I started training with Tony when I re-joined Fitness First due to weight gain over the previous 3 years and had lost interest in any type of fitness. At the beginning, it was just about getting fit again which was done through a series of cardio based workouts and strength based training – there’s always a variety of activities to keep it interesting. But after a while, Tony started talking about indoor rowing and whether would I be interested in taking part in the British Rowing Indoor Championship. For some unknown reason, I said yes but I haven’t looked back! Our training sessions became very focused on rowing, preventing injury and supplementary exercises to support all the rowing. The highlight has definitely been competing in BRIC where I managed to come 8th in my category – for a first attempt I’m pleased and the comments I’ve received from other athletes have been amazing.
Most of our sessions have been enjoyable (there are some painful ones I’d rather not repeat) and we always end up having a laugh which has significantly helped keeping me going. Although Tony has some crazy ideas, he has pushed me to do more and I’ve learnt to become less scared of the weights area. I honestly don’t think I would have achieved everything I did last year without him and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Oh, and if you needed to distract Tony, talking about cake or providing cake will keep him distracted for at least 5 minutes!
