A Preston woman has lost over six stone in 18 months thanks to a local personal training gym which is transforming how people in the local area approach their health and fitness regime.

Here, Isobel Grieve, who started training with personal trainer, Ally Higham in 2020, shares her success story.

“I first met Ally, a personal trainer with Pro-Fit, three years ago and she is the best thing that ever happened to me! I’m six stone lighter, healthier and happier than I’ve ever been. I’d had a tough couple of years being unwell and needed a PT who understood my body and the flexibility I might need, it very quickly became clear that Ally absolutely did and I quickly started to see results.

“I started to train with Pro-Fit as I wanted to lose weight – I was working long hours, not moving enough, socialising too with food and drink and got into bad habits. I also needed a training regime that would allow me to see results, but also not aggravate my endometriosis as I had found it could really limit what I can do.

“I felt by working with a personal trainer I would be a lot more accountable than going it alone at the gym. But just two weeks after starting we were thrown into lockdown so the emphasis was even more on me, however Ally was there every step of the way – she did two or three classes a day to ensure I stayed active and supported me through the lockdown period on the phone whenever I needed her as well. We really focused on strength training as this is what my body responded well to, with a quick cardio finisher at the end.

“I have lost a total of 6 stone and it took me just 18 months to get to my final goal – I couldn’t be happier. But I haven’t stopped there.

“It’s a lot more than just the number on the scale. I have gained muscle, lost fat and can achieve so much in the gym – things I never thought I would. I have managed to achieve a 80kg deadlift, I’ve mastered full press ups and now I am working towards my first pull up!

“Looking back at where I started, I can’t believe the progress. I look at others around me in the gym who are slimmer and fitter and can’t believe I am keeping up with them in classes but I absolutely love it, it is a huge part of my life now and that will remain.

“Since Pro-Fit opened it’s first gym in Preston my training has really stepped up a gear. I am getting married this Summer and I aim to train five times a week to keep on track for feeling fit and confident in my wedding dress. I still attend personal training sessions with Ally but also team training classes which are group sessions with a mix of cardio and strength training – they really push my fitness even further.

“I have found all of the trainers so supportive – they are truly like a family who give you 1:2:1 advice during classes and sessions and they have a true interest in you and your life, not just what you can achieve in a gym. 

“Nobody there is judged, we are celebrated for achieving what is important to us no matter how big or small. I would honestly feel lost without it as it gives me structure and allows me to keep focused on all goals in life, not just fitness ones but also work and personal goals.

“I would recommend the gym to anyone – no matter your fitness background or what your goals are – whether it be weight loss, improving fitness, becoming stronger, entering fitness competitions – it’s one big community working together.”

For more information on Pro-Fit and to find out more about its 28 Day Challenge visit the Pro-Fit website.

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