UKFA

I’ve been a client of UK Fitness Academy for over 5 years. Helen’s group exercise classes were recommended to me by a friend and I was originally reluctant because “aerobics was boring”. I’d been to classes where the instructor didn’t care what I was doing technique wise and didn’t bother introducing any new material so it was fantastic to attend Helen’s classes in those first few weeks of scepticism and find that not all instructors are made the same. It didn’t take me long to sign up to some Personal Training sessions too and within a few weeks, friends and family were noticing the difference in my appearance and I was noticing the huge improvement in my overall fitness level.

Helen and Steve are always at the cutting edge of fitness, learning new techniques, updating their skills and looking for new ways to challenge their clients. They treat you like an individual and this is reflective in the programs they develop – I’ve compared notes with several other personal training clients and our programs are very, very different! I’m currently on assignment to the USA and I desperately miss the group exercise classes, the special courses such as Big Balls, and my Personal Training with Helen or Steve. I have substitutes in the US, but really there’s no comparison. Whenever I’m booked to visit the UK, the first thing I do is e-mail Helen my dates so I can get my “fix” of the UK Fitness Academy.

JULIE MCDOWELL

Having come to the end of my first year working with you, I thought it would be useful to do a short review of objectives and achievements.

Letter received from Sue Moore (Dec 18th 2003)

At our initial assessment meeting, I explained that my objectives were to improve strength and flexibility, to reduce stress and to improve general muscle tone. I had been working with a personal trainer for about 18 months prior to moving to this area. Having now experienced your holistic approach, I can see that I was working with a "gym supervisor", rather than a personal trainer. It had not been a particular healthy year for me, but in spite of the seemingly endless set backs I feel that I have made real progress, under your careful supervision. I have really appreciated your flexibility and support in helping overcome the sinus operation, tooth abscess and menopausal symptoms, to name but a few!

It has been helpful and encouraging to know that you will always take an overall view of my general condition and make changes to the programme as necessary and sometimes on the spur of the moment. I always feel confident that you are aware of my capabilities and will not try to push me too far. Having said all that, I do feel that I have made real progress this year. I know that I am stronger and becoming more flexible. My stress levels remain quite high I think, but I feel that with your help, I have come through a period of enormous change relatively unscathed. I know my achievements are a direct result of your observation and carefully considered planning of my programme. I do want you to know that I really appreciate the knowledge and experience that you so readily share. It was your highly personalised approach that gave me the confidence to recommend you to my partner, Ian, and he has benefited tremendously from his work with you too.

I would recommend you, to anyone, whatever his or her condition, without hesitation.

I hope that the trainers who are fortunate enough to work with you will adopt the same style, so that the "Helen technique" will spread!

Good luck with the launch of the UK Fitness Academy, although I am certain you will not need it. I am sure that your business will go from strength to strength!

S J MOORE