I retired in August 2023, a few months before my 68th birthday. I was not in a good place – morbidly obese at 22st 10lb, hypertension of the arteries, recent full replacement of both knees, sepsis had damaged some organs and I had always suffered from extremely flat feet and had to avoid any kind of impact damage.
Free from the burdens of commuting and work, I started trying to improve my health, but a year later I wasn’t much better. Any walking I did was measured between available benches for me to rest, and around the house I was now climbing the stairs one at a time, dragging myself up using the banister rail. I started looking for some professional help, but it had to be the right sort of help. I ruled out lots of gyms and personal trainers through reading reviews – I don’t respond well to being driven Army style, nor to the ‘American Cheerleader’ approach of endlessly cheerful encouragement. I wanted someone knowledgeable and patient, and who could work comfortably with someone my age with several medical issues.
I found Maria and she was willing to take me on.
I started with her in September 2024 and she has taken me through several six week programmes of different exercises and disciplines – each tailored to my current needs and capabilities. Twice we had to reset as I underwent a couple of operations, but I quickly got back up to speed. Within weeks I was walking longer distances and happily trotting up and down stairs. My posture improved, my diet has improved and I have steadily increased muscle and incrementally reduced weight (at the end of my first year with Maria and as I approach my 70th birthday, I weigh 19st 12lb). Maria provides clear and detailed explanations of what each exercise is intended to achieve, which muscle groups are being called into play and also explains what each foodstuff I consume is doing for me – or to me…
Through my life I have only enjoyed exercise that was associated with a pleasurable activity; such as tennis, table tennis, football, motorsport and the like. I haven’t been in a gym since I left school and putting myself into a fitness programme was something I viewed as a necessary evil if I was to enjoy my retirement. Imagine my surprise and delight to discover that sessions with Maria are enjoyable, informational and beneficial to my physical and spiritual well-being, I am a happy man.