Testimonials
Tracy C
I met Tim Wooldridge at Fitness First in Derby initially for Sports Massage but it then led to Personal Training, He asked me what my goals were, my reply was to run The London Marathon but I had to defer due to injury in 2010. But this year thanks to Tim’s help and personal training sessions to build core and strength I will be running the London marathon 2011 in just over 2 weeks time eekkkkkkkkk!
My training has gone well and Tim has always been there if I needed to ask him anything. I have also asked Tim to do me a healthy food plan for when I have finished the marathon as I have put on so weight from long distance running. Tim will always get you to your goals no matter what they are.
Sue
Although I had been a member of fitness first gym in Derby for some years; it was Tim Wooldridge to whom I approached to develop a Personal training programme for me in order to assist in bringing down my blood pressure to an acceptable level - to avoid the necessity of daily medication.
Five years later Tim continues to develop personal training programmes for me on a regular basis. I am very grateful to Tim for all his encouragement, patience and support.
Chris S - Beeston
The first time I met Tim I ran 45 minutes with him. Now bear in mind I was 42 at the time and had not ran for nearly 20 years and you get the picture. He talked to me and motivated me constantly throughout. Imagine the sense of achievement I felt afterwards. People who haven’t trained before or haven’t trained in a long while like myself can get worried and anxious about undertaking and starting a program of exercise. Don’t worry that’s where Tim comes in. He’s very professional. The first time I met him he took my blood pressure and checked me over etc.
My ambition and first goal last year was to see if I could run and have the guts to visit a gym.my goal this year is to carry on with that but also run a half marathon. I know Tim will help me with this as he helped with the first set of goals last year. Why do people enlist personal trainers? Because like a lot of things in life the first step is always the hardest and you sometimes need people to help you with that first step, in this respect I’ve found Tim to be the real deal.
Severine
Tim is a personable guy who knows his business well. He is very professional, approachable and offers great advice and continued encouragement.
While Tim provided structured personal training programs to meet my needs while I lived in Derby, having moved away Tim continues to offer advice and encouragement to me and other clients (past and present) through his online presence - a really welcome addition to the service (competition, take note!). He understands the balance between exercise, rest and nutrition as well as the psychology of his clients - his motivation skills are very strong.
I'd recommend Tim to anyone looking for support with their training whether you want to lose weight and tone up, prepare for a sporting event (he runs marathons!) or recover from an injury (sports massage another great skill Tim has to offer).
Tony
My experience of Personal training with Tim was great. In his training he pushes you to limits which are hard, rewarding, exciting and ,although you can't believe it at first, achievable.He never made me feel like he was forcing his services on me, I was so keen to meet up every week and see what I could achieve with him this time.He is friendly, funny and, despite a bit of a pretty boy now, very down to earth.I think of him as more of a friend than just my personal trainer.I would 100% recommend him to anyone serious about getting fit(ter) or losing some weight. He knows his stuff and it works.He had me in the Derby 10km Run after barely 3 months of training and from a start point of only being able to run about 400m!
Sarah G
I started training with Tim Wooldridge last Summer in Long Eaton, weighing an incredible 16 stone plus.
He gave me the encouragement and determination I needed to succeed when I had failed on many other occasions on my own.
Personal Training sessions are a must ..... and Tim certainly is the man....
Pushing you when you want to give up, pep talks when you need motivation and a shoulder to cry on when you feel it all gets to much ......
Thank you Tim for all the help and determination you gave me - now weighing in at 8 stone 2.....
Anja
When I first met Tim I warned him that I’d rather wait an hour for the next bus, than run to catch it. Tim took this quite well I thought and seemed confident that this could change. What I didn’t tell him at that particular point in time was that walking to the bus stop was something I had successfully avoided for many years and that I would even drive to the corner shop (sorry Tim, I though that would be too much to confess even to you).
In a few sessions Tim managed to convince me that not only could I learn to run, I would also learn to enjoy exercise. Of course I didn’t believe that to start with, but I have to admit now that he’s right. My general fitness level is improving and I am even starting to feel good about my work-outs. For someone who was exercise-phobic, that’s enormous progress.
Tim has a knack of knowing exactly how hard to push, but to stop the moment it becomes too much. He also takes being on the receiving end of frustration and the occasional expletive well. I think that’s because he understands how difficult it can be to get fit. The fact that he’s been there is something that really helps him empathise with his clients.
