John Cammish Personal Training

Blog Moved!!

2010-03-18T16:09:00.006Z

This Blog contains all posts up to February 2010.

All Blog Posts are now in the Blog section at johncammish.co.uk

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE JOHNCAMMISH.CO.UK WEBSITE

See you on the main site!

Strength training

2010-03-05T11:07:00.005Z

Good Morning!

It's been a busy week for me Personal Training in mornings and evenings this week - with nearly every aftenoon off! Sometimes the early night is a good option :)

Between my appoinments this morning, 2 Village gym instructors asked me about strength training - as they were discussing muscles, muscle fibres, and their roles.......and how if differed from typical hypertrophy (size) training. Strength Training uses lower repetitions (reps) than Hypertrophy (size) training, and this was put to me in search of an answer.

The answer I spoke about was that strength training does obviously use muscles to move the (heavy) weight.............but they were ignoring the nervous system and the motor units involved in moving an object. I spoke about this training principle in my article "Training for muscle" - which highlighted the need for strength training prior to - or in conjunction with higher reps for increased muscle size.

After all - what is most likely the bigger muscle? A muscle that can push 60kg for 10 reps or a muscle that can push 80 kg for 10 reps? While not the rule - a bigger muscle will more than likely be stronger. (There are exceptions, and this can be seen in various types of athletes that use maximal weights).

The strength training the 2 instructors were referring to is quite taxing on the nervous system and should be handled in terms of intensity, volume and recovery. This brings about topics like periodisation, deloading, tapering and more.

Just thought I would let you know that there is a difference in training for strength and training for size! Its not just "lift heavy weights to get massive!"

Here's that link again ( Click here )

Have a good weekend!

John

PS Heavy weights are an essential component of the Bootcamps I am running. Many people think these are like traditional circuit sessions where you are out of breath from lifting 3kg dumbells a thousand times. If you like to lift heavy, get strong and fit - then click here to see what stuff REALLY goes on in Saturday morning Bootcamp :)

Do Calories matter?

2010-02-24T16:35:00.003Z

I know its been a while since I posted anythign here on the blog - but January has sure been busy! For us Personal Trainers, by far the busiest month of the year!

Aside from training clients, coaching Bootcamps and attending some top lifestyle seminars, I managed to write (or finish!) an article about calories, and my thoughts on their place in our diets.

While I do think they are important from an energy transfer point of view (as that it what calories are.....!) I think the calorie counting thing has gotten beyond a joke.

Intrigued? Heres the link:

The Calorie Conundrum ( you must be registered as a member to read the full article)

If you are not a member yet, CLICK HERE to register, and learn about calories, fat loss, exercise, and a lot more that affects your body.

Til next time

John

www.johncammish.co.uk

11 things I learned in 2009 . . .

2010-01-03T14:30:00.005Z

1) Spending time with family is very important.....and often neglected.

2) 2 smaller holidays seem 'better' than 1 long one! I don't know whether this is because of more variety or because there's less time 'til the next.......it just seems better!

3) A planner or diary can help you save so much time. I don't just mean appointments. To-do lists when you have some free time are immensely valuable. We all have the same 24 hours, how do you use yours?

4) I repeat the above statement! To-do lists done the night before will save you time - over and over. I have read that this could be because we go over the 'plan of tomorrow' while we are asleep. Whether that's true or not, it works for me . . . . Plus, Reading before bed seems to work too . . . .

5) Helping a Young lad at Bootcamp become stronger, and watching him progress made me feel great. Helping others can be easily done - and sometimes it can be as simple as just listening to someone.

6) Sometimes you need alone time, and away from your TV, laptop etc. You, a notepad and pen or a book can be enough.

7) If I can free up a bit more time, in 2010 I'm going to spend more time with my first love..........my guitar :)

8) The gym can be a great place to train - but nothing beats the outdoors. My Bootcamps have been successful this year....In 2010 they are going to get a lot more attention. Especially now that your first session is F-R-E-E. Those that cant walk the talk have no excuse for having a go!

9) Gym strength is not the same as real world strength. You may be able to stack the leg press but pulling a bodyweight sled on dry or even damp grass is something completely different. It may even be the hardest thing I know!!!!

10) Although I have gone on (and on!) about the multiple benefits of resistance training (weights) I am finding more and more people listening....and seeing better results. Maybe next year more will be!

11) You are either moving forward or you are moving backward. To be moving forward you need to be making small important decisions consistently. Doing one important decision every day will help you far more than trying to do many that you probably won't even get around to doing!

Whether you have resolutions or not, as 2010 approaches - maybe we should all have a clear-out of our lives, keeping what is important to us and stop wasting time with the unimportant.

Happy new Year!

John

PS Both Mens and Womens Bootcamps start January 4th and you must book on! Your first session is free so ring or email me if you are interested . . . . :)

Xmas Bootcamp Video

2010-01-01T16:21:00.001Z

Well done to the Boys for braving the Winter weather. Bootcamp adds toughness to your character and here's some video footage of the Xmas Bootcamp to prove it!

This was Alan's first time at Bootcamp and he displayed some awesome overhead Dumbell lunges! I cannot fault the effort by these guys, and they keep coming back for more.

Check out the Bootcamp in 2010 dates.....

Have a good new year!

Now Playing Rugby for . . . .

2009-12-30T15:09:00.010Z

Throughout 2009 I have had great pleasure training many clients, seeing them reach their goal, and gain a little bit of happiness.

I would estimate that 95% of my clients hire me to make them look better. Whether it is to lose body fat, gain muscle, and improve posture.....I help my clients to do this - and they have to give it some effort too. Even though they usually end up stronger - It is a nice by-product of the training I prescribe for them.

In November 2008.....I had a different type of challenge. A 25-year-old female Rugby Union player called Mags Lowish had decided to take action and go for it........aim to play premiership rugby - or keep playing at the level she was already playing at. Her words for hiring me at the start were 'If I don't do it now - I will never know and will always look back wondering if I could make it.'

Here are her words detailing her amazing success, through making the right choices....and working hard at them.......

A year ago i made the decision to change my life. I was playing social rugby, which I really enjoyed, but I was overweight and not fit enough to play at a higher level and this was always going to limit my progress. The head coach of a premiership team told me if I trained properly I had a lot of potential to play premiership rugby.

So I rang John Cammish and asked for his help. I wanted to play at the highest level I was capable of. I wanted to be the best I could be.

John taught me so much, from giving me a personalised weights programme, to making sure I was lifting correctly. He focussed on my weaknesses and showed me exactly what to do to be 'Rugby fit'. Right from the start I learnt so much about the specifics of training for a sport, whereas before I had always kind of muddled along not really noticing improvements. But knowing I need to follow a weights and cardio programme and constantly do more/ make it harder to challenge my body and keep it working has made all the difference.

John also, and probably crucially, taught me about athlete nutrition and put me on a high protein diet and told me to have protein every few hours to keep my metabolism up. With the help of protein shakes, I followed this diet and gym programme fairly religiously and after a couple of months i was noticing fairly major improvements in my fitness, strength, speed and power. I had lost weight, body fat, and gained muscle. I felt better and had more energy and I looked better and more toned than I ever had. I was training harder and playing better and I got selected for the premiership team. I had achieved my dream of playing premiership rugby and yet I felt there was definitely more to come. I hadn't yet reached my physical potential.

For the first couple of months I had 2-3 sessions a week with John, and after that, I continued his programmes by myself seeing him every 6-8 weeks for a review and a new programme.
My performance in matches went from strength to strength and 8 months after I started training with John, I got selected to play Rugby League for England against France.

