Testimonial | BedrockPT

Testimonials

Client: Female, 30 years old.

Training goal: To gain strength, reduce weight, improve body composition and gain confidence within herself and within the gym.

Programme: Strength and conditioning training with advice and guidance around nutrition.

Client is still currently training

I have never been happy with my body, even from a young age, I'd get bullied by family and peers for being fat, which caused a lot of issues for me. It caused me to have such a bad relationship with food, from not wanting to eat to going a full day without eating. I've tried going the gym by myself, with partners and with previous PTs but I never felt like it was working for me. I then went on to trying everything from diets such as keto/ no carbs, vegan and so on.. weight loss groups and even diet pills... Nothing was working.

11 months ago, I had my first child, I had a very traumatic birth, which included an emergency c-section, infections and then pain in which I needed physio for, for a few months. I was struggling to get up off the floor, holding my baby for a long period of time, getting up the stairs and walking for more than 15 minutes without becoming tired and/or out of breath. I was at an all-time low, I became very depressed as I felt I was letting my daughter down, I felt like I couldn't be a good mother with the state I was in. So once I completed my post-partum physio I knew it was time to sort myself out for good this time.

At this point in my life I'm 30yo, weighing 13st12, a size 16 to 18, no confidence feeling ashamed of myself. My stomach was measuring at 46 inches.

I found going to the gym really daunting, overwhelming and just made me feel extremely anxious and I was really self-conscious! I remember walking into the gym, and I just stood there by the door for about 5 minutes thinking 'what do I do, where do I start' and I had been the gym before but I just froze. So I decided to be brave and go ask for some help. That's when I found Stephen, I initially only approached him for a guide on equipment and what would help me most on a day-to-day basis. He spent the best part of an hour getting to know me and not only showing me the equipment but guiding me on how to use it for what I wanted to achieve. Definitely, above and beyond what I imagined from previous experiences.

I told Stephen my story (from above) and that my aim at that point was simply to be able to just go about my day to day without struggling, lose fat and get stronger, he gave me his details with no pressure to sign up or anything. Before signing up I'd be in the gym doing all the things he suggested, when he seen me in the gym it was like I had my own cheer leader. Cheering me on for getting in, coming over, chatting and helping me with whatever I was doing at that time giving me advice and guidance. It was at that point I thought I'll sign up and see how it goes, and it has honestly been the best decision I've made!

The encouragement alone is amazing, you walk in and he's raring to go, double checking I'm fit and well both physically and mentally, which I find very reassuring. Each session leaves me feeling strong and strangely empowered. I've become the type of person I never thought I'd be. A gym lover, my goals have changed dramatically within the three months I've been working with Stephen. From just wanting to be able to walk without feeling drained to wanting to run and lift heavier weights and reaching bigger goals.

I'm the 3 months I have noticed a lot of changes, I have lost weight, gained a lot of strength in my legs and arms (I was ridiculously week to the point my 7lb baby was heavy and now she's 10kg and getting thrown about everywhere playfully of course). My body shape has changed dramatically from losing fat and becoming toned and in general just feeling really good and a lot more confident. I've gone from lifting 1 and 2kg weights to 8 to 12kg and 82kg Deadlifts. My relationship with food has improved as Stephen has helped me with the nutrition side teaching that food is not the enemy. And most importantly my anxiety has reduced significantly!

Stephens coaching style, I've found to be really helpful for me as he encourages me to take responsibility/ accountability of my own actions, he takes your entire life into consideration not just you gym life and goals and any stresses, what your job is etc. He helped me learn how to listen to and understand my body in what it needs and what is best for it. And if I ever need help outside of a session whether it’s about food or the gym or any random fitness related question, he is there which is so reassuring, it shows that he really does care about you and his job.

Working with Stephen these last 3 months has been great, I never thought I'd be lifting the weights I am, eating the amount of food I am without feeling fat and guilty, having the confidence to wear smaller, tighter fitting clothes and loving the gym. I'd definitely recommend anyone to work with Stephen whatever their goals are, you can tell he puts a lot of effort into the sessions, and he enjoys seeing people hitting targets and doing well.

I am now 11st 8 with a 41 inch stomach

Client: Male, 29 years old.

Training goal: To reduce weight for a special event and become fitter and stronger.

Programme: Strength and conditioning training with advice and guidance around nutrition with bespoke solo training programme.

Results after three months of training, undertaking one/two PT sessions a week/ while training 3 to 4 times solo with bespoke training programme.

Start

Weight: 116kg

Finish/current

Weight: 96kg

Total loss of 20kg / 44lbs / 3st 1lbs

Before starting training with you, my major concern was weight loss and getting my nutrition right. I struggled with sleep issues, often getting only about six hours of sleep due to sleep apnoea. This led to heavy breathing, low energy, and a feeling of constant laziness. I lacked motivation and confidence, and I found myself relying on energy drinks just to get through the day, which wasn’t sustainable. I knew I needed to make a change, but I didn’t know how to address all of these issues at once.

