“They are a fantastic bunch of loonies who are now lifetime friends”
I am a 50 year old man who has been grossly overweight most of my life. In January 2011, I weighed 18 stones 7 lbs. I started a calorie controlled diet and lost 2 stones by July 2011. My weight was down but I had not done any physical training, so I was still extremely unfit.
I strained a back muscle in July. Michael at Personal Best was recommended to me for Sports Massage. He sorted my back in just two sessions. Michael and I talked and he explained the 6 week challenge to me. The idea of a dietician on board and a structured fitness regime with a qualified instructor appealed so I took up the challenge.
The dietician confirmed that I was on the right track with my food, but gave invaluable advice on how to balance it with the training regime. I am lactose intolerant, so she created a meal plan that catered for that.
I started the fitness regime with a couple of boot camps. It was the first real exercise that I had undertaken for 30 years and my body was screaming at me. Michael was on hand with advice and encouragement to get me through the pain barrier. The guys at the boot camp quickly got to know me and kept me going. They are a fantastic bunch of loonies who are now lifetime friends. The Boot Camps involve Tyres, exercise, sweat, mud, pain and occasional fancy dress. It was, and is, terrific. It’s like going out as a kid and playing with your pals, except you don’t stop when the street-lights go on. In one word – FANTASTIC !
At the Personal Training sessions, Michael concentrated on areas that needed to be built up or improved and advised me how to take care of any injuries. Michaels support during these sessions should not be underestimated. The PT is a one-to-one basis so was solely about me and my needs. PT was at times grueling and painful, but, providing you follow Michaels guidance and put the effort in, the results speak for themselves.
I did three Boot Camps and a PT session in the first week, and increased it as the weeks went on. I was doing six Boot Camps and a PT session by the sixth week. I never imagined that I would be doing that.
Not only did I lose over a stone in weight over the six weeks, but my fitness has increased beyond my dreams. I dropped two trouser sizes and am four sizes down on my jacket.
I continue to enjoy Boot Camp and will do another 6 week challenge sometime in the, not too distant, future.
The six week challenge has made me the lightest and fittest that I have been in 30 years.
Michael and Personal Best UK has changed my life and can change yours.
Thanks is too short a word Mikey.
Billy Burt, 6th December 2011
“"This works out cheaper than going to the gym! I have been going for 8 weeks now and I have lost over a stone in weight"”
I first met Michael when I went to him for a sports/injury massage when I had injured my back at work. He always kept in touch to make sure everything was okay. He then e-mailed me with information that he was starting an outdoor training class in Wester Inch Village, Bathgate. This interested me a lot as I had tried everything like going to the gym, doing my own exercises etc. All I wanted to do was to lose a bit of weight and tone up. I was getting bored of the gym and not having the motivation to do the exercise at home. I felt nothing was working.
I decided to go the the outdoor training and I didn’t know what to expect. Michael took his time explaining all the exercises and how they should be done correctly. He also makes sure that you are doing them correctly. The classes are also good for everyone as you can either go at your own pace or as I do, beast it everytime! I go three times a week no matter what the weather is. This works out cheaper than going to the gym! I have been going for 8 weeks now and I have lost over a stone in weight and I’m now on track to achieve my goal. I feel fitter and healthier than I have ever been.
Michael knows what he is talking about and is always there to help with any questions. Compared to what I was like going to the gym or doing my own exercises, I feel the outdoor training class has boosted my confidence, I am more energentic and I look forward to going to the classes every week.
I would recommend this to anyone who is bored of going to the gym. This is a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time.
Staurt McAllister, 11th November 2011
“"Michael is very thorough and professional and I would definitely recommend him"”
I had been suffering from a hip / back problem for a few years and had tried various treatments with limited success. In June my problem got considerably worse with increased pain and stiffness in my left hip and groin. At this point I went to see Michael. After an initial assessment Michael got to work on the problem areas he had identified and after a few massage sessions my problem was greatly improved and I am now virtually pain free. The massage has significantly reduced the pain and Michael has also recommended exercises to continue my rehab. Michael is very thorough and professional and I would definitely recommend him.
