Mark Raynsford Personal Training - Testimonials

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"I started training with Mark in the lead-up to my wedding. - Ok, so the stuff you really want to know is what difference did it make - real proof - well, being quite a tall girl in my mid 20s, I was about 11 stone-ish which translated into a large size 12, sometimes a 14. I trained with Mark for 20 weeks, (and hitting the gym with programs from Mark), I went down to a size 10, had defined muscles and reduced my body fat by over half - pretty good hey?... He changed the way I work out (actually reduced the amount of time I worked out!) and the way that I ate - I eat pretty much every three hours these days. Through Mark I learnt that my past cardio junkie life style wasn't the right method to lose fat and neither were my various starvation diets. He put me onto a new programme of lifting weights - which I really didn't want to do - and "clean" eating - no calorie counting, no points, just sensible eating with a few rules. Following Mark's advice was a real leap of faith for me - and with a definitive amount of time before my wedding - I didn't want to waste any time. I was very reluctant at first but followed it anyhow and the results were great. It took real hard work on my side, but with the assistance of Mark, my workouts were enjoyable and productive and seeing Mark was certainly the highlight of my week! Each week Mark would change the workout, up the banter and push me to work harder. I'm a real geek and like to know exactly why I am doing something and what benefit it will provide - Mark was like a walking encyclopedia - but an understandable one! The nutrition side was also very important to me and essential to losing the weight. Mark talked to me about the right foods to eat, what to eat less of and what to do without completely. He also advised on supplements for my diet and discussed how my hormones can control your body weight - he identified foods which could counter the thunder thighs effect too - fab.u.lous... Mark is simply lovely - knowledgable, enthusiastic, great banter and became a really good friend. How can you not adore the man who makes you thin? I would highly recommend him to anyone who is attempting to lose weight as he supports you all the way and gives you a kick up the but when you need it. Love him!"

"Training with mark has so inspired me - he has got me motivated and help me achieve my goals. He is good fun to work with and also very knowledgeable about nutrition."

"When I first started sessions with Mark I was less confident and deeply unhappy with my body. There were lumps and bumps everywhere and I hated the way I looked. When I first met Mark he made me feel completely at ease and I left feeling inspired. His eating plan was easy to follow and gorgeous! I never knew you could lose weight and eat all these foods! Combining this with the personalized training programme I started to see results fast, and soon my clothes were hanging off of me! The sessions pay for themselves in the compliments I get. I have never felt so happy with the way I look as I do now and I owe it to mark! Thank you, mark, for giving me the confidence in myself! I've lost over a stone, a nd around 9 inches from my body!"

"Mark is a great PT. Not only does he give you challenging work outs, he manages to be totally friendly and fun with it, and supports it all with fantastic diet and nutrition advice. Can't recommend him enough."

"In the last 4 weeks, I've lost around 6lbs in fat, 1.5" around my waist and 1" from my hips. However its probably really dramatic to say this but it has changed my life! I was suffering from constant headaches and pretty lethargic - after dropping caffeine and wheat i am no longer suffering as many headaches, ive certainly got more energy and no longer bloated!"

"In the last 4 weeks, I have lost 3 inches off waist, 1inch from hips, & 1 inch off thighs. I have learnt so much this last month - not just the obvious stuff on how to shift the pounds but how food can affect evry area of our wellbeing. Physical benefits - obviously the loss of weight, but also skin is clearer & smoother, dandruff disappeared, hair less greasy!! Other benefits - my mood is less erratic, more energy, my mind is sharper & generally happier - and seem to have more time to do stuff with the kids. Life is good!"

"Mark is a fantastic motivator! He actually makes me want to get out of bed in the morning which is no mean feat! Mark has helped me gain a real sense of achievement. I can't thank him enough!"

"I've been training with Mark for over a year now, and when I first went for my initial session, I was very nervous, and didn't plan on booking beyond my initial 5 sessions. Well, that thought went within the initial 10 seconds of meeting Mark, who is easily likeable and very friendly. I think this makes Mark stand out as a trainer; not only do you get someone who is very knowledgeable in his field, and continues to keep up to date with it, but he also is someone with enthusiasm and dedication to improving his clients. During the sessions I feel I can chat about almost anything, and often do!! The best I can say is he'll go out of his way to help you achieve your goals!"