Tim has a sense of humour and a collection of terrible jokes to get you through your darkest exercise hell. Having said that, he is also very knowledgeable and always highly professional. He takes his work with clients very seriously and his support is second to none.
Unfortunately I have moved away from the area so no longer see Tim every week, but it is substantially to his credit that I am now exercising regularly and getting fit. Without Tim, I would not have been able to do that. I cannot recommend working out with Tim highly enough.
Janice
I currently train with Tim twice a week.
After being with a gym for some 20 years and training with one of their PT’s for a year I came to realise that the sessions were not working.
At that point I decided to have a change of gym and get myself back on course. Two months elapsed of trying to get back on course to no avail. Reluctantly I rang through to Fitness First in Derby where I was now a member and enquired about the PT sessions to which they put Tim on the telephone.
We had a long conversation and arranged to meet at the Gym.
Still not sure I had made the right decision to again have a PT after the previous bad experience I went to meet Tim.
Immediately he put me at ease, seemed to be very knowledgeable and treated my needs as an individual.
I then decided to train and thought I will give it a month and see what happens, still not sure.
Within weeks I felt better, fitter and above all could now fit into clothes that I had not been able to fit into for months and never dreamed of ever fitting into again.
Tim designed a programme, advised me on food and the results proved this.
Tim's sessions are “fun with results” he is always there and on time for my sessions.
Follow his advise and you are guaranteed to get there – If Tim says it will work IT WILL
Amanda
I had been going to the gym for over 9 years by the time I met Tim but had never seen any real results. I felt like I was wasting my time and wanted to learn how to make each session count.
I started seeing Tim in Derby once a week and he showed me how to get the most out of my training. Even simple things, like using the treadmill, became more of a challenge with the different methods Tim taught me. I had never really understood how weights could benefit my body or what I should really be doing with them, but Tim showed me the best ways to make them work for me.
I lost almost 2 stone in just a few months and really toned up. I went from a size 14 to a 10 and looked great on my Wedding day last March. It was amazing just how quickly it happened!
I would highly recommend Tim Wooldridge as a personal trainer, he really cares about his clients and puts all his efforts into each session. I can't imagine anyone would fail to reach their goals with him as their trainer.
Lisa
I initially sought Tim’s help, as I had been attending the gym on a regular basis for a while, but my weight loss had plateaued.
I chose Tim because I found him to be open, friendly and easy to get on with, and as we had both had similar back problems, I felt he had the necessary experience to guide me.
By completing daily diet sheets, he helped me re-evaluate my diet and provided me with a full exercise program for me to follow when I work out alone.
More importantly, I feel I can discuss any of my weight or fitness issues with him – whether it is exercise or diet. I think it helps enormously that he has physically (and mentally) been through the experience of trying to lose weight. It is also an incentive as he is living proof that it can be done!
I have been training weekly with Tim for almost a year and my weight loss has just hit over 5 stone now. I am delighted with the results so far and, as I enjoy our session so much, I will continue training with Tim - even after I reach my goal!
Steve
I’d had pelvic and lower back pain throughout my adult life--side effects of football, karate and weight training. This meant periodical stints where training was not possible, or where I was unable to train the intensity I desired, not to mention expensive trips to the physiotherapist.
At the age of 38, I thought I knew all about strength and fitness training. This changed when I heard the words, “What do you need a weight lifting belt for?”
Tim assessed my body posture and alignment, and suggested alternatives in managing imbalances in my ‘core stability’. Now, to me, core stability exercises were what the ‘girlies’ did.
Just 3 months later, I had improved flexibility and range of movement, improved body balance, less joint pain and no time off with injury. More importantly, I don’t walk downstairs each morning like Robocop anymore.
Kim
I've been a gym goer for a number of years, and every New Year I would make the resolution of 'new year, new me'. It never lasted long and I was soon in the same old routine of going mad at the gym for a couple of weeks, then getting de-motivated because I wasn't getting the results I wanted.
I didn't particularly want to lose weight, just tone up and feel and look fitter.
Then I met Tim and started having PT sessions in January 2008. I wasn't getting any younger and wearing a bikini on holiday was becoming more daunting - this time I meant business!
I was nervous on my first session but Tim made me feel totally comfortable and we put together a programme that would help me achieve what I wanted. Now going to the gym had a new incentive. If I didn't do my programme in
between PT with Tim I would never keep up!