In the past three months, I’ve lost 20kg, surpassing my target weight loss. I feel much more energetic, confident, and overall healthier. After just a week of training with you, I was able to sleep 8-9 hours a night, and my sleep apnoea completely disappeared. I can run faster and for longer durations without feeling exhausted. I’m now able to fit into clothes I wore 10 years ago, which is a huge boost to my confidence. My mind feels much clearer and more active, and I no longer rely on energy drinks to get through the day. I’ve also noticed strength gains. I’m lifting heavier weights than I ever thought possible. Beyond physical changes, the training has had positive mental effects as well. I feel more confident about myself, and your consistent feedback on my progress, strengths, and areas for improvement each week has kept me motivated and driven. Every session has been different and challenging, which kept things exciting and helped me improve continuously. Additionally, my skin has improved, which is a nice bonus!

Your encouragement and motivation was a huge factor in me staying consistent and committed throughout the process. From the start, you made sure I understood the reason behind each workout and how it would contribute to my goals, which made me more committed. You were always positive and supportive, even when things got tough, and you celebrated my small wins, which kept me motivated. Knowing that you believed in me and my progress, even when I didn’t always feel it, made me push harder.

The atmosphere during our training sessions is always positive, focused, and motivating. You create an environment where I feel comfortable pushing myself, knowing I’m supported and challenged in the right way. Your coaching style is a perfect mix of professionalism and you’re tough when needed, but you also know when to adjust the intensity based on how I’m feeling. You make sure to explain each exercise clearly, correcting my form and encouraging me to give my best effort, all while keeping things fun and engaging. Outside of training, your communication is excellent. You always check in on my progress, offer advice on nutrition and recovery, and keep me informed about any changes or adjustments in the plan. I really appreciate how approachable you are and how available you make yourself for questions or concerns, whether it’s after a session or through messages. You’ve built a great rapport with me, which makes a big difference in how I stay committed.

My overall experience working with you has been nothing short of transformational. From the very first session, I felt supported, challenged, and motivated to achieve my goals. You’ve helped me not only make significant physical progress but also improve my mental focus, energy levels, and confidence. Every training session was tailored to my needs, and you consistently pushed me to become better, while making sure I felt comfortable and safe. Your ongoing support, encouragement, and commitment to my success have made all the difference. I’m in the best shape I’ve been in years. I truly appreciate the personalised approach and the positive impact you’ve had on my life.

I would absolutely recommend you to anyone seeking a personal trainer. Your approach is tailored and you know exactly how to motivate and challenge your clients while keeping things fun and engaging. You’ve helped me achieve results I didn’t think were possible, from weight loss to improved strength and mental clarity. Beyond physical progress, your ability to provide support, keep me accountable, and make adjustments as needed has been invaluable. Whether someone is just starting their fitness journey or looking to push their limits, your knowledge, professionalism, and positive attitude make you an outstanding trainer. I’m confident anyone would benefit from working with you.

Client: Male, 43 years old.

Training goal: To reduce his weight and become fitter and stronger, and develop a healthier lifestyle while broadening knowledge around weight training.

Programme: Weight training & interval training with added focus on mobility with advice around nutrition.

Results after two months of training, undertaking two PT sessions a week:

Start

Weight: 16st 6lbs

BMI: 29.6

Body Fat: 31.2%

Body Fat mass: 32.6kg

Finish/current

Weight: 15st 1lbs

BMI: 26.3

Body Fat: 25.5%

Body Fat mass: 24.6kg

Over the last year I have consistently put on weight after stopping running. I had gained over a stone in weight and my relationship with food was growing increasingly worse. I lacked motivation to return to running and the will power to turn around my eating habits. After a chance meeting with Stephen in the gym I have totally changed my eating behaviours and feel more motivated. My fitness levels have dramatically increased and I’ve lost the stone in weight I had gained over the last year. After an initial fitness test at the gym, Stephen has used these results to design me a personalised work out plan, making sure not to push me outside my limits therefore minimising any risks of injury.

My weight loss has been consistent as have the workouts. I feel stronger and fitter. By introducing me to various weight machines within the gym Stephen has given me the confidence to push myself, safely resulting in me feeling stronger and slowly changing my upper body shape for the better.

Stephen has been patient and understanding throughout our gym sessions. His vast knowledge of fitness, weights and nutrition have been key to my journey so far along with his enthusiasm for what he does. This in turn has had a positive affect on me and my attitude towards training and eating better. Stephen listens to my concerns and in turn creates a solution to any problems or doubts I may have. He has a professional attitude to everything we do whilst still making it enjoyable. Stephen has a very calm and well mannered approach to people. I look forward to our sessions and enjoy his non judgmental attitude if I struggle with a specific lifting technique. He will always give a demonstration of a certain lift or posture, if I struggle he is able to adapt to suit my needs. Stephen is a great communicator and always makes sure to explain and demonstrate until I’m happy and comfortable to have a go myself. Communication outside of sessions with Stephen is frequent and he always replies via text or voice note making sure to get his advice across in a way that is easy to understand.