Brian Craig, 11th october 2011
“"his enthusiasm and sense of fun come with a real professionalism and compassion"”
“Michael has recently been supporting Maggie’s Centre, Edinburgh in providing our Where Now course. This course is designed to support people recovering from treatment for a cancer diagnosis. Michael has been providing the exercise and activity element of the course and has been absolutely brilliant. His enthusiasm and sense of fun come with a real professionalism and compassion. He has been able to guide people in their physical recovery and he will continue to be a real asset for Maggie’s and people affected by cancer.”
Andrew Anderson, Maggie’s Centre Edinburgh, 1st August 2011
“After 2 months the results were exceptional!”
Michael started training my partner and myself to get into shape for our wedding this year I noticed results within the first month-now after 2 months the results are exceptional! I would recommend anyone who is thinking of a personal trainer not to go any further than Michael – you would not regret it.
Martin McKale, 24th July 2011
“I can wholeheartedly recommend Personal Best not only to people on a personal basis, but also to companies who require a service for their staff members”
I Initially got in touch with Personal Best: Health, Fitness and Wellbeing as we were looking for a sports massage therapist to provide a service to our 1000 call centre staff. I met with Michael from Personal Best and realised that he was the perfect man for the job.
As manager of the Kwik-Fit Healthy Living Club, I have worked alongside many sports therapists and personal trainers, but Michael’s professionalism and knowledge are far beyond anyone I have employed in this industry.
His determination to succeed in his career shines through every day at work and his ideas for the future are innovative and exciting. His reliability and hard work do not go unnoticed by myself and the staff that use the service.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Personal Best not only to people on a personal basis, but also to companies who require a service for their staff members.
Dannii Welsh, 28th June 2011
“It is the best money I have ever spent!”
As a runner I was fully aware of the benefit of having good core muscles and doing strength training. However, knowing the benefits and having the motivation to do regular strength training on my own were two different things. Chatting this over with Michael during one of his excellent sports massage sessions made me consider splashing out on a block of personal training sessions with him. It is the best money I have ever spent!
After a thorough assessment at the first session he has put together a varied and often intense programme of strength and flexibility training for me. His attention to detail, constant monitoring of my technique and encouragement has seen me doing exercises I would never dreamed of doing, let alone attempting on my own. After just 6 weeks I am already feeling the benefit. I feel stronger and more flexible and I’m hoping to see the hard work pay off during the summer running season. I look forward to each session and if I could afford it I would have two sessions a week. Will I be saving up for the next set of 10 – already doing it!
Tina Miller, 10th April 2011
“As a bonus I have also lost inches from all parts of my body, lost over a stone in weight and dropped a clothes size”
As a 64 year old woman I initially went to see Michael about 6 months ago mainly for health reasons. I was having back problems and had been on and off for years. I have also suffered from TIA’s (mini strokes) over the past 10 years and my posture and balance was not great. I also suffered from bad dizziness. After 2 massage sessions from Michael my back problem was greatly improved. Michael has also given me different exercises that has improved both my posture, balance and dizziness.
I now feel a lot more confident and my overall health has improved greatly. As a bonus I have also lost inches from all parts of my body, lost over a stone in weight and dropped a clothes size.
Michael certainly encourages you, if that’s the word, to work hard. But the benefits make it worthwhile and you end up doing exercises you didn’t think you were capable of.
Carol Gray – 30th March 2011
“I always leave the gym on a total high thinking “what an awesome session – I really pushed myself” and I achieve so much more as a result”
Background
In late 2006 I suffered two prolapsed discs in my lumbar spine (commonly referred to as “slipped discs”). Over the next 6 months or so I pursued a resolution to the route of the problem through both the NHS and private medical cover. During this time I had no choice other than to pay for my own MRI scan, which clearly showed the two prolapses causing the problem. The NHS physiotherapist I saw stated there was nothing he could do as it “would be like trying to squeeze toothpaste back in the tube”.