Tim is brilliant at getting you to do that little bit more you didn't think you could. He told me he would take me out running - never, I thought, I'd tried it and couldn't do it. Wrong! With Tim's guidance and advice I now love running. I've entered and taken part in several 10k runs and currently training for my first half marathon in September. I did a 50 mile bike ride last weekend.
Tim is fully supportive and always on hand to answer questions and give advice on your training.
I have more confidence, and do look and feel fitter (exactly want I wanted), and I'll certainly be wearing a bikini again on holiday this year.
Personal training makes a world of difference, I wouldn't be without mine!
***UPDATE***
Kim is Running the London Marathon 2011 and is now starting out as a personal trainer herself
Susan
I developed a passion for running in 2002, but despite all of my best efforts, I couldn’t get myself to run for more than 3 miles at a time.
In 2005 I had some fantastic holidays--eating and drinking (as you do). Unfortunately, this part of my holiday continued when I returned home. After a hip-stretching trip to New York in December 2005, I decided enough was enough. I needed to change my life, and I needed help.
I plucked up the courage and sent Tim message stating that I needed help to lose weight, and wanted to be able to run the London Marathon in April in less than 6 hours. Tim phoned me back straight away, and put me at ease. He wasn’t at all scary or phased by the task I had presented to him.
We met for the first time the next day and had a chat on the treadmill, where I shamefully proved how seriously unfit I had become.
Tim said that what I wanted to achieve was possible, and he helped me to believe this. He taught me good nutrition and painfully (for him), we started a series of run/walk training programmes. I can remember Tim saying in December that I will have lost a stone by the end of January. I looked at him doubtingly and laughed.
By the end of January I had lost 19 pounds.
Tim has a habit of being right about everything, and it didn’t take long for me to completely trust him and follow his methods of training, even if I didn’t fully understand them at the time.
The weight melted off effortlessly and my running improved. In the months before the marathon, I amazed myself and ran nonstop for 8 miles. I also managed a 21 mile run/walk in 4 1/2 hours.
By the time the marathon day arrived, less than 5 months after starting with Tim, I had lost over 4 stone and could finally call myself a runner. I completed the marathon in less than 5 1/2 hours and didn’t need to start run/walking until after mile 17.
I am still working with Tim. My weight is still dropping and my running is improving. I have never felt so strong, fit or confident in my life.
I now have a new set of goals, ones that this time last year I would never even have dreamed of.
Tim has proved to have great empathy, understanding, knowledge and dedication to his work. Best of all, he makes it all fun. I have achieved a lot in the past 8 months and I thank Tim for the new me. I recommend him to anyone who wants to achieve their goals.
Follow his advice and results are guaranteed. I put my life in Tim’s hands and he saved it.
Pardeep
When I commenced personal training with Tim, my physique had little/no definition. In addition, my fitness levels were low. Within 15 months, my fitness levels have increased and my physique now has significant definition. The dramatic increase in personal strength and drop in body fat has been a mammoth personal achievement, especially as historically I have rarely participated in any sporting activity. My technique of using weights and performing each individual exercise has also improved dramatically.
My training sessions are varied and very challenging, which in turn has helped me achieve my objective of increased strength.
Amy
In February 2007, I decided to go to Africa on holiday. But I did not want an ordinary holiday. I wanted to do something extraordinary. Flicking through the brochures it seemed obvious: climb Mount Kilimanjaro!
I began training in February and was making good progress. A few months into my training I noticed that Anne Smith, a fellow client of Tim’s from Derby, had just climbed Kilimanjaro. Now, I had only 6 weeks to go and was beginning to panic! I found Tim in the gym and asked him if I could have some personal training sessions. Within minutes we had sorted out a schedule of weekly one hour training sessions for the 5 weeks before I went, and another one for when I came back.
Tim really put me through my paces and gave me the help and support I needed. His experience of training Anne helped me enormously, as did speaking with Anne about her climb. With Tim’s support, I immediately began to feel that I was getting on top of the situation, and was getting as well prepared as I could be.
I am pleased to report that I made it to Uhuru Peak (‘Freedom’ Peak) the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, at an elevation of 5895m above sea level. The summit day was the most physically and emotionally demanding thing I have done to date, but it was worth it to see the sun rise over the mountain and to reach that infamous sign! I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! I did both!
