Now that the dust has settled, it's time for some context. Although my last training cycle was a 12-week transformation, in reality, it wasn't. I pride myself on transparency, honesty, and professionalism, as it is integral to my business. I intend to be all of those things with this blog.
I first stepped into a gym accompanied by friends during my late teens, not knowing or having a clue what I was doing in the slightest. During university, I used the gym sporadically, with no guidance or help, but did regular cardio sessions as this felt familiar and safe. The treadmills and bikes had televisions in, so watching 'Homes Under The Hammer' was enough for me.
In 2014, I truly began my journey and started working with Nick Screeton of LEP Fitness, a personal trainer who introduced me to weight/resistance training. I instantly fell in love and fully believed I would look like Arnold Schwarzenegger within six months. Alas, this was not to be.
I remember thinking, how was this not possible? All I had read, all I had grown up with, centred on short-term fixes, instant gratifications, and little effort for huge gains. Had the magazines and media lied to me?
I have learnt over the years that if you're starting with a blank canvas, the picture takes years to paint. I've consistently, during this time, re-evaluated my short, medium and long term goals. I've chopped, changed, and experimented with different training and found an absolute love for exercise that I have now turned into a career.
During this time, I've walked out of jobs, ended relationships, but training has been one saving grace throughout it all. It's given me passion and purpose, as well as frustration and solace. As an only child, training by myself, doing something for me, has always seemed incredibly natural. Some have understood, but some have not and never will.
Since qualifying, I've worked closely with Mick Blythe of Performance 100, who has become a mentor, coach and friend. My CPD (continued professional development) has been integral to my career, opening me to new opportunities to further me physically and mentally. Some have worked, some haven't, and that's fine. But with my latest training cycle, everything has come together and made sense.
For you reading this post, the main takeaway that I want you to know is that it takes time. An undergraduate degree takes three years, saving for a house takes time, and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is still a bloody building site and has been since 1882.
With all that said, have patience. I don't want and will not be known as someone who overpromises to you and underdelivers. I'm proud of all my photos, from the start to the present day. The journey is the best bit, and where it takes me next is yet to be seen.
But, I had to start. That's called action.
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