'FROM SKINNY TO STRONG!'

Introducing 20 year old Scott Lucas

Scott's story is heartwarming and inspiring as its not very often we hear of men being underweight.....we got introduced at Fitness First in Brentwood by his close friend Ben and we hit it off straight away. 
Scott came to me an underweight young man, good looking, yet pale, very quiet and lacking confidence and not knowing how to transform himself.  He wanted to get a 6 pack and get lean - I said it straight - before you build a 6 pack, we needed to gain some serious muscle first!  He didn't have a clue how much potential he had to build a physique of his dreams (which is a gorgeous continuing work in progress)....until I got hold of him that is!  He was terrified of getting fat but a trusting relationship between us, a whole change in training and approach to his nutrition and lots of hard slog later changed all that - he's a different man inside and out!  Now he's emerged an even better looking, more muscular frame, coming into his potential with his whole life ahead of him and a whole new outlook in every way. 
Scott is now loving and living life to its fullest and has a thousand times more confidence and a whole load of admiring eyes too! 

Read his interview with me to find out how he did it!

DOB and place of birth: 24/11/1988 Chelmsford

Location: Essex, UK

Occupation: Airline Cabin Crew

Height: 5'5"

Weight 'Before', March 2008: 59kg (132lbs)   Now: 69kg (154lbs)

Goal Weight/Size: My goal is to have lean mass, noticeable, toned, proportioned, lean mass that I'm proud of. A body fat % of no more than 6 and hopefully better confidence.

Where do you train and do you enjoy where you train?

I train at Fitness First, Brentwood, Essex. I do enjoy training here because I have friends that I see everyday and I am used to the lay out of the gym. Plus it's easy to make new friends or just see frequent users like myself. It has a good range of cardio machines as well as weights.

Tell us a bit about yourself! i.e.: were you sporty growing up? Have you always been into the gym and a fit and healthy lifestyle?

My childhood years were spent growing up around women. I wasn't into football, rugby or action man more like Barbie and Polly pocket, so therefore no real manly influence on me to like sports/exercise. Through primary and secondary school I remember hating PE and frequently had sick notes to allow me not to take part. I hated football, rugby and hockey at secondary school along with swimming (wearing only swim trunks in front of people was a definite no go). I had 'puppy fat' at school which did make me conscious up until year 8/9 when I lost it but that is where my first memory of controlling my food/exercise came from. I didn't mind gymnastics or badminton, even cardio sessions but I just remember a dread at getting changed. All these other boys were confident and sporty and loved by the teachers, me! Well I was the complete opposite.

So pretty much I start college and watching what I eat and from there it turns into a little obsession. At this point in my life my sister is anorexic so this doesn't help much. Her 4 year illness definitely left me looking at my own eating habits and what my body looks like even up to now.

So, you've hired a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Advisor - ME! What was your reason for deciding to hire a trainer and what was your state of health/body and mind when you began?

I joined Fitness First in September 2007 for no other reason but to just join a gym and 'workout' I guess. I had no real idea of what I wanted to do or how to do it so for a while I just did whatever I thought was good. By March 2008 I was looking very thin and underweight and in actual fact my eating obsession had gotten so bad that I was starting to recluse myself and I saw my body (spotty face, always tired e.t.c) was suffering. So that's when I asked reception of any personal trainers I'd like. He recommended Anita to me and so I decided to call her and make my first step to getting help. I needed direction and someone to understand me and lead me in the right direction. Being both a personal trainer and nutrition advisor I knew Anita was more than likely able to help me. I had to help me or where else would I end up?

Describe how you felt before you hired a Personal Trainer? How did you see yourself and were you achieving your goals?

I didn't have goals. I attended body pump/attack all the time and eat minimal. This was all my warped perception of 'healthiness' and what I thought would benefit me. I got a kick out of eating hardly anything throughout the day and with my job that was a no go area. I looked in the mirror and I still didn't see perfection. I remember the size of the gap between my legs and seeing my rib bones. I could easily have seen myself as anorexic if I had given myself a few more months without help.

Scott 'BEFORE' - back in the day when he has underweight and without the 2 stone of muscle he has today!

For you personally, what difference does it make having a trainer and what do you enjoy about having one?

ALL the difference because it's a real motivation to know that your going to the gym to workout with this bright, bubbly, motivational, inspirational person and you don't have to struggle alone. There's no dread when you wake up and its so much fun and a real enjoyment. She's there to spot me if I need it, to push me to motivate me, chat with me, help me use gym equipment and boost my gym confidence. I enjoy all this and the fact that I have a real laugh and I am pushed to the limit. Also that I don't have to think of what to do, I'm told what to do and because I trust her 100% I don't question if it will work, I know it will.

So you've been training with me for a while now……how long was it before you REALLY started to see and feel physical results?

I think it was July time actually. I went to Palma with 2 good friends and whilst walking around topless I started to notice this shape forming on my body. By August/September time these shapes had took hold and I could see my body had physically changed…no more skinny Minnie. I was gaining muscle.

 

Would you say your changes so far have changed other aspects of yourself or how other see you - do they make any comments?

Oh yes. I see now that what I eat gives me the body I want and desire. It goes hand in hand. I am my own person, my own gene and I know now that I won't ever look the same as someone else. I accept this and know that this is my body, ill work with what I've got best I can. People have definitely made comments. My family have all said how I have changed but more than that my friends have commented. My uniform is so much tighter ( and for good reasons) They are always saying 'oh god Scott look at your muscles' or 'wow your really bulking up' or 'your looking great'. They comment to me all the time.

