowing that they were expecting me really helped me to stick to it. After 3 months, I was going 3-4 times a week, never missing a session and most surprisingly, actually enjoying it. I had always been told by my fitness addict friends that exercise makes you feel happy but cynically believed this to be just a clever incentive. Now, not only is my body stronger but my mind too and I am constantly amazed by how positive I feel about the day to come after each session.

Jen Merritt

I have always been one to value my health and fitness, and for as long as I can remember my life has revolved around sport. I have run a half marathon, cycled London to Paris and taken part in many dance competitions, all of which I have loved. Two years ago, after struggling with my fitness levels and feeling poorly for a while, I was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis, this affected both my physical and mental health, and for over a year I felt unable to exercise and be active. Unfortunately, during this time I suffered a severe torn hamstring, which felt like the last straw. I was feeling low and lacking in self confidence and in constant pain from my hamstring injury. It was at this point, I decided to seek professional help rather than the type of training a ‘traditional’ gym can offer. I undertook a thorough assessment including a Functional Movement Screen, before having some personal training sessions. As I have become stronger I have progressed to Group Training and now enjoy 3 sessions a week. All the trainers are aware of my health issues and I feel safe to train in their hands. The training is measurable and so as well as feeling stronger I am feeling challenged, which is important to me. I am overjoyed to be feeling positive and motivated once again. Physically, I feel strong and able to tackle life with energy and enthusiasm and I look forward to each session, it is great to train with different people each week and there is a real sense of achievement as we finish each session. I am finally training with a smile on my face and enjoying all the benefits of feeling stronger and being pain free, I am even back on my bike and dancing again!

Nikki Brace