HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT YOURSELF PRIOR TO STARTING THE PT SESSIONS?
Generally considered myself to have a good level of fitness, but starting on Russ’ program’s soon highlighted just how much improvement I needed. Body image wise I have always considered myself to have a chunky and bloated look – obviously not a desirable look. In the short space of time I’ve been using Russ’ workouts, I’ve lost that bloated feeling, have more energy and have started to lose inches in the right places. Over time I’m confident I can reach my ideal look.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE RUSS MEADOWS OVER THE OTHER PERSONAL TRAINERS AVAILABLE?
Word of mouth around the gym always gave positive comments about Russ’ approach and attitude. His personal testimonial posted in the gym ticked all the right boxes for me personally and he was very approachable.
WHAT TRAINING TECHNIQUES DID RUSS USE WITH YOU?
The first program involved supersets and a lot of compound moves – some of which I had never done before in addition to intense interval sessions. Recording my results on the program sheet enabled me to monitor progress and strive for greater improvement.
I’ve recently began Russ’ ‘Boot Camp’ sessions which are challenging and tough to say the least. The nature of the exercises in them provide a different challenge and more variety than standard gym workouts. I swear blind you can feel the fat dripping off you as you do them !
My latest program incorporates triple-sets for the whole body. I’m confident this will compliment my previous workouts and deliver results fast as well as enhance my fitness.
WHAT GOALS WERE YOU LOOKING TO ACHIEVE THROUGH YOUR PT? AND TO WHAT LEVEL DID YOU ACHIEVE THEM? Appearance wise, I am looking to get as close to a ‘cover model’ body as I can. Because of my job (fire-fighter) I need my fitness levels to be high and functional. Russ’ program’s address these issues and provide high intensity workouts with a variety of exercises to prevent boredom and monotony setting in. Consequently, I’m more likely to stick to the programs – particularly as I can see results. Also, my cardiovascular fitness has improved in the short space of time I’ve been working with Russ. My previous fastest interval setting for running on a treadmill was 1 min intervals at 10mph. In the space of 6 weeks or so, this has increased to 12mph with further improvement to come.
PLEASE DESCRIBE THE PT EXPERIANCE
Tough, but realistic and Russ is happy to build flexibility into his programs. This is ideal for me as I work shifts. The use of various exercises I personally enjoy and I’m looking forward to my first kettlebell experience.
PLEASE LIST THE RESULTS YOU ACHIEVED:
CLOTHES SIZE CHANGE: Trousers definitely slacker than they used to be. Lost 1 inch off my waist measurement.
WEIGHT LOSS: About half a stone in 6 weeks or so.
BODY SHAPE: Definitely look leaner than I’ve done for a long time, but striving for more improvement. Looking more defined around the shoulders. More noticeable pump look during training.
MUSCLE TONE/SIZE/DEFINITION BODY FAT REDUCTION: Given my weight loss of half a stone has been coupled with strength gains, this suggests that the weight loss is predominantly fat.
HOW YOU FEEL NOW COMPARED TO BEFORE: Less bloated – miles more energy and as daft as it may sound, more focused with regards to taking in information at work.
FITNESS INPROVEMENTS: Working faster on treadmill during interval sessions, increased strength, eg bench press gone from 60kg to 80kg. General coasting speed when running is quicker.
ENHANCED SPORTS PERFORMANCE: Just started playing rugby again and found 1st game back after 12 months relatively comfortable as a result of Russ’ workouts.
SELF ESTEEM: Clothes starting to hang a little better off me. More relaxed and less self conscious when out socializing.
CONFIDENCE: Increased in that I’m willing to have a go at alternative exercises and push myself that little more than I used to.
SLEEPING/EATING PATTERNS: 100% improvement. Could still be better but certainly getting there. Don’t eat late at night, making a conscious effort to take on enough protein. Sleeping like a baby
HOW YOUR RESULTS HAVE HEPLED YOU IN EVERYDAY LIFE: More energy, increased focus and attention span. Increased fitness levels making work easier.
WAS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU ACHIEVED OR EXPERIENCED AS A RESULT OF THE PT THAT YOU WERE NOT EXPECTING?
As a consequence of the boot camps, met some like minded people who I would probably never have spoken to prior to training with Russ.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD ANY OTHER COMMENTS PLEASE DO SO HERE. A genuinely top bloke with a focused approach to his client’s needs. Good motivator and willing to put the extra effort in for those who he deals with. Listens and takes the time to address any personal issues you may have and willing to adapt programs as required. Would recommend him highly to anyone looking to get that little extra out of their workout – regardless of experience or knowledge. His boot camp sessions need to be experienced to get the full appreciation of just how good a session they are.