I would have to wait 3 months to see the NHS back specialist so I felt I had to take matters into my own hands. My job involves sitting at a desk most of the day and at that stage I was kneeling on a pillow at work!
I paid for a private consultation with an Orthopaedic surgeon and an MRI scan. The consultant examined me and my MRI scan and told me that a relatively routine procedure called a micro-discectomy could be performed within the next 3 – 4 weeks to alleviate the problem. Recovery was very quick after this procedure. There were risks as with any surgery. Unfortunately, at the time I could not afford the £4000 the operation would cost.
When I saw the NHS specialist the story could not have been more different. He refused to look at my MRI scan as he could apparently tell from my x-rays that I was not a serious enough candidate for surgery and that I should wait 18 months, go about my daily business and “see if it sorted itself out”. He described spinal surgery of this kind as incredibly risky. At this stage I couldn’t sit in the chair in his consultation room as it was too soft for me and would have been too painful to sit on!
Michael
When I first heard how long it was going to be to see an NHS specialist I also decided to get myself back to the gym and see if there was any light cardio work I could do that wouldn’t aggravate my back. This is when I met Michael and signed up for an initial Personal Training consultation.
My first impression, I have to confess, is “how can someone so young possibly have the required knowledge to help out?” This assumption was very quickly turned on its head after talking to Michael for 5 minutes! He has what I can only describe as an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the human body from a training and massage perspective.
The programme Michael designed for me involved one-to-one training with him at first to gradually find where my limits were and then to strengthen the parts of my body that were “letting me down”, e.g. my posture was appalling and was definitely contributing to my back problems. My lower back and general core strength was also poor and Michael also concentrated initially on these. Michael constantly changed my programme introducing new exercises to challenge my body in a controlled way, e.g. aqua jogging – something I’d never even heard but have now become a very strong advocate of.
After about 6 months training with Michael my back pain was all gone and my posture was dramatically improved as was my general strength and cardio fitness. I was also much more “body aware” as a result of the wealth of knowledge freely imparts both when asked and when he thinks appropriate. I knew how and what to lift properly, and how my back, and other parts of my body actually work and work together.
Really I could have stopped seeing Michael at this stage. I had everything I needed to maintain a healthy back and had considerably more knowledge about the necessary exercises, techniques and equipment.
I didn’t however and am still seeing him every week and have done for nearly 4 years. I’m now 38, in the best shape of my life and yet I never quite know what Michael’s going to throw at me next. What I do know is that he constantly challenges me way beyond the limits I’d set myself if I trained alone, I always leave the gym on a total high thinking “what an awesome session – I really pushed myself” and I achieve so much more as a result.
There is so much more I could say, but I’m trying to keep it brief so I’ll sign-off by saying give Michael a try – you will NOT be disappointed!
Craig Bowers, 24th February 2011
“Paul found that a few sports massages eased his pain from re-starting exercise at 54 years old”
I went to Michael after suffering leg and neck / shoulder pains after re-starting daily exercise again after a near 2 year period of little or no regular daily exercise; I had basically learnt that swimming 75 lengths of the pool each day was somewhat of a shock for my (54 year old) body!
Michael initially assessed my posture and present condition, advised me on a couple of issues and then expertly worked my neck, shoulders and calf muscles for 3 weeks (one, one hour appointment per week) until I was feeling so much better and able to swim each day without any pain in my neck and shoulders or calf muscles.
I have no hesitation in recommending Michael 100% for his expertise, knowledge and technique and the fact that he’s a really cool guy as well.
Paul Beaumont – 20th October 2010
“European Championships with the Scottish basketball squad”
Michael has been working with our national basketball squad for two seasons now, and this year travelled to the European Championships with us.
Being in a foreign country for two weeks with twelve teenage girls is tough enough, but when they are aching from playing high level competition each day and in gyms that are not air conditioned, you can imagine the issues that he had to deal with. The thing that impressed me the most was the way in which Michael dealt with each player individually, developing a trust and ensuring their individual needs were seen to.