Scott looking healthy and hot!  December 2008

Who is your inspiration and why?

Many people inspire me. There isn't such 1 person. People in the gym, good friends or just people I know. Anita you inspire me because you have been on a life changing journey. People at work inspire me because they are so positive and motivated and that's what I feed off.

What are some of the things you do to keep you motivated?

I write out goals for myself. Every month or so I write myself goals and ensure I read them all the time. Ill take pictures of me and look back at them so I know what I'm doing is working. Above all ill keep reminding myself that it's mind over matter and if say I've had a long break from the gym before, it didn't hurt so another break will be fine. I also look at people in the gym and seep motivation from them. Music is a good form of motivation also because I can relate music to certain exercises, certain songs get me really fired up and going.

 
Here are a few body shots of Scott (above) during February 2009 - by adding 2 stone of pure muscle onto his frame, he is more defined and my goodness, look at the difference in that upper body and the shape of his legs!!!

Give me a run down of your daily diet……….both before you began with me and what you eat now!

 

BEFORE:

BREAKFAST: cereal (some muesli or weetabix)

LUNCH: Sandwich and fruit (very little)

DINNER: Pasta with sauce or chicken with pasta. I would limit every meal and not eat in between. The longer I left it the better I thought I was.

 

NOW

BREAKFAST: Porridge with a protein powder scoop, mixed fruit and nuts and sometimes depending on hunger and training day 2 x granary toast with 2 x poached eggs.

MID MORNING/AFTER WORKOUT: Protein shake and fruit

LUNCH: Turkey Breast, sweet potato and mixed vegetables or

7 egg whites mixed with whole grain rice omelette on 8 ryvitas with cottage cheese or

Tuna and sweet corn with a jacket potato and beans

MID AFTERNOON: Sushi and a piece of fruit or tuna mixed with beans or protein shake and fruit or some oat biscuits.

DINNER: Chicken with rice and vegetables or turkey or steak with potato and grilled tomatoes and veg.

EVENING SNACK (if needed): Protein shake and fruit or sushi snack or some nuts and fruit.

 

It's hard to remember my diet before hand but it wasn't good. I try to vary my diet as much as possible now to ensure I get variety. Drinks include coffee, green tea, peppermint tea and lots and lots of water.

 

Do you ever 'cheat' on your nutrition plan or find it hard?  How do you overcome the temptation to slack off from training and eating according to your plan?

I find it hard to cheat. I have done all this good work and you want me to cheat? Huh? Well I used to be very regimented but then I had a very bad month where I was just finding it so hard to stay focused and eating right. I just put any temptation down to the fact that I maybe think I want it but don't need it. I definitely try and make sure temptation isn't there in the first place. However limiting yourself too much means you snap eventually and have too much (I have done this) so now I eat something 'cheat' worthy to stay on track. Above all eating good things 6 times daily should keep your cravings locked up but not only that but high sat fat foods wont complement my training.

Do you use supplements?  If so what and have they helped you to achieve your goals??

Yes from the word go. I use an EAS whey protein formula and did at one stage (Oct) use a weight gainer but didn't like this as such. So now I use my trusty whey protein. It's definitely helped because if I need an easy snack it's there or for easiness at work. Plus it's a quick source of protein and yummy too. It's helped heaps as it's filled in the missing gaps in my eating plan.

 

Have you come across any challenges/pitfalls during your training/new eating regime since you began with me? 

Many challenges, for example not feeling that it's working or being disillusioned with the gym and eating what's needed, all of this was, as I worked out, in my head. Strength training was a definite challenge, but I wrestled with it. Outside influences also challenged and threatened my progress. January time was a bad month for some reason but not just for training wise. My training was affected but again, my goals got me back up there and training again. Many challenges with eating

once again but thinking of it logically got me back on the wagon so to speak. There's always a challenge, but I always win.

How often do you train and what do you do during those training sessions?

I train 3-4 maybe 5 times a week depending on work and what routine I'm doing. During these sessions ill either work upper or lower body. Ill start first with a 10-15 minute cardio warm up, usually cross trainer and runner. By doing upper ill work my chest, arm and back in a series of drop sets and by working my lower ill do exercises for hamstrings, butt, calves and thighs through squats, lunges, leg curls/extensions and dead lifts, on top of that abs exercises and of course stretching.

What's your favourite body part to train/favourite exercise and why? Least favourite and why?

Hmmmm…..favourite would be my legs. I like squats and lunges and the feeling it gives you the next day. My least favourite must be my arms and exercising them because its sooooo hard sometimes, the effort to lift a heavy dumbbell or z bar.

How does your new eating and training lifestyle affect those around you such as your family and friends? How do people voice their opinions on what you do and what kind of feedback have you received so far?

I'm forever hearing 'oh you're being good' or 'your eating healthy' or 'have a day off'. Living with me can be a nightmare because I don't like cheat foods being around me. Also I like to ask opinions on food as I'm a very indecisive person. On a night out I wont drink (empty calories, don't like it) and I wont get take away but friends are cool with that, they understand now. People always say how good I am and the other day a friend described my eating as perfect. Apparently I'm very disciplined and motivated. It's all good.

