SPARTA Fitness & Conditioning

 

Personal Training  In Coventry, Warwickshire  &  Leicestershire

TESTIMONIALS

 

If you're still wondering whether Sparta is right for you, read this sample

of quotes and true-life stories from clients... 

 

Rob is a former Basketball Player, who had lost fitness following a serious ankle injury:

"Hi Craig,
Just a big thankyou for the RKC classes they were fantastic, you've helped motivate me to start the journey back to fitness again! In the 5 weeks we did the classes I have dropped:

10lbs in weight,  4cm from my waist, 3.5 from chest and 2cm from neck - total 9.5cm in 5 weeks!

Pretty good results!! Am looking forward to the sessions and intermediate class, and "Being all that I can be"
 
Kind regards
Rob"

Robert Pleming

 

Nav had a good background of regular training, but was not  developing the body shape and functional fitness that he wanted:

I had always been curious as to what a personal trainer could offer me - how could someone take me to the next level and give me the shape and definition I've always craved?

I was beginning to lose track and felt as I was going into a rut. I gave Craig a call and we arranged a meeting. I was sceptical of what the meeting was going to be about, however, Craig was friendly, and from the first handshake made me feel comfortable. We discussed my goals of training with him and what he could offer to help me achieve them. He discussed what the pattern of the training programme would be, and the commitment I would need to achieve my goals. Still I was unsure, for me this was exploring a new area of fitness and conditioning, but I booked a trial session.

From day one, Craig pushed me to that next level! He took me through the different ways I could change the shape of my body and boost my strength from hard work, rest and nutrition. Step by step, he was there through the pain and drops, reassuring me and giving the motivation to get that extra rep, set or burpee jump.

Craig has shown me the path of taking your body to the brink without pushing you over the edge. I found he never dictated what was right or wrong, he just moulded the programme around you.

In only a few short weeks I’ve seen drastic changes. Craig's taken me to the strongest I've ever been physical and also mentally. The programme has given that new found confidence which I have been able to take into my job and personal life, 

I have never regretted my decision to start training with Craig and I believe he has given me the core elements to continue pushing and take myself to that next level....giving me the value and discipline of a true Spartan!

I thank you Craig for support and guidance through the training programme and I look forward to continue training with yourself.

Navdeep Sihota

 

A committed 'non-exercise', Mandy was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis - a theoretically progressive and degenerative illness. Mandy recently wrote me this e-mail:

"Craig,

It has now been about a year since I was wheeled out of hospital, swollen joints, aching muscles 60% of my skin thickened and hanging off, no diagnosis just a promise of disability benefit and a social services care package.

Not the life for me, I knew that but could'nt see a way forward. I was so worried meeting you at the gym (I hate exercise) the Doctorss had said to learn live with it, but I didn't want to. I was very surprised how intently you listened and how much knowledge you had. I expected you to laugh when I told you what I wanted (remember, I didn't know you then).

My life now is so different than predicted, I've been back at work for 6 months, walking very upright, gaining muscle tone and physical strength by the day.

Just wanted to say, walking into the gym that day to meet you and tell my story not knowing what response I was going to get, and to ask for help is probably one of the most difficult things I have ever done. So glad I did!

Thank you so much, however my illness progresses I will always be grateful to you for helping me learn to live with it, my way.

Mandy"

Mandy Stone

 

Emma is a regular exerciser, but was making little progress and was unhappy with her upper body and core strength:

"I ended up in one of Craig's sessions as a sort of happy accident one evening. The first time I took part I could only manage one full press-up, but I enjoyed the session enough to return the next week. I've been attending the classes ever since and am stronger and fitter than I've ever been: I can now do 80 full press-ups in a minute!"

Dr Emma C

 

Lesley had a history of medical problems, that were having a serious impact on her ability to carry out everyday tasks:

"I am 61 years of age, with High blood pressure, Asthma, and Osteoarthritis in both knees. After a consultation with Craig, a programme was designed for me for immediate and short term priorities. The immediate aim was to build up strength in the muscles to help support my knees. This programme is
reviewed every so often. It has enabled me to use the equipment in the gym more effectively, to get the best results, rather than just "play" at exercising.

I was also given advise on the best diet for osteoarthritis.

My knees are improving, and I have cut the painkillers down by half. I have also reduced my medication down for the Asthma, and my blood pressure is improving. I am also losing weight, which again helps my knees, Asthma and BP.

A friend said to me the other day, that I was walking better. So it is not only me noticing the benefits!

Thanks Craig,

Lesley"

Lesley Farley

 

Simon had been training for several years but his progress had stalled, despite trying various training systems and diets:

"23.4% body fat, 87 Kilos. Not bad for a 44 year old bloke, you might say. I'd agree, except for one thing...I wanted better - less fat and less weight!

Over the last 2 years I'd lost 12 kilos through slow and steady 'traditional' training combining weights and CV, but with little structure and knowldege. Then I hit the plateau: nothing - no change in weight or shape for weeks on end. Heartbreaking...what could I do?

Having seen the Sparta Kettlebell ads in local magazines and at my gym, I rang Craig to see if he could suggest anything, and see if he thought the Kettlebells would work for me. I took his advice, which was well planned and presented, and took the plunge by booking 8 sessions of 1 hour each over a 4 week period.

Having bitten the bullet I threw myself into it! I'm not going to say it was easy, Craig worked me hard but fairly, taking me to my limit on each session but not to the point of wrecklessness. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute of the workouts. Craig's style and delivery was confident and motivating at all times, and I could feel the benefits even when I was struggling.. Craig knew when to push me and when to stop - excellent!

The Result: 4 weeks later I still weighed the same - shock! But then I looked at the new statistics:

Body fat now 17.9% - down 5.5% in 4 weeks. Brilliant!

Fat gone and replaced with muscle. Double brilliant!

Waist down 2 inches and my t-shirts were now tight in the right places. Triple Brilliant!

I can only say that these changes in my body were purely due to the kettlebell sessions and Craig's nutritional advice. Dont wait for ages on the plateau like I did - do it now!
 
Cheers Craig,

Simmo"

Simon T

 

Dawn had tried several different exercise classes, diet systems, and personal trainers before coming to me :

"After joining a new gym I knew I had to do something more to keep me there. I read up on the personal trainers they had at the gym and decided to book a session with Craig and to be honest from that day I have not looked back.

Even on the days when I really feel I can't train I always leave our sessions feeling great and motivated – Craig’s friendly and positive attitude to our training has given me confidence within myself and the belief that I can and will achieve my goals with his help.  Over the past nine months my weight has dropped, I have toned up all over and I am stronger than I ever thought I could be!

Take a look at my before and after photos - this is only a 12 month gap! " <photos to follow>

Dawn Holliday