Michael is the ultimate professional, he dealt with head knocks, aching bodies, sickness and anything else that came his way, but always in a positive and professional manner. His daily sports massage sessions were a godsend for our players who had played a lot of minutes on court, they benefited hugely from this and most definitely this was a contributing factor in that unlike most other teams, we still had 12 fit players by the last day of competition.
I would recommend Michael to anyone and the difference he made in keeping our squad healthy through daily sports massage was incredible. Most definitely someone we will use again!
Donna Finnie, Scotland U18’s Head Coach – 30th August 2010
“Kerry lost 13.4cm from her abdominal circumference measurement in 7 weeks!”
I had tried to get fit and lose weight for years, constantly struggling with the motivation to stick to any regime. I tried everything. Diet clubs, home workouts, even those crazy food replacement shakes. My Husband bought me personal training sessions and I never looked back. Michael is tough but that’s what I needed, and the results were excellent. I received regular support emails, home stretching guides and constant advice to keep me on track. Personal best UK is a great way to acheive your goals.
Kerry Laurie – 30th March 2010
“Callum put over an inch and a half of muscle on each arm and had a 5 minute recovery heart rate 26 bpm lower”
I initially got in touch with Personal Best: Health, Fitness and Wellbeing following a recurring back pain issue, which my chiropractor was unable to resolve. Michael worked on this with both massage and creating an appropriate training program that helped strengthen my back muscles and balance the postural issues I had.
I’ve also been training with Personal Best for around six months and have noticed a huge benefit with regards creating a structured routine towards my fitness and as a result my overall health has improved. I run my own business and find by keeping myself fit I’ve reduced any downtime through sickness, my general productivity has also been positively affected through my time invested with Personal best who are able to work in around my schedule.
Callum Murray – 22nd December 2009
“Suzanne lost 5.1% body fat, including 8.2 cm from her abdomen, in just 7 weeks”
Michael has the uncanny knack of pushing you very gently to work harder than you would ever do on your own (but I suppose that’s the point!). But don’t be fooled by the friendly face and charming smile – this guy wants results and will get them! He will endlessly motivate and encourage – especially on those nights when you are struggling to keep going. He promotes a team spirit “we’re in this together” – although you will notice the lack of sweat dripping from his nose!!
Joking aside, Michael is absolutely fabulous at what he does, you will find yourself wanting to work harder, and get those results you want. He very quickly is able to recognise your workout threshold, and will gently nudge you until you are working at full capacity. His need for perfect and safe technique is paramount, hence producing results quicker.
I cannot speak highly enough of Michael, I personally feel that my programme and service from him is specific and designed for me and I am achieving fantastic results so far. I see this as a long term partnership and trust Michael’s ability and knowledge 110%.
Suzanne Smith – 22nd August 2009
“Within 1 week of training Jill was able to use her shoulder pain-free for the first time in years”
Going on your first skiing holiday when you are not so young can be quite daunting and I wanted to improve my fitness so that even if I didn’t ski very well, at least I would be able to walk afterwards! Michael was recommended to me and after our introduction he immediately produced a training scedule that was both achievable and enjoyable, and fitted in perfectly with the time I had available.
A postural assessment identified that I had a some issues contributing to a shoulder injury that I had simply put up with for years. The injury was rehabilitated with specific exercises included in my daily routine – within one week I was doing things without pain – fantastic!
I have been so impressed that the training sessions with Michael are always very well planned, the reasons for each exercise explained clearly, and his encouragement ensures that you try your best to push yourself much more than if you were on your own.
I would recommend Michael to anyone – I am certainly very glad that he was recommended to me. Thanks again Michael.
Jill McNair – 25th July 2009
“Michael’s massage techniques and results are of an equally high standard to those I receive at my club and other sports specialist institutions”
In my profession my body is under continual strain due to a vigorous daily training programme. I experience particular tension in my lower back and legs which Michael was able to isolate through his massage technique and relieve effectively. I was extremely impressed by Michael’s expertise and attention to detail in identifying my more aggravated areas.