Kay
I have always suffered with my weight from being a small child, never too drastic, but I was always half a stone heavier than everybody else. In July 2001, I moved from the North East to Derbyshire to with be with my now husband. In the past I had always done some kind of exercise, swimming, gym, aerobics, walking. But once I relocated, I lost touch with all of that and over the last 4 years, my weight has gradually increased. I tried to lose weight, joined slimming clubs, fad diets, you name it, but still no weight loss. I went to the doctors for help, endless times they checked my thyroid, to no avail. I was referred to a Nutritionist, who couldn’t see anything wrong with my diet. I then resorted to taking slimming pills which made me ill. This was getting me nowhere and slowly but surely I was getting more and more obese and more and more miserable. I needed help so I could feel better about myself and feel well again.
I heard about Tim through a friend who had been training with him for 12 months. She kept trying to persuade me to see him. I buried my head in the sand until I finally plucked up the courage to go and see him. Tim was really nice and friendly and we had a long chat about my diet, lifestyle and things I had tried in the past. He guaranteed me that I would lose weight if I stuck to his programme and worked out on a regular basis, and kept to the calorific guidelines he had given me. He assured me that if it didn’t work, then he would personally write to my GP.
Tim got me to keep a food diary of what I ate so he could assess if I was doing anything wrong. After playing around with a few different exercise regimes, we found one which was right for me which involved more cardio exercise. Every month, Tim changes my programme, making it that little harder and little longer to help me achieve my fitness goals. Changing this regularly keeps me motivated, and stops me from getting bored with the same routine.
All my life, I have struggled to lose weight. With Tim's help and advice, I can now accept that these changes do happen over a period of time. Tim helped me to stop being negative and to set myself realistic goals. I have now lost one and half stone and attend the gym regularly. I am still progressing to reach my mini targets. I am thankful to Tim, as I now feel better about myself and my fitness levels have soared since I’ve been working with him. I know I still have a long way to go but with Tim’s help I will reach my goal!
SarahI first started seeing Tim almost two years ago, during a particularly flat period in my life. I work freelance in a fairly physically demanding job, but I was beginning to notice a definite slump in my energy levels when I wasn’t working. I decided it was time to bite the bullet, and I joined Fitness First in Derby.
Being a complete gym-novice, however, I can’t say that it did me a great deal of good to start with. I would wander aimlessly around, doing bits and pieces here and there, using the weight machines for whichever bits of me hurt least from the day before, and generally keeling over sideways after five minutes of cardio workout! Then one day, I asked Tim which machine would be best to use for a particular result, and I ended up sitting on the floor with him talking for forty-five minutes.
Personal training wasn’t something I had ever considered, as I had always assumed that it was expensive and ultimately unnecessary. I can’t remember exactly why I agreed to a few sessions with Tim, because I was definitely dead set against the whole idea at first (I think I had nightmares of turning into Vanessa Feltz in a velour pink tracksuit), but, joking aside, I’m glad I did.
I see Tim once a week when I’m in Derby, and most of all he keeps me motivated to keep going to the gym, because I know I’ll be in trouble next time I see him if I don’t! My fitness levels have improved immeasurably, and my standard workout is now a 45min – 1hr cardio session, with weights work once a week with Tim – a far cry from having to drag myself back to the changing rooms on my hands and knees after three minutes on a cross trainer!
I would recommend personal training to anyone wanting to gain fitness and/or confidence, and with Tim you get a personal trainer in the truest sense of the term.
Mike - Nottingham
For most of my life I had not needed to be too concerned about my fitness or weight but as I approached 62 I had become aware that my level of fitness could be better and my weight was starting to increase. Some friends had experienced real improvements through working with a Personal Trainer, so I decided to give it a try. I found Tim’s website, contacted him and he responded very promptly, talking me through what he could offer.
I have now been training with him for 5 months and have seen some real benefits to my health, as well as feeling fitter and stronger. He advised me on diet too and I have lost 12 lbs in weight, my blood pressure has reduced, my cholesterol is down and the control of my diabetes (I am a type 1 diabetic) has improved. I have never really enjoyed working out but Tim’s sessions are both fun and tailored to me needs. He’s made me realise how important fitness is and how it helps in all areas of life, including mental wellbeing.
I would recommend Tim Wooldridge as a personal trainer to anyone wanting to improve their fitness, stamina and general wellbeing. Not only is he an excellent trainer, he's an all round great guy who never stops talking!'
Thanks a lot for your advice and support.
