The start

I have been training now since I was 39. I don’t really know what I expected; but I knew I had to change how I was living and what I was doing to my body. I had tried many of the famous diets over the years; Weight Watchers, Slimming World, 121 Diet, Fasting Windows, and with all I had managed to lose weight, and some quite a considerable amount. But it never lasted and I found myself on a treadmill of stopping and starting diets, not giving much thought to my overall health and wellbeing and above all, my fitness levels.

Covid was a catalyst for many, and I guess I am not the exception. It has helped me to think about and reflect a lot on my life and what I wanted to do with it, as well as how to keep healthy and fit for the future. I started at the gym and I enjoyed going to Aqua and Pilates classes as well as some swimming; but I did not really go much to the actual gym. If I went to the gym, I would focus on the ‘easier’ and less scary parts, like the treadmill or a bike.

I knew I needed some guidance and some one to help and support me, so in 2022 when Ben decided to start PT’ing I jumped at the chance. Ben has been the most patient and helpful person. He has helped me by supporting me to complete an actual gym routine and has helped me to understand the theory and the reasoning behind what he suggests as well as support me to learn appropriate lifts and form. But I am jumping ahead a bit, as to start with I did not feel comfortable walking into the free weights. I had to build my confidence and just getting to the gym was an achievement for a while.

The first day I walked into the free weights, was the first day I actually started to understand what I needed to do for me. I was worried someone would stop me and tell me I was doing something wrong, or just laugh at me. But what I soon realised, is that no-one actually gives a shit about anyone else around them. Once I worked that out, then my journey truly started.