Within my experience of receiving regular massages at my club I would be confident in recommending Michael as an extremely competent massage therapist in relieving muscle tension. Michael’s massage techniques and results are of an equally high standard to those I receive at my club and other sports specialist institutions.
David Robertson, Dundee United, 11th January 2009
“The medical team said my post-op recovery was very quick and the benefits of my exercise also helped with the chemo therapy”
“As someone who works full-time, married with two young children finding time for exercise is tricky. Now in my 40’s my Husband was encouraging me to put into place a regular exercise regime to maximise my health and well-being and suggested working with a Personal Trainer to optimize my time. I contacted Michael who assessed my fitness level and I outlined my objectives. This was done very thoroughly, which took sometime at the beginning, however later on its great to see what you have achieved and where you have come from.
My initial objectives were to improve my fitness and get ready for the first skiing trip in 14 years! Michael made a program which I knew was tailored to me, rather than a standard fitness plan you can get from some gyms. It really focused on a pre-ski workout. Michael has a friendly and motivational approach when working with him but be careful – he does push you! If I was in the gym on my own I would have given up on a quite a few occasions and Michael keeps you on task. When you have completed the session you definitely feel pleased, that’s why you chose to work with a Personal Trainer.
On returning from my skiing trip I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I was looking to undergo surgery for 8+ hours so needed to be as fit as possible for the operation and had six weeks to prepare. After getting over the shock of the news my Husband helped me put together an eating plan and we discussed what type of exercise would suite me most. I told Michael my news and within minutes I was receiving texts from Michael with websites that may be of use to me and he contacted specialists in that field to discuss a suitable pre-operation exercise plan for me. I felt very secure working with Michael, it seemed strange not pushing myself during my gym sessions, however Michael had given me clear guidelines under which we would need to work. He had answered my questions, one of which was a concern I had that if I exercised would that speed up the spread of my cancer. My preparation was very specific to me and as I was in the operating theatre for 10 hours I know the time was spent wisely. The medical team said my post operative recovery was very quick and the benefits of my exercise also helped with the chemo therapy I subsequently had to do.
Michael and I are now looking at my rehabilitation plan. With Michael being such sticklers for ensuring things are done properly he wants to know what my Oncologist has said about starting to train etc. He gets the balance right between the professionals say and getting you to understand what your body is telling you. My Husband encouraged me to start this exercise journey and I know without his support and Michael’s expertise and assistance I would not be back in the gym just 6 months later ensuring I do all I can to maximise the most precious thing we have and take for granted so much – good health.”
Mandie Miller – 23rd October 2008
“Nikki lost 1 stone 12lbs in 18 weeks, before her wedding”
“With my wedding approaching fast and a dress that clearly showed off my then flabby arms I was stuck with what to do as I love my food and loathe the gym but did not want to be disappointed with what I looked like on my wedding day. Someone then suggested a personal trainer to help motivate me. After a little bit of research my local gym recommended Michael.
I was immediately impressed with Michael’s professionalism and he quickly had me following a weekly exercise plan and filling out a food diary that he reviewed and gave me tips on how I could eat more healthily.
Within 12 weeks I had lost over a stone and was extremely happy, now I still loathe the gym but Michael has given me great exercise alternatives that I can do in the comfort of my own home which makes it much easier for me to continue when he’s not around!
Thanks Michael”
Nikki Desira – 18th March 2009
“Michael devised exercises in the pool to help my injury and within weeks I was able to undertake sessions in the gym”
“I decided to go for some personal training sessions as I was having trouble motivating myself at the gym…and I couldn’t have found a better trainer than Michael. Just before I was due to start my sessions I fell and hurt my ankle — Michael devised exercises in the pool to help my injury and within weeks I was able to undertake sessions in the gym.
Michael’s attention to detail is second to none, and he made sure he devised programmes that pushed me, but didn’t put me off…although some of the circuit training almost did! As a result of Michael’s time and effort I have maintained my exercise regime which is a massive result in itself for me. Michael makes exercise fun! Thanks Michael”
Helen Graham – 22nd December 2008
“Arthur worked on his posture to improve his ribcage capacity - imporving ventilatory potential”
“I came along to personal training, as I had particular problems with asthma and poor posture. I was immediately impressed by Michael’s attention to the detail of my unique problems and his willingness to design a programme specifically for me.
