"I have just returned from the European Biathle Championships in Madeira where I represented Great Britain and gained a silver medal.

Fit and fearless. In a way this describes a lifestyle that has a definite appeal for me. I like to be fit to be able to enjoy an active life and a little fearless to have the confidence to try new things.

Personal training has definitely helped me towards my goal of achieving an active approach to life and in the last three years towards a specific goal.

I have always enjoyed competition and the training involved in preparing for an event. I have just returned from the European Biathle Championships in Madeira where I represented Great Britain and gained a silver medal.
Three years ago, I started competing in Biathles which involves a continuous run, swim, run event of various distances depending on the age group of the competitor.

Three years ago, I started competing in Biathles which involves a continuous run, swim, run event of various distances depending on the age group of the competitor.

I have been able to compete in both European and World Championships representing Great Britain in my age group, having travelled to Portugal, Spain, Madeira and Germany.

Personal training, with a focus on strength and conditioning, has enabled me to achieve a level of fitness to be able to compete at a respectable level winning gold and silver medals in various championships and ranking competitions.

I have enjoyed the various events I have taken part in over the last three years and more recently have thought that I could make further improvements but was unsure as to how to achieve this. I knew that improvement does not necessarily come from training harder or more frequently and had a suspicion that a more positive approach was needed. In the past, I would be on the start line thinking of every possible mishap that could occur, hoping only that I would be able to finish the race. Now I can do better!

I think others would describe me as a very positive person and in my professional life I have been able to effectively support others in achieving their goals but I could not apply this to myself in competition.
In the last few months, my personal training sessions have successfully changed my mindset both leading up to the competition and during the actual race. I have a specific warm up routine which gets both mind and body in tune and ‘ready for battle’. I still get nervous but it is an energising feeling rather than debilitating one.

Working with a personal trainer has to be a comfortable, trusting and fun relationship and finding the right trainer is very important. Both trainer and client have to feel confident that the session will be mutually beneficial and be prepared to commit to hard work and preparation.

Knowledge and just as crucial, experience on the part of the trainer and a willingness to listen and give honest feedback by the client are key factors in a successful partnership. Being able to enjoy the effort, challenge and the struggle on the part of the client is also helpful!

I have benefited hugely from my personal training in achieving my competitive goals.

I am now looking forward to the preparation involved in taking part in the world qualifying competition in Salford with a view to taking part in the World Championships in St Petersburg, Florida in October. And, of course, continuing with my personal training sessions!"