Do you think there is ever a chance you will revert back to old habits now

Never ever as I've learnt so much and am still learning so much. I can pass what I know onto other people. I'm enjoying my new body and lifestyle too much to revert to this old self that really wasn't me. I'll keep changing my goals accordingly.

How do you feel about the whole world watching you on the internet as you endeavour to continue to transform yourself??!!

It's cool, I mean if someone is reading this and it makes them act for themselves then that's rewarding. I think that the media makes us all believe that we need to be perfect and form to be one thing, one kind of person that we loose sight in ourselves and the fact that we are all different and are all beautiful. If you can see my changes and it's motivated you then I'm over the moon because the hardest thing is facing up to a problem and solving it, the most rewarding thing is being healthy and looking fabulous.

Anything else you wish to say or share with us that you think people may relate to

"Forget what other people look like.  You are who you are, you can't change it but you can improve it. We're all different."

Do you wish to share any hints, tips, words of wisdom to help others?? Anything that worked for you that you'd recommend to others with the same goals and challenges as you??

1. Don't be afraid to take a day off from training.
2. Don't be afraid to walk into a weights area in a gym
3. Don't let others influence you badly and change the way your heading or what your doing, Stick with your trainer.
4. Don't over train your abs as this doesn't work or your arms.
5. Cashew nuts help give you energy before a workout.
6. Protein shakes are better with less water, that whey (get it) they are thicker and tastier.
7. If you're on a weight gain, blend it - don't shake it.
8. Always write down your goals
9. Keep cheat food out of the house
10. If you can, get a training buddy with the same goals (it really helps)
11. Keep a level head
12. Have your cheat meal and regret nothing
13. Above all don't let exercise or foods take over your life, allow it to be part of your life. Keep being social and going out, keep friends and family but incorporate your exercise.
14. Ask around for the best PT and get recommendations, those who have had lots of experience are best I find.
15. Planning meals works for me, it's a good way to keep on track during the day.
16. Nairns Oat Biscuits with mixed berry make a very tasty biscuit substitute!

NOTE FROM ANITA:  SCOTT - YOU HAVE DONE SO WELL AND TO BE HONEST, YOUR TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN!  NEVER FORGET WHERE YOU STARTED AND WHERE YOU WANT TO GO.  KEEP LOOKING AHEAD AND ALWAYS FOCUS ON YOUR GOALS AS THEY GET YOU TO WHERE YOU WANT TO GO.  AND KNOW HOW PROUD I AM TO BE YOUR TRAINER. 

ANITA.X

Philippa Styles

30 Year old Philippa came to me explaining she wanted to be in the best shape of her life....and then in the beginning stages of her journey, she unexpectedly found a new love and major goal and passion....bodybuilding!  Before we met, she had already done some major life changing after a terrible loss and has proven to be one of the strongest and determined women I know.  This ex-bulimia sufferer is living proof that anyone can turn their life around and get their eating under control and look gorgeous as a result!

 

30/07/1978

 

Born:  Ipswich, Suffolk

 

Occupation:  Paramedic

  

 

Iʼve been a member of Fitness First in Brentwood since September 2008. In the six months of going there Iʼve met so many people, many of whom have become good friends. Itʼs guaranteed that no matter how I feel when I enter the gym, I always leave with a smile on my face!  Growing up, I was probably one of the least sporty kids at school. I actively avoided PE lessons, frequently ʻforgettingʼ my trainers or getting a note from Mum to say I couldnʼt

participate in PE! One of the few events I did enjoy was cross country running.  I loved the challenge of making it through the muddy woods in one piece, although maybe being out of the teacherʼs sight was also a bonus!

 

It wasnʼt really until I went to university that I discovered the gym and before long I was having to improve my strength and fitness so that I could join the ambulance service. A few years later a series of events led me to run/crawl the London Marathon in 2006 in aid of Leukemia Research and I got the fitness bug!  Iʼve considered having a personal trainer for several years now but October 2008 just happened to be the right place at the right time with the right personal trainer. I had just returned from a nine month sabbatical, traveling around the world on my own. Admittedly I was escaping from reality it was just the break I needed. When I left the UK I was suffering from depression and bulimia and had been for some time. My weight had dropped as low as 5st 10lbs.

 

Philippa - at around 6 ½ stone on holiday in Hawaii back in 2007:

 

For me the eating disorder wasnʼt about thinking I was fat, it was all about control and elements of self-harm. During my trip I was still taking anti-depressants and suffering with my eating disorder although it wasnʼt as severe and I had gained some weight.  When I arrived back in the UK in September 2009, reality hit home and my thoughts and feelings started to spiral out of control, until I joined the gym.  The gym gave me a focus but I was aware that I needed to keep it under control and use it as a positive aspect of my life and not let it become destructive as it had in the past couple

of years. This was why I enquired about personal training and was given Anitaʼs contact details. I spent the next three weeks getting some normality back into my life, regaining some strength and also building up the courage to approach Anita!  So to sum up, my state of health, body and mind prior to meeting Anita was pretty shocking!

 

Philippa - underweight but not at her lightest….around 6 1/2 stone here:

Prior to hiring a personal trainer I was fairly weak, run down, permanently tired and generally unhappy, I wonder if Anita had any idea what she was letting herself in for!! I also had very little focus to my training with no specific goals other than to feel better, but lets face it I couldnʼt have felt much worse.

