Russell Knight : Personal Trainer

Never in a million years did I think I would find myself using a Personal Trainer. I don't even like exercise; however, the extra weight I blame on two babies is refusing to disappear all by itself, so when Russell challenged me to two months of training, I couldn't think of a good enough excuse not to. When he suggested we aim for a four mile run, I began to wonder if I'd done the right thing. It was at my first session that I realised the target of a four mile run wasn't going to be something theoretical that might happen at the end of two months. Russell actually intended me to take part in the Oldbury Fun Run, just four weeks away. I hadn't run in public since school, and was quite sure he had lost his marbles.

There were many days when, left to my own devices, I would never have made it to the gym. It's so easy to come up with excuses, but when you've made an appointment, you force yourself to go, and once I'd started the session, I was always glad I'd made the effort. An hour with Russell goes much faster than an hour on your own, and you feel terribly virtuous when it's over. Russell didn't push me further than I wanted or was able to go, it was simply that stubbornness kicks in when there's someone recording your progress. His feedback and encouragement, showing me the progress I was making, was a big incentive too. When you know you're getting better, and the numbers show it, you do want to carry on.

So the day of the Oldbury Fun Run arrived and I was more nervous than I had expected but Russell was there to reassure me and I prepared myself mentally for the rather daunting task ahead of me. It wasn't until I crossed the final mile marker that I realised there was a chance I might actually complete this, and began to relax and enjoy myself. Crossing the line was a huge surprise and relief. Just a few weeks previously I had thought this would be impossible, but here I was, and it was all credit to Russell. I started to feel the benefits of Russell's workouts in my daily life too; little things that had been challenging before, such as the uphill bike ride to our local shop, were suddenly much easier.

Read Claire's full account of her experience with me on her website MyThornbury.com

Claire Jaggard, Thornbury, Editor - MyThornbury.com

"Starting a regular training programme was very daunting and difficult to fit into a busy lifestyle, but Russell has made a real difference to my fitness and motivation. He has devised a realistic training programme and monitors me to work harder each session but is also happy to make adjustments to keep my interest. He is well-organised, professional and encouraging. 'No pain, no gain', but with Russell the pain does result in improved overall fitness and strength, good motivation to exercise and assists in losing weight! Thank you."

Alison Makepeace, Thornbury

"I have what I consider a job that does not allow me to go to the gym under my own discipline. So when I heard about Russell I thought long and hard about taking on a Personal Trainer. Initially I had visions of someone who would expect miracles and push me by any means with aggression and bullying, once I met and started working with Russell the reality was far from my original thoughts. I have found that Russell gets the most out of me without any aggression and has improved my fitness and weight problems through a programme which he controls and regulates as he sees best. If anyone were to ask me about a Personal Trainer I would without doubt recommend this man due to his commitment and the trust I have in him."

Nicky, 42, Bradley Stoke

"I have been a regular gym member for years, but recently I had lost interest and motivation. I asked Russell for help and booked a course of Personal Training sessions. Russell has got me back on track with an assortment of programmes that I can do on my own and he has set me goals that are achievable. Having a session once a week, means that Russell pushes me that bit extra and keeps tabs on my progress. He is also able to pinpoint my downfalls. I would not hesitate to recommend Russell to anyone."

Jenny Lambert, 53, Thornbury

"Since starting sessions with Russell, I have lost 2 stones in weight and have increased my fitness levels beyond what I ever thought possible. I have never been a sporty person or enjoyed exercise at all, but he has really motivated me to work hard and better myself. He is always extremely flexible and and endeavours to fit his sessions around me, and has tailored our time together to incorporate exercises which I find interesting, as well as encouraging me to take part in ever ambitious events - something I would never do on my own. Two of my friends are now seeing him after seeing the results I have achieved and I would absolutely recommend him to anybody."

Miss Walker, 21, Bradley Stoke

"Following years of playing sport and suffering numerous injuries, I found it very difficult to get and keep fit on my own. I had been a member of various gyms over the years but had not made best use of them so when Russell suggested an initial session I was sceptical that this different approach would solve the problem ..."

