Testimonials

Alexander Lewis – 23

Before starting with my personal trainer, Derran, my relaxation and exercise consisted of playing on my PlayStation, cycling to work, and being pushed into taking the dog for a walk. My diet wasn’t healthy either. I was picking unhealthy foods to make up for my lack of self-esteem – and as a result, turned into a couch potato!

Alex's 'before' photo from April 2009:

Having dyspraxia meant I was no good at sport, having poor balance and co-ordination skills, which led me to get my ‘activity’ from computer games.

Then the telephone call came from Derran, and my life changed. I didn’t know what to expect…could I do it? Would he be able to help? The answer was ‘yes’. Over the last 7 months I have gone from weighing just under 17 stone (at a height of 5’7”) to 11.5 stone. My strength and fitness have increased beyond all recognition. When I first started, a 30 second jog would leave me out of breath and tired, but I now manage hour-long weight training sessions, kettlebell circuits and boxing rounds. I’ve gone from being barely able to deadlift 20kg, to 125kg. I’ve also managed to complete 25 full press-ups, when I couldn’t even support my own weight on my arms seven months ago. The next goal is getting some full chin-ups!

Alex having a first stab at Olympic ring training at an August 2009 Real World Fitness boot camp session:

Through training with Derran, I’ve met like-minded people who are into exercise and help motivate me even more. My diet is much improved too (with the occasional cheat here and there!), and the weight is still coming off as well as getting stronger, fitter and definitely gaining more muscle! I feel I’ve turned my life around with my own will-power, the commitment of Derran helping me, to prove to everyone I can do it and will achieve my goal – to have a physique I can be proud of, and be able to take off my t-shirt on holiday without being self-conscious about my weight.

I’d say to anyone else: don’t think it is easy. It isn’t, and there are times when you don’t want to train, or don’t want to do another rep, and don’t want to eat something healthy. It’s hard to stay focussed, and it would be easier to pick up the phone and cancel a session…but do I really want to do that, now I know what I can achieve? No! I just think of all the effort I have put in already, and how much fun I have training now, when it used to be something I dreaded. Like Derran says to me, he’s only the guide – I’m the one who has to actually lift the weight, run the extra few meters or keep hitting the punchbag.

Alex in late October 2009 with his 16kg 'bell:

On a more personal note, Derran is no longer just my trainer, but also a friend who has given me back my self-esteem and worth. If you want to change your life around like I changed mine, I can’t think of anyone better to recommend to help you.

Donna P - has now lost 3st in 6 months, and working towards her target weight of 10st

I have been working with Derran for a couple of months now, and I haven't felt this fit in years. My goal is to lose 67lbs, and this is coming off with the help, support and motivation of Derran. Not only on the fitness side of things, Derran has helped me in the nutritional side also, its great that you crave the right foods your body is wanting. So with fitness and healthy eating I am getting to my goal weight.

Donna's 'before' photo in late 2009 at 16st 5lbs:

Donna's 'in progress' photo in June 2010, at 13st 7lbs:



I would be lying if I said my workouts were easy, they are tough and you do sweat and ache after each session, but how good does that makes me feel. There have been a couple of days where I have felt I couldn't do the hour's workout, but with Derran's motivation you push yourself even further and feel so much better for it.

I had never worked with kettlebells before, what a work out they are! You would not believe how they work muscles you never knew existed. I really look forward to my workouts with Derran (so do my cats, they get away with anything!), as each workout is varied working with kettlebells, boxing, ab work, push-ups and even burpees which I do not like, but hey you can't win them all!

If you are wanting to work hard, and challenge yourself I would recommend Derran, he is very motivational, and pushes you, as he knows you have got it in you to do those extra leg raises, punches or swings.

I look forward to many more workouts with Derran, I bet there will be a few more surprises added to my workouts as time goes on, what's life without it's challenges?

Derran has been a great support in my progress, and has become a friend, he is only a phone call or e-mail away to offer you those few words of inspiration or advice to put you back on track again.

Thank you Derran.

 

 

 

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