Having a trainer has made the world of difference to my training but also to me personally.  Not only has it made every single session so much fun, (Iʼve never laughed so much in all my life!) but it has allowed me to progress safely and much faster than I would have ever managed on my own. Itʼs also extremely motivating, just when I think I canʼt push myself any further, Anita manages to get another 10 reps out of me!

 

I started to feel more energetic within the first couple of weeks. The first area we tackled was my nutrition, no easy task for Anita knowing my history Iʼm sure. With such good advice and support I was able to completely change my eating habits.  As for feeling or seeing the more physical results, maybe this took a little longer, mainly due to a change of goals and aspirations. After some quiet contemplation and a spontaneous trip to Glasgow, I decided I wanted to try and achieve the seemingly impossible; to compete in natural bodybuilding!

 

With this in mind, Anita revamped my training plan and within a couple of months the lean muscle was building nicely.

The changes Iʼve noticed over the past few months are endless. Physically, I have gained 10lbs of lean muscle mass, the only negative aspect of which is that most of my clothes no longer fit! I love looking and feeling stronger which is turn has dramatically increased my confidence. At last I have my smile back :o).

 

1 October 2008:

  

16 December 2008:

   

24 February 2009:

 

Friends and family cannot believe the transformation and I can honestly say I have never received so many compliments.

My Dad has been and always will be an inspiration to me. Sadly he passed away in 2006, aged 59, after suffering from Amyloidosis.

He had worked hard all his life to support his family and was always there for his three kids, we all love and miss him dearly.

In the last few years of his life, he made his dreams come true, he left the UK and moved, with my Mum, to rural France buying the house and land they had always dreamt of. The move took courage and hard work, but their determination made it a success.  Life is very short but my Dad taught me to make the most of every opportunity and to do whatever it takes to make you truly happy.

 

Whenever I feel something is unobtainable or beyond my capabilities, I remember my Dads brave fight. He inspires me on a daily basis to push myself that bit further and to overcome any obstacles put in my way.

Monitoring my results has always kept me motivated. My food diary has enabled me to stick to my nutritional goals and is an easy way of keeping track of your diet.  If I am ever tempted to stray from my plan, I use my goals to remind me of what I am trying to achieve and talk to friends who support my aims and ambitions. I have to admit the compliments help to keep me motivated!

 

Before I started training with Anita, my eating habits were pretty extreme to say the least.  A few months later, my diet is balanced, packed with nutrients and designed to help me achieve my specific goals.  Below gives you an idea of what I now eat on a normal day:

 

Breakfast - Oatmeal with protein powder, Udos oil, cranberries and almonds

Mid-morning - Banana and protein shake

Lunch - Salad, chicken breast, egg whites, sweet potato with Udos oil

Mid-afternoon - Almonds and banana chips

Dinner - Chicken and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice

Before bed - Protein shake or cooked 6-8 egg whites

 

I actually find my nutrition plan quite easy to stick to, I eat every 3 hours so am rarely hungry. I have one cheat meal every week which helps to take away any cravings I might have. I can always overcome temptation by focusing on my goals and reflecting on how far Iʼve come. Thereʼs always the knowledge that Iʼve worked hard all week and donʼt want to throw it away on chocolate, red wine or whatever else is calling my name!

 

I have a kitchen full of supplements!  I have used a few different protein powders including EAS Precision Protein and Garnell Nutrition Whey-Gain to help me build lean muscle. I take glutamine to assist in recovery and creatine to help during weight training sessions. Other daily supplements include Udos oil, multi-vitamin, glucosamine/chondroitin and echinacea.

 

During my first few months of training, I had a shoulder injury and then a back injury, both brought on by lifting patients at work. I found this really frustrating but we managed to find ways of adapting my training.

I occasionally get frustrated as my size, shape, genetics and metabolism do not make me a natural bodybuilder! However, this also motivates me to work even harder, I love a challenge and as soon as someone tells me I might not be able to achieve something, my stubborn streak kicks in and I have a point to prove!

 

I currently train six times a week, three cardio sessions and three weight training sessions, although I am about to start a five day weight training split plus the three cardio sessions, so onwards and upwards!

My favorite training session is legs, even though itʼs probably my weakest area. Again, I love a challenge and refuse to give in, no matter how close to tears or vomit I get!  My least favorite aspect is cardio, mainly as Iʼm fairly restricted on how hard I can work but I try to vary it and combine it with some abs work.

 

Initially I faced some opposition from friends and family to my new training regime and eating habits, especially when I became interested in bodybuilding. It was completely understandable as they had seen me hit rock bottom and were naturally concerned about any drastic changes. However, they were quickly reassured as they saw a fitter, healthier and happier person appear before them. Now many of them are asking me for advice.

 

Who knows what life has in store, but I have no intention of giving up my new lifestyle, especially as it has inspired me to change career and work in health and fitness.  As for reverting back to old habits - definitely not!  In comparison to a year ago, I now feel on top of the world, am free of medication, am loving life and am focused on the future, why would I ever give that up?!

 

If anyone had asked me a few months ago to share my story, I think complete panic would have set in! I know feel confident enough to talk about the past and my transformation so far. With all the ups and downs of the past few years behind me, I would also like to think that maybe my story will help to encourage others and prove that you can turn things around for the better.

Find something in life that you love, surround yourself with people you trust, who will support you through thick and thin and who love you for who you really are. I am and will always be extremely grateful to Anita for her support and friendship, I couldnʼt have done it without her!

