What people are saying

“I’ve attended various different exercise classes in the past but usually give up after a month.

Due to knee pain I’ve avoided getting up and down from the floor but since starting weight training (having never lift a weight before in my life!) I have less knee pain and can get up and down from the floor confidently.

I feel generally fitter and happier in myself and I am finding my clothes much easier to do up and my waist definitely looks more toned!

Training in a small group has been beneficial to me as Polly is able to advise and offer support regarding technique.  Working in a small group we are able to encourage and support each other. Polly adapts the exercise to my ability and advises how to adapt each exercise if I have an injury or weak point.

I would definitely encourage anyone to consider semi private personal training as it boosts confidence and fitness.  Polly also makes the classes fun and varied the exercises so none of them feel repetitive.  I look forward to my class on Monday afternoon and always feel so much better psychologically and physically after my session.”

Lisa.

58 year old retired nurse

“I’m a 66 year old, semi-retired, fairly active woman. I spend a lot of time with my currently three pre-school age grandchildren, something I would like to continue for as long as possible. 

During the pandemic I began a twice weekly online mobility and strength class, and more recently re-started my gym membership.  The range of exercise is great but there is little opportunity for feedback on how I am doing, how to develop and how to improve without incurring injury.  

Since badly tearing ligaments in my shoulder, getting the balance between strengthening muscles and causing further damage has been quite challenging. When I have tried this independently, I have invariably hurt something leading to real discomfort and a total break in exercising for a few weeks. All very frustrating. 

I joined Polly last year and it was just what I needed!

The size of the class means Polly is able to give each person individual attention and to be mindful of our specific injuries and needs. I feel more confident to push a little further each week, and so far, remain injury free. Polly has created an environment in which exercising with others is both motivating and fun. 

I leave every class feeling more mobile and energised, with worked muscles but a spring in my step as I walk home. I always look forward to the next class!”

“My name is Ruth and I come with my husband. 

Before I started with Polly I had dipped in and out of various fitness classes but not stuck with any of them.

Since starting with Polly my flexibility and strength have improved and I have become much more aware of my fitness and how I want to improve it. I have become more conscious of what I eat and try to make healthier choices.

Training in a small group has been a confidence booster and fun. Polly takes her time to show you all the exercises and has lots of patience!

Polly will offer you lots of support in the class and via Facebook with tips and extra exercises. There is also the chance to have extra sessions if there is space.

I would recommend anyone to have a trial with Polly, we really enjoy our group. It is a safe judgement free space and we’re getting fitter–bonus!”

Ruth.

Retired teacher, 60s

“I have always been a reluctant participant in organised exercise. Those scars of being the last to be picked for teams in school have a long history!  Prior to working with Polly I was someone who was always full of good intentions to exercise but would either talk myself out of an activity or try a class and find a reason not to return.  I found group exercise very stressful  and feeling like the ‘fat uncoordinated one’ did not help with self-esteem or resilience.

I decided to give Polly a go because I have reached an age, and stage (menopausal) in my life where I knew I had to do *something* or I would be looking at an unhealthy and difficult future.  I had also undergone gastric bypass surgery in 2019, and having lost 6 stones in weight I knew that there was now no excuse to not investigate exercise.

I feel truly blessed to have found Polly. I have been impressed right from the start by her kind and encouraging approach. I had a try out at the start of August 2023 and I am still attending now! The longest I have maintained any exercise programme since PE at school.

What I enjoy is the small group approach.  I am not trying to hide at the back.  Polly is very thoughtful in her approach to teaching the exercises and routines. The other class members are supportive, friendly and I never thought I would enjoy getting together with a group to exercise but it is genuinely good for the body and the soul.

I am proud that with Polly’s support I have been able build on my core strength and amaze myself every time I lift a weight.  I feel that I am set achievable challenges in class and the 12 week rotation of sessions  means that I can easily see progress.

I haven’t yet lost weight, but I’m not trying particularly to at the moment, that’s my next goal. However, I know that I am stronger, plus the Sciatica I have been experiencing for the last 2 years has almost completely disappeared – I was advised to build on my core strength in order to recover from it.

As the world’s most reluctant exerciser, it is nothing short of a minor miracle that I am still seeing Polly after 12 months, and (whisper) enjoying it!”

Tracy.

54, Special Needs teacher

“I am a  retired 73-year-old former university teacher. 

I had become concerned that my energy levels and stamina were diminishing and that my customary exercise regime of  3 x a week swimming  and  yoga once a week was not addressing this.

I was also concerned about my balance . At first, I accepted this as the inevitable march of time. 

However, the arrival of my granddaughter and a wish to be involved in her life  and support her parents  who live locally made me rethink. 

I was also worried about my husband’s lack of exercise following a heart problem and thought he might be encouraged if we did something together .

3 months later and I know my stamina has improved and generally I feel less tired ( although not directly after one of Polly’s sessions ! )

I have also lost weight ( nearly 3 kgs )  without  particularly watching my diet 

I have become much more conscious of the value of exercise and try to do a little each day 

What’s great about the small group: At best it’s good fun with a like minded non competitive group; at worst you at least get sympathy for taking on exercises that are really hard work 

Polly gives excellent levels of support . I am poorly coordinated and hearing is getting worse ; hearing  instructions is a problem and she always patiently explains / repeats things. She is knowledgeable and can offer comments  on related aspects of fitness training . If you have an old injury she is always concerned that this is not exacerbated 

I don’t like exercise ( except swimming ) and I am not an ‘outdoorsy person ‘ but given the current state of the NHS  I consider it as an important  investment in my future and see myself continuing for some time into the future.”

“My name is Ness and I’m a specialist dietitian in the NHS.

Before I started training with Polly, my weight had been increasing gradually over the previous couple of years which I attributed to the menopause. I’ve hated growing out of my lovely clothes but I was struggling to find the motivation to exercise regularly and felt a bit flabby and unfit.

I’ve been training for less than 3 months but I’ve noticed that my posture is better, I’m stronger in every day life (much easier to lift my heavy saucepans!) and even though I haven’t really lost any weight I feel more toned and the scales have stopped creeping up. 

I feel healthier in myself and that’s just from training as I haven’t changed what I eat, which was already pretty healthy and balanced most of the time. 

I’m feeling better about myself and more confident, and getting my motivation to exercise back. And it’s much easier to drain rice and pasta now I can hold the pan in one hand!

 I like training in a small group and having the extra motivation of other people, it’s helped me push myself harder because I’m a bit competitive though there’s no actual competition between us, it’s the opposite really as it’s a very supportive environment. 

Being in a small group means that you get good attention from Polly so you know your form is good and you’re doing the exercises effectively. She’s also close at hand enough to encourage you to try a heavier weight or the more complex movement so you get the most out of each session. 

The support is great, both from fellow trainers and from Polly. She encourages you to push yourself  to get maximum benefit but doesn’t make you do things you’re really not comfortable with.

If you have an injury or, say, dodgy back Polly can adapt the exercises so you can still train which is great 

It’s also great motivation having something you’ve paid up front for, and it’s a cost effective way of getting many of the benefits of a personal trainer.”

Ness.

Specialist Dietician NHS