John was one of the first people I called in my excitement over selection and I honestly can say, without him, I would have never have made the England squad.
I played two matches against France in July 2009 and now have 2 caps for my country. Standing on the pitch in England kit in Toulouse and hearing the National Anthem was definitely the proudest moment of my life.

John has been absolutely intrinsic to my success as a rugby player. Over the last year, with John's help and using his programmes and athlete nutrition I have lost about 17kg of fat and added 6kg of muscle. My body fat has dropped by 10%!! I am fitter, faster and stronger than ever. I feel great, I look great, I have had opportunities opened to me above and beyond what I ever dreamed of. My teammates and coaches say I am unrecogniseable as either the person or player I was 12 months ago.

Now I am on the England squad, I have full access to strength and conditioning coaches and Nutritionists but I still look to John to tailor my gym programmes and to help me come back from illness and injuries that have hindered me recently. I am in no doubt it was John who got me to where I am today and I have no desire to change a winning formula.

The past year has undoubtedly been the best year of my life, both on and off the pitch. I am now aiming to improve further physically with John's help and hopefully get selected for further internationals including New Zealand away in 2010. And further in the future the World Cup in England in 2012.

I guess what I have learnt most in the past year is that anything is possible if we have the courage to pursue it.
So I would definitely recommend anyone with a dream, however big or small, to get John's help. You might find that, like me, with a bit of hard work you achieve more than you ever thought was possible.

Mags Lowish

Mags is a total champion and she has trained like one to get where she is now. I know I wouldn't like to be the other Prop forward..... :)

Good luck Mags and keep up the hard work!

John

Rage Against What Seems 'Impossible'

2009-12-21T11:33:00.013Z

Unless you ve been living under a rock - you have probably heard about the new Xmas Number 1 for 2009.......

Rage Against the Machines 'Killing in the Name' beat the widely expected Joe McElderry's 'The Climb' . If you don't already know, Joe won this years X-Factor and had over 6 million people voting for him last weekend.

Simon Cowell is still smiling because 'Rage' are signed to Sony (associated with Cowell)

How did this happen? Millions of people voting for Joe McElderry every week, and yet a political-underground rock/metal band's older and expletive anthem makes Christmas Number one??!! Was this ever possible??!!!

Impossible is rarely impossible

Whether you wanted to Joe McElderry to win or not, or you hate the Rage song etc. is not important.

What is important, is the fact that people decided to take action and change something. People were not happy with X factor's hyped-up contestants winning Xmas number 1 every year and decided to try and change it. We know that Joe McElderry will do very well anyway - even if he falls by the wayside like many other X factor finalists.

The point I am trying to make is that, whatever happens in life - you can change it with MASSIVE ACTION. If you don't like something - do something about it! Jack Canfield (well-known author and self-development guru) says: You are 100% responsible for your life.

You are 100% responsible for your life! Yes, people have disadvantages compared to others, but the fact remains there is still time and space for change to something better. I have heard excuses like 'My parents were overweight, and that's where I have got it from.' They might have a slight disadvantage in that the fat accumulates in the same place.......but 99% of the problem is from poor eating habits and not enough exercise. There is plenty of time to make better food choices and do at least SOME exercise regularly.

That time is now.

Nothing comes from inaction - Do something.

My friend Richard Mckeating is hosting some January seminars, where he will guarantee you can drop a dress size, or you get your money back! Sessions are every Thursday in January from 6pm-9pm at the Village Hotel in Hessle, Priory Park.

Sessions are £25 each but the Guarantee covers attendees who attend all 4 fat loss sessions. I will be there to help give my knowledge and give these action-takers plenty to take home. Email me or ring me on 07762772671 if you are ready to change your dress size to a lower number. £100 to attend and your money back if you don't drop a dress size? Im sure you know someone - or you are that someone.

My Personal Training service goes Hand-in-hand with the fat loss seminars, and I am glad to be taking bookings for some services other than 1-on-1 sessions. Semi-Private Personal Training Sessions are getting more popular as a way to get the benefits of 1-on-1 training for a fraction of the cost. Also I took my first 30minute blaster session the other day and it was exhilarating stuff!! Many people are joining up to my free membership site for free articles too. Its all go!!!

The Bootcamps are about to take off bigtime in January, so get yourselves geared up for them! I am now offering a permanent Try-before-you-buy deal...........

On Saturday we rocked the Mens Outdoor Bootcamp with some serious winter weather work!
Check back here over the christmas holidays for the action!

Have a merry Xmas from me!

John

PS Don't forget the take home message of this post.... You can change what seems 'impossible'

PPS Bootcamp dates are here (Click) - Your first is free but you must book on!

Final Bootcamps of 2009 and Fat loss Event for you

2009-12-09T12:46:00.015Z

I am feeling a lot better now, and steadily getting back into training properly. A week off with illness can hit you hard and I've found it tough getting back into it.

The Final Bootcamps of 2009 are just around the corner....(Sat 12th / Mon 14th / Sat 19th) If you are an action-taker, you will make sure you are at one of them. Action takers get rewarded in life. If you keep doing what you are doing, you will keep getting what you are getting.

Are you happy with what you are getting?

Many people are asking when the Bootcamps are set to run in the new year.....They will start from the 4th January and will run for 6 weeks at a time with a break in between. Watch your emails and this blog for the update.

Speaking of being happy with what you are getting.....

My friend and fellow personal trainer Rich McKeating is running a course of Fat Loss seminars in January at the Village Hotel in Hull.

There are 4 sessions in total, and they will be running from 6pm-9pm every Thursday in January - each covering different aspects of Fat loss....and what you can do to maximise it. If you attend each session and does exactly what he says, he is offering a GUARANTEE:

You will lose a dress size or your money back!

That's an offer you cannot turn down.

CLICK THE POSTER FOR FULL DETAILS

Rich is a quality Trainer, and knows his stuff. I will be there too, to both learn what he knows, share my thoughts, and be inspired. If there was a month to get inspired, January is the month!

Any questions you have on the sessions, email me at fitness@johncammish.co.uk, or ring me on 07762772671.

Have a good weekend, and have a think about what you can do in 2010, not just dream about.

John

Women's Fitness Magazine Anyone?

2009-12-02T21:24:00.011Z

You may have heard I've been a little under the weather lately. Nothing serious - but I'm positive everyone could be doing without a sore throat and sounding like Barry White!

If you hear this over the phone.....It could actually be me

And on with today's exercise blog post . . .

If you're a lady and into getting and staying healthy, you may have heard of Women's Fitness Magazine. It's a magazine that features many articles related to health, aimed at women in particular - as many women have issues about confidence, body shape and weight amongst other things. They even do an online magazine subscription, which you can get for a couple of quid a month. Check it out here .

It just so happens that this current Issue ( No. 70 - out now) has an article published that I personally contributed to.

The 'Party Season Survival Guide' has a handful of quotes that I first wrote about over a year ago in my my Q + A article, when someone wrote in about piling on the Christmas pounds.

The article also features other experts, such as some doctors and other personal trainers on the pitfalls of the xmas parties!

If you haven't read my article, log in and check it out HERE (Q + A November)

I hope you give either article a quick read before the Christmas parties arrive (I hear they're just around the corner!)

John

Web: www.johncammish.co.uk

Bootcamp 'til Xmas!

2009-11-02T07:57:00.010Z

Alright,

The Bootcamps have been in full swing, and are just starting to get a lot of momentum down at St.Josephs Church Hall on Boothferry Road. The Monday Ladies 9.30am class has had a 2-week break, and is back on! The time is now!