Me with Philly at her 'leaving' celebratory drinks - she's no longer a full time Paramedic!

NOTE FROM ANITA - Philippa is one of the most sweet , thoughtful and determined people I have ever met and is such an inspiring soul.  What I advise she does, she trains almost as hard as me (and that is saying something!) she doesn't moan (much - ha ha!) and she is well on her way to achieving her dream of being a bodybuilder and I'm proud to be helping her get there.  Keep it going Philly and you will rock that natural bodybuilding stage when the time is right!  Anita.x

2 July 2008 - A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE TO BE!

Primary school teacher and brilliantly funny Amy Linnecar came to me in January with a goal......to look her best and be in top physical fitness by her 25th birthday on 1 June 2008.  As trainer and client, we hit it off straight away and immediately I couldn't wait to help this bubbly lady achieve her goal!  So, we sat down together, devised a plan and various 'phases' to get her there and she certainly achieved her goal!  Amy is a naturally slim woman with amazing bone structure (I call her Elle Machpherson the 2nd as she has such long legs and lovely broad shoulders!) yet she wanted to make the most of her body by building up her glutes to create a 'peachy' bum (she has always hated her flat bottom - not any more!) sculpt and tone her stomach and arms and generally give her body more overall strength and tone. 

Amy squatting her way to a much more 'Peachy Butt'!!!!!

To cut a long story short, she looked amazing on the 1st of June (pics to come) and had a lot to celebrate then but now Amy is taking her physical goals one step further given a massive joy in her life - her significant other Matthew Weil popped THE QUESTION to Amy and they are getting married on the 16th of August!!!!!!!!!  How exciting!!!!!!  And my god, the ring is to die for and they look SO fab together!  It is such brilliant news for this gorgeous teacher with the most amazing pins!  So, next plan of attack. 

Amy came to me once again armed with a little secret to share.  That secret was her sharing with me what she will be wearing on her big day (he he, its a secret!) and once again I have devised and am working with Amy on a devious plan to make her upper body stand out, her arms look gorgeous and a bum that any honeymoon lady would kill for on the beach!  Amy is hard out training and eating clean for this massive life changing and superbly romantic event and I will be with her every step of the way and am honoured I will be celebrating with them on the day too.  Here are just a few pics of Amy during our rather gruelling sessions:

Hating every minute of my drop sets on leg press - high reps and high energy for this one!


Check out those brilliantly toned 'guns' and beautiful arms!!

Amy is focused, determined and trains extremely hard.  And, soon she will be sharing with us all more about her wedding preparations and her training progress but more importantly will be introducing you all to her lovely husband to be on here very soon.  Congratulations Amy!  The 16th of August 2008 will be a day you will never forget.

1 July 2008

FEATURED CLIENT:  BETH REES - FROM QUIET TO CONFIDENT!

Since the 28th of February, 20 year old student Beth Rees has been quietly working away at becoming who she has really wanted to be.  She's lost a stone and almost 7% in bodyfat, increased in muscle tone and has lost a total of almost 17 inches everywhere!!!  I have such respect for this adorable client of mine who works her absolute heart out with every workout.  She was so sweet and quiet when I met her and is just so much more confident now - and yes, she is still so sweet!  But most of all she is incredibly determined and never gives up and is a classic example of a young woman who never ever believed that she could lose the weight she has always wanted to lose and become the shape she has always wanted to be and is now achieving her dreams. 

Beth was referred to me by my very first client Amy Linnecar (who is getting married in August and will also be featured on here soon!) to discuss what we could do together to help achieve her weight loss and fitness goals.

Beth with her best friend  and cousin Abi around Xmas 2007

At first, like most of my clients, Beth was quite overwhelmed.  As anyone who knows me well in the gym environment, I am tough, demanding and apparently take no prisoners!  I told Beth if I was to take her on as a client that I would expect 100% from her, I told her what she needed to do and that it wouldn't be easy but I told her something she had always wanted to hear - THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE and that yes, she could lose the weight!  From the first training session Beth said to me she had never been so sore or so motivated and that she was hooked and for the first time, she believed she had found something that had really given her hope.  After an initial full hour of an in-depth talk and consultation, she signed up with me, got her weights and cardio plan up and running, cleaned up her nutrition and has never looked back!  I have watched her blossom from a shy student into a woman that is inspiring her friends and family because of her sheer determination to succeed and her amazing changing shape.  I love this girl!  Beth you are just brilliant and I know you'll never go back. 

Just take a look at her pictures below, read her story and see for yourself how any girl-next-door is able to transform herself, inside and out.

Here are some progress pics of Beth - the ones on the left were taken on the 28th of February '08, the ones in the middle were taken on the 31 May '08 and the most recent two comparisons of her side view and rear view were taken on the 1st of July '08.....how much has she changed???!!!!!  Her waist has shrunk, her bum has halved and has 'lifted' beyond belief and her body is now shapely and sculpted.  Everything is so much smaller, more toned, fitter, healthier and much more svelte!  Beth, you look fantastic.

  

  

Full name: Bethany Rees

DOB and place of birth: 15/10/1987 - Essex, England
Location: Brentwood, Essex                 

Occupation: Student

Height: 5ft 2

Goal Weight: I would like to be able to fit into size 10 clothes comfortably and hopefully be around the 9 ½ stone mark.

Where do you train and do you enjoy where you train?

