Testimonials

Date:  26/04/10
Client:  Eileen Degol

Age: 50

Goal: To improve bodyshape and fitness

Jon is one of the best ‘finds’ from 2009. I wanted to improve my shape and fitness so with a big birthday looming it was time to end the excuses and look for help. I’d tried a couple of gym memberships and only felt guilt for fees paid and dismal attendance. I always thought personal trainers were a real luxury, now I see it as time efficient and effective. Having Jon come to the house resists the temptation ‘not to bother’.

I’m not a sport or fitness enthusiast so it came as a surprise that I actually enjoyed the one to one sessions with Jon. I think they help with stress and the individual attention is refreshing. Jon makes them varied and fun. No two sessions are the same. I’m still amazed that after a year he’s still coming up with new exercises and programmes. Having Jon explain correct technique to achieve the maximum benefit safely is so much better than being left to your own devices in a gym. Jon is extremely encouraging and patient. As confidence grows so the rewards have come. I’ve lost some weight, my shape is improving, my clothes fit better and I feel healthier. My balance is better and I’m stronger. I didn’t want the process to be painful so I always knew that a quick fix approach was unrealistic for me. I saw the commitment as a longer term project or ‘work in progress’. Jon kept me moving through the winter months. We trained indoors so now the nice weather’s here I can make even more progress.

I have no hesitation in recommending Jon. He’s professional and talented. I like his light-hearted manner. He’s a good communicator and passionate about fitness. I would call his approach personal and bespoke. It’s tailored to fit my requirements taking into account any aches/pains, strength and weaknesses. Jon’s weekly visits to the house have become part of a regular routine in a busy schedule. He’s helping to keep me on track and motivated. It’s not always easy but the benefits, sense of achievement and improved well-being make it very worthwhile. Thanks Jon, I wish you well, your dedication deserves success.
 

Date:  23/11/09
Client:  Kev Gillard

Age:  51

Goal:  To get back into regular exercise and improve weight, fitness and general energy levels

Jon brings all the benefits of regular exercise, fun, maturity and good interpersonal skills as well as being an excellent personal trainer. I have been a compulsive sportsman/exerciser in the past and I needed to get back into exercise to improve weight, fitness and general energy levels. With two small children and a job which requires me to travel, I needed a session in my diary that I couldn’t easily get out of. I’ve been a member of numerous gyms in the past and they just don’t work. Never had enough time and always found an excuse for not using the membership I bought - usually in January or February (no surprises there I hear you say!). Once had the most expensive swim ever, £567 (a years membership for one visit!).

Appointments with Jon do work because he knows his stuff, he listens, is a good trainer and he’s good company as well. His knock on the door each week is something to look forward to in a busy schedule, time out to exercise, chat and enjoy some personal time. He will give you what you need in exercise, fitness and general well being terms. You will enjoy it and in the nicest possible way won’t be able to get out of it. Jon’s approach really works and you won’t waste a year or more with a gym membership with little in return. You’ll see the results as you achieve your goals and targets. You’ll have some laughs as well. What Jon offers is first class support and training to achieve your exercise and fitness goals.

Date:  17/11/09
Client:  Dr Hilary Cremin

Age:  45

Goal:  Lose weight & tone up midriff whilst improving overall fitness

Jon, you are the perfect personal trainer - you are affirming, patient, dynamic, skilful, professional and fun. You know how to maintain the right balance between challenge and support, enabling me to go to a level of fitness that I have never experienced before, despite attendance at several gyms and various healthy eating programmes over the years. I can now say that, with an 18 year-old son, I finally have my body back (why did I not discover you before?!). I am a slim size 8, and have lost 2 inches off my waist and off my hips in just 3 months.

More importantly though, I have benefited enormously from the boxing sessions. My kids think that it is really cool to have a boxing mum! I never thought that I would look at a pair of boxing gloves, let alone put them on, but one hour with you was enough to have me hooked. I spend most of our weekly sessions feeling huge satisfaction at having mastered yet another skill, or else laughing at my own mistakes, and the fun that I am having. The sessions and the new skills that I am acquiring leave me feeling energised, empowered and more in touch with my body. It is great having permission to hit boxing pads as hard as you can, in a safe environment, with someone as supportive as you.