In the Ladies Monday night Bootcamp, there are some serious strength results coming, in the way of upper body pushing strength! All 4 Ladies present managed to push press a massive 22kg...........5 times! There is also talk of full push ups on the horizon......these Ladies are making a difference right now. If you are a lady, would you like to be able to do a full push up?

The dates for Bootcamps up until Xmas are as follows:

CLICK HERE FOR THE BOOTCAMP DATES.

Your time to start is now!

Hull Bootcamp Video!

2009-10-27T16:22:00.002Z

As promised, here are the Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp Vid's from Saturday . . .

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYI8e3PdmBo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsnH_0YBDgE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDet_YrO2to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm8rpamf--g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFCSyzNqIv4

See you there this Saturday......Same time, Same place!

John

P.S. If the conditions are like the Saturday just gone, be prepared to pull your bodyweight in iron !!!!

Bodypump Article.....

2009-10-26T13:14:00.005Z

The clocks have gone back and the evenings are getting darker earlier!

I know this has been a long time coming, but I have finally got around to writing the article to why I stopped teaching the popular class 'Bodypump', and why I have also warned people against it as a long-term solution for their goals. (Hint: Bodypump can be beneficial when done exclusively for 4-6 weeks but rarely more than this).

CLICK HERE!

In other news, I'm getting busy training clients, and Bootcamp is going well. On Saturday, some video footage went down to capture some of the action so keep checking the blog during the week for that.

I know the nights are darker, but do not give up your training for that warm settee and a cup of tea when you get in!

John

Hull Bootcamp goes Mobile!

2009-10-20T13:05:00.003+01:00

Last night we rocked the Mens Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp, as it went seriously mobile!

It went down in the Humber Bridge car park, right outside Mrs. B's Cafe

The boys showed Stu what it feels like to go on Holiday and then hit it hard with some Bootcamp Conditioning! ( I know what that feels like).

Some 80-yard sled drags came out and there were some jelly legs out there! We were getting some funny looks from the joggers - but hey, if you could exercise slow and long for like 10 hours a week, or tear it up for 45-50 mins a few times a week - which would you choose? Not to mention the strength and fat loss benefits of resistance training involved in Bootcamp.

Monday Morning Ladies Bootcamp
Yesterday Morning, the first of many Ladies Monday morning Bootcamps went down at the St.Josephs church hall, and the newbies I think were surprised at how much work you can get done without 'cardio' or super light weights done like a zillion times. That reminds me.........look out for the limitations of Bodypump article coming soon ;)

Roll on next week for part 2 same place same time!

The evening Bootcamps on Mon the 26th will be back in St.Josephs church hall - Mens at 6pm. Womens at 7pm. Be sure to bring a friend.....50% off their first Bootcamp!

Il hear from you soon...............email me here or call on 07762772671

John

Quick update....on Hull Bootcamp classes

2009-10-14T10:54:00.004+01:00

Quick update for you Lads and Ladies following the John Cammish Personal Training Blog.

Here are the following Bootcamp Classes........

Men
Saturday 17th October - Outdoor - Pickering Park Field - 8am
Monday 19th October - Outdoor - Humber Bridge Car Park - 6pm
Saturday 24th October - Outdoor - Pickering Park Field - 8am
Monday 26th October - Indoor - St. Josephs Church Hall - 6pm

Ladies
Monday 19th October - Indoor - St. Josephs Church Hall - 9.30am
Monday 26th October - Indoor - St. Josephs Church Hall - 7pm

* If there are more than 6 Ladies at the 19th October 9.30am class - There might be an extra class on the 26th at 9.30am. So Ladies, get talking!

Monday is Bootcamp Day!

2009-10-07T16:06:00.010+01:00

Yes! The Best Bootcamp in Hull is back, with strength, muscle tone and fat loss top of the agenda!

Saturdays Outdoor Bootcamp will remain going strong at the usual 8am slot over on Pickering Park fields in Hessle. This session is not for the weak-hearted........Frosty mornings are on the way but that just makes way for some Rocky IV-type training!

With the nights drawing in, many of you will have read about the evening bootcamps moving indoors. They will be held at St. Josephs Church Hall on Boothferry Road (It is practically on fiveways roundabout, opposite the Fiveways Pub). Also, find it on google maps.

Lads Strength and Conditioning evening Bootcamps will run at 6pm

Ladies Tone up Body Bootcamps will run at 7pm.

Both will begin this Monday (Oct 12th) and are INDOOR so make sure you Book on now by emailing me, or calling myself on 07762772671.

It is £5 a single session, but now I am introducing a buy 5 sessions get one free offer, meaning you effectively save nearly 20% just for committing. Are you committed to changing your lifestyle?

Remember - it is only £2.50 for your first session (a massive 50% off!!) - Can you afford not to try it?

It's good to be back training again, a break can do wonders. Train hard..........play hard!

See you lads there on Saturday early doors to mix it up again, you have had a break too! ;)

Do you want to see some pics of some of the lads tearing it up? then go HERE

All the best for now,

John

PS As I'm back I can add members to my website database where you can read my articles on fat loss, training for muscle and more over at http://www.johncammish.co.uk/

R.I.P. Bodypump / Personal trainer weight loss focus

2009-09-24T22:27:00.008+01:00

Yes its official, yesterday I taught Bodypump for effectively the last time (or at best for a long long while).

I did feel bad at first quitting teaching this popular class, but sometimes you 've just got to do the right thing.....Coming soon is an article that will let you find out the training reasons why I have stopped teaching it, and how this might affect your training methods. The article will really make you think about whether it is a good class long-term, as the benefits really do stall out after a couple of months. Keep a look-out for it around the 10th October ;) .

On the business side of things, I quit teaching because it doesn't pay that well, and also when you take into account the amount of work that goes into learning the songs, choreography, exercises etc....it really does sap your energy and reduce time helping clients. Throw in the cds and music license you have to buy, classes you have to attend, and it comes down to no choice at all! So there are my reasons, (along with the future training-related article) because I know a few were unhappy about me stopping. I have had some good times in the 3 and a half years teaching it, and had a few laughs too!

If you were in a class of mine and liked my style, some of you may know about the bootcamps I have been running. If there is demand, I will try to run a 9.30am class - as I know this is a good time for many women.

I will see if I get emails to get one going! A regular 5-6+ people attending and will make for a permanent fat loss circuit.

Holiday

I go away to Portugal soon (woop woop!) and therefore Personal training sessions and Bootcamps will obviously be on hold temporarily. I am actually going to look forward to easing into training rather than having to teach a pump class and not being able to walk for 3 days!

Bootcamps

Monday is now Bootcamp day!

The mens Thursday night session is now going to run on a Monday at 6pm.

Womens will also change to to a Monday night at 7pm. Both sessions are going to be held at St. Josephs church on Boothferry Road. I am expecting quite a few new faces as I am hearing the benefits - namely tighter glutes, thighs and arms from the women, and greater overall strength and intensity from the men.

Hope to see you soon!

John

PS Keep training hard, and trying to progress - something that Bodypump fails to look at....

The time to positively change your lifestyle is now!

2009-09-22T22:33:00.015+01:00

How has 2009 been for you so far?

Have you achieved what you wanted to? (Eg weight loss)

Have you had a few laughs along the way?!

Well, today you are staring at the last 100 days of 2009. Yep that's right....the last 100 days!

Where do all the days go???

Are you one of these people who is constantly crossing the days off the calendar as you edge closer to that all important deadline or special event? If you are, (and failing to hit yor goals) you probably say things like: " I'll start tomorrow! Scrap this week, Monday I will start over! As a personal trainer I have heard nearly all the excuses. I was in Hull and Hessle all this week and I have already heard a few!

