Alex's story
I knew I wanted (and needed) a coach that was going to be knowledgeable and covered all aspects of training, nutrition and mindset. I also wanted to have someone to work closely with me to achieve my goals. I am very aware that if I didn’t have an appointment to train I would never make the time for myself so the accountability is also really important.
In the past I had a personal trainer who wasn’t too sympathetic towards female body changes. I started off ok but then the menopause kicked in and I really struggled. I gave up in the end and to be honest, I never thought I would ever get back into the fitness game again. Needless to say I’d put on a lot of weight too.
I met Abi when Stanza first opened and immediately loved the vibe of this small privately owned gym. We just clicked, she ticked the boxes for me and very quickly I felt at home and comfortable to embark on the challenge ahead with her.
When I started with Abi, I was 93 kilos but within 12 months, I had lost 23 kilos! I learnt how to track my food and Abi was able to keep an eye on what I was eating and tweak and advise accordingly. She still does. Abi has also managed to completely change body shape and posture, and strengthen my body with specific and smart training programmes.
Since being coached by Abi, I have learnt to gauge what to eat and how my body reacts to certain foods. I don’t have to track anymore but I have the tools if I want to dip back into tracking every now and then. I confidently can find my way around the gym and I love lifting weights!
It’s amazing, when you lose this amount of weight, your wardrobe completely changes and for me it was amazing going down 2-3 sizes. Now when I buy new clothes, it still amazes me that I don’t need to buy bigger sizes anymore. I only wish I had Abi as my coach 25 years ago!
It still surprises me how amazing I feel. I’m always staggered when I pick up a 20kg kettlebell and realise that I was carrying that weight all over my body! It brings it home to you.
I have always had a bit of fear of putting on that amount of weight again and remembering how I felt at the time. Luckily, with what Abi has taught me, I have the knowledge and freedom to actually maintain these amazing results! I have so much more energy, strength and mobility which affects all aspects of my everyday life. I will never go back.
One aspect of the coaching is that I look forward to every session. It’s like seeing a friend every time. I have been training with her for two years now and this last lockdown has been harder for all and Abi is always so positive and encouraging. She is professional and very very patient! Can’t wait to get back into the gym and see her in real life rather than on a screen. She is my motivation!