My Story
My story started around five years ago. I was over 25 stone, nearly 40 and according to my doctor, morbidly obese. I had never thought much about exercise but one day, whilst walking up a gentle hill, I could feel myself struggling to catch my breath and have a conversation at the same time. Sitting at the top of the hill resting, I decided it was time to do something about my fitness.
A Personal Trainer friend Paulie encouraged me to go to the Arena gym in Willenhall. Just walking through those doors was a monumental struggle. All my initial thoughts were focused on being the outsider. I was worried I would be the only one who was out of breath walking up the stairs, I didn't belong to this club of dedicated, athletic people. It was only later I also realised that walking through those doors for the first time was a personal admission I needed to change. Once inside, I quickly realised that all of the people in the gym had all to start somewhere, even if it was a long time ago for some of them. Just like everyone else, I was at the beginning...
I owe my Personal Trainer Paulie a great deal, he was patience, conscientious and always on my side. He persevered and encouraged me when things got tough.
I continued to visit the gym five days a week for around an hour a day both with and without Paulie. The change wasn't immediate but it didn't take long. I was enjoying my exercise, changing my eating habits and as a result I had lost over four stone and I was always full of energy.
Walking through those gym doors for the first time, I would never have thought how vibrant the social aspect of exercise was. I made new friends and they supported and encouraged me to try new things, keep me interested and focus on my goals. I attended Group Exercise classes, 1 on 1 Training and even got advice from Olympic Gold Medallist Boxer Tony Wilson.
I saw for myself, first hand, that everyone is different. There is not a single solution that everyone can follow. I wanted to share this, use my experiences to really make a difference to those that wanted help with their own fitness journey.
To make this happen, I now have both my level 2 Gym Instructor, level 3 Personal Trainer. Boxing part 1 and 2, Kettle Bells, Circuits, Suspension Training, Business Skills and Enhanced Learning systems and I'm Reps registered and insured.
I am still working on my personal goals, fitness is way of life now. It is exhilarating, relaxing and a great way to reduce the stress of your day but most of all, it is fun.