Before you know it.......the days have turned to weeks....to months, and here you are!

Well, let me tell you that in exactly 100 days, It will be New Year. Many of your friends, family, and work colleagues are all going to be thinking "The time to really change my body is now!"

Every persons watch should look like this when it comes to decision making

100 days..........what to do! One top tip I can highly recommend is to join my website over at http://www.johncammish.co.uk/ and become a member for free articles.

Much like in the rest of our lives, there is a deadline. I go on Holiday soon, so if you do want access to these free articles, you need to register before Friday 25th 2pm. Otherwise you will have lost 2 weeks, and only have 86 days left of 2009!

Go get to it and change your life.......The time is Now!

John

PS While I am away both the Mens Bootcamps and Womens Bootcamps are on hold but I will be updating when the next ones are on here so watch this space!

Hull Bootcamps (before my Holiday!)

2009-09-14T11:09:00.007+01:00

The past 2 weeks of the Mens and Ladies Bootcamps have been great fun, some proper hard work going on.

It often surprises me how little muscle work women do, with respect to weights as the type of exercise done - when it is this precious muscle tissue that keeps our metabolism sky-high.

Anyways ( I digress!)........

I go away on Holiday to Portugal soon, so I am announcing the following Bootcamp dates:

Ladies Tone Up Body Bootcamp dates:
Wednesday 16th September 6pm
Wednesday 23rd September 6pm

Mens Strength And Conditioning Bootcamp dates:
Thursday 17th September 6pm
Saturday 19th September 8am
Thursday 24th September 6pm

A fiver to take part - £2.50 if it's your first go. Come on in and try it! You have to Book on to take part so email me here. Also, feel free to email me any questions at all!

Unfortunately the Friday morning class is to be cancelled for the time being, due to other work commitments.

John

PS If you want to read about fat loss, nutrition and health, get access to member-only articles over at www.johncammish.co.uk right now - as I will not be able to grant you access while I am away.

Ladies Bootcamp in Hull

2009-09-02T09:47:00.009+01:00

Last night's Ladies Bootcamp in Hull was top notch. Who would've thought the ladies could match the lads for effort?! Similar exercises were done that the lads do, and in circuit format. Get this......9 ladies showed up in soaking rain - which has put many a man off!

It was a tough but fun experience that will no doubt have helped these ladies increase muscle tone and lose body fat.

Did you go to last night's Ladies Bootcamp? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the exercises and session as a whole. Leave a comment or email me.

After all, I am here to help you look better and feel fitter.

See you at next weeks Wednesday Ladies Bootcamp - (Sept 9th, 6pm). In case you missed it - another trial Bootcamp is running tomorrow morning (Friday 4th September 9.30am) for those that struggle to make evening exercise. Rich Dervey from the Village Gym will be joining me to keep you Ladies in line! :)

The next Mens Bootcamps are tonight 6pm and Saturday Morning at 8am if you know any men who want to rip it up with some heavier weights.

Do you want to take part in next weeks Tone up Body BootCamp? CLICK HERE for more details

Speak to you soon,

John

Ladies Outdoor Bootcamp in Hull?

2009-08-25T09:17:00.005+01:00

With the Mens Outdoor Bootcamp in Hull becoming the talk of the town, I have had a few requests for a Ladies Outdoor Bootcamp! Just like the men's this bootcamp will use resistance as the style of work as opposed to straight-up long............. boring........... cardio.

This translates to more muscle tone and more fat burned in the long term!

The benefits of this type of training can be read about in the FREE ARTICLES section on my website, http://www.johncammish.co.uk/. All you need is an email address!

Do you want to look leaner and have more muscle tone and less body fat?

Do you know any other lady friends like you that would be interested in these benefits?

Here are some pics of past bootcamps here

and here!

I'm sure you do, and this is not an opportunity to miss out on.

On Wednesday September 2nd, 6pm and Friday September 4th at 9.30am TWO TRIAL LADIES BOOTCAMPs will take place on pickering park fields. The usual price of £5 will be slashed by 50% to only £2.50 - giving you the opportunity to positively change your lifestyle for less!

September 2nd 6pm, and September 4th, 9.30am. Get them on your calendar, and email me to book on. Places are limited to only 12 ladies so book on now.

If you're not sure if this is for you, or have any questions about it whatsoever, please do email me and I will be happy to go through what exercises we will do etc.

Hear from you soon,

John

We all like to see pictures......

2009-08-15T21:55:00.006+01:00

We all like to see pictures - they tell a story.

Who doesn't like a good story?

Well yesterday we had some more action as usual going on, where we had an extra long strength circuit - much to the boys delight. I introduced some walking lunges to the fold, and the extra hard option was taken by Lee at the end. It's real hard overhead walking lunging properly with a 15k! Don't believe me? Come try it!!

Youngster Ben was itching to get at the weights and you can see his determination in these pics. (Although I think he hates the sled - you guys know why! Pin.................missing............! )

Lee was there to smash through as always, he's been nearly ever present since the start of the Bootcamps, and after a few sessions could see a difference in his work capacity. Couple this with an effective diet and resistance program and you have the recipe for looking good as well as being able to rip it up!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SET OF PICS!

Carl and Ady boy hadn't been for a while so this extra long circuit may well have been a shock! This complemented Ady's most recent strength cycle with some fitness that he's also be trying to improve.

Bootcamp was a double whammy of strength and high intensity cardiovascular intervals!

(A shameless plug of my Personal Training services will reveal that my client Adrian can now deadlift 155k and bench press 90k. This is even more impressive when you realise that he has been training for fat loss half of the time, (around his numerous social events!) and 18 months ago these figures were a pipe dream. Watch out in the coming weeks for his full story.....

Heres the link to those pics again....

Fancy a go at the Strength Bootcamp or know someone who might? Email me here, or call/text me on 07762772671. Do it today.

Hope you enjoyed this post.

John

P.S. I want to hear comments about these pictures and the last post about the Personal Trainer who purposely put on 90lbs to see what his clients go through.

Personal Trainer gains 90lbs ON PURPOSE!

2009-08-13T15:15:00.006+01:00

I've Just seen this crazy stunt by some American Personal Trainer, who has purposefully gone from looking like a skinny-but-fairly ripped underwear model, to a beer-belly overweight slob by putting on nearly 90lbs of FAT!

Anyways, just saw this video on 'youtube'................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j2ALxYvbS8

I hope you found this interesting coz I certainly did.

Email me your thoughts on this. It will be interesting to hear if people think this is good/bad/interesting/stupid/any other adjective you might wanna throw in there.

Let's hear your voice!

John

PS I think he regrets the decision don't you? ;)

Personal Trainer in Hull

2009-08-10T09:11:00.007+01:00

As a reputable Personal Trainer in Hull, I've been absolutely buzzin' about the men's Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp in Hull. It's quite noticeably getting the lads stronger, more powerful and fitter - 3 attributes you want from an exercise program. Accompany this with a supporting diet, and you have a good recipe for maintaining or building muscle while burning fat (i.e. achieving a more 'toned' body).

Saturday was no exception, where I introduced some waterbottle swings and suspended push ups.

Anyway, pictures speak louder than words. . . . . . . . .

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SET OF BOOTCAMP PICTURES

Here's that link again ------->Saturday's Bootcamp pics

Like what you see and want to get involved? Do you know someone who would like exercising outdoors to get fit and strong? Email me here or leave a comment because I want to know what you think.