It’s been great to work with someone so knowledgeable regarding fitness. His knowledge regarding muscle/weight training, cardio training and nutrition is vast. His enthusiasm is infectious and gives me the motivation to keep pushing myself. Stephen is never in a rush to leave, instead he will chat to me about nutrition or show me a how to use a machine I would never dream of using if I was in the gym alone. His passion for training and well being is infectious and this has transferred to me and kept me motivated to achieve the realistic goals Stephen has set me.

I can’t recommend Stephen highly enough. He is a great communicator and is a credit to the industry He is patient, knowledgeable, generous with his time, reliable and always willing to answer any questions. Stephen is a very positive person and a great motivator. Stephen is very professional in his attitude but makes the training experience enjoyable and most importantly, he will get you results.

Client: Male, 33 years old.

Training goal: To gain weight, increase strength, develop a healthier routine with nutrition and become more confident with their body.

Programme: Weight training (working within hypertrophy) & interval training with added focus around nutrition and calorie increase.

Results after 3 months of training, undertaking two PT sessions a week:

Start

Weight: 11st 4lbs

Dumbbell Chest Press 12kg x 10 reps

Trap Bar Deadlift 80kg 1 Rep Max

Calorie intake 1650 a day

Finish/current

Weight: 12st 8lbs

Dumbbell Chest Press 22kg x 10 reps

Trap Bar Deadlift 120kg 1 Rep Max

Calorie intake 2985 a day

I’d been going through a bad period of body dysmorphia and was frustrated with a general lack of progress in working out alone. I wanted to improve my physical and mental wellbeing. Since starting the programme, I have noticed a significant improvement in my strength, eg. adding 10kg onto dumbbells for chest presses. Alongside this I’ve also noticed improved flexibility and a large reduction in pain in my right knee following straining ligaments in 2022. I think you helped me achieve this through clear instruction, ensuring I was consistently getting the correct form for exercises to ensure I was working relevant muscles, and agreeing achievable goals to measure progress against. I was already consistent with the number of times per week I was exercising, but you motivated me to consistently train harder than I had done before. Alongside encouraging me with a meal plan outside of training it helped me to see results, and reinforced the need for consistency and forming new routines and good habits.

The atmosphere in sessions and communication has always been good. It’s been reflective of how we have worked together - relatively relaxed between sessions and between sets in sessions, but then more intense and encouraging during sets to ensure I have consistently performed to a high standard. My overall experience has been really good, you’ve genuinely allowed me to take the next steps in moving forward with my own fitness development. I’ve been really encouraged with the results I’ve seen so far, and it’s had a hugely positive impact on my mental health, and pushed me to want to go further. You have have got years of experience of training and can back up your plans with sound scientific explanations. You are really personable and easy to work with, and you make sessions fun, engaging and challenging without ever feeling impossible or disheartening. I would definitely recommend him.

Client: Male, 32 years old.

Training goal: To increase strength and cardiovascular fitness.

Programme: Weight training focusing on Strength & Interval Training and LISS training to enhance cardiovascular fitness.

Results after 2 months of training, undertaking one to two PT sessions a week:

Start

6 minute run test: 0.67 miles

Trap Bar Deadlift: 118kg 1 Rep Max

Dumbbell Chest Press: 18kg x 5 Reps x 3 Sets (Slow Rep)

Sit ups in two minutes (Correct form): 26 Sit ups

Finish/current

6 minute run test: 0.86 miles

Trap Bar Deadlift 136kg 1 Rep Max

Dumbbell Chest Press 24 kg x 5 reps x 3 sets (Slow Rep)

Sit ups in two minutes (Correct form): 44 Sit ups

I had been to previous personal trainers who had put me through a workout which resulted with me getting injured. You listened to my worries regarding this and worked around my previous injuries. You also came up with a workout plan which actually helped build muscle in those areas I was concerned about which alleviated the pain I was suffering day to day. I’ve noticed significant improvements in my strength and endurance. One of the major improvements I felt was you giving me the confidence to overcome my heaviest lifts. Especially the deadlifts, over a few week period you helped me lift a lot more what I was lifting at the beginning on this exercise. I felt like overcoming what I thought I was capable of helped me achieve more outside the gym when faced with adversity. The focus on cardio has also helped me feel fitter and this is something I didn’t prioritise previously.

Your motivation kept me going even when I felt like giving up. As I said before you gave me the confidence to achieve my personal best lifts in different exercises and I when I didn’t think I could lift the weight you gave me the reassurance that I could! The atmosphere during training was always positive and supportive. I always felt like you knew my real limits and did not overstep this which could lead to injury and then a lack of confidence as a result. You are extremely good at making sure the technique is perfect before we lift a heavier weight.

My overall experience has been fantastic. Seeing how you piece workouts together has allowed me to use this in my own workouts to achieve more outside of our sessions. I have seen improvements in my cardio, strength and general well being. I would definitely recommend you to anyone looking for a personal trainer because of your experience, knowledge and patience. You have helped me get closer to achieving my goals and have helped me with my injuries through warming up properly and using a cool down after workouts. I never felt like you were judgemental on my abilities and did everything you could to build my confidence which helped me want to go to the gym more frequently.