Success Stories
"The voice inside your head that says you can't do this is a liar"
What people are saying...
"Throughout my recovery, Paul has been incredible."
Paul Warwick
Most of the testimonials on this site will tell you how Paul's training helped people lose weight, get fitter, feel better and how the training was interesting, varied and enjoyable.
All of which is true. But I'd like to mention some different experiences I have had.
After a successful first three months training with Paul, during which I lost weight (about a stone and a half), gained strength and completed my first OCR, I sustained a hernia injury playing football, which meant that after a long lay-off and an operation, I was back at square one- heavy, unfit and with a significant functional weakness.
Throughout my recovery, Paul has been incredible. He has worked with my physios to tailor plans to develop functionality and correct weakness. He has kept the training varied and interesting- no mean feat when working from a restricted repertoire, and while needing to stay focused on the underlying problem. He has also been pro-active in suggesting stretches and exercises that have developed my mobility.
I am now back to training at full intensity and beginning to lose weight again. In April I attempt the Berkhamsted Triathlon, London Marathon and Tough Mudder on consecutive weekends. Hopefully after that, I'll be updating this testimonial with a more traditional story of success.
"From the first session I was hooked, I loved the variety of exercises and new equipment and also the groups of people were fab."
Laura Wright
I started training with Paul after doing a trial session as I was bored of the gym and wanted to mix it up a bit. From the first session I was hooked, I loved the variety of exercises and new equipment and also the groups of people were fab.
I started going three times a week and by the end of the year I was 2 stone down and had maintained that weight loss throughout the year (even through the dreaded Christmas period!) Training with Paul also helped me prepare for doing my first 10km run which I would have never thought I would have ever done.
Now in the new year, I am more determined and ready to continue my weight loss and improve my fitness further.
"Training with Paul helped me to achieve this by working on different areas of my body through each of the phases"
Alice Coker
I went to a trial session last year without much hope but within an hour I was signed up and buzzing for the first proper session. I wanted a different type of exercise that would push me to achieve more and get the results I wanted of building muscle and losing fat. Training with Paul helped me to achieve this by working on different areas of my body through each of the phases whilst being guided on what I should and shouldn't be eating. I believe group training is better suited for me than PT sessions as you have the same personal guidance to achieve individual targets whilst also being in a group of like minded people which helped to motivate me to do better and push further (as a little friendly competition never hurt anyone!)
"The sessions provide a varied training to make and keep me fitter"
Sue Ferguson
I started training with Paul last February and enjoy it for many reasons. I have never been a fan of inside gyms, weight machines, mirrors and clocks, and love training outside, (be it very early in the morning or in the evening) with a great group of like minded people of all ages. The sessions provide a varied training to make and keep me fitter, stronger and provide more stamina to help me get more enjoyment from my mountain biking and running.
"The only reason you should go to a specific fitness class is because you enjoy it and feel safe, that will be largely down to the trainer"
Sam Greenhill
As you will know there are many fitness boot camps, classes and 'plans' all claiming to make you into the next herculeas. Actually what matters is You. Paul, through his continual encouragement and enthusiasm for what he does (more of a way of living for him) facilitated by the limited sized classes Paul is able to give tailored training and dieting information to help me archive my various fitness goals whilst making it fun. As some of you reading this may be aware of, his relentless posting on everything Berko, this tenacity doesn't stop there. When my will falters ('it's too cold to train') his will kick in. The only reason you should go to a specific fitness class is because you enjoy it and feel safe, that will be largely down to the trainer, Paul has continually exemplified this
"The expertise of a professional trainer is what works for me."
Frederick Chemin
The gym just wasn't for me, I couldn't find the motivation or the expertise to get some significant results. I met Paul and his training through a friend and after my first session I cancelled my gym membership.
Training outside in a small group guided by the expertise of a professional trainer is what works for me. The sessions are packed with a variety of exercises, i never get bored and the atmosphere is really friendly and supportive.
Definitely one of my best decisions of 2015!
I can honestly say it's one of the best things I have ever done
Laura Mitchell
I have been training with Paul for over 6 months now and I can honestly say it's one of the best things I have ever done. I was a bit skeptical to begin with as I've never been one to stick to the gym but I wanted to get in shape for my wedding day at the end of June. I was a size 14 when I first started (and had bought my wedding dress in this size!!) and have always wanted to be a size 10 for as long as I can remember, but never thought I could get down to that size and stay there. I can now happily say all thanks to Paul, I reached size 10 in 3 months and I have been a size 8 for the last few months now and the dress has had to be seriously altered!! Paul has helped me keep myself motivated and knows exactly what to do when I'm in a bit of a bad mood and wanting to quit! His sessions are always different every time, which keeps me on my toes to say the least! He gets me to push myself and do things I would never dream of doing in the gym on my own and having someone there that I can 100% trust is always a good thing! Even through all my moaning and swearing at him he has got me to where I want to be and will definitely continue PT sessions with him after my wedding.
I feel great and have loads more energy
Kelly Brown
A big thank you to you Paul who i have been training with for the last month and will be continuing to train with. Really enjoyed our sessions even though at times i hated you during them! You pushed me which is what i needed and never let up! I'm pleased you did as I feel great and have loads more energy, I'm very satisfied with the results plus I learned so much. Thanks for putting up with my winging and whining but you knew what to expect! You're a fab PT
My fitness has vastly improved, I have lost weight and put on muscle! I even get comments on the way I look which has boosted my confidence hugely!