Keep bettering yourself,

John

PS I really really want to hear your comments on the photos, the exercises and thoughts on the Bootcamp.

Mental Toughness

2009-08-09T10:56:00.006+01:00

Thursday night's Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp in Hull was one of the best yet. P*ssing rain, a load of mud and a beastly amount of effort went down. I was impressed with the good turnout as the weather puts some wimps off - These guys have mental toughness.

While Nick's £15 Diadora's were the focal point of the session (!), they proved invaluable as he and the others pulled in bodyweight 80 yard sled pulls in under 40 seconds. Stu and James were new to the Bootcamp and were not used to deadlifting from the floor - as in PROPER DEADLIFTS!

If you prefer the 1st photo, chances are you're not on the strong side.

On the sled relay, 16 yr-old Ben made the mistake of wearing white and inevitably got grafted! Another young'un (also called Ben) had given everything on the circuit but still got up to pull in the bodyweight sled - they both did it in good times. I really wish I could ve had this Bootcamp available when I was younger. I'd have got stronger a lot quicker than I had been doing.

Watch out for the next post because there are pictures of some of the action that goes down.

Feel free to comment on this post or email me to ask questions, or book on for your Bootcamp Experience.

Is The Hull Bootcamp For You?

2009-08-03T07:55:00.011+01:00

The Hull Bootcamp on Saturday was again filled with a ton (bodyweight sled pun anyone?!!) of effort, mixing some walking lunges, pull ups, with the the usual carrying stations and more.

Some figure-of-8's went down a treat! We will have to make them more regular than I have been doing :) .

What disappointed me a little was that some guys had put their name down to mix it up, but then didn't show. One guy did let me know just before due to illness, but for the 3 that were no shows - I couldn't help but think what the excuses were.

Was it the raining the night before? A few people at the Village Gym where I am mainly based said on the Friday that it forecast heavy rain and asked would it go ahead.

Eh? What do you mean? Of course the Bootcamp is going ahead! Has everyone turned to being a pansie in their cushty, air conditioned, £45+ a month gym?

The weather does not dictate your life.

You make your decisions and stick to your beliefs. This highlighted a major factor - and probably the most underated factor when it comes to making a positive change to your lifestyle:

ATTITUDE.

Your attitude is what will get you out of bed on those winter mornings where its p*ssing down outside and the warmth of your bed is just heavenly. Your attitude is what will get you up out of your seat after you have come in from work and sat down (ever wonder every same person has the same idea of doing their exercise straight after work? Yes, its often because its on the way and it time-effective; But very often, It is the fact than once you have come in from work, had a sit down, and know that you don't 'have' to get up - you won't!

On a side note, the best Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp in Hull is not for everyone.

If you can't handle the rain - then this is not for you. If you can't handle getting dirt on your new T-shirt - this is not for you. If you find the recline bike too much like hard work, This Bootcamp is not for you!

"I actually lift weights but I'm getting paid to model for this piece of equipment that I've never even used"

Once you work out what you actually want in terms of body shape, strength, work capacity and overall fitness, you can make your choice what to do with your time. It is your choice.

Email John here or call/text him on 07762772671 to book your place on the Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp.

Bootcamp life in Hull - be prepared!

2009-07-28T13:51:00.006+01:00

I delivered a Bootcamp in hull and Personal Training presentation this morning. I only had 10 minutes to state what I do and why I do it, whilst at the same time partly educate why I advocate certain methods of physcial training and exercise. Most of it was directed at losing weight and preserving muscle tone - mainly what people want! Sounds simple but getting important information across in 10 mins is harder than you think! The attendees were business associates, also part of the BNI Wilberforce Chapter.

I went on to describe my experiences that weights are a lot more effective for fat loss in the long term than your regular cardiovascular exercises, basically stating the fat-burning zone is a myth.

The Caveman analogy came out (which all of my clients will know about!) and it got me thinking about 'how' people train.....and I don't simply mean what they do......more the 'style' and 'mindset' they do it in. For example do they give it 100% or 60%? That kind of 'How.'

In Last weeks Bootcamp, a man came in and gave it 100%. He gave it his all. How do I know? Because he was sick afterwards. He made it to the end. Im proud of his effort.

It is this kind of attitude that makes you a stronger individual. The feeling that you have either been beaten, or close - and that you will be stronger the next time. It's the kind of feeling you do not get sitting on a freshly cleaned leg extension machine, taking as much rest as you can while you check out lady Gaga's bod on the gym TV's.

This experience got me thinking about life in general, and got me thinking the question; What would happen if something really bad happened and we had to fight for our lives? What if a disease epidemic actually came and could kill off the weakest of us? What if you were attacked in the street and had to fight for your life? How hard would you run? How hard would you fight? Would you stand a chance of surviving?

Hard Bootcamps like the Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp in Hull prepare you for life. They make you adapt to intensities you rarely reach in your fancy gym.

Think you are strong? Maybe you are. Maybe you can bench press 1.2 x bodyweight, squat 1.5 x bodyweight and/or deadlift 2 x bodyweight.

Think you are fit? Maybe you are. Maybe you can do a sub-45min 10k, or row a sub-20min 5000metres.

But can you pull your bodyweight on a sled over 80 yards of grass in less than a minute?
This is a different workout altogether. Strength meets power and some anerobic work capacity.

The Saturday Bootcamp boys did this - some pulling a cool 100k sled in 30-50 secs. One guy even went for 15kg over his bodyweight!

This week we might have to up it to 100yards :) .

Do you fancy the challenge? If so email me here, or call/text me on 07762772671 to confirm your place.

Time to step up and prepare for life.

Saturday's Hull Bootcamp

2009-07-07T13:23:00.020+01:00

Afternoon Everyone,

Early Saturday morning, the John Cammish Bootcamp lads got a wee bit of a shock. I rolled up with a new keg . . . . which weighed a bit more than the last! They soon got the hang of it though - check these pictures out.

These simple training tools could teach you a thing or two if you think weights can't get you fit

I introduced some dumbell rows which went down pretty well. This was probably due to the fact you could rest a bit more!

Make no mistake - That's a 30kg Dumbell Carl is haulin'. I personally don't even think he'd try that in the gym if there was some 70's disco music putting him off. None of that crap outside!

Last but not least: Here is a picture of Darren showing the sled whos's boss.

These are a lot harder than they look. Anyone who tells you that pulling this sled backwards a few times is easy is a liar!

This weeks Bootcamps are as usual:

Thursday Night (9th) 6pm;
Saturday Morning (11th) 8am;

Do not pass up this opportunity to see what it's like to train hard, and achieve more than you have done already. Luck favours the brave, and winners take chances. Losers sit and do nothing.

So what's it gonna be?

Book on or ask a question via the Contact page

1st Bootcamp after Holiday in Hull

2009-07-03T15:00:00.004+01:00

Hey guys,

Man am I aching today from the hardest Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp in Hull! It was a little low on guys showing up (probably as it was around 24C in the sun!) so I evened the numbers up and I joined in the action. I partnered up with big trucker John, and let me tell you - he is a machine! I have trained him personally for a while now, and his body composition has improved a ton, while his anerobic fitness has skyrocketed. He always puts in 100% - and then some. This shows in the Bootcamps - where he once took it upon himself to triple the keg carrying distance and shoot his heart rate to around 170bpm! (The highest it's been for a while!) Man, he looked sick as a dog after that burst.

Rich and Dave were ramping some serious effort too - especially on the push-up and jacknife combo's. Dave's in the RAF and even he was surprised at how tough this workout was - especially the sled.

I remember the sled drags being brutal, but after not doing them for about 3 weeks due to injury and holiday - it was killer! My hamstrings are aching - but in a good way.

