Zero to Hero - Michael, Business Psychologist, 33

I first met Baz at a housewarming party in Feb 2009. We got chatting about work and the conversation turned to my level of fitness (well, lack of fitness). In the 15 years since leaving school, I hadn't really done much exercise at all, although I had smoked a lot of drugs. I had thought about "getting fit" a few times, but I felt pretty embarrassed / awkward about anyone seeing me jogging or going to the gym.

Anyway, Baz suggested I sign up with her for 12 sessions over 6 weeks. It took a further two months of her pestering me over email until I finally agreed. We did a mixture of running and weights over those six weeks, and the first couple of sessions were a little uncomfortable I guess - I felt a little bit awkward, but I soon got into it. It's funny looking back on it now - I couldn't jog for more than about 10 mins without having stop, and I would struggle to do all my bench presses with just 20kgs. I've been seeing Baz every week for 10 months now and I have to say that I am totally blown away by how far I've come. The hardest part was turning up to those first couple of sessions, but the rest was easy. Last weekend, I ran my first half marathon and can now do my bench presses with 50kg. I feel better, I look better, I sleep better – I have even got a girlfriend for Christ's sake. I don't need to go on about the impact it's had on my life.

I had always liked the idea of having a personal trainer. I thought it would be dead easy to get fit if you had someone working with you and motivating you to do it - I was right! All you have to do is turn up and because you have to turn up, it makes it more likely that you'll do exercise between sessions. It has also been a pleasure to be coached by Baz - she applies a good balance of intelligence, sensitivity and common sense. I would gladly recommend her services to anyone.

 

I Hated Exercising and Almost Enjoy it Now! - Cheryl Teacher

I have been a member of a gym for longer than I can remember. I've always thought that it is like throwing money away as due to work commitments or other excuses I made I hardly ever got there . I have been training with Baz for only four months and already I have made marked improvements in fitness which have been more pronounced than any I have ever made before I have also, incidentally, lost more weight than I have ever continuously lost before. Also, I think I may be enjoying exercise - which is definitely something I have never experienced before! I actually look forward to my sessions and I certainly never looked forward to going to the gym until now.

What attracted you to Point2Fitness?

The fact that Carla and yourself had a 'working' understanding of the fitness business and both have careers which require that you have an in depth understanding of how the body works and how to train to achieve results. On the flip side of this I was concerned that having achieved such a level of outstanding excellence personally that you may not appreciate the effort it would require for someone at my (disgraceful) level of fitness to improve.

How are your sessions?

My sessions are always pitched at the right level of challenge and I always feel that you appreciate how difficult it is for me in trying to regain some kind of fitness. I always feel completely at ease during our sessions. I do not feel I am being judged.

What have you achieved since working with us?

Although I often joke and sometimes feel disparaged in that progress is slow or non-existent, there is a pronounced increase in fitness since I started my training. Thinking back to my first session, I achieved what I would now only call a warm up (if that)! I am walking and running further in comfort than I ever have before I also have an increased desire to exercise independently.

Why do you think we're different to other personal trainers?

There is a wealth of expertise between you which would put clients at their ease. Also your own personal achievements are inspiring. The fact that you are now channelling those experiences into training others is an opportunity not to be missed! Baz is incredibly approachable and is always immensely encouraging whilst challenging in equal measure I almost feel like I have borrowed your motivation, because now I want to be fit and to lose weight! I couldn't do this on my own.

 

Got Your Own Story?

If you have an inspiring story that you think others would benefit from hearing drop us an email at: getfit@point2fitness.co.uk