Testimonials
Five years ago I found myself the most unfit I had ever been. After representing Great Britain at athletics as a junior, I had then started working in the City and sat at my desk for 20 years. At 43, I was just over 18 stone and found even running down the platform for the train to be a struggle. I had the mental drive but needed the direction and the planning. Having seen Matt in the park, I was impressed that he made everyone warm up and stretch and the sessions appeared structured. What was there to lose?
Five minutes into my first session the mind was fine but the body was regretting 20 years of inactivity. My first three months I could only do one session a week as it took that long to recover. Mind you, I lost 2 stone in that time and was getting fitter.
Now I train three times a week, am as fit as I ever was as a teenager and really feel that training with Matt has added years to my life and ones that I can enjoy as I am fit and energetic. Having those regular sessions gives you structure to your training workout programme and, even better in my view, it is all outside in the local park. I’ve trained in 35 degrees in the summer down to minus 8 one winter. And I wouldn’t swap it for an indoor gym.
No session repeats itself (obviously there are some basic principles that you follow to get fit and strong but Matt mixes up what you do). Sometimes it is more circuit based, sometimes equipment based (TRX, kettlebell, VipR, medicine ball) or boxing, hill reps or stairs. You will learn to have a pet hate! When COVID rules allow, there are group classes on a Saturday which provide a social aspect too. It is all adjusted to what you want to achieve and you set your own level.
It has been so good for me that I have introduced some of my family members to it so now one of my sisters trains regularly with Matt as do my parents (who are in their 80s but are still training so no excuses anyone!).
I could not be happier with what I get out of it and it is truly a valuable part of my life now.
Laurence
I was very active in my teens and twenties with sport etc although my diet wasn’t great. Then as I approached my thirties I had settled down with a family. All of a sudden exercise went out the window and poor food choices became the norm.
In my early forties I was 2/3 stone over-weight, lethargic and had no motivation and low in confidence. I was in a vicious circle of working long hours, eating badly, not exercising and in turn not feeling great about life in general.
I had seen Matt running his Personal Training classes at my local park. I knew I wanted to change the way I lived my life and eventually approached him to help me with the fitness aspect. I’d never used a PT before and didn’t appreciate how much Matt could offer.
Initially I undertook a consultation with Matt where my goals and aspirations were discussed and mutually agreed with a plan put in place.
Matt constructed an achievable yet challenging fitness schedule alongside a healthy nutritious diet for me to follow. This schedule was and still is regularly reviewed and amended to continue to help meet the targets we set for my growth.
Matt slowly educated me in helping me to make the right choices in health, diet and fitness.
The exercise undertaken was slow and steady but also strangely enjoyable. Getting the right foods into my body also had the necessary positive impact I was craving. I then addressed my working hours to ensure I had the right work life balance.
As I fast forward to today, I am far more energetic and motivated towards life in general. The increase in my overall confidence has also assisted with a far more enjoyable and successful career path.
On reflection I could have easily started to exercise without Matt’s guidance but this would probably have been short lived sas I didn’t completely understand all of the aspects that needed to change to achieve my goals.
With Matt’s ongoing support I now have my priorities in the right order.
I would highly recommend Matt to anyone who wants to change their life for the better.
Dove
I met Matt in 2010 whilst I was having a little session in the gym. I was doing a press up and Matt must have seen my poor form and came and gave me a hand. I complained of back ache and lack of fitness due to my job not helping as well and he talked me through a few exercises. After he explained me his back ground I decided to embark on a few sessions.
Within a couple of months I had showed much improved levels of fitness, core strength and felt much more revitalised. I also lost a significant amount of weight and generally felt much more healthier. Over the next year my fitness just rocketed and I was training with Matt a couple of times a week. We had heads turning in the gym and I can honestly say I was fitter than most of the personal trainers thanks to Matt.
I can say he comes from a very practical back ground and is very inspirational. He focuses on technique and not over doing it in the earlier stages and great at motivating. I lost about two stones in a few months and my fitness went to another level. My back pain diminished and being a dentist work was much more enjoyable and more importantly painless. My patients could see a new energy, a new spirit and I felt much more confident in every aspect. I have since maintained training with Matt and it’s now over ten years and we still train every week. My mind is better and my physical well-being is at its peak.
If you are looking for someone who is very knowledgable , approachable and gets straight to the point then Matt is the trainer for you. He's training is varied and we never do the same session twice..but more importantly he cares and he has a very safe approach and methodical approach to getting fit. We all need that person to motivate us and bring changes to our life style and I can say Matt did this for me. Long may we continue.
Sanjay
Ive been training with Matt for a number of years now and as a result I am in the best shape of my life. The thing that works so well for me is that Matt is able to adjust my training to suit whatever my goals are. If I need to get faster her can adjust sessions to get the best results. If I need to get stronger then he knows the best way to achieve that too. It doesn’t matter what I throw at him he can work with it and not only push me hard to get the best results, but do it in a way thats smart and healthy. Matt is such a friendly and personable guy that often you’re enjoying class or PT to the extent you don’t realise how hard you have worked. Ive also loved meeting new friends from the classes matt takes and enjoyed competing in various spartan races over the years that has built my confidence. You really don’t realise what you are capable of physically until you’ve trained at Tibbs.
