"Thanks Stuart we would recommend you every time!!!"

"Having very little knowledge or experience of gyms or how to develop any measure of fitness through exercise - in fact, we were decidedly unfit and unhealthy, we decided that we really needed help. By sheer luck we were appointed an amazing and talented Personal Trainer, Stuart, who has been our keen motivator ever since. Without Stuart and his intuitive coaching it is unlikely that we would have maintained our now frequent attendance at the gym. His patience and understanding of what we need from our sessions has made visiting Fitness First an enjoyable and often amusing experience. He has encouraged us to try new ways to exercise, and push ourselves that bit further. He has been well tested as we have often been hesitant and lacking in confidence, but he has persevered and so our assurance has grown. It is to his credit alone that we our now enthusiastic about exercise, look forward to our coaching sessions and are determined to continue developing to a greater level of fitness - assuming Stuart's nerves can stand it."

"a Competition which absolutely terrified me"

"Four and a half years ago - that's when I joined Fitness First!  Like a lot of people personal traumas had made me look at myself and want to make changes.  I was unfit, overweight (still working on that), lacking self-confidence, low self-esteem and was so unsure of myself that my youngest daughter agreed to work out with me.  We visited the gym, signed the joining papers, and realised that we would need advice on what exercise to do - hence the need for a Personal Trainer.  I was really worried, but needn't have been, Stuart Ford was amazing from the first meeting.  He seemed to sense what we needed to do and ensured that each session was enjoyable, yet demanding.  After a year my interest had increased but, my daughter had decided that she couldn't maintain the commitment.  Now it was me and Stuart.  It was harder as all the focus was on me and the training programmes became more challenging.  The more I tried to duck out of things the harder Stuart worked to keep me going, gradually I could see progress.  I can't imagine how he kept his patience - that's Stuart, he never gives up. He knows what you are capable of and piles on the encouragement, then there's that wonderful moment when you succeed and he smiles - yes, he's right again, you can do it!!
Next came goals.  I agreed to jog the Race for Life in 2007 - a new direction involving jogging round a park with Stuart.  The number of times he's literally pushed me round, but once again I achieved the goal.  Before I caught my breath I had somehow agreed to run the 5km Friday run along the Serpentine in London.  I was beside myself when I completed that task ...who also takes credit? - Stuart!!!  Oh, yes I also ran the 2008 Race for Life, my idea but with Stuart's training and encouragement behind me. Little steps but big progress.
Stuart encouraged me to begin Tai Chi to help cope with the stress I was feeling through work, and in February 2008 he invited me to join his Kung Fu club which I'd been pestering him about for ages, but couldn't join because I hadn't reached the level of fitness needed.   By October 2008 I'd gained my first belt and taken part in a competition which absolutely terrified me, but I came home with a bronze medal and a sense of pride. Thanks for believing in me and giving me the chance, Stuart.
In 2009 I'm taking on new challenges, and particularly enjoy OPT when I get to work out beside Stuart.  He's been an inspiration to me and I can't thank him enough.  He's influenced many parts of my life and has taught me so much about myself, exercise and nutrition.  I feel fitter, toned and more confident, though there's still a long way to go yet.  I've changed my job, my life and nothing gets in the way of my PT and Martial Art sessions.  Once in a lifetime you come across a special person - that's Stuart Ford, MY PERSONAL TRAINER!!!"