Laura F

What were your motivations behind starting Personal Training?

I’d reached a point where I was at my heaviest weight and feeling pretty rubbish/unhappy with myself. It was affecting my job as a nurse. I had back pain and felt tired a lot of the time, and I just thought, Now I can’t carry on like this!

I saw results a friend had achieved at a pioneer and thought, yes, I want that!

Did you have any training experience before starting?

I’ve always enjoyed sports and being active in general terms. I liked playing football at uni and doing cardio sessions at the gym. However, before Pioneer, I hadn’t set foot in the weights section of a gym, never mind lifted weights!

I always felt self-conscious at the gym and really didn’t have a clue about what to do or how to do it.

What was your nutrition and lifestyle like before working with your coach?

Definitely poor now, knowing what I know now.

I would go hours without food & tend to have larger meals later in the day to make up for it.

These were meals that were quick because I was coming back from a 12-hour shift, mostly ready meals that I’d bought from shops on the way home from work. I was also not staying hydrated or sleeping enough, just overall unhealthy.

I was always so tired, so on days off I sleep in and do very little.

How has your diet and lifestyle changed since starting?

So much has changed where do I start?!

My love and understanding of food has greatly improved. From what a healthy meal should look like on my plate, what makes up that meal (a carb, protein and fat) and portion size.

I now have regular meal times, which are mostly my own cooked prepped meals, and have awareness of checking food labels to know what I’m taking in nutritionally, in order to help make better food choices. But I do still very much enjoy biscuits with tea or a “relaxed meal” dirty burger …!

I’ve enjoyed this process so much I started a nutrition course to further my knowledge, I love it.

Lifestyle wise I’m very active! Training 3-4 times a week, regular walks and cycles and I feel I’m able to do it all, whereas before, I’d struggle to move off the sofa.

I’ve also learned how physical and mental health are interlinked; the benefits of an active lifestyle play such a big part in physical health, but even more so in mental health. My structure in the gym transfers into my daily life, building routine, discipline and confidence, to name a few – this has been one of the most surprising aspects of my journey.

What has been the most problematic habit to kick during the process?

Hmm… tough question!

I’d have to say sleep hygiene. James would totally agree with me on this. I’m terrible for not having a regular set bedtime and sleep is something I’ve massively overlooked and underestimated its impact on health. I am getting better, but it is definitely still a work in progress.

What would you say to someone who is sitting on the fence about contacting Pioneer Performance?

Get yourself over that fence! 100% the place to go in the northeast if you seriously want to make a change and be at your best!

The personal journey will take you to places you’d never known existed and discover things you’d no idea about yourself. It’s all so worth the investment!

Disclaimer: Results vary from person to person, timescales on results are not guaranteed, hard work is always required.