I have been training now for the past 6 years; 5 of which has been spent with the help, guidance and support of Stephen – an honest, approachable, patient, smart and passionate trainer.
I was most definitely not the sporting type growing up – when it came to sports day I was the one to sit on the side line or pretend I was too ill to go to school that day. When I eventually got to a point where I felt like incorporating exercise into my life, you would catch me on the treadmill trying to burn as many calories as I could, only to probably go and ‘make up for them’ later that evening. I lacked true understanding of what it meant to exercise and fuel my body correctly, for both my physical and mental health.
A few years on and a couple of trainers down the line, I found myself back on the treadmill or attending classes at the gym, as I had started to lose all confidence in what I new I loved doing, and I felt so lost with how to achieve my fitness and exercise goals.
Then along came Stephen…
Nearly 6 years on, I can honestly say I have embarked on a such a journey that I will never look back on. I truly do have Stephen to thank for being both supportive and encouraging, as well as super knowledgeable. He became the trainer I found trust in.
From the get go I was shown the ropes (and I mean literally – who knew a battle rope can actually become your best friend!?), taken to the weight section of the gym, and began to realise that there is more to exercise than just cardio based workouts and burning all the calories.
I have learnt an awful lot through numerous training sessions and chats with Stephen. I have massively widened my understanding of health and fitness because Stephen is always sharing his educated knowledge. He ensures that his clients not only perform exercises with the most accurate and safe form, but understand the reasons why we do what we’re doing, and the areas of our body we are targeting – not just for weight/fat loss or muscle building, but for general health and stability of our bodies too.
I have unfortunately suffered from a few injuries and health issues along the way, but no matter what has happened Stephen has always been there adapting exercises to suit my needs and helping to work through the injuries in a safe effective way.
Stephen reminded me of my true love for fitness and training. I no longer see exercise as something to help me burn some extra calories and be the lowest weight possible, but something that keeps me feeling fit, healthy and strong, both physically and mentally. I focus on how much my strength increases over time and how I am able to do things I never used to be able to.
I have finally found my confidence in training. After years of guidance from Stephen, I know just what I am capable of and never doubt myself. I know what I have the ability to do and if I ever need encouragement, Stephen is always there rooting me on. I know now that I never need to fear the weights section of the gym when I go solo, but to walk in with my head held high showing all the guys how it’s done!
It is amazing what movement (whatever that may be for you) can do for both our physical and mental health. I am currently in the process of slowly getting myself back to the fittest I have been in my life. The stronger I feel physically, the stronger I get mentally.
My journey has not been plane sailing, but that’s all part of the ride. There is no final destination to health and fitness – it is about learning what you love and enjoy along the way, adapting things based on your ability at any given time, and to absolutely relish in the benefits; especially those that go beyond aesthetics.
If I could recommend any trainers to help you along your journey, I would not hesitate to shout out to both Stephen & Sara – the business they have created together at SS60 ensures that their clients well-being is at the forefront of their work, and they continue to build a community that is supportive, fun-loving and passionate about health and fitness.
Training is part of my therapy. It is a part of my self-care routine that has become habit. It is time I dedicate to myself to better my health, to feel fitter, to feel stronger; physically and mentally. They say exercise is medicine, and I honestly couldn’t agree more.