Before I started I was overweight, weak and very self conscious. I was concerned about being unable to do the exercises as I lack co-ordination and had never lifted weights before. I was also nervous that the gym would be full of posers and that I’d feel really uncomfortable and out of place.

I was very nervous at my first session but the coach and the members at the session were all very kind to me. Everyone was very encouraging and all of the exercises were adapted for me. Over time, being in the gym has become a lot more natural and I understand the exercises.

I had never done anything like this before and really struggled with posture at first but now I can deadlift with a straight back and perform other complex movements. I try exercises I never would have attempted when I joined less than a year ago. 

I have lost over 2.5 stones in weight in a matter of months and I'm so much stronger performing day to day activities.

The thing I love most about coming to Five Gates is the community. We enjoy working out together and work hard while having a giggle.

I was bored of my previous gym and was feeling like I was stuck in a rut of the same workouts not seeing any progress. I was looking for something fresh to challenge me and motivate me. Five Gates had been recommended to me by a trainer I liked at another gym, so I thought I'd give it a try.

From the day I started at Five Gates I was hooked. I was warmly welcomed by the coaches who showed me the ropes. The other members were really friendly so even though it was a small group and it was my first time I didn’t feel intimidated and instead felt I had stumbled across a hidden gem!

My fitness has never been better and I have tried so many new things I never considered I would be able to do, or enjoy. The coaches are all brilliant,  supportive and very knowledgeable. Five Gates is now firmly a part of my routine and my lifestyle. I can see the impact on all areas of my life.

Every time I book a class I look forward to a friendly welcome from the coaches, a challenging workout with the feel good highs but also the camaraderie of training with a great bunch of members. I’ve made a brilliant group of new friends so arriving at Five Gates never feels like an effort. It’s more about going to hang out with great people whilst getting healthier and stronger.

I thought I was relatively fit - I wasn't!

I’d never done any sort of group training at a gym, I had it in my head that group classes were for women only and were not going to be right for me.

I loved it straight away and found I’d pushed myself miles more than when I was going to the gym on my own. I worked body parts of I’d never bothered with before and noticed a rapid change to my physique.

I’m considerably fitter than I have been since I was 20. As I have seen progress, I have started using the support from the coaches to eat a healthier and more balanced diet which has sped up my transformation.

I love that I have found a way I can clear my head, as every session you are pushed both by the trainer but also the others in your group. There are no distractions and you don’t have time to think of anything else unlike when going to a regular gym on your own.

I leave feeling energised and ready to get on with my day at work or running around after the kids.