Matt Dunn
I have been training with Paul since June 2012 and it started out as something I did to lose a little weight and get a bit fitter. As the sessions went on I was impressed by the results and found myself wanting to be pushed more! I decided to start doing charity events and runs. When I told Paul this he customised not only my training, but diet and nutrition as well. Being honest, realistic and always being on hand to give advice. For me, his training style is excellent. Pushing me that little bit further when I need it and also stopping me if he thinks I am going to injure myself or if I am doing something incorrectly. I am now about to do my first Tough Mudder event, something I wouldn't have thought of last year! My fitness has vastly improved, I have lost weight and put on muscle! I even get comments on the way I look which has boosted my confidence hugely! I cannot recommend Paul highly enough!
I am delighted to say that now I have regained full mobility and am pain-free
Shirley Williams
I have been a member of The Fitness Society (previously known as Fitness First) since its inauguration.
In January of 2012 I was diagnosed to be suffering from a frozen shoulder and was referred by my GP to a physiotherapist and duly underwent a course of remedial therapy. Unfortunately my shoulder never improved and I continued to suffer pain and extremely limited mobility. In October of that year I decided to work with Paul Rose one of the Personal Trainers at The Fitness Society, basically to improve my level of fitness and at the start of our first session I explained to Paul the problem with my shoulder. Over the following months Paul worked with me on a series of exercises designed to improve the mobility of my shoulder and also improve the strength in that shoulder and arm. Paul monitored my limitations and progress throughout and I am delighted to say that now I have regained full mobility and am pain-free. I have been very impressed with Paul’s advice and professionalism, and am continuing to work with him. I highly recommend him as a personal trainer.
Not only do I never get bored, but my fitness continues to improve week by week.
Richard Thompson
To be honest, I've never really enjoyed 'keeping fit'. When you live a busy life it can be hard to find the time (and the motivation) to head to the gym. That's where Paul has been invaluable. He's not only helped me make regular exercise a part of my life, but he's also helped me to enjoy it.
Paul understands that each client is different - they all have their own likes and dislikes, they all have a different lifestyle, and they all want to achieve different things. When we met, he helped me to identify how best to meet my goals and set a plan in place for me to achieve them. He led from the front, showing me how to exercise well, not just how to exercise hard and this had a real effect. I wasn't told how I was 'getting it wrong' - I was shown how I could do it better.
Within just a couple of weeks I could already feel the difference, and with a constantly evolving program, not only do I never get bored, but my fitness continues to improve week by week. Working with Paul has taken the stress out of exercising, and has given me the confidence to try new things.
Looking back at how I felt before, I can't imagine why I didn't pick up my gym bag sooner.
It was great to have some structure to my workouts - not just in our weekly sessions but all my additional training.
Katie Ferguson
Paul approached me to suggest PT sessions when I was sitting on a bench bored and contemplating what to do next...and I'm so glad he did as I was stuck in a bit of a workout rut!
It was great to have some structure to my workouts - not just in our weekly sessions but all my additional training. Paul gave me ideas of workouts to do alone but was also conscious of my marathon training which was taking up the bulk of my time and it was good to have something that really fitted in with my goals and other commitments (e.g. not killing my legs the day after a long run..)
He is a really good judge of ability - Paul quickly working out exactly when I was actually at my limits and when I maybe was just in a bad mood and wasn't trying hard enough...and therefore when to push me.
Unfortunately I've now moved which means I had to stop my sessions and it is something I really miss BUT I can now do a pull up!
I never cease to admire his professionalism, knowledge and ability
Sue Eston
First of all I should like to say that I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Paul as a personal trainer. He is a very thoughtful, sensitive person who has been spot-on in assessing what I need. I never cease to admire his professionalism, knowledge and ability to devise new exercises for the times we meet. Sessions are never boring or repetitive. Being very much of a certain age I appreciate his care and have told him that his vocation should be the looking after the grannies of this world!
Paul has always supported as well as pushed me
Richard White
I have been coming to the gym for a couple of years, but started training with Paul about 6 months ago with the aim of looking as good as a 56 year old chap can at my daughter's upcoming wedding. During this time Paul has helped me loose about 1st but more importantly, it has gone from the places I was hoping to target and I have gone from 36 to 32 inch waist jeans. Paul took me out of my comfort zone of doing cardio workouts which I was familiar with from studio classes etc. and has mostly been using free weights to target different muscle groups each session. This has been enjoyable as well as hard work and Paul has always supported as well as pushed me so that I have been confident I am lifting enough to stretch me but not too much to cope with. Paul always makes sure the technique is safe and the equipment correctly aligned to avoid injuries. Overall it has been a good experience and has really helped me to achieve my goals, I would thoroughly recommend Paul as a personal trainer.
I have really enjoyed the training sessions
Chris Broadhead
I have been training with Paul since July 2012.
I have really enjoyed the training sessions. I know sometimes I moan, however I have achieved a lot from them. Paul is a great trainer and he pushes me out of my comfort zone which is what I need. Each training session is different which is great.
I am on my way to reaching my goals and I am continuing to train with Paul.
I can highly recommend Paul as a personal trainer.
The thing that sets Paul apart from other trainers is the variety of training that he delivers and he is always looking for new ideas to bring to a session.
Tom Bettison
In the time Paul has been working with me I've become fitter and stronger. Paul has also shown me which areas I can improve on including nutrition and helped me develop muscle areas following previous injuries.
I can't recommend Paul enough, his knowledge can help anyone from athletes to people like me who is anything but.