Are you sick of not making any progress and losing motivation?

I finally realised I was doing myself no favours in the way I was looking after my health and fitness. I was always yo-yoing and my stomach never really changed, and this was a key factor of why I did any exercise plans, to lose a few inches. I never made any gains or achieved any consistent results. Plus over the years I had bought quite a few clothes that I couldn't really fit into without looking out of shape, and had probably only worn once, or never, and I really wanted to lose inches around my gut once and for all so I could actually wear them and look half decent. This was a big driving force for me wanting to find something that might work for once and for all.

The main obstacle for me was, I really didn't like exercise! I think this was why I always opted for two month style workouts, because I could just about handle it, knowing when it was done, I was done and it was finished. I also thought time would be an issue, with work and family commitments, so I had always dodged gyms for the exercise at-home format.

I've never felt better! I never thought I would ever say this, but I love going to the gym! The Group PT format is something I knew nothing about before universal fitness. It's such a fantastic way to exercise and I absolutely love it. I actually find it fun and enjoy it immensely.

I found that I did have the time for it once I had committed it into my lifestyle, now it's just a normal part of my routine, without it affecting my work or family whatsoever. I feel I am now in the best shape I have been in for a number of years, and my wardrobe has now grown considerably without buying a single thing...virtually all the clothes I hadn't been able to wear now fit me without my stomach protruding! I have surpassed my normal 'two-month' dedication to exercise with this format, and only see the future with this continuing. I have also developed a pretty decent level of fitness without even expecting it, so a definite added bonus!"

The biggest obstacle for me was walking through the door for the first time. I felt embarrassed and ashamed of myself and I nearly didn’t attend that first session! I am so glad that I did though because I was met with happy, friendly and supportive members and the best coaching team I could ever ask for who are so invested in my journey, support me to achieve my goals and genuinely want me to succeed.

Mentally I have been through the worst season of my life this year, having had to take 6 months off work due to depression and anxiety issues. A huge obstacle for me was admitting to myself and others that I am struggling. I am naturally a very positive person, a people pleaser and don’t wish to burden others with my problems. I have come to accept the help that has been offered to me and learned that I have to put myself first sometimes. Attending the gym, learning about fitness and nutrition and being supported and listened to has been the most integral aspect of my recovery from depression. The sense of achievement, positivity and celebration of small wins coupled with the consistency of doing something just for me in a place I feel completely safe and secure to be myself is priceless.

Physically my results have been good, I have lost weight, gone down a dress size and fitted into clothing that has been sitting in the wardrobe for years as it was too small. This is great and helps me to keep motivated however the internal results have been the most life-changing for me. I have learned to change my mindset about nutrition and exercise and the positive effects that this has had on my mental health. I never thought I would say this but I now LOVE the time I spend in the gym and if I miss a few days I crave it. I now have this desire to be the best version of myself rather than constantly putting myself down and concentrating on everything that I felt I was useless at. I now feel stronger physically and mentally and I feel proud of myself for working hard to achieve these results because it hasn’t been easy, but it has been totally worth it!"