What Was Your Situation Like Before We Worked Together?
In the second lockdown, after the gyms had closed, I was no longer able to swim and for a time I met once a week with a personal trainer. So all that was lost and other than walking I was doing very little exercise.
Did you have any reservations?
No
What improvements in your health have you noticed?
I hadn’t realized how easily out of breath I could get, so this has helped. Also my shoulders were very stiff and stretching, etc. has really helped.
What is it like working with me?
I have really enjoyed this. I like that is half an hour and Ian is very clear and attentive.
Do you have any other comments?
This has been a good experience – helping me get into a better routine. I have also done some of the exercises on days we are not meeting – Many are easy to remember and with the minimum of equipment needed, so when I have missed a session, I have tried to replicate it the next day. So thanks for helping me get moving again!
Debbie
My shoulders feel more relaxed, more fluid. My hips don’t ache so much, so I sleep better on the days I exercise with Ian. I like the format of the exercises, with regular warm ups and cool down, but with the central exercises different in each class.
Chris
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| Questionnaire 1.What was your situation like before we worked together? Reasonably fit but needing more exercises than just walking to increase muscle strength. 2. Did you have any reservations? None 3.What improvements in your health have you noticed? Definitely fitter and stronger overall than three months ago. 4.What is it like working with me? It was great having a regular Friday session and I really appreciated it during the lock down. The sessions were well planned with just the right timing and manageable level of intensity which gradually increased over the weeks. 5. Do you have any other comments? I found the on line suited me and would be interested to carry on after the summer on a fee paying basis. Ursula Murray |
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Questionnaire
What was your situation like before we worked together?
Extremely unfit!
Did you have any reservations?
No.
What improvements in your health have you noticed?
I haven’t done enough classes to make any difference yet.
What is it like working with me?
It’s great. I really appreciate the pace and level that you work at. It’s gentle enough to be just about manageable for me, and also challenging enough so I can feel I’m working a whole range of muscles unused to being exercised. It’s also aerobic and increases heart rate. I like the way you vary the exercises and mix them up them so it’s not just a set routine, and also like the way there is also some fixed routine as well, and that you also ensure we do warm up and warm down. I like the way you encourage us and ensure we have water. I think if I was to do the sessions over the longer term my strength and fitness level would improve.
Do you have any other comments?
Thanks so much for the sharing these free sessions. Wish I’d signed up sooner for them.
Pippa Gladhill
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During the first weeks of the lockdown I was getting stiff due the lack of activities and motivation. The mobility in my shoulders and hips has improved without causing any pain or discomfort. My energy level has going up, improving my mood. Ian’s classes are easy to follow with clear instructions, ensuring we are working safe and relaxed at a good pace. The class’ structure is excellent with warm up and stretching. I will recommend Ian’s classes to everyone at any age, he is professional and makes you feel relaxed. I feel so good after his online classes every week.
Jacqueline
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Questionnaire
1.What was your situation like before we worked together?
* Looking for other exercise to do in lockdown in addition to walking.
2. Did you have any reservations?
* None
3.What improvements in your health have you noticed?
* Stiffness in my back & shoulders, caused by arthritis, greatly reduced.
4.What is it like working with me?
A pleasure. Especially liked virtual sessions; very convenient; & enjoyed the gradual increase in difficulty.
Gillian Dow
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At the beginning my balance was poor and I had weakness in my legs and I wasn’t able to walk any distance. I wasn’t sure if the work would be helpful.
After working with Ian I have more stamina, my legs are stronger and my balance has improved. I find that Ian is very thorough with good preparation. He is patient and considerate. It has been a good experience.
Nick Ingles
“Before I started I felt that my stamina was at a low ebb and that my muscles were weak. Exhaustion would set in after very short bouts of activity.
I was also worried that I would not be able to keep up and improve.
I now notice that I feel much more invigorated and my whole body and network of muscles are much more elastic and less stiff than before we began.
It’s a complete pleasure to work with you especially as you are sympathetic and understanding about my limitations”.
Ann Syz
“About 2 years ago I had a hip replacement (revision) on my left and a knee replacement on the right. This meant being dependent on a crutch when out and about and rather limited ability on my feet.