I train at Fitness First in Brentwood. I have been a member since September 2007 but before I started training with Anita I would either go to the gym regularly or let a month or two pass with not going at all but my workouts had no structure so they weren't beneficial. Now I have structure to my workouts I love it and actually enjoy going to the gym for the first time in my life!

Tell us a bit about yourself! ie: were you sporty growing up? Have you always been into the gym and a fit and healthy lifestyle?

I have always done sport growing up. At school I played table tennis several times a week as well as netball. I am part of quite an active family and so have always been quite active. I have generally tried to follow a healthy lifestyle but have always struggled with my weight and was always been trying to lose weight.

So, you've hired a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Advisor - ME! What was your reason for deciding to hire a trainer?

Firstly, I knew a friend who had been training with Anita and I saw how well she was doing and she recommended Anita. Also, I felt it would be the best way for me to get fit and in shape because nothing else had worked for me and I needed the motivation. Anita is definitely a motivator!

Describe how you felt before you hired a Personal Trainer? How did you see yourself and were you achieving your goals?

Before hiring a personal trainer I was always trying to lose weight but never really believed I would ever lose weight and get in shape. I was a bit of a yo-yo dieter and would lose weight and then put it straight back on. I was never very confident with my body image and always dreaded getting in swimwear in the summer. I never really set myself any goals before seeing Anita so was never aiming for anything.

For you personally, what difference does it make having a trainer and what do you enjoy about having one?

Having a trainer for me has made a HUGE difference. I'm so glad that I decided to hire a personal trainer - it has definitely been worth it! For once I actually believe in myself that I will reach my goals and get in shape. I have seen so many changes in my body already which has never been the case before. I love my sessions with Anita because she is so motivating and even though sometimes I feel like I could die I love the sessions. The exercises which Anita has introduced me too are so varied and ones which I would never have tried on my own because I would have always been worried about making a fool of myself in the gym but now none of that bothers me. The sessions are always fun and there is never a dull moment with Anita. I could go on forever…

So you've been training with me for a while now……how long was it before you REALLY started to see and feel physical results?

Surprisingly I started to see and feel physical results really quickly - after the first 2 - 3 weeks I was already noticing changes and after my first month of following Anita's workouts I was shocked at how many inches I had lost all over my body. Some of my clothes, especially my jeans, started to feel looser. I also began to feel physically fitter and stronger over the first few weeks which gave me much more energy.

Would you say your changes so far have changed other aspects of yourself or how other see you - do they make any comments?

I am definitely feeling much more confident since I have been training with Anita and have got much more energy. I am also less concerned about the my weight on the scales but look more at the inches which I have lost. I used to weigh myself nearly everyday but now I don't even get on the scales. Lots of my family and friends have commented on my changing shape which is really encouraging. Several of my friends were quite amazed so I think they might consider hiring a personal trainer (I am always singing Anita's praises).

Who is your inspiration and why?

I have never really had one person who inspires me but have always liked Martine McCutcheon because of her curvaceous figure but I think she always looks fit and healthy at the same time. She looks like a real woman and isn't one of these stick thin celebrities who look like they eat absolutely nothing.

What are some of the things you do to keep you motivated?

The main thing which keeps me motivated at the moment is picturing myself in a bikini for my summer holiday. I do have the occasional slip up with my food but always remind myself that I have got to get in a bikini in a few weeks. Also, I see Anita for my weigh ins about every 4 weeks which is really good for me because it goes really quickly and I always know that she is going to be measuring me soon so I can't afford to lapse back into my old habits.

Give me a run down of your daily diet……….both before you began with me and what you eat now!

Before I began with Anita I wouldn't say that my daily diet was awful but I think the main problem was my portion sizes and the occasional lapse into binge eating on a Sunday evening where I would eat absolute rubbish before trying to 'start again' on the Monday morning. Since beginning with Anita my eating has been much more controlled. I have a bowl of porridge every morning which I have grown to love. For lunch I usually have some soup with wholemeal bread, some cold chicken and a bit of salad and for dinner I often have fish or chicken and veg or salad and try to have wholemeal pasta or rice. My meals have become much more balanced and I don't pick in between meals as much now (apart from the snacks which I'm allowed). I always tell myself 'fridge pickers wear bigger knickers'.

Do you ever 'cheat' on your nutrition plan or find it hard? How do you overcome the temptation to slack off from training and eating according to your plan? 

I would be lying if I said I didn't cheat. One of my biggest temptations is chocolate and so I usually treat myself once a week to something nice. In the past my problem was that as soon as I had eaten one 'bad' food I would throw the towel in for the rest of the day and eat absolute rubbish but now I can generally have a treat and restrict myself. To overcome the temptation to slack I just keep reminding myself of my goals. I actually love my workouts now so don't usually find it to hard to make myself go to the gym.

Have you come across any challenges/pitfalls during your training/new eating regime since you began with me? 

The biggest challenge I have come across has been controlling my eating during my exams. I had a period of about 6 weeks during April and May where I was at home revising for my exams and found it quite difficult to stay out of the kitchen as I was so bored with revision. Some days were better than others but generally I managed fairly well but I know I did snack too much. I managed to stay consistent with my training during this period because it was a chance to get away from revision so it was mainly the eating which was a problem.

How often do you train and what do you do during those training sessions?

