GYM MEMBER OF THE MONTH: Michael Chandler
How long have you been a member of Avenue Tennis?
4 ½ Years I believe.
Tell us about your experience with your Personal Trainer and your Wellness journey so far.
Before joining Avenue Tennis, I tried various other gyms but always went and then lost interest. So when I joined Avenue Tennis, it was more about just getting a bit fitter and trying to lose some weight. I believe the thing that kick-started my real fitness journey was the 'Quick to Fit' programme, which was both appealing financially and suited what I had been looking for (but didn't know it at the time). During these sessions, I started to enjoy going to the gym and no longer felt it was something I "had to do"; now, it was something I "wanted to do".
I then signed up for 1 to 1 personal training sessions with Jake, who I felt understood what I wanted to achieve and how I could realistically achieve it by offering support, guidance, and confidence in me. Unfortunately, two lockdowns, a bout of Covid and some food poisoning seemed to get in the way, so at times felt like it was two steps forward and one step backwards, but I continued to persevere.
What is your next step here at Avenue Tennis?
I will continue with the personal training sessions as whilst I'm training the same muscle groups regularly, the different exercises and techniques keep it interesting and challenging. My goal is to reduce my weight further and improve my overall fitness levels; it might even help me reduce my golf handicap!
Personal Trainer Jake Duffield:
Michael started 1-2-1 training with me just before Covid struct, which sadly didn't give us time to make the needed changes. As a result, we faced many challenges as the world tried to figure out how to adapt to Covid. However, determination and providing the right support/guidance at the right time finally got Michael back on track, ready to hit those desired goals.
I introduce Michael to many forms of training to challenge him physically and mentally to build his confidence and understanding of how/what we must do to achieve goals. We planned in advance with personal training sessions alongside a tailored fitness plan that fitted realistically into Michael's day-to-day commitments. Michaels's efforts soon became noticeable, with Michael's performance/ability improving within the gym and his hobby 'golf' away from the gym.
I also introduced boxing into the mix, which Michael enjoyed and helped towards his weight loss/body condition goals. Once I guided Michael with his daily eating habits and made things clear about what to eat and the nutrients that he needed to intake regular, there was a real impact on Michaels's results. Currently, Michaels has gained 5 kg in muscle mass, lost 7% in body fat, reduced visceral fat, increased metabolic rate and reduced metabolic age by a whopping 12 years.
I have lots of time for Michael, who always shows 100% in his training and is very committed to making sure that he attends his sessions and uses all the other services which come with his membership. We have also gained a great friendship in a short time, which is why I'm proud that Michael has achieved our member of the month.
Great effort; let's keep going!!