As a “non sporty” person for most of my life, engaged in sedentary pursuit both at work and leisure, I had misgivings about doing any form of exercise. However with your encouragement, I found I could also do the exercises, which gave me some satisfaction and sense of achievement.
Without a doubt my general well-being has improved quite a bit – fewer aches and pains; above all, my walking has improved tremendously – have dispensed with the crutch for a stick, and even then only use it (carry it) in bustling places. Feel confident enough to venture on my own to the Centre of London, which is a big step for me.
Have had no problems working with you – in fact, felt quite comfortable and at ease with your measured guidance and selective exercises. I would have no hesitation in recommending you for your expert guidance and professionalism.”
Lydia Linford
There have been improvements in my stamina and strength. It has been good to walk with someone who sets a challenging pace and I now walk more frequently on my own – usually at a better pace than normally.
Ian is very encouraging, working at a pace that is well judged for the individual. He is knowledgable about exercise and includes variety that is tailored to individual’s capabilities and is gently progressive. His walks are well planned, varied and follow interesting routes in the locality. Roger Brown
“Ian’s walking and stretching exercise sessions have increased my stamina, balance and flexibility. Ian’s approach is knowledgeable, caring and encouraging. His walking routes and exercises are varied and always interesting and well planned.
Before I joined Ian’s walking group I had tried other exercise classes for over 50’s and benefited from the exercise but I find Ian’s walking and exercise programs in the open air, observing the changing seasons and wildlife are benefiting and uplifting.
I would happily recommend Ian’s exercise sessions as an effective and enjoyable way to improve fitness and wellbeing for the over 50’s age group”.
Maureen Brown
“I knew that Ian would not be a tyrant but neither was he a walkover – he knew just how far to push and was very encouraging. The mix of exercises in the home together with outside walking worked well for me and I enjoyed the time we spent together as I felt it was tailored to my needs and abilities and that I was really benefiting.” Deirdre Howard Williams.
At the beginning I lacked energy and motivation and I felt that the training wouldn’t be right for me. I soon began to notice that I had more energy and I developed a more positive outlook. It was a pleasure to work with Ian and I always felt looked after. Terry Slater
I felt that although I was still reasonably fit I needed to do more exercises to maintain my fitness. I had no reservations in working with Ian. My walking posture improved so that I gained more from walking. I found it very enjoyable.
Adrian Skrebowski
I wanted to get fit and I had a back and shoulder problem and Ian suggested some exercises that would help. It is very good working with Ian. He is always organised with a plan worked out for me. He is very patient and gets me to work hard and consistently.” Pete Barnett
“You’re very good, knowledgeable, calm and patient. You are very interested in people as individuals, you tailor work to individual needs and you work holistically. It is varied, interesting and incrementally more difficult to increase one’s stamina.” Julia Soper
My muscles were more flexible after working with Ian. He is very easy going, friendly and very responsive towards one’s problems. Roy Beaumont
I am stronger and it has inspired me to walk more on my own. You are very encouraging with the ability to adapt to individual needs. I really enjoy the sessions with you. Marion Hunter
I gradually gained more energy and enjoyed physical activities a lot more; I was able to fit into my clothes comfortably. Shopping for new clothes even became a pleasurable experience. Ian was very sympathetic to my needs and abilities, very encouraging and was definitely on the right track. Sandy
Whilst we were working together I noticed an improvement in my flexibility and strength. Working with you was a pleasure, Ian, and I was sorry that I was unable to continue. I felt totally comfortable with you – you were respectful at all times, you seemed very knowledgeable and I trusted that I was progressing at a pace that was right for me, importantly you varied the routines and exercises so that it never became boring. 61 years old Woman Alexandra Palace
Your motivation and enthusiasm about the benefits of walking and other forms of exercise has been inspirational. It motivated me to change my lifestyle by being positive about the form of exercise I carry out daily. Maggie Watters
I felt that I needed to get fitter, my back and shoulders felt very tight. Overall I felt much more flexible and my posture greatly improved. I generally felt much healthier and more aware of what I should be doing to improve things. It was very enjoyable working with Ian and I felt ten years younger. Elma Skrebowski
I was suffering from a lot of pain in my knee and I was wondering how I was going to make the time to do something about it. At the end I was less stiff generally and the pain in my knee had lessened. The lump that I had behind my knee diminished and so generally I was pleased I had participated.
Mia Beaumont