I usually train 6 times a week. I do 3 cardio sessions - 2 of which are interval training and the other which is usually an hour on the cross trainer. The other 3 sessions are my weights sessions which I enjoy the most because they are full of variation but there are always one or two exercises in them which I dread like lunges or box jumps but I always feel good once I have finished so its worth the pain.

What's your favourite body part to train and why? Least favourite and why?

I love training my legs and bum because while I always dread the exercises and they kill while I am doing them I love the feeling after knowing that I have absolutely exhausted the muscles and that I am on the way to a smaller and more toned bottom!  I think my least favourite part to train is probably my abs because they always come at the end of the workout when I feel like I can't do anymore and I always dread doing the plank with the swiss ball but again I know it is all worth it in the end.

How does your new eating and training lifestyle affect those around you? Boyfriend, family and friends? How do people voice their opinions on what you do and what kind of feedback have you received so far?

My new eating regime has affected my mum because it has made her think more about what she is eating. My boyfriend, family and friends have all noticed a difference and I have had lots of comments on how much better I look. I think a lot of people have become interested in joining the gym and finding out more about Anita's methods because if they can work for me they can work for anybody! It is always really encouraging and a boost to my confidence when people notice the changes.

Do you think there is ever a chance you will revert back to old habits now that you have clear cut goals in mind?

I hope not. I think that my mentality and outlook has completely changed and as I said above I now believe in myself and so will no longer think I am destined to be overweight. I feel great and there is no way that I want to go back to what I was like so things can only get better!

How do you feel about the whole world watching you on the internet as you endeavour to continue to transform yourself??!!

Slightly nervous but I think it will another motivation because I know that people will be looking at my pictures.

Anything else you wish to say or share with us that you think people may relate to

All I would say is that if I can lose weight and get fit then anybody can - you just have to believe and do what everybody really knows is the only way to get in shape - EAT RIGHT and EXERCISE!!! (And if you need help see Anita or another personal trainer - because I wouldn't have been able to do it without her!!!)

 

The 'old' Beth - on the right in the pink!

..and the 'new and improved' Beth third from the left wearing black...and looking super gorgeous!

 

 

 
FEATURED CLIENT - GILL BURNS - PICTURES AND STORY!

Now this lady is going to be one to watch on my website over the next few months.  Gill has taken on the big challenge to train with me to reach her weight loss goals and is being advised by me with her nutrition as well.  In amongst a highly stressful job, being ill and moving house, Gill is still managing to keep her health, weight loss and fitness goals in mind - I tell you, this is one determined lady!  In 6 weeks with me, Gill has lost a total of 10 inches, 11lbs, is feeling SO much fitter and healthier and is changing shape FAST!   And things are only going to keep improving for this bubbly, determined and incrediibly stylish Irish lady (Gill has the BEST range of bags and shoes I have EVER seen!).........read on to find out more about Gill and to share in her journey!

Full name: Gill Burns

DOB and place of birth: 29/11/1966, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Location: Brentwood, Essex

Occupation: Assistant Director, NHS

Height: 5ft 2"

Weight Now: 222lbs (after losing 11 lbs so far in 6 weeks!)

Goal Weight: Hoping to lose at least another 60 lbs over the next few months....150lb goal weight would be great!

Here are a few progress pics of Gill - the ones on the left were taken on the 25th of February and the ones on the right taken just 6 weeks later on the 8th of April......look at the difference already!
         
         
         

Where do you train and do you enjoy where you train?

I joined Fitness First Gym in Brentwood, Essex at the end of January 2008. My partner Garry and I were in the process of moving house to this area and on a spur of the moment decision decided to join the gym. From the first day that I went to the gym, I can honestly say that I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the training and the contact with other gym members and staff!!!

Tell us a bit about yourself! ie: were you sporty growing up? Have you always been into the gym and a fit and healthy lifestyle?

Growing up I always had some or other sport. I swam for my school and also played hockey until my late 20's. I have also always enjoyed walking. As you get older, I think it's more difficult to stay fit for number of reasons, lifestyle, harder to shift weight, time constraints with having a busy career and generally day to day life and all its daily activities.

So, you've hired a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Advisor - ME! What was your reason for deciding to hire a trainer?

The decision to hire Anita was primarily influenced by her having done my and Garry's induction at the gym when we initially joined. I felt that Anita and I "clicked" on a personal level and from the onset found her to be non-judgemental and motivational in manner. This encouraged me to consider buying my initial 10 sessions. 

Describe how you felt before you hired a Personal Trainer? How did you see yourself and were you achieving your goals?

I felt generally annoyed with myself for feeling so unfit and slowly and insidiously gaining weight!!! I knew that I was on the road to making changes in respect of my exercising and losing weight but had found this a real struggle over the last few years due to personal circumstances and having stopped smoking approximately one year ago. On reflection, I don't think that I really realised how much weight I had gained, a few months before joining the gym, I saw some pictures of myself at Christmas and I think I actually didn't believe that it was me, I really didn't see myself as I was in the photos.

For you personally, what difference does it make having a trainer and what do you enjoy about having one?

Firstly, I would say that it is the best investment you can make if you want to get fit and lose weight!!! Having a trainer is a great motivator, it helps you to exercise in a completely different way, doing activities in your workout that you would never do by yourself. Even if you feel that you aren't doing well, a trainer keeps your mind and body on track, even on the days or evenings that don't feel on top form or are tired after a hard days work. A personal trainer does exactly what it says on the tin, it is a training and weight loss programme personalised for you to help you get the best results!!! I look forward to my training sessions more that I ever thought I would, most of the time I chat and laugh my way through a hard workout. Finally the most important part for me has been having a great relationship with Anita, her support and encouragement have been priceless!!!