Thank you Jon - you have really changed my life for the better.
 

Date:  24/08/09
Client:  Carolyn Bishop

Age:  50

Goal:   Improve overall fitness levels and manage weight after giving up smoking

I feel compelled to write and thank you very much for your continued enthusiasm in my quest to become fitter. I cannot believe the health benefits I have experienced since I decided to stop smoking and replace cigarettes with exercise- 6 months ago. My blood pressure is lower- now normal, I can breathe so much more easily and I can once again run upstairs! Your fitness flyer arrived on my doorstep at exactly the right time- thank you.

The fitness regime you design for me every week is always varied and tailored to meet my individual needs; you seem to know when I can put a little more effort in to make me achieve that bit more during each class. Likewise you can see when I am trying too hard and temper it down a bit; I can honestly say that I have never once felt disappointed with my achievements after each lesson. Our sessions are fun, one hour a week -plus the in between programmes that you have planned for me are perfect. Thank you so much for your continued encouragement and motivation.

Initially I did feel that 1:1 exercise with someone very fit would be a little bit too much for me, but I find your friendly manner and non judgemental way extremely reassuring. It was a big step for me to commit to stopping smoking and another big step for me to commit to another form of exercise programme, as you know from your initial assessment I have tried all the usual- gym, swimming, step exercises and keep fit regimes with groups, being able to have my own personal programme of exercise that has been designed with my own personal needs in mind and carry it out in the privacy of my own home ticks all the right boxes for me.

Date:  24/06/09
Client:  Michelle Carvelle

Age:  30

Goal:   Passing the British Territorial Army Fitness Test

I came to Jon 3 months ago with a very specific goal. I had to pass a fitness test, which was at the time a seemingly unobtainable challenge. I had limited time and I didn’t know if I’d be able to achieve it. Jon assessed me and told me matter of fact that I had a lot of work to do but I could do it if I put in the time.

Working with Jon made it all possible, over 9 weeks we increased my fitness dramatically but more importantly I have seen benefits of a returned self confidence and self belief that I didn’t realise I was missing so badly. I’m also sure that long term it has got me out of my bad habits of being lazy and taking the easy road to the TV in the evening!

Jon’s highly professional attitude meant he made a huge effort to understand exactly what I needed to get out of the training with him and tailored our sessions and any sessions where I worked on my own accordingly. Our sessions were always varied and challenging and it made a huge difference that Jon always worked beside me, I never felt as if I was working on my challenge alone. I would recommend Jon as a personal trainer to anyone, whatever your goal is. Now my course is over and after all the effort, I’m pleased to say that I came second out of 16 people and I know that this is a new start for me. THANK YOU!

Date:  16/06/09
Clients:  Sarah & Luke Wainwright

Age:  30 / 32

Goal:   Lose weight and improve fitness

My husband and I signed up for 12 sessions with Jon at the end of March 09 and were immediately impressed with his very thorough approach to our training programme. We were never going to be an easy pair to train as our goals and indeed attitudes to training and fitness are quite different. Jon took it all in his stride and once we had begun the sessions checked it was meeting both our needs and ensuring he encouraged us to train at levels at which we felt comfortable.

To make Jon’s job even harder I found out I was pregnant after the first session, which was a surprise for us all! I have to say that Jon went the extra mile to get the knowledge he needed to train someone in the early stages of pregnancy and from that moment I received lots of emails not only concerning the appropriate types and levels of training but nutrition pointers and tips too. As we progressed with our training sessions Jon ensured I wasn’t pushing myself too hard and that the types of exercises were suitable for someone with a changing body and raging hormones. When I got to the point where I was unable to push myself as hard as I’d have liked Jon was very flexible and immediately agreed to put my remaining sessions on hold till after my baby is born. All I can say is that I’m looking forward to picking up my training with Jon once the baby arrives and using Jon’s knowledge and expertise to get my body back into some semblance of shape!