Matt has also inspired and motivated me to become a personal trainer and given me the pleasure of taking the classes. My advise is Don't think about training with Matt... just do it!!
Adam
I Couldn't recommend Tibbs Military Fit enough. I've been a member at every gym in south east London! done several different boot camps and had several personal trainers. Matts classes are something else. For the first time ever I was hooked to exercise! Always came away from a class buzzing from the new levels of fitness and the changes in my body that I was achieving with the motivation and support I got from Matt. Truly the best trainer I've ever had.
Nikki
I've been training with Matt for over 5 years, initially starting with the Saturday classes before taking regular PT Session.The PT sessions enable me to focus on targeted fitness improvements, working around the occasional injuries Matt has helped me build my overall fitness to the point I am in the best shape I've ever been.
I still attend classes where possible, I find these a great mix of people, with the structure of supporting a wide range of abilities and lets individuals work out to their own personal abilities in a sociable supporting atmosphere.
From the classes I’ve made some great friends and discovered OCR events, doing these as a part of a “Tibbs Team” has built my confidence and shows the camaraderie the group has.
I look forward to continuing to train with Matt and how this will help me when competitive OCR events return.
Michelle
I’d gone through a very tough few years including being unable to walk for nearly 2 years. Having had an operation, which, luckily worked, I was scared that exercise would put me back to a place where I couldn’t walk again as before.
I had previously tried personal trainers (quite a few) and gyms but I just couldn’t engage and wasn’t inspired. I found Matt on the internet but had never considered training in the open air!
I hadn’t done anything for years and was completely embarrassed at my lack of fitness. It only took a couple of sessions before I realised that Matt really did do a bespoke programme - tailored to ME!
No session is the same – it could be running, weights, boxing, etc, etc, - no time to get bored.
Fast forward to nearly 2 years later… I still need to improve but the strength in my legs and back are beyond anything I could have dreamed of – my knees rarely give way and the ache in my back has seriously subsided.
What can I say for anyone that considers themselves absolutely unfit… give Matt a try cos it works for me x
Lee
I have been training with Matt for 3 years now. initially I just wanted to lose a bit of weight. several of my family go so I thought I would go for a few months to achieve my goal. well I went and never looked back. There are lots of different classes to choose from at different times and days so you can fit in with your lifestyle. to begin with I dreaded going because I thought I would be one of the oldest in the class (Age 50-60) and that everyone would be super good and I would be terrible. but it's not like that at all. I've been to lots of classes and everyone is friendly. There are lots of levels and ages. now 2 years on I actually look forward to going. if I've had a stressful day and I know I'm going in the evening i know it will calm me! I never thought I would hear myself saying that
Matt is really inspiring and the classes are always different so you don't get bored with the same old routine. I thoroughly recommend him to all ages and abilities. give him a call and have an initial chat with him. you seriously have nothing to lose but everything to gain. we look forward to welcoming you!
Nicola
Matt is an exceptional trainer. I have achieved more in the past 10 months with him than I ever achieved over years of using various PT's and countless, fruitless, boring gym sessions. He has an uncanny knack of making you want to work really hard, encouraging all the way. He knows what your body is capable off and will have you looking and feeling fitter than you ever have. No session is ever the same & he always manages to get the best from you. He's also an interesting, funny guy which makes the sessions pass In a flash. I would not hesitate to recommend using Matt to anybody, regardless of fitness level. You could be anywhere from a couch potato to fit as a fiddle, he'd still get you results. Do it!
Debbie
Matt is a great trainer, always enthusiastic and encouraging even when you feel like you're totally done, he manages to get a bit more from you. He also listens to your goals and creates workouts that push you towards them. Despite his military background, Matt isn't a shout in your face style trainer or out to intimidate or make anyone feel like rubbish. Have recommended him to friends
Emma
Words can’t express how enternally grateful I am to you Matt and all the team at Bootcamp! Recently , I completed my first ever fitness challenge, “SPARTAN” something I never imagined I would have the strength or fitness to do!
Such a great coach and group to be part of!
I joined after having 5 operations and incredibly unfit. I wanted to get back to a fitter, healthier and above all happier me! I started running in May and would often see the team workouts during my morning run.
Finally, in September, I plucked up the courage to find out more and joined!
Everyone is encouraging and supportive.
Matt really motivates you to do your best and classes are aimed at all abilities! I call the group the “bake off” to fitness and love being part of the Team Tibbs!
Ive now hit my goal of losing 5 stone! And I couldn’t be happier.
Sheena
I can’t believe how much I’ve changed. I’ve lost 10 stone!! , and the transformation is beyond anything I could have imagined.
This journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has been worth it. I’ve gained strength, confidence, and a level of vitality I didn’t know I could reach.
Huge thanks to Tibbs Coaching for pushing me, believing in me, and keeping me accountable every step of the way. The support, motivation, and practical guidance have made all the difference.
The team is amazing, and Matt is great at what he does—always knowledgeable, encouraging, and there to help you reach your best.
If you’re considering starting your own journey, know that real change is possible—and it starts with taking that first step.
Les