So you've been training with me for just over 6 weeks now……how long was it before you REALLY started to see and feel physical results? Would you say your changes so far have changed other aspects of yourself or how other see you - do they make any comments?

For the first few weeks, I did not lose any weight and felt completely despondent, however, Anita banned me from the scales, telling me not to focus on my weight. This for me was the best move, I kept away from the scales and kept on training!!! Initially I could barely do five minutes on the cross trainer and five to ten minutes walking on the running machine.  Within 6-8 weeks I could do 20 minutes hard walking and over 30 minutes on the cross trainer! Amazing!  The changes so far have been definitely more energy, feeling less heavy and bloated. As I am someone who likes to look well with clothes and makeup etc, looking physically better is a big motivator for me. Over the last few weeks a number of people have commented on my changing shape and asked if I had lost weight. I, of course, gave all the credit to Anita!!!

I think Gill deserves to give herself all the credit!!!  I am just showing her the way...  ;o)
       

Who is your inspiration and why?

In relation to admiring body shape, I think the person whose body transformation I find fascinating is Madonna. Realistically, I don't think this is achievable for most of us, but I think its important to see what diet and exercise can do to your body, especially if you can train all day every day and probably have your own chef! I have also found it inspiring talking to other people in the gym and listening to their journeys to weight loss and fitness. I think that this is where, for me, having a female trainer has been inspirational as one of the first things Anita said to me was that she as a woman had "been there" trying to lose weight and get fit.

What are some of the things you do to keep you motivated?

Fear is a great motivator that I will not have lost weight on the next weigh in and Anita will murder me!!! Feeling good after a hard workout, knowing that I have worked out during the week, even when I have really had to push myself to go to the gym, and generally feeling good about yourself when you know that you are taking control of your weight and fitness.

Give me a run down of your daily diet……….both before you began with me and what you eat now!

I think that I generally had a good diet before I started on this journey. The downfall was snacking on non healthy foods such as white breads, biscuits, crisps and the odd junk food and gorgeous but fattening things like nice cheeses and rich sauces on foods. On reflection portion size was an issue too.  Now I try to eat what my trainer describes as "clean foods". Brown rice, wholewheat pasta, fish, chicken, vegetables, fruit, eggs and non fattening snacks.  I think I eat more often than I did before and when I got into the swing of it, never feel hungry. Planning is essential.

Do you ever 'cheat' on your nutrition plan or find it hard? How do you overcome the temptation to slack off from training and eating according to your plan?

Yes I do cheat occasionally, but I think that I realise that its not every day and if it happens once or twice outside of my free day for eating, then I don't beat myself up about it, but try to cut down for the remainder of the day or go to the gym. That is why planning is the key, as, for me, the temptations arise when I haven't got my pre-prepared lunch with me at work or haven't been shopping for food for the house.  No matter what is happening in my life day to day, I haven't allowed myself to do any less than 3 hours per week in the gym.

How often do you train and what do you do during those training sessions?

I go to the gym 3 to 4 times per week, usually on the way back from work at tea time. I do a routine on the cardio machines, usually 20 minutes on the running machine at a fast walk, although I have been building up to running and can now manage to jog for 6 of my 20 minutes. I then do 10 minutes on the bike, usually some weight training, based on what I have done with Anita that week, then finish off on the cross trainer anything up to 30 minutes. Although I like the machines as I just listen to music or watch the news, I mostly enjoy weight training with Anita. I am always amazed that if feel more worked out and exhausted after a tough personal training session mostly focused around weights.

How does your lifestyle affect those around you? Husband, family and friends? How do people voice their opinions on what you do?

My partner has a similar lifestyle to me, busy career, enjoys socialising and exercising. He has been incredibly supportive about my training. Having recently moved to England, I don't know that many people, maybe no bad thing now that I have volunteered to do this challenge!!!

Do you think there is ever a chance you will revert back to old habits now that you have this big goal in mind?

I really hope not!!! Without sounding mercenary, I think investing money in your personal training makes you value yourself and adds to the personal investment in yourself. Also, I like to look well and dress well and I just was not happy with how I looked and felt. I try not to focus on reverting back to old ways, if I did, I think it would be a one day blow out, not one year!!!

How do you feel about the whole world watching you as you endeavour to conquer this transformation challenge??!!

Mildly amused, frightened that I will let myself or Anita down but I think that it will be a motivational influence for me. My last set of pictures really made me feel good about what I had achieved in a number of weeks

Anything else you wish to say or share with us?

Watch this space!!! Wish me luck, I know its going to take a while but I just know that Anita will help me keep on track. Thanks Anita, I couldn't have even started this journey without you.

Love Gill    xxx

FROM ANITA - GILL, YOU ARE A PLEASURE TO TRAIN, A BUNDLE OF ENERGY AND I SO LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY STEP OF THIS JOURNEY WITH YOU.  KEEP UP THAT INCRDIBLE DETERMINATION.  I KNOW ITS BEEN TOUGH AND YOU'VE HAD A LOT ON YOUR PLATE AND I ADMIRE YOUR WILL TO KEEP GOING AND I JUST KNOW YOU WILL REACH YOUR GOAL!!!