My journey here at Your Next Level Fitness has been an amazing one, I’ve changed so much not only physically but mentally too. If you don’t mind I’d like to give you a brief background………
When I was in my 20’s and 30’s, I was happy with my size and shape, But I wasn’t healthy. I smoked, partied hard at weekends, and had been on anxiety tablets on and off for many years. My GP even said my anxiety is in my DNA. I will always be on medication for it!
I had my little boy at 39 and put on a good 4 stone during my pregnancy. I was the size of a bus! So much so, I spent that last month of it sat in a chair, as moving around was quite painful and exhausting!
Despite absolutely loving being a new Mum, I was so down with my appearance which fuelled my anxiety even more. I wasn’t in a good place.
So just over 2 years ago, I decided to start running (I hated it, and I really wasn’t very good at it) as thought I would really burn some calories, But I didn’t lose much really. I started an aerobics type class as well, thinking that would help, but not much happened there either.
I had heard about bootcamps and Riva and I had been talking to someone who recommended Your Next Level, saying how good they were and you won’t find anything like it elsewhere.
So I rang and spoke with John who asked what we wanted to achieve out of it.
Well as soon as we walked in, we both said “I think we are going to like it here!” Although I did think because of the size of me, I’m bound to be pulling machines over, and snapping bands ect……seriously…I couldn’t even do a body weight squat without being in so much pain! I was so unfit and weak.
Over the coming months, I ditched the aerobic class I was doing elsewhere and the running and increased my bootcamp classes to 4 times a week, and in October 2018 I enrolled on a year-long Precision Nutrition course too, John was my coach on the course. I was on a mission!!
Since October 2018 I’ve lost over 4 stone, and I’ve never felt better!!
During bootcamps, John and Lee praise you, and will advise you when you’ve not quite got the correct posture…..it makes a difference when you do it right! They always say “Hi” and ask how you are, they’re interested in one thing, and that is to help you get to your goal and helping you through obstacles that come your way, in the process. They are a mind of information and advice on fitness and nutrition.
I love all this and I love the camaraderie during the class. Everyone is so friendly, and a good laugh. And there is encouragement between us too.
In comparison to other gyms I used to be part of in the past….they wasn’t interested if I didn’t go as long as I was still paying (and didn’t pay much attention to me while I was there), whereas John IS interested and wants to help and see you get back in there, All the coaches at Your Next Level are so very very good at what they do.
Prior to starting at Your Next Level, If I’d had an off day, I would get my pjs on and pour a glass of wine and feel sorry for myself. The new Lisa (when having an off day) is so eager and committed to get to class because I know I will feel better. Going here and completing the PN course has rewired my brain in relation to food and strength training.
I am no longer on anxiety tablets. AND…..I can:
- Goblet squat a 25kg dumbell and barbell squat 60-70kg
- Do assisted chin ups with bands, and FULL press ups!
- Trap bar deadlift 80-100kg for reps
- Row at a fast pace for 5-10mins
- And more!
Who’d have thought I could come this far, in a year.
A massive thank you to John, and Lee and the whole team there, who inspire and encourage me every day, to enjoy my journey, because I’m still on it, tweaking it as I go, and with some more improvements to come,
Lisa xx
Lisa has gone through some massive changes this past year, from relying on anxiety medication to coming off them completely, with strength and fitness levels consistently building, and getting leaner consistently too. Lisa realises the importance of patience and consistency – and is a pleasure to work with!