I met Tim Wooldridge at Fitness First in Derby initially for Sports Massage but it then led to Personal Training, He asked me what my goals were, my reply was to run The London Marathon but I had to defer due to injury in 2010. But this year thanks to Tim’s help and personal training sessions to build core and strength I will be running the London marathon 2011 in just over 2 weeks time eekkkkkkkkk!
My training has gone well and Tim has always been there if I needed to ask him anything. I have also asked Tim to do me a healthy food plan for when I have finished the marathon as I have put on so weight from long distance running. Tim will always get you to your goals no matter what they are.
Sue
Although I had been a member of fitness first gym in Derby for some years; it was Tim Wooldridge to whom I approached to develop a Personal training programme for me in order to assist in bringing down my blood pressure to an acceptable level - to avoid the necessity of daily medication.
Five years later Tim continues to develop personal training programmes for me on a regular basis. I am very grateful to Tim for all his encouragement, patience and support.
Chris S - Beeston
The first time I met Tim I ran 45 minutes with him. Now bear in mind I was 42 at the time and had not ran for nearly 20 years and you get the picture. He talked to me and motivated me constantly throughout. Imagine the sense of achievement I felt afterwards. People who haven’t trained before or haven’t trained in a long while like myself can get worried and anxious about undertaking and starting a program of exercise. Don’t worry that’s where Tim comes in. He’s very professional. The first time I met him he took my blood pressure and checked me over etc.
My ambition and first goal last year was to see if I could run and have the guts to visit a gym.my goal this year is to carry on with that but also run a half marathon. I know Tim will help me with this as he helped with the first set of goals last year. Why do people enlist personal trainers? Because like a lot of things in life the first step is always the hardest and you sometimes need people to help you with that first step, in this respect I’ve found Tim to be the real deal.
Severine
Tim is a personable guy who knows his business well. He is very professional, approachable and offers great advice and continued encouragement.
While Tim provided structured personal training programs to meet my needs while I lived in Derby, having moved away Tim continues to offer advice and encouragement to me and other clients (past and present) through his online presence - a really welcome addition to the service (competition, take note!). He understands the balance between exercise, rest and nutrition as well as the psychology of his clients - his motivation skills are very strong.
I'd recommend Tim to anyone looking for support with their training whether you want to lose weight and tone up, prepare for a sporting event (he runs marathons!) or recover from an injury (sports massage another great skill Tim has to offer).
Tony
My experience of Personal training with Tim was great. In his training he pushes you to limits which are hard, rewarding, exciting and ,although you can't believe it at first, achievable.He never made me feel like he was forcing his services on me, I was so keen to meet up every week and see what I could achieve with him this time.He is friendly, funny and, despite a bit of a pretty boy now, very down to earth.I think of him as more of a friend than just my personal trainer.I would 100% recommend him to anyone serious about getting fit(ter) or losing some weight. He knows his stuff and it works.He had me in the Derby 10km Run after barely 3 months of training and from a start point of only being able to run about 400m!
Sarah G
I started training with Tim Wooldridge last Summer in Long Eaton, weighing an incredible 16 stone plus.
He gave me the encouragement and determination I needed to succeed when I had failed on many other occasions on my own.
Personal Training sessions are a must ..... and Tim certainly is the man....
Pushing you when you want to give up, pep talks when you need motivation and a shoulder to cry on when you feel it all gets to much ......
Thank you Tim for all the help and determination you gave me - now weighing in at 8 stone 2.....
Anja
When I first met Tim I warned him that I’d rather wait an hour for the next bus, than run to catch it. Tim took this quite well I thought and seemed confident that this could change. What I didn’t tell him at that particular point in time was that walking to the bus stop was something I had successfully avoided for many years and that I would even drive to the corner shop (sorry Tim, I though that would be too much to confess even to you).
In a few sessions Tim managed to convince me that not only could I learn to run, I would also learn to enjoy exercise. Of course I didn’t believe that to start with, but I have to admit now that he’s right. My general fitness level is improving and I am even starting to feel good about my work-outs. For someone who was exercise-phobic, that’s enormous progress.
Tim has a knack of knowing exactly how hard to push, but to stop the moment it becomes too much. He also takes being on the receiving end of frustration and the occasional expletive well. I think that’s because he understands how difficult it can be to get fit. The fact that he’s been there is something that really helps him empathise with his clients.