He has a skill in assessing the correct level of difficulty to aim for. This results in a programme that stretches the client, without disheartening him. The benefits for me have been a great increase in my own abilities, even on days when I felt under par. This has led me to take out a membership at the local gym, and to exercise there regularly, particularly useful when I get no exercise at work, and the programmes he set up tell me what to do.”
Arthur Homan-Elsy, 18th October 2008
“I always leave the gym on a total high thinking “what an awesome session – I really pushed myself” and I achieve so much more as a result”
Background
In late 2006 I suffered two prolapsed discs in my lumbar spine (commonly referred to as “slipped discs”). Over the next 6 months or so I pursued a resolution to the route of the problem through both the NHS and private medical cover. During this time I had no choice other than to pay for my own MRI scan, which clearly showed the two prolapses causing the problem. The NHS physiotherapist I saw stated there was nothing he could do as it “would be like trying to squeeze toothpaste back in the tube”.
I would have to wait 3 months to see the NHS back specialist so I felt I had to take matters into my own hands. My job involves sitting at a desk most of the day and at that stage I was kneeling on a pillow at work!
I paid for a private consultation with an Orthopaedic surgeon and an MRI scan. The consultant examined me and my MRI scan and told me that a relatively routine procedure called a micro-discectomy could be performed within the next 3 – 4 weeks to alleviate the problem. Recovery was very quick after this procedure. There were risks as with any surgery. Unfortunately, at the time I could not afford the £4000 the operation would cost.
When I saw the NHS specialist the story could not have been more different. He refused to look at my MRI scan as he could apparently tell from my x-rays that I was not a serious enough candidate for surgery and that I should wait 18 months, go about my daily business and “see if it sorted itself out”. He described spinal surgery of this kind as incredibly risky. At this stage I couldn’t sit in the chair in his consultation room as it was too soft for me and would have been too painful to sit on!
Michael
When I first heard how long it was going to be to see an NHS specialist I also decided to get myself back to the gym and see if there was any light cardio work I could do that wouldn’t aggravate my back. This is when I met Michael and signed up for an initial Personal Training consultation.
My first impression, I have to confess, is “how can someone so young possibly have the required knowledge to help out?” This assumption was very quickly turned on its head after talking to Michael for 5 minutes! He has what I can only describe as an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the human body from a training and massage perspective.
The programme Michael designed for me involved one-to-one training with him at first to gradually find where my limits were and then to strengthen the parts of my body that were “letting me down”, e.g. my posture was appalling and was definitely contributing to my back problems. My lower back and general core strength was also poor and Michael also concentrated initially on these. Michael constantly changed my programme introducing new exercises to challenge my body in a controlled way, e.g. aqua jogging – something I’d never even heard but have now become a very strong advocate of.
After about 6 months training with Michael my back pain was all gone and my posture was dramatically improved as was my general strength and cardio fitness. I was also much more “body aware” as a result of the wealth of knowledge freely imparts both when asked and when he thinks appropriate. I knew how and what to lift properly, and how my back, and other parts of my body actually work and work together.
Really I could have stopped seeing Michael at this stage. I had everything I needed to maintain a healthy back and had considerably more knowledge about the necessary exercises, techniques and equipment.
I didn’t however and am still seeing him every week and have done for nearly 4 years. I’m now 38, in the best shape of my life and yet I never quite know what Michael’s going to throw at me next. What I do know is that he constantly challenges me way beyond the limits I’d set myself if I trained alone, I always leave the gym on a total high thinking “what an awesome session – I really pushed myself” and I achieve so much more as a result.
There is so much more I could say, but I’m trying to keep it brief so I’ll sign-off by saying give Michael a try – you will NOT be disappointed!
Craig Bowers, 24th February 2011