Yvonne’s Journey from self-confessed couch potato to fitness enthusiast!

Are you looking to introduce more movement into your life? Here’s how Yvonne, who trains at our North Berwick Sports Centre with Anita from the Fitness Education Academy, stays active.

“I joined a gym in 2009 when I was advised that I required major spinal surgery. Prior to this, apart from walking from the station to work and gardening, I took part in no other activity; I was a true couch potato!

“After retiring in 2010, I attended the gym three times a week until March 2020 when the gym closed. While I maintained my obligatory daily walks, I missed the structured exercise regimen of the gym.

“A chance meeting one day with a person from my old gym opened my eyes to the North Berwick Sports Centre. I went for my induction, and the next day, it was trainers at the ready. To my horror, I realised after five minutes on the treadmill and bike that I was exhausted. I had gone from a fitness level of an hour-long programme to ten minutes; it was a shock to my system. However, two years had passed, and I was older and definitely unfit. I spoke to Anita, who advised me to do a little bit each time to build up my stamina until I could complete my full programme. She also encouraged me to maintain my walking routine, so I joined the Dirleton walking group. That day, I made the conscious decision that as my stamina improved, I would ask Anita to take me on as her client. So, I became a client of Anita Edwards, my wonderful personal trainer!

“In a short time, I managed to do exercises I had not tackled for years, such as the rower, squats, and bench work. I was just beginning to feel the benefits of my training sessions when calamity struck—I broke my ankle. Despite this setback, I know I have progressed quickly in my recovery. Part of this progress is due to the sessions with Anita, and part is owed to my own determination to get up and walk.

“By keeping in touch with Anita regarding my progress, I managed to return to the gym, albeit with a reduced workout, seven weeks after my accident. As my balance has always been poor, I discussed this with Anita and informed her that I couldn’t perform the physio’s exercises for balance. Anita provided me with an alternative exercise, and, presto, I can now balance for eight seconds on my broken leg. This marks significant progress; going from zero to eight seconds is a success.

“Anita has given me the little pushes I needed during our sessions, and even with a broken ankle, I am improving all the time. I am confident that I can do the programme set by Anita myself. But above all, what I appreciate about Anita is that, as her client, she hasn’t treated me like a frail seventy-year-old woman who needs to be wrapped up in cotton wool. She has been there to assist me in achieving my best, and by jolly, she has.”

Interested in learning more about personal training with the Fitness Education Academy? Visit the personal training section on our website for further details on booking your free consultation.