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.