Karen's Story

I have been with Abi now for 13 months and have already been on an inspiring journey in a more than difficult time for me (and everyone as I started this journey just before lockdown).    

Before I got in touch with Abi my whole life was changing. After separating from my husband and moving back to England, changing my job and then trying to find my own home. Life was tough, emotionally and mentally for me. I had lost confidence in myself and my character, due to the past and was determined to move on a new path. I thought starting with my fitness was a good first move. I had put on weight over the years and been going to a gym sporadically but never seeing results. I needed someone to push me and challenge me. 

I did look into other personal trainer’s but was put off by large gyms and also the unapproachable feeling I got. Then I found Abi. From the first consultation, Abi was all about me and she put me at ease. Abi gave me answers to all my queries and questions, and for once it all made sense and inspired me.

My goals when I came to Abi were to lose weight and feel better in my clothes. I also have a hip injury so it was important to work with/around that and strengthen my body in general.

So far, since being coached by Abi I have lost 12kg in the 12 months and inches everywhere!  I feel stronger physically and mentally due to Abi’s patience, persistence and her adaptability. I have gained my mojo again and I am even confident to join a gym photo shoot and train in the gym on my own!  I have also regained normal blood pressure levels the best in 15 years!!!!!!!

One of the most significant things is how much I have learned from Abi. I have tuned into my body rather than wanting to be like someone else. I have learnt about nutrition, sleep, stress, and training and how they effect my body so I’ve got the best from my body. I have also got rid of so many myths that I have lived my life by with nutrition and exercise that were complete rubbish!!

It genuinely surprised me how quickly I felt comfortable in the gym and was surprised how lost I got in concentrating on myself and not what others thought all the time. Abi really helps with that during the sessions.

If my motivation wavers, Abi is always there to give me honest, constructive and compassionate advice and encouragement. She is great at reminding me how far I’ve come, noticing small wins, making sure I’m looking after my overall wellbeing but also challenging me.

One of my favourite things about working with Abi though is for her justi being her. Abi’s personality is everything. Kind but tough. Funny, but then serious and professional. 

I could not have gotten through all the really tough personal incidents in my life these last 13 months (with the pandemic on top!) if it had not been for Abi.