Testimonial - Getting Fitter For 40

Testimonial - Getting Fitter For 40!

For years, I had used the gym but got really bored with it last year.  As a result, I cancelled my gym membership and decided to jog, a lot! The first time I attended one of Darryl’s group sessions was back in September 2010. What I liked about Darryl’s approach to exercising is that he pushed me that little bit further. He is always very passionate about exercise which is very motivating.

I considered personal training because I am approaching 40 and I want to prove to myself that I can improve my body shape and composition. I sat down with Darryl and explained my objectives. I am a 1M 70 (5’8’’) male and at that time weighed 64 Kgs (141 lb) with a very low body fat rate. I wanted to “beef up” a bit, put muscle on and overall, have a healthier and active life.

I attend Darryl’s group sessions twice a week: one indoor and one outdoor. It really is a lot of fun. It is great to see yourself improve week after week. I also have a one-to-one session per week. Obviously, the personal sessions are much more challenging but very rewarding. Darryl knows my strengths and weaknesses and how far he can push me. Always, a bit further!  His main focus is always on my health, and me being able to enjoy the process of being active. 

I have always tried to eat the right thing but I had never been able to put weight on, despite my massive appetite. Darryl recommended a nutrition and workout plan that focussed on my goals, and was individualised to suit.  It is all very healthy, no shakes, supplements or artificial products - just real food.  It takes some dedication but you just have to stick to it and make it part of your daily life.

It has now been 4 months since Darryl has been pushing me!! As a result, I have gained 6 kgs/13 lb (almost a stone) with no significant change in body fat - most of it being muscle, which is something I had never achieved before. I am stronger, fitter and more athletic and this is all due to Darryl his motivation and perseverance.

Well done Darryl and thanks!

Cyrille Broche (Male, approaching 40)



Testimonial: Iain and Another Pair of Jeans?

Testimonial: Iain and Another Pair of Jeans?

I have always had an active background, from a young age I studied karate and jujitsu and played football for the school or was out exploring the world near my village in Scotland 

Through my teens and twenties, I continued my jujitsu practice, attained my teaching qualifications, and competed nationally whilst playing local level at Rugby Union. I even became a qualified fitness instructor to pay my way through my IT degree. Fitness was a huge part of my life.  By the time I was 22 my weight had gone up to an athletic 12st (76kg/168lb).

For the period covering my late twenties\early thirties I let things slide as I established myself in my job and juggled raising a family with my otherwise hectic schedule. I still trained three times a week but lost my six pack, acquired a beer belly (affectionately called 'one keg’), and watched as my waist decided it liked the number 36 instead of 30. My weight rose to 13st. (82kg/182lb)

My training was the conventional bodybuilding split-routine.  Getting bigger and fighting in MMA and white-collar boxing matches.  The direct consequence of my weight now hitting 14st 7lbs (92kg/203lb) and being 5’7” (170cm) was that you not only meet much larger lads in the fights but my waist was straining, my body fat was increasing, my neck had gone up to 18.5” collar and clothes just wouldn’t fit me properly.  The photo below helped me re-evaluate things.

I started training Aikido again in Jan 2010.  I also discovered a different approach to training.  My first session with Darryl and my friend Denton was quite an eye-opener. I didn't realise how little body-building had prepared me for a functional body-weight\movement based workout. Dead hang chin-ups, burpees, jumping chins, crocodile walks, farmers runs and the 'medicine balls of death' all conspired to make me not only wish I had a stunt double but that I really should take a keener interest in the workout methodology that he was championing. It was the shock therapy I needed to change my lifestyle for the better.

I did further research and undertook further sessions I realised this type of training and eating philosophy was the way to go. It is here where I owe much to Darryl. I have almost entirely followed the exercise workouts he posts on his website and taken his advice on Paleo nutrition.

The results speak for themselves - since then I’ve dropped to 12st 1lbs (76kg/169lb) and now have a Body Fat% of 13.  My waist is now 30” for the first time in forever and I feel as strong and as healthy as I ever have.  

The only difference is that I’m now 37 instead of 27.

Iain Russell Age 37 – December 2010

Testimonial: The Dress Does Not Lie!

Testimonial: Fitness Explorer Personal Training

With my wedding looming in July and with less than 10 weeks to go.  I was in trouble.  My usual workout regime wasn't producing the results I wanted.  

I needed to try something different:

• something that would be enjoyable;
• something that I could stick to;
• and something that would get me toned up in time for my big day.  

Problem is I find fitting exercise into my daily life a bit of a trauma.

I met Darryl who discussed what could be done in this time frame.  Darryl told me there wasn't much work to do, so we would have plenty of time to work on my goals.  I was lucky in that I didn't have much weight to lose, but it was toning up the stubborn areas that I was concerned about and Darryl hadn't seen me in the dress.  It was not very forgiving.  The dress did not lie!

Darryl had his work cut out with me, but he was patient the whole time encouraging me to push myself further despite my constant moaning.   He kept me motivated and on track, even when I felt like wavering.

The work we did increased my fitness and strength levels ten fold, he kept things simple but effective perfecting my squats and proper push-ups (which I can now do properly!).  He introduced me to kettlebells and deadlifts and had me doing workouts I never thought possible.  He also really helped with my back pain which I'd had for several years. 

 

Early on, Darryl encouraged me to focus on lifestyle changes not just physical activity.  He advised on a healthier approach to nutrition, improved my posture and provided stress management techniques to help me during this period.  I also had manageable daily routines set for me which I was able to do on my own and when PT sessions were not an option.  

Some of the workouts I hadn't done before, but the results speak for themselves.  Even though we only had a short time, I was surprised at how quickly I improved in both health and strength.  The confidence I gained from feeling strong, toned and healthy really made me feel completely confident and relaxed on my wedding day.  When I heard the compliments from my husband (and best man...) afterwards,I knew all of our hard work had paid off!

I can’t recommend Darryl highly enough to anyone wanting to get back into fitness, improve their strength and health or, like me, get ready for a big day!

Thanks Darryl!

Philippa Winter, 29