Lisa Martin

 

I have struggled with every diet under the sun. They have never worked for me and I knew the only way I was going to be able to lose any weight was to find a personal trainer.

In August 2011 I was going abroad on holiday with my family, was on the aeroplane and I could not fasten the seat belt as it was not big enough!

I had already been for an MRI scan and was advised by my doctor that I must lose weight because I had no cartilages around my knees, as I was morbidly obese. The doctor told me that I would never do any form of cardio exercises or ever be able to run. I knew then that I had to do something about my weight.

My hairdresser suggested contacting Barry Thraves at B.Physical and, after a lot of persuasion, I decided to do it.

Personal training twice a week, weighing and measuring once a week, and after five months on this plan I had lost four stone in weight, was training twice a week and walking around 30 miles a week with a steady weight loss.  Barry included in my training plan a lot of work to help build the muscles up around the knees, so that I was able to start running – which I had been told would never happen.

My introduction to this new healthy, fit lifestyle was on a one-to-one basis with Barry at his studio, twice a week initially. At the first meeting I had with Barry we went through the induction and actually discussed what my personal goals would be, which was quite a shock at the time, because I was more interested in the weight loss, and hadn’t really thought about getting fit! This was the hardest thing that I had ever done in my life, but when I came away from his studio, I knew that I could do this, I felt incredibly motivated by a man I had never met before – from this day on my life would never be the same.

After six months I was walking and doing the personal training, and he actually persuaded me to attend some of his classes. I started initially with Punch and Crunch and after gaining more confidence, losing more weight and meeting other people who were in the same situation I am now doing five classes a week and still continuing with my personal training. I have completed the Derby 10k, AAA 10k Assault course, I run four miles at least twice a week and I am continuing with my own personal goals.

The change has been incredible, I would never have been able to achieve any of this without the full support of Barry Thraves, my personal trainer. Unless you have ever met this man and worked with him either in personal training or at his classes, it is very hard to describe how he makes each individual feel. He is very inspirational, the persona that he has, and his manner, make you always want to give that bit extra, and personal achievements are easily gained.

As of today, I have lost seven stone and 100 inches. Exercise is now my way of life, I am healthier, fitter, and happier and my confidence has been hugely boosted.