- 29th May 2017
- By Matthew Fever
Returning back to the gym after a baby can be a challenging time. Lucy decided to start again in September of last year after the birth of her first child, only this time she is on a new path! Here is Lucy’s testimonial.
“After my six week post caesarean check up, my consultant told me I was able to start exercising again. This was welcome news to me as I did not recognise my body when I looked in the mirror anymore! I had also lost a lot of core strength from the surgery which I knew I had to regain as soon as possible, but I had no clue where to start…
I was recommended Matt Fever as a Personal Trainer due to his knowledge on post pregnancy training. After our initial consultation I already felt motivated and that the challenge to achieve my fitness goal was in sight!
The most beneficial lesson Matt has taught me is the difference between ‘exercising’ and ‘training’. Before my pregnancy I used to attend the gym and honestly just go through the motions. 30 minutes on the treadmill one day and then perhaps 30 minutes on the rowing machine the next time. It was really a case of whatever piece of equipment caught my eye on that particular day. My time in the gym had no structure and although I was ‘exercising’, I saw little difference in my fitness levels.
Matt has instilled the importance of tracking my time in the gym and to take a training approach. I now have a purpose on each piece of equipment whether it be to cover a set distance in a certain time frame or to lift a target weight. Before I even set foot in the gym, I now know what I want to achieve and what target I want to beat.
Matt has also introduced me to the weights room which is something I had never tried before, somehow it’s always felt like that part of the gym was not applicable to me. From initially using my own body weight to train (as my abdominal muscles healed) I am now able to squat, deadlift and press substantial weights which, along with the cardio, has completely changed my body shape. I am now stronger and fitter than I have ever been in my life! Matt’s knowledge and guidance has been essential as he is able to strike the balance of pushing my abilities with the right type of exercises but at the same time recognising what my body has been through with my pregnancy and caesarean. This has ensured I make progress without causing any set backs to my recovery.
Matt’s training and support has had a huge impact on me. I have more energy, I sleep better and I feel substantially more motivated. Having a personal trainer has given me the knowledge to utilise the gym and get the very best from it. I have been taught how to safely and correctly use the equipment and how to track and monitor my progress. The hard work really pays off especially when those skinny jeans fitted me again!”
Lucy has done amazing with her comeback to the gym. There are no short cuts when it comes to fitness, she has certainly taken on board everything that we have discussed in our sessions and the rest has been all of her own hard work and determination. Well done Lucy!