Tim has a sense of humour and a collection of terrible jokes to get you through your darkest exercise hell. Having said that, he is also very knowledgeable and always highly professional. He takes his work with clients very seriously and his support is second to none.
Unfortunately I have moved away from the area so no longer see Tim every week, but it is substantially to his credit that I am now exercising regularly and getting fit. Without Tim, I would not have been able to do that. I cannot recommend working out with Tim highly enough.
Janice
I currently train with Tim twice a week.
After being with a gym for some 20 years and training with one of their PT’s for a year I came to realise that the sessions were not working.
At that point I decided to have a change of gym and get myself back on course. Two months elapsed of trying to get back on course to no avail. Reluctantly I rang through to Fitness First in Derby where I was now a member and enquired about the PT sessions to which they put Tim on the telephone.
We had a long conversation and arranged to meet at the Gym.
Still not sure I had made the right decision to again have a PT after the previous bad experience I went to meet Tim.
Immediately he put me at ease, seemed to be very knowledgeable and treated my needs as an individual.
I then decided to train and thought I will give it a month and see what happens, still not sure.
Within weeks I felt better, fitter and above all could now fit into clothes that I had not been able to fit into for months and never dreamed of ever fitting into again.
Tim designed a programme, advised me on food and the results proved this.
Tim's sessions are “fun with results” he is always there and on time for my sessions.
Follow his advise and you are guaranteed to get there – If Tim says it will work IT WILL
Amanda
I had been going to the gym for over 9 years by the time I met Tim but had never seen any real results. I felt like I was wasting my time and wanted to learn how to make each session count.
I started seeing Tim in Derby once a week and he showed me how to get the most out of my training. Even simple things, like using the treadmill, became more of a challenge with the different methods Tim taught me. I had never really understood how weights could benefit my body or what I should really be doing with them, but Tim showed me the best ways to make them work for me.
I lost almost 2 stone in just a few months and really toned up. I went from a size 14 to a 10 and looked great on my Wedding day last March. It was amazing just how quickly it happened!
I would highly recommend Tim Wooldridge as a personal trainer, he really cares about his clients and puts all his efforts into each session. I can't imagine anyone would fail to reach their goals with him as their trainer.
Lisa
I initially sought Tim’s help, as I had been attending the gym on a regular basis for a while, but my weight loss had plateaued.
I chose Tim because I found him to be open, friendly and easy to get on with, and as we had both had similar back problems, I felt he had the necessary experience to guide me.
By completing daily diet sheets, he helped me re-evaluate my diet and provided me with a full exercise program for me to follow when I work out alone.
More importantly, I feel I can discuss any of my weight or fitness issues with him – whether it is exercise or diet. I think it helps enormously that he has physically (and mentally) been through the experience of trying to lose weight. It is also an incentive as he is living proof that it can be done!
I have been training weekly with Tim for almost a year and my weight loss has just hit over 5 stone now. I am delighted with the results so far and, as I enjoy our session so much, I will continue training with Tim - even after I reach my goal!
Steve
I’d had pelvic and lower back pain throughout my adult life--side effects of football, karate and weight training. This meant periodical stints where training was not possible, or where I was unable to train the intensity I desired, not to mention expensive trips to the physiotherapist.
At the age of 38, I thought I knew all about strength and fitness training. This changed when I heard the words, “What do you need a weight lifting belt for?”
Tim assessed my body posture and alignment, and suggested alternatives in managing imbalances in my ‘core stability’. Now, to me, core stability exercises were what the ‘girlies’ did.
Just 3 months later, I had improved flexibility and range of movement, improved body balance, less joint pain and no time off with injury. More importantly, I don’t walk downstairs each morning like Robocop anymore.
Kim
I've been a gym goer for a number of years, and every New Year I would make the resolution of 'new year, new me'. It never lasted long and I was soon in the same old routine of going mad at the gym for a couple of weeks, then getting de-motivated because I wasn't getting the results I wanted.
I didn't particularly want to lose weight, just tone up and feel and look fitter.
Then I met Tim and started having PT sessions in January 2008. I wasn't getting any younger and wearing a bikini on holiday was becoming more daunting - this time I meant business!
I was nervous on my first session but Tim made me feel totally comfortable and we put together a programme that would help me achieve what I wanted. Now going to the gym had a new incentive. If I didn't do my programme in
between PT with Tim I would never keep up!