"...and I was right – he’s pushed me further than any gym membership would have, he’s made me sweat about 18 gallons over the past 20 sessions, he’s made me throw up, he’s prolonged a cricket career which I never really enjoyed and has made it necessary for me to buy quite a lot of new clothes as lots of my old pairs of jeans, suits etc no longer fit me, and he’s also made it possible for me to spend more time with ‘the other half’ as I can now join her on bike rides ..."

"Oh, and he’s even nearly got me running the Bristol Half Marathon! So if you want him to change your life, ruin your spare time, cost you loads of money in new clothes and make it possible to get involved in new hobbies which seemed impossible before, book some sessions!!"

Mike Rowen (37), Westbury-on-Trym, Company Director - Wylde Interior Architects

"Russell is extremely professional in the provision of his services and he has really assisted me to increase my fitness despite my back condition. It is reassuring to know that he understands my goals and is working with me to achieve them. He is also very flexible with the timings of sessions, which given my working hours is a real benefit."

Mrs Welch, Solicitor - Osborne Clarke, 27, Bradley Stoke

"I rather foolishly signed up for the Bristol Half Marathon and was aware that if I was to achieve this I needed some help! Russell had been recommended to me so I signed up for a series of training sessions. I soon realised that I was not particularly fit and that I had some serious work to do, but Russell has helped me tremendously in a sympathetic and encouraging manner. If I was to sum up Russell’s qualities in a few words they would be Professional, Knowledgeable, Organised, Reliable and Enthusiastic. So there’s no excuse now, it’s just down to me to turn up and do it!"

"Thank you Russell."

Amanda Sherwood, Almondsbury

"Over the years trying to motivate myself to attend the gym has resulted in many failures. Having begun working with Russell on a weekly basis I have not missed a gym session for nearly 18 months. The sessions are interesting, challenging and suited to your personal needs and goals. I am fitter as a result of the sessions and now look forward to attending. Russell works hard to make you achieve greater standards at every session."

Jon Pullin, 36, Falfield, Company Director - Voyce Pullin

"Before Russell became my personal trainer I had been going to the gym for about eight months. Whilst I felt I was improving my fitness in reality I was only managing a 'gentle' workout on only the equipment that I found easy and I rarely got out of my comfort zone. Since I started working with Russell he has helped me achieve a greatly improved fitness level and made me believe that I can achieve my goals. With Russell's motivation most weeks I am able to improve my levels of performance in the gym. I no longer wander aimlessly around the gym and now leave each session with a huge feeling of achievement. The benefit to my health and well being makes all the pain worthwhile! Thanks Russell."

Julie Derham, 43, Thornbury.

"I have tried many forms of exercise classes over the years, including using gyms. I have never been able to keep these going more than a couple of months. With Russell I have found the recipe for success. Being able to exercise in the privacy of my own home, with Russell recording my progress and encouraging me I have been able to stick with it for over 18 months now. If I get bored, Russell always comes up with a new routine to keep the interest level high. At 47 I feel healthier, more flexible and younger than I have felt for years. I would recommend Russell whole heartedly!"

Anne Tucker, 47, Thornbury

"Over the years I have been to various gyms, but with limited success. From the start Russell has made a real difference, and I have been seeing him now for over 2 years. He devised a realistic training programme taking into account my age, general fitness and personal goals. He has always kept the programme interesting by monitoring my progress and making adjustments. This has resulted for the first time in a definite improvement in my overall fitness levels. I have always found him to be well-organised, conscientious and motivational."

Mrs Clarke, 53, Thornbury

"I recently decided to join a gym but with no set programme and little knowledge, I saw very few results. Being a keen football player and with a holiday in the sun around the corner I decided I wanted to bulk up in the shortest possible time. I had always thought personal trainers were for developing fitness rather than muscle mass but I was quickly proven wrong. With a set regime to suit my current levels of fitness and with realistic targets developed around my current lifestyle I was soon able me to make the most out of the time I spend at the gym. With great nutritional, information and advice on techniques, the programmes never get boring. This personal approach has really helped me to become motivated and for once actually start seeing results."

Mr Pearson, 18, Pilning

"I have been with Russell for almost 2 years now & the results have been excellent, he manages to motivate & keep me going, gradually improving my fitness level & also assisting in my weight loss programme. I would not hesitate in recommending him, the personal training touch certainly brings the desired results!"

David Jeckells, Olveston