Looking forward to tommorrows Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp, Im expecting a good 8-9 of you boys so it should be a great atmosphere again.

Did i mention that you can achieve a good amount of weight loss with high intensity exercise?

If you think you're man enough to give the Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp a try, email or ring me, or one of the guys already taking part. I'm beginning to think a lot of people are all talk and no balls.

You'll get one hell of a training session.

'Simple Equipment' (Hull outdoor Bootcamp)

2009-07-02T21:09:00.004+01:00

If you know me well, you know I favour bodyweight exercises over long drawn-out cardio any day of the week, and that's in terms of preference and results for fitness and fat loss.

Yesterday, I mentioned that I've been able to do a few bodyweight exercises on holiday, and focus on some direct arm work to work around my recovering lower back.

Beside our hotel, there was a children's playground that had various bars and steps:

Anyhow, besides not getting much exercise done as the pool was closer :) - I was reminded about how simple this 'equipment' was, and how effective it can be when you train properly.

It is these types of exercise that are incorporated in the Strength and Conditioning Bootcamps - Pull up variations, dips, push ups etc. And these serve 3 main purposes -
1) To maintain or increase muscle mass;
and
2) Burn fat through high intensity exercise
and
3) Increase our fitness by getting our heart rate going.

We need to remember that gimmicky machines that are often useless, (bear mind cables are not machines) and that bodyweight training and strength training has lasted for years and years.

So if you're a guy reading this and want to get stronger, leaner, and fitter - drop me a call, email or text and try out a Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp.

You'll be glad you did.

Hull's New Thursday Night Bootcamp

2009-07-01T20:49:00.001+01:00

Hey Guys,

Had a good relaxing week in sunny Majorca - It was about as hot as it is back here in sweaty Hull :)

I'm hearing lot's of good things about the last bootcamp, how fun it is and how hard it feels, even though you are not constantly working at a 'moderate level' - like in a pansy aerobic class!

If you've been reading you'll know I hurt my back (doing a Bodypump class no less) and have been unable to train properly since. Well - good news. The back is feeling a lot better, and whilst it's still not 100% - I'm able to train a bit of arms and some bodyweight stuff........Can't wait to start deadlifting heavy weights again though :)

Anyhow, here's to this weeks bootcamps! A new Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp starts tomorrow night at 6pm. Same place - Picky park. Hopefully we'll have a few newcomers to prove their worth coz they can't make Saturday early Bootcamp! Be there!

Peace out!

Hull Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp Dates

2009-06-18T14:08:00.001+01:00

Alright Guys, I hope your training is going well and you're feeling good with the good weather - well sometimes good :) .

My trip to the Osteopath was just what I needed and already feeling the benefit of some massage and stretches. Should be lifting again in no time! :)

As promised, here are the scheduled Hull Strength and Conditioning Bootcamps:

June 20th: Males = 8am

July 2nd: Males = 6pm

July 4th: Males = 8am; Womens = 9am

July 9th: Males = 6pm;

July 11th: Males = 8am; Womens = 9am

That's it for the next few weeks.

If you are a woman, or know a woman that would be interested in getting stronger leaner and fitter, in a fun, supportive environment - drop me and email and there may well be an extra evening training session for the ladies.

Im already looking forward to Saturdays Bootcamp!

Peace out!

John

Hull Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp

2009-06-09T21:02:00.002+01:00

A big thank you to all those who took part in the Hardcore Strength and Conditioning Bootcamps this weekend. The lads again proved that weather is no match for pure determination. There was lots of power going on amidst windy conditions.

The Ladies stepped up afterwards, proving they too can ramp up some energy when it's needed. Many calories will have been shot out the window with their sled drags, keg carrying and deadlifts.

Heres to this coming saturday;

Mens Bootcamp at 8am;
Womens Bootcamp at 9am;

Both Bootcamp sessions are £5, or £2.50 if it's your first session.

Contact me if you want to take part

Hull Bootcamp

2009-06-01T15:42:00.002+01:00

A big thanks to the guys who attended the Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp on Saturday 30th. The lads gave it some real effort, showed their strengths, worked on their weaknesses, and motivated the rest to do the same. It was good fun, if not a little hot! (At 12 noon the temperature must have been 22-24 degrees.... Thats commitment!)

Here is Adrian giving the sled a testing in soaking conditions the other day!

A repeat Bootcamp is going ahead same place but different time. This coming Saturday (6th June), the Mens Bootcamp will run at 8am.

Many Women have been interested in a womens circuit, so a Womens Bootcamp will run at 9am.

Email me at fitness@johncammish.co.uk or ring me on 07762772671 to book on. See you there!

Weight loss cardio conditioning in Hull

2009-06-01T13:17:00.001+01:00

Adrian gets his first taste of the sled......in soaking conditions!

Fat loss has come to Hull in the form of future Bootcamps, Yeah! Watch this space.....

Bootcamp Dates

2009-05-21T14:22:00.007+01:00

Mens Outdoor Bootcamp Dates

8am 9th January at Pickering Park Playing Fields
16th January at Pickering Park Playing Fields
8am 23rd January at Pickering Park Playing Fields
8am 30th January at Pickering Park Playing Fields
8am 6th February at Pickering Park Playing Fields
8am 13th February at Pickering Park Playing Fields

Mens Indoor Bootcamp Dates

6pm 4th January at St.Josephs Hall
6pm 11th January at St.Josephs Hall
6pm 18th January at St.Josephs Hall
6pm 25th January at St.Josephs Hall
6pm 1st February at St.Josephs Hall
6pm 8th February at St.Josephs Hall

Ladies Indoor Bootcamp Dates

- 7pm 4th January at St.Josephs Hall
- 7pm 11th January at St.Josephs Hall
- 7pm 18th January at St.Josephs Hall
- 7pm 25th January at St.Josephs Hall
- 7pm 1st February at St.Josephs Hall
- 7pm 8th February at St.Josephs Hall

15th Aug pics

2009-05-15T23:51:00.001+01:00

8th August 2009 Bootcamp pics

2009-05-10T09:39:00.001+01:00

These pictures speak for themselves......

Stu Sledding it

Stu shoulder pressing in the circuit

Stu Deadlifting

Alan Farmers walking it

Rich Caning the water bottles

Rich sprints to the next station . . .

Rich is loving being ahead of John in the shoulder press and sled relay.....

It then turns neck and neck.....

Rich shoulder pressing in the circuit

Rich doing some serious pull ups

Rich Deadlifting

Lee pressin' while Rich carries his Keg (s)!

Lee deadlifts

John B

John B the original farmer!

John's on a mission to catch Rich . .

John Presses while Andy Recline rows

John Pulling 'The Bainbridge'

Andy shows the sled whos boss in the relay

Andy deadlifts

Alan recline rows

The sled tries stop those that touch it....

Alan psychs himself up

'The Bainbridge!'

Mens Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp Information

2009-04-10T16:19:00.017+01:00

Guys,

Have you ever been on the recline bikes while listening to the new girls aloud album?

Have you ever worn lycra shorts, and danced in an aerobics class to some funky R’n’B?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above – this Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp is not for you!

Guys,

Do you get frustrated when your gym does not have the right equipment you need to get strong?

Do you get annoyed when you realise you’ve left your Ipod at home, and you will have to endure the likes of Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Usher to fuel your energy driven training sessions?!!!

Would you like to get strong while you get leaner and fitter?

If you answered ‘yes’ to these 3 questions – chances are, you will love the Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp!