"Okay so you have made the decision that this year is the year to improve your fitness, and are now looking for a personal trainer so here to help you is a summary of what Mark is about. Mark is easy to get along with, knowledgeable with a disposition to take great satisfaction from helping you get what you want. You will find each week a test of what you can do, but to get the most out of each session do not just rely on what Mark has you doing, he is there to offer you encouragement and the exercises, but at then end of the day it is up to you to actually do the work. If you indulge in his ideas and tap into his knowledge you will get the results you want! It does take effort (lots) and honesty (more) on your behalf, but if you want a rewarding experience then Mark should be top of the list! I've now lost over a stone in weight, dropped 10% body fat, and gained a considerable amount of lean muscle."

"Mark was a very positive influence in my battle to tone up after my first son's birth. Without his motivating influence I'd certainly never have stuck to my regime. He's also personable and easy to spend a session with - workouts were tough but kept varied so I always enjoyed them. Highly recommended - you won't regret it."

"I have always been able to run and keep relatively fit, but my real weakness was upper body strength and toning. I called on Mark to help me with this area where I really struggled, lifting weights would make me feel physically sick, therefore I gave up easily! I am no body builder by any stretch of the imagination, but now I can see huge changes in my arm shape and tone and it feels really good to see these results. Mark has taught me how important it is to vary your workouts and not just stick to cardio training. Mark is always good fun and takes my mind of the pain. He varies our routines so I never become bored with our workouts and the hour flys by. My main reason to choose Mark to train me was that he has a real passion for the healthy lifestyle and sport himself. He competes in duathlons and runs races, and this makes a big difference. He is very knowledgeable in healthy eating and training techniqiues. He even cured me of my stitch problems which I had sufferred with for years in running!! A wealth of information! Strange as it may sound, I really look forward to our workouts!!"

"I have been training with Mark since February 2004 following the birth of my 2nd child. He has been a real support in my campaign to regain my fitness levels following childbirth and also during pregnancy. I trained with Mark right up to the week my 3rd child was born, and she was 2 weeks late! Mark always helps me to keep focussed and motivated. Like many people, I have signed up to a number of fruitless gym memberships and a personal trainer was the only answer! I really treasure my sessions with Mark - I can concentrate soley on myself, have a laugh and achieve great results!"

"Since training with Mark, I am now 2 dress sizes smaller, over a stone less in weight and I completed my first 10km run last month (please note the word "first" here….now booked into my second in January!). However, I am still drinking occasional lattes, eating puddings and chocolate now and again (much to Mark's despair!). Mark has to take all the credit for motivating me and making me exercise harder than I have done in years. He also has the ability to take the pain away by making me laugh, which is some feat when I am lying on an exercise ball holding an incredibly heavy weight over my head. Mark has inspired complete devotion to the exercise cause, every training session over the last year has been different so there has been no chance of getting bored. Even on the coldest, darkest evenings after a shocking day at work, I find myself looking forward to being put through my paces whilst being entertained by Mark. I never believed those people who said exercise could be addictive, it isn't the exercise, it is having the right personal trainer - thanks Mark!"

"If someone can make working out good fun then they are doing a great job in my book! Mark makes me laugh during the training sessions and manages to take my mind off the pain I am enduring! He makes each session unique, tailored to my needs and combines a mix of hard work with fun. The results show for themselves - I feel healthier, fitter and generally better about myself, can't imagine what I did without him. Thanks Mark!"

"Mark takes his work seriously; he knows his stuff, and he's professional, but he leavens all he does with a relaxed air that simply puts you at ease. It's a tough business, getting fit and trying to lose weight, Mark monitors and encourages all the way. He changes routines and circuits to keep it interesting, and more than anything, he applies a natural wit and intelligence to everything he does. I train with Mark two to three times a week - if he didn't have these qualities, and if he didn't make it fun, I would very quickly be bored and I'm certainly not that! I can recommend Mark wholeheartedly."

"Mark knows exactly how far to push you to get the maximum benefit from your session without making the time you spend training too horrific! I am really pleased with the results I have achieved in the three months, finally getting to under 11st for the first time in over 2 years! It also helps that he is a thoroughly decent bloke who is really down to earth. I couldn't rate him highly enough - he really knows his stuff"

"I was shocked and happy yesterday when I went shopping and found that clothes I was trying on were in a smaller size! Not only that but I was trying on things I would normally never put on this body! It really made me feel good, and of course I wouldn't have achieved these changes without your guidance so thought it only fair to let you know and say "thanks" for your help!"

"Mark has managed, against all odds, to keep me motivated and even to look forward to the sessions. During the training sessions themselves he has pushed me a lot harder and further than I could have managed myself, but has kept me in good humour throughout. However I don't ever want to see a wobbly balance platform again! I am fitter than I have been in many many years, and I even look forward to going out for a run 2-3 times a week. Many thanks to Mark."

