"The diversity of her training programme, her commitment to her customers and her background in Physiotherapy makes an excellent combination for a Personal Trainer and I now look forward to every session."

When Ruth asked me if I would write a testimonial I was only too happy to oblige.

I have been a regular when it comes to fitness for the past six years, discovering what you could achieve by working out properly just 3 times a week. My training schedule was typically 3 times a week and would vary between attending classes at the gym, running 3 miles, or a training programme put together by the gym which incorporated both cardio and weights. Like everyone before me, I got bored, and after six years I had begun to lose interest, not to mention, put on weight, go up three dress sizes and generally spiralled in to a "can't be bothered, and what am I doing wrong attitude!" Then came along Ruth and the timing was uncanny.

I had just started searching on the web for a Personal Trainer outside of the gym, when Ruth's flyer came through my door. I immediately liked her approach; she was being proactive (on a Sunday) promoting her business. I called her and arranged my first appointment for the following Thursday. Prior to the appointment Ruth dropped off a questionnaire which I was asked to complete and have ready for Thursday.

Thursday came and so did Ruth, and I wasn't expecting the service that I got. Call me cynical! In little over an hour Ruth had reviewed and discussed my Questionnaire with me, carried out a Consultation which included discussing my goals, setting realistic timescales, nutritional information, and a physical assessment. Before leaving, I was well documented, had a target weight loss of 8lbs, losing one dress size, and asked to complete a food diary over the next week. We then booked in our twice weekly sessions for the coming few weeks.

Week two came and so did the review of the food diary. We sat down and discussed it and I honestly didn't think I had done that bad. How mistaken I was! Don't get me wrong, I don't eat loads of takeaways, don't drink fizzy drinks or even have a sweet tooth, so how did I get it so wrong? Simple really, eating the wrong stuff at the wrong time of day, not enough fruit and vegetables, drinking too much alcohol and generally over sized portions. I was advised, things had to change.

The changes were tough at first, really tough. The training was hard but tailored to me in every way, the programme was strict, and the change to my diet and drinking habits was proving to make miserable.....After a few weeks I had to discuss my feelings with Ruth, I was feeling down and frustrated that nothing had changed, weight loss or inch loss! Ruth reassured me to keep going and that Rome wasn't built in a day, it was only week five after all! So I kept going and week six came and so did the results! I was over the moon. I had lost 2lbs but more importantly was feeling and looking trimmer. This gave me the determination to keep going. The weeks were passing by now with a 1lb loss each week and body toning to die for!

Six weeks later (now week 12) I achieved my target weight loss, achieved my desired dress size. I'm oozing with confidence and have loads of energy.

Although I have achieved my goals, I will continue to see Ruth on a weekly basis. The diversity of her training programme, her commitment to her customers and her background in Physiotherapy makes an excellent combination for a Personal Trainer and I now look forward to every session.

Erica
Service Delivery Manager.
July 2007