Richard is married with two children, a demanding job, and a six-year-old son named Harry, who is non-verbal, autistic, and will need care for the rest of his life.
About eight months ago, he was at an Alan Shearer respite centre when he noticed an elderly couple at the next table — probably in their 80s — shuffling around after their grown-up autistic son. A son who had many similarities to his son Harry.
"It just hit me all of a sudden. I'm going to have to be around. I need to be fit and mobile."
That night, he contacted Pioneer Performance through our website.
Life had quietly taken over & Richard's routine had become its own trap - school run, work, home, tired, repeat. Muscle had gradually disappeared, replaced by fat. The excuses were always easy to find.
"Motivation is sometimes difficult, especially when I've got a lot on. It's really easy to find an excuse to do something else."
He'd tried other Personal Training companies before in the North East — big group sessions, one trainer to thirty people. He knew what the lower end of the market looked like. He needed something different.
Although his expectations were modest (lose a little weight & feel better)... What happened exceeded everything he'd anticipated.
Paired with his Pioneer trainer, he was pushed to a level he didn't know he could reach. Not to the point of exhaustion, but right to the edge of what he was capable of.
"I found a level where I can push myself to failure at times, but also continue on with the session. I'm a bit more resilient than I thought."
- Lost over a stone — 12st 3 down to 11st 2
- Replaced fat with visible, functional muscle
- More energy, mental clarity, and drive — at work and at home
"It's changed everything in my life. I feel more energised. I get more things done."
Carving out time to train when you have a child with complex needs isn't straightforward. But the perspective has changed completely.
"Sometimes you feel like maybe you could spend that time with your child. But if you take that time out and put it into this — it makes me a better dad."
And under all of it is that original moment. The elderly couple, still caring for their son. The quiet realisation that Harry is going to need him — not just now, but for decades to come. Being fit isn't a lifestyle choice. It's a responsibility.
"The progress I made in three months is what I thought I'd make in six months. Just start. You'll know after two weeks the value of what you pay. It's changed how I am as a dad. I'm better in every aspect of my life because of it."
Searching for a personal trainer in Newcastle upon Tyne who delivers real, lasting change?
Personal training isn’t about perfection. It’s about having the right structure, accountability, and coaching to help you succeed.
If you’re looking for professional personal training in Newcastle upon Tyne, focused on weight loss, strength, and long-term health, Richard's story shows what’s possible with the right support.
Sometimes, the hardest step is starting. But once you do, everything can change.
Disclaimer: Results vary from person to person, timescales on results are not guaranteed, hard work is always required.
If you’re interested in personal training or being coached at Pioneer, get in touch by completing the below form.