"I credit Mark with re-introducing me to the benefits of regular exercise. I'd made sure and let him know that 'I don't do running' however, Mark armed with ever cheerful and positive personality and varied, fun workouts soon had me managing bursts of road running - in public! Very quickly I achieved the results I wanted and improved my fitness levels and self-motivation and perhaps more importantly my sense of well-being. Thank you Mark."

"I have found Mark to be inspirational in my attempts to regain my fitness levels and to lose weight. He is an excellent motivator. His knowledge and understanding of personal fitness and nutrition is second to none... Each session is well planned and structured according to individual goals and targets. And he is sooooo cute!!!! (Ahem.....unfortunately, exercise has impaired Sharon's vision!!!! - Mark)"

"Back in Jan of this year(2004), my friend and I sat in her kitchen feeling very fat and unfit after the christmas period. We talked about how we could rectify this and decided to try a personal trainer. We were given Marks number, so before we changed our minds, we rang him to arrange an assessment. Mark came along to my house and spent 2 hours pulling and pushing, measuring, and weighing us! After which we arranged our first session!! We arrived at the gym, to find Mark had compiled a plan to suit both of us. I have some disabilities which Mark took into account, and slowly but surely we began our journey to fitness. We are now 6 months along that journey, and the things we have achieved are amazing. Even with my disabilities, Mark has me running, rowing, cycling and weight lifting. The running in particular is something I NEVER thought I could do! Mark has made every session, both fun and interesting...so come on don't just think about it, do like we did and make the call....you wont regret it!!!!"

"I had always lacked the motivation to exercise and as a result was very unfit and out of shape. After only 12 hour-long sessions with Mark, I cannot believe the difference that regular exercise has made. I have progressed from being able to run for less than a minute to completing a 5km charity run in a respectable 32 minutes. Thanks to Mark, I actually enjoy exercising now, which after disliking it for 37 years is quite an achievement! I am now more toned, fitter and have a lot more energy. Mark is friendly, sociable and encouraging. He makes each session interesting and varied - walking, running, boxing, weights etc. I am looking forward to continuing training with Mark, my next goal being a 10km run."

"Mark is fun to work with & always comes up with varied & interesting workouts that provide a challenge. He got me in great shape for my wedding in just three months, making a huge difference to my fitness along the way. I can do things now (including full press-ups), that I never thought I would be able to do. I've also just completed a 5k run (admittedly I didn't run the whole thing !), but when I first met Mark I was adamant that the one thing he would never get me doing was running. It hasn't been easy - there have been plenty of aches & pains along the way, but it has been much more enjoyable (& the results better) than working out on my own in the gym."

"My sessions with Mark are very tough, and he really gets me working hard! However, at the end of each session I feel so much better, and have a sense of real achievement. Mark is both very friendly, and extremely knowledgeable - combining the two to ensure the workouts are always enjoyable! I would recommend Mark to anyone that does not have the determination to reach their fitness goals by themselves."

"With summer approaching, like a lot of people, I felt it was time to shed a few pounds for my summer holiday. I was introduced to Mark as someone who was very enthusiastic and aware of peoples differing capabilities. Mark set out a personal programme for me which changed every few sessions, introducing new and different exercises to work on those "problem areas" but keeping up my general level of fitness in a fun and exciting way which kept my interest going. Mark is a very sociable person and was always willing to have a good chat while I was pacing away on a run or between exercises when I needed a break! I thoroughly enjoyed my training with Mark as he made me feel I was capable of a lot more than I thought I was."

"My husband and I needed to get into shape for our wedding this past summer. Mark was brilliant at getting us both motivated as we were both in pretty bad condition having done little exercise for some time. He took an overall view of our lives and helped us find ways to change any unhealthy lifestyle habits - without too much pain and misery! We found Mark to be sympathetic to our needs, not too demanding and very approachable. We achieved great results which is why we would recommend him to anyone looking for a good personal trainer."

"I have been very impressed with the quality of service provided by Mark. Every workout has been made unique, to fit in with the type of things I enjoy. They are are always good fun.......not often that you can say that about a work out! Mark is extremely approachable and very friendly. Anyone who can help me drop a dress size over the last few months must be a miracle worker!"

"After having my baby, Mark has given me the motivation to get back into shape! He has helped me lose weight with enjoyable sessions and nutritional information - Thankyou!"