Tim is brilliant at getting you to do that little bit more you didn't think you could. He told me he would take me out running - never, I thought, I'd tried it and couldn't do it. Wrong! With Tim's guidance and advice I now love running. I've entered and taken part in several 10k runs and currently training for my first half marathon in September. I did a 50 mile bike ride last weekend.
Tim is fully supportive and always on hand to answer questions and give advice on your training.
I have more confidence, and do look and feel fitter (exactly want I wanted), and I'll certainly be wearing a bikini again on holiday this year.
Personal training makes a world of difference, I wouldn't be without mine!
***UPDATE***
Kim is Running the London Marathon 2011 and is now starting out as a personal trainer herself
Susan
I developed a passion for running in 2002, but despite all of my best efforts, I couldn’t get myself to run for more than 3 miles at a time.
In 2005 I had some fantastic holidays--eating and drinking (as you do). Unfortunately, this part of my holiday continued when I returned home. After a hip-stretching trip to New York in December 2005, I decided enough was enough. I needed to change my life, and I needed help.
I plucked up the courage and sent Tim message stating that I needed help to lose weight, and wanted to be able to run the London Marathon in April in less than 6 hours. Tim phoned me back straight away, and put me at ease. He wasn’t at all scary or phased by the task I had presented to him.
We met for the first time the next day and had a chat on the treadmill, where I shamefully proved how seriously unfit I had become.
Tim said that what I wanted to achieve was possible, and he helped me to believe this. He taught me good nutrition and painfully (for him), we started a series of run/walk training programmes. I can remember Tim saying in December that I will have lost a stone by the end of January. I looked at him doubtingly and laughed.
By the end of January I had lost 19 pounds.
Tim has a habit of being right about everything, and it didn’t take long for me to completely trust him and follow his methods of training, even if I didn’t fully understand them at the time.
The weight melted off effortlessly and my running improved. In the months before the marathon, I amazed myself and ran nonstop for 8 miles. I also managed a 21 mile run/walk in 4 1/2 hours.
By the time the marathon day arrived, less than 5 months after starting with Tim, I had lost over 4 stone and could finally call myself a runner. I completed the marathon in less than 5 1/2 hours and didn’t need to start run/walking until after mile 17.
I am still working with Tim. My weight is still dropping and my running is improving. I have never felt so strong, fit or confident in my life.
I now have a new set of goals, ones that this time last year I would never even have dreamed of.
Tim has proved to have great empathy, understanding, knowledge and dedication to his work. Best of all, he makes it all fun. I have achieved a lot in the past 8 months and I thank Tim for the new me. I recommend him to anyone who wants to achieve their goals.
Follow his advice and results are guaranteed. I put my life in Tim’s hands and he saved it.
Pardeep
When I commenced personal training with Tim, my physique had little/no definition. In addition, my fitness levels were low. Within 15 months, my fitness levels have increased and my physique now has significant definition. The dramatic increase in personal strength and drop in body fat has been a mammoth personal achievement, especially as historically I have rarely participated in any sporting activity. My technique of using weights and performing each individual exercise has also improved dramatically.
My training sessions are varied and very challenging, which in turn has helped me achieve my objective of increased strength.
Amy
In February 2007, I decided to go to Africa on holiday. But I did not want an ordinary holiday. I wanted to do something extraordinary. Flicking through the brochures it seemed obvious: climb Mount Kilimanjaro!
I began training in February and was making good progress. A few months into my training I noticed that Anne Smith, a fellow client of Tim’s from Derby, had just climbed Kilimanjaro. Now, I had only 6 weeks to go and was beginning to panic! I found Tim in the gym and asked him if I could have some personal training sessions. Within minutes we had sorted out a schedule of weekly one hour training sessions for the 5 weeks before I went, and another one for when I came back.
Tim really put me through my paces and gave me the help and support I needed. His experience of training Anne helped me enormously, as did speaking with Anne about her climb. With Tim’s support, I immediately began to feel that I was getting on top of the situation, and was getting as well prepared as I could be.
I am pleased to report that I made it to Uhuru Peak (‘Freedom’ Peak) the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, at an elevation of 5895m above sea level. The summit day was the most physically and emotionally demanding thing I have done to date, but it was worth it to see the sun rise over the mountain and to reach that infamous sign! I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! I did both!
