Success Stories
Energy Zone Success Story
Did you know... aside from free inductions and programme reviews, we also offer fitness assessments and personal training at the ASV Energy Zone. One member who has made the most of these services is Mary McGregor. We quizzed Mary to see how see got on...
ASV: Mary, for those who don't know, can you tell us a little about what PT (personal training) is, and what it involves?
MM: Basically, you have a Trainer with you for an hour session. The session is tailored for you and your trainer works through the session with you. It keeps the exercise effective and at the right intensity. You also focus on correct technique. I've found this has led to better results and it also reduces risk of injury and address things like posture.
ASV: How would you say PT differs from getting a programme and working through it on your own?
MM: It gets you out of your comfort zone without even realising it which helped me to get good results. I was doing different exercises that I wouldn't have thought of on my own. Every session is different and, although they're always tailored for my needs, I never know what to expect so it keeps it fun and interesting.
Stretching is also included in my sessions which is good because I never take the time to do it when I'm on my own! We cover other lifestyle factors such as nutrition too which I've found useful.
ASV: Why did you decide to go for PT and how do you feel it has helped you?
MM: Accountability is a big thing. If I have a PT appointment, I'm much more likely to go to the gym than if I'm training alone. I feel it helps to keep me focussed and motivated to improve. The sessions are always of a high quality. I get more out of a one-hour PT session, and feel better for it, than the two-hour sessions I was doing previously. It also stops me from falling into bad habits. It has helped me to change my mindset about the gym too – I'm much more positive about going to the gym and motivated to do it even when I don't have a PT session. I feel fitter now than I have done in the past couple of years.
ASV: You've also had a couple of fitness assessments. Can you tell us a little about those? How did you find the process and how do you feel it was of benefit?
MM: Admittedly, I was really worried prior to my first fitness assessment, I wasn't sure of what was involved and had visions of me throwing-up! But, before we started, Mike outlined what was involved and after the first couple of tests and measurements, I found it pretty straight forward and nothing to be afraid of! It was much easier, physically, than I thought.
I feel the fitness assessment at the start was particularly useful as it gave me a baseline from which to work and more motivation to move forward. It makes goal-setting much easier.
Although I was comfortable going into the re-test, and certainly felt much fitter, I was still worried the numbers wouldn't agree! I improved in every area though and the assessment allowed me to see the bigger picture (body fat, flexibility, aerobic capacity, waist circumference, etc) as opposed to just focussing on body weight.
ASV: Anything else to add?
I've found my trainer very encouraging. He keeps me motivated, keeps encouraging me and is enthusiastic and supportive. Going to the gym is ok on your own but with PT it's fun and hard work and the hour is over before you know it!
If anyone else feels like they need a little help and advice with their training please see one of our dedicated Fitness Consultants they will be more than happy to help.