In this Bootcamp, you will perform important natural movements that will make you stronger and fitter than ever before. Movements like Deadlifts, Pull ups (or alternatives), lunge variations, presses and sled drags and much more! These movements are so simple but when done right, they can sky rocket your strength and work capacity levels!

2 Simple Tools that will make you think about your fitness

This is not your typical ‘army style’ session where you perform endless push ups and crunches until someone says ‘stop!’

Reps are kept to optimum strength parameters. So if you are struggling, you will get stronger over time. Already, some guys are saying they can tell the difference in their strength and fitness - after only 3 weeks!

Bootcamp lasts 55 mins and has some 3-5 minute breaks included. Why the rest? So you can put out more power. This is not a girly aerobics class that stays in the 'fat burning zone' (which by the way is a TOTAL MYTH!) for an hour non-stop. You work your a** off.......... then you rest. Anyone who doesn't need rest is not working hard enough.

Here is a video that will let you decide if The Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp is for you....

Pickering Park playing fields, between Fiveways roundabout and Hessle High Road Police Station. We'll be near the basket ball court. At the moment, Bootcamps run on a Saturday morning at 8am.

What's that? Too early for ya?

If you' re not man enough to get out of bed early then don't even think about training in one of these Strength Bootcamps.

Indoor Bootcamps are running at St.Josephs Church Hall (Fiveways roundabout) on Monday nights. . . . .

Check here for the latest Bootcamp dates and times

There are NO Joining Fees;
Entry to your first Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp is FREE

Bootcamps run in 6-week cycles:
£7 a session
£35 upfront for 6 Bootcamp Vouchers
£60 upfront for 12 Bootcamp Vouchers

* Vouchers must be used within each 6-week cycle

Did I mention your 1st Bootcamp session is FREE? You simply cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.......

You must book on, by contacting me by email or by calling me on 07762772671.

Now, do you want to lift some heavy stuff, or you want to sit on a shiny, girly, machine?

Bootcamps will run whatever the weather. If it's cold or wet, wear what you have to wear. There is no such thing as bad weather – Just inappropriate clothing!

Ladies Tone Up Body Bootcamp

2009-04-03T12:46:00.010+01:00

Tone Up Body Bootcamp will:

√ Improve Muscle Tone
√ Burn Body Fat
√ Improve your Fitness
√ Re-energize your view of exercise

Tone Up Body Bootcamp is a new outdoor exercise session that is aimed at women who are looking to improve their body composition - namely improve muscle tone and lose fat.

The most effective resistance exercises are used, in a circuit format to maximise your fat burning potential and improve your fitness levels.

Tone Up Body Bootcamp runs at St. Josephs Church Hall on Boothferry Road (just off Fiveways Roundabout).

Tone Up Body Bootcamp's at the moment are running on Monday evenings at 7pm

Please click here to check for most recent Bootcamp dates

Entry to your first Strength and Conditioning Bootcamp is FREE

Bootcamps run in 6-week cycles:

£7 a session

£35 upfront for 6 Bootcamp Vouchers

* Vouchers must be used within each 6-week cycle

Did I mention your 1st Bootcamp session is FREE? You simply cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.......

You must book on, by contacting me by email or by calling me on 07762772671.

Get ready to get lean, fit and strong!

Max! Kitten Pics

2009-03-02T10:58:00.000Z

Meet Max!

Andrea's Weight Loss Success Story

2008-09-03T16:54:00.009+01:00

Andrea from Anlaby near Hull has made massive improvements to her health, appearance and confidence - all from changing her food and exercise habits. Here is her weight loss success story so far, and the pictures from start, 5 weeks, and 15 weeks and 27 weeks. More pictures will be added as Andrea continues to keep making amazing progress. Keep up the fantastic work!

Being overweight

I've been overweight for most of my life. As a child I could be described at 'chubby' or 'well-built' at that point not particularly 'fat'. I took comfort when I was told my puppy fat would just go as I grew taller and although I grew to 5ft 8 inches my weight was going in one direction and that was upwards.

Things slimmer people take for granted were a struggle for me, like being unsure as to whether I could get through turnstiles at a rugby match, dodging being photographed at family get-togethers, being uncomfortable in hot weather and preferring to keep covered up to avoid exposing my excess poundage. I daren't get into a swimming pool on holiday as I felt like a beached whale in my huge swimsuit and people were bound to stare I thought.

My weight hit 17 stone 6 lbs just after my second child. I had been eating for two for sure believing that once I had my son, I would be much slimmer. But no, then juggling full time work and a new baby resulted in me eating the wrong things at the wrong time. I got to a point where I felt so big that just one more take away per week and a biscuit with a cup of coffee couldn't really make the situation any worse - wrong, I now got over the 18 stone mark and decided not to get weighed any more as it was so depressing. I didn't want to hear about people going to the gym as I felt that I was now so big I might be a health and safety issue and would probably need a medical to be allowed to join one - not that I could see myself on a treadmill - never, not in a million years.

Around my son's 8th birthday I wondered how he felt about having the largest mum in the school. I was approaching my mid forties, smoked 20 cigarettes per day and knew that I was increasingly becoming a heart attack risk. I was puffing and panting to even climb stairs and knew something had to be done - I was at a loss at where to start I felt that I had a mountain to climb.

My eldest sister was a regular gym attender, she considered it part of her life and enjoys it (strange but true!) I asked what her gym was like and she said that if ever I wanted to have a look around she would come with me and if I wanted to 'have a go' she would be happy of be my gym partner, if I didn't fancy it, that was fine too. I went to have a look around and decided to go for it.

I approached a Personal Trainer and joined a gym

I didn't know how to put together a gym routine, but also knew it was important to me to build in variety to a workout. I know people who gave up because they became bored. I asked around for details of some Personal Trainers, I needed someone who had patience (lots of it) and also someone who I did not feel intimidated by (which is easy to feel when you're 8 stone overweight!) I decided to approach John Cammish who I'd heard good reports about.

He has the knowledge and experience to help with nutrition and fitness training. He was described as a nice guy but no push over – sounded like just who I needed - wonder if he was ready for a challenge?

My first session with my Personal Trainer

I booked 10 lessons with John Cammish who I see on a weekly basis. I stopped smoking (after 20 years) at the same time – I must be mad!

I looked at the scales in horror and wondered if I was kidding myself.

On my first session on 19th June 2008 I weighed in at 19 stone 2 lbs. I was totally embarrassed to be so heavy and wondered if I was kidding myself to think I could really get rid of it all. John didn't gasp, he said that the good thing about being so heavy was that I might see some dramatic weight loss in the first couple of weeks (clearly his glass is half full!) Included in my first routine was the dreaded treadmill, just for 8 minutes (which seemed like hours). My feet were burning and it went through my mind how embarrassing it would be to have to be carried out on a stretcher, my heart was beating so hard I was sure everyone could see it pounding outside my body.

As I left the gym after my first session I felt surprisingly fantastic, I was exhausted and sweating but the sense of achievement was enormous – I had taken the first steps towards a new, healthier way of life.

Week 2 and 3

For years I have had swollen ankles (even more swollen than the rest of me) but I have noticed that since I have been going to the gym the swelling has gone. Also the tingling sensation in my legs, which did concern me, has gone. So many benefits in such a short period of time, on top of a weight loss of 10 lbs in 2 weeks left me feeling on top of the world.

Week 4

I followed John's advice regarding when I could and when I should and shouldn't eat carbohydrates, fats and proteins. I completed my daily sheets religiously which John checked for me until he was confident that I knew what I was doing. I knew I had not cheated, not once, and looked forward to another big weight loss. I was so disappointed when suddenly, I hadn't lost anything, not even an ounce! John looked at my sheet and informed me that I hadn't eaten enough (never thought I'd hear that) and therefore my body had gone into starvation mode and was hanging onto my fat!