Kay
I have always suffered with my weight from being a small child, never too drastic, but I was always half a stone heavier than everybody else. In July 2001, I moved from the North East to Derbyshire to with be with my now husband. In the past I had always done some kind of exercise, swimming, gym, aerobics, walking. But once I relocated, I lost touch with all of that and over the last 4 years, my weight has gradually increased. I tried to lose weight, joined slimming clubs, fad diets, you name it, but still no weight loss. I went to the doctors for help, endless times they checked my thyroid, to no avail. I was referred to a Nutritionist, who couldn’t see anything wrong with my diet. I then resorted to taking slimming pills which made me ill. This was getting me nowhere and slowly but surely I was getting more and more obese and more and more miserable. I needed help so I could feel better about myself and feel well again.
I heard about Tim through a friend who had been training with him for 12 months. She kept trying to persuade me to see him. I buried my head in the sand until I finally plucked up the courage to go and see him. Tim was really nice and friendly and we had a long chat about my diet, lifestyle and things I had tried in the past. He guaranteed me that I would lose weight if I stuck to his programme and worked out on a regular basis, and kept to the calorific guidelines he had given me. He assured me that if it didn’t work, then he would personally write to my GP.
Tim got me to keep a food diary of what I ate so he could assess if I was doing anything wrong. After playing around with a few different exercise regimes, we found one which was right for me which involved more cardio exercise. Every month, Tim changes my programme, making it that little harder and little longer to help me achieve my fitness goals. Changing this regularly keeps me motivated, and stops me from getting bored with the same routine.
All my life, I have struggled to lose weight. With Tim's help and advice, I can now accept that these changes do happen over a period of time. Tim helped me to stop being negative and to set myself realistic goals. I have now lost one and half stone and attend the gym regularly. I am still progressing to reach my mini targets. I am thankful to Tim, as I now feel better about myself and my fitness levels have soared since I’ve been working with him. I know I still have a long way to go but with Tim’s help I will reach my goal!
SarahI first started seeing Tim almost two years ago, during a particularly flat period in my life. I work freelance in a fairly physically demanding job, but I was beginning to notice a definite slump in my energy levels when I wasn’t working. I decided it was time to bite the bullet, and I joined Fitness First in Derby.
Being a complete gym-novice, however, I can’t say that it did me a great deal of good to start with. I would wander aimlessly around, doing bits and pieces here and there, using the weight machines for whichever bits of me hurt least from the day before, and generally keeling over sideways after five minutes of cardio workout! Then one day, I asked Tim which machine would be best to use for a particular result, and I ended up sitting on the floor with him talking for forty-five minutes.
Personal training wasn’t something I had ever considered, as I had always assumed that it was expensive and ultimately unnecessary. I can’t remember exactly why I agreed to a few sessions with Tim, because I was definitely dead set against the whole idea at first (I think I had nightmares of turning into Vanessa Feltz in a velour pink tracksuit), but, joking aside, I’m glad I did.
I see Tim once a week when I’m in Derby, and most of all he keeps me motivated to keep going to the gym, because I know I’ll be in trouble next time I see him if I don’t! My fitness levels have improved immeasurably, and my standard workout is now a 45min – 1hr cardio session, with weights work once a week with Tim – a far cry from having to drag myself back to the changing rooms on my hands and knees after three minutes on a cross trainer!
I would recommend personal training to anyone wanting to gain fitness and/or confidence, and with Tim you get a personal trainer in the truest sense of the term.
Mike - Nottingham
For most of my life I had not needed to be too concerned about my fitness or weight but as I approached 62 I had become aware that my level of fitness could be better and my weight was starting to increase. Some friends had experienced real improvements through working with a Personal Trainer, so I decided to give it a try. I found Tim’s website, contacted him and he responded very promptly, talking me through what he could offer.
I have now been training with him for 5 months and have seen some real benefits to my health, as well as feeling fitter and stronger. He advised me on diet too and I have lost 12 lbs in weight, my blood pressure has reduced, my cholesterol is down and the control of my diabetes (I am a type 1 diabetic) has improved. I have never really enjoyed working out but Tim’s sessions are both fun and tailored to me needs. He’s made me realise how important fitness is and how it helps in all areas of life, including mental wellbeing.
I would recommend Tim Wooldridge as a personal trainer to anyone wanting to improve their fitness, stamina and general wellbeing. Not only is he an excellent trainer, he's an all round great guy who never stops talking!'
Thanks a lot for your advice and support.