On thinking about it I had skipped the odd meal believing that I was helping myself. John told me to concentrate on the mirror and not so much on the scales, and not missing important meals.

John asked me if I liked chocolate, which I thought was a very naughty question in the circumstances – not sure I can remember but no way was I missing it. He introduced me to a chocolate protein shake. It's a powder that I add water to and shake for 30 seconds. It's full of protein (good all of the time) with no carbs (naughty a lot of the time) with vitamins. These are ideal as I have always got something to drink for a snack or if I feel a bout of hunger. I wonder if there is a strawberry one!

Week 5

Lost 4 pounds and found that my body needed smaller portions so I felt fuller quicker (not kidding myself though, I still had a very large tummy!) The treadmill was by now one of my chosen pieces of equipment in my routines (not that I got to choose) as I was able to do interval training on there, increasing the gradient to 6.5% plus at a pace of 6 for a minute with a one minute recovery.

Lost 3 lbs this week that's the good news !

Oh no.....My new routine included a rowing machine, for more intervals, in between using the weights. I purchased some gloves as I found that I had small blisters on my hands (my husband was very impressed!) This really got my heart pounding, it wasn't easy, but I called this my new challenge.

I'm really getting to know John, my trainer, I know how he works. He looks at my work sheet and if he notices that I'm managing to complete all the sets of weights, he makes it harder for me by increasing my weights or increasing my reps... very naughty! Still I do like the challenge. Actually, it must be awful for him seeing me at 7am on a morning with no make up on!

Week 7

Lost 4 lbs this week, everyone is really noticing and giving me encouragement to keep up the good work. I used to think that gyms would be full of size 8 - 10 females and big people like me would be out of place. How wrong was I, the gym is full of all shapes and sizes. There are slim people who are working hard at keeping themselves in good shape, good for them. There are bigger people too, who have decided that enough is enough and they want to make a change to their life. I hope they keep it up as I know many give up - I know it won't be me!

Week 8

Weighed in at 17 stone 2lbs; So in 7 weeks, I have lost two stone and not had one cigarette. Plus I have reduced my body fat percentage. My clothes have dropped off me and so I've thrown them all away. I've bought just a couple of outfits as I know that in a couple of months I'll be trotting (can't jog yet) off to the charity shop with them.

I've set myself a target to lose another 5 stone. I'll get there and then I'll stay there. I understand that eating sensibly is a way of life and not something to do on diets in between over indulging. I feel that I don't need to eat much to put weight on, probably a lot of women feel the same – I accept this and will adapt my eating pattern accordingly.

Week 9 and 10

I’ve lost another 4 ½ pounds in the past two weeks. So in the 10 weeks since I’ve had my weekly sessions with my personal fitness trainer, I’ve lost 3 stone and 4 lbs . In that time I have never felt really hungry and if I have I have snacked on healthy options. I think the advice I received about when and when not to consume carbs has been more useful than I ever imagined.

Week 11 and 12

This fortnight I’ve stepped up my gym sessions, I still see John, my trainer, once a week and then do my routine another 3 – 4 times in between. Amazing that for years I had convinced myself that I didn’t have time for gym attendance in my busy life, what with working full time on shifts and a 9 year old son. I’ve lost another 6 lbs and have thrown away another set of clothes away. My wardrobe spanned 4 dress sizes but this time, as I’ve lost the weight, I’ve thrown the big clothes away – no going back to the bad old days! I do feel good when people tell me how much better I look, even people who saw me only a month ago seem amazed. Makes me wonder why I didn’t make the commitment to get myself sorted years ago!

Week 13 and 14

Only lost a pound per week for the last two weeks. I did expect that the big weekly losses would slow down and that this might not be a bad thing, it’s just that I had hoped that I could lose another stone or so before I got to that stage. John said we could try bringing in more ‘spikes’ to the sessions – always up for a challenge I went for it. Seems a bit like interval training where for instance I’d go for a minute at a gradient of 10 on the treadmill and then have a quick recovery before repeating this a few times. I found this hard going and was puffing and panting. They say ‘no pain no gain’ I hope it pays off.

Week 15

Had new photos taken this week:

Stepping up the difficulty level in my programme has worked, I’ve lost 5lb this week and am elated! John reminded me that so far I’d lost 57 lbs (over 4 stone!). Major milestone now that I’m 14 stone something (okay 14 st 13lbs) but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel for me. I heard a couple of ladies in the changing room at the gym talking about joining slimming classes, if I see them again I might tell them that I’ve been there and done that, I lost a few stone at Slimming World before, some 10 years ago but gradually it all the weight came back, and more. Having done it all ways I would 100% recommend that the best way to lose weight is to eat the right foods at the right time and to go to the gym regularly. Diets just haven’t worked for me, I’m adapting to, a change in lifestyle, I think this is the only way to do it for me. Only another 3 stone to go - then I’ll have a really good look at myself!

Week 18
I’ve lost another half stone over the last 3 weeks which I’m pleased with. I thought that my weight would begin to slow by now and I would really have to battle, but so far so good.

Week 21
Just returned from a 2 week Carribean cruise. Top quality food was available 24 hours per day. I’d heard all the stories about people putting on a stone on a cruise and I knew this was not going to be me. For sure I ate more than I normally would, fresh fruit with yoghurt, poached eggs on toast for breakfast , salads for lunch, a three course meal on an evening (including the third course!). I opted for healthy option most of the time, dodged the bread basket and tried to stick to ice cream or sorbets on alternate evenings for dessert. I probably had 3 alcoholic drinks per day and treated myself to latte coffees. But there is a price to pay and so I went in the gym at 6.30 am each morning (well, missed a couple) with my programme which John had prepared for me, and really worked hard. I walked around the deck a couple of times after lunch each day and walked around the islands we visited and I enjoyed all of it. Jogging on a treadmill looking out over blue open sea was fantastic. Power walking through golden, fine, warm sand was heavenly! How different it all would have been for me if I was carrying another 4 1/2 stones which I was only 21 weeks ago!

Upon my return from holiday I had put on 3 lbs which was slightly disappointing but not surprising but what did surprise me was that just by going back to my normal eating and exercise programme, I lost those 3 lbs within 6 days. I didn’t crash diet (don’t do that any more!) I was so impressed I’ve booked my next cruise!

Week 24
Christmas has been and gone and guess what – I lost weight and am now under 14 stone. I did watch what I ate but did have a few treats – mixed nuts and raisins, sweets in moderation only, the odd Yorkshire pudding, etc. I still went to the gym 4 times per week as this is what I need to do to achieve what I want to achieve. Exercise has made the difference and yet I have only ever been to two classes since I started, for me the gym has done the trick. Friends think the gym can be boring and I can see why they think that. Having John alter my gym routine every couple of weeks really works and now I really look forward to seeing what my next programme will consist of – bit worrying that isn’t it!

Week 27
I put 2 lbs on this week which was not unexpected. For some reason I thought I would just test myself to see how much I could get away with eating without putting weight on, well two meals out and eating late just confirmed what John told me ‘if you put more fuel into your body than you use you will store fat’. He also told me not to beat myself up about it and just to look to next week and it would all sort itself out. I’m annoyed with myself though so I’m really going to get back on track.

More pictures taken:

Week 30
Feeling good and have lost another 8 lbs in the last 3 weeks! I have officially now lost over 5 stone! The weight continues to come off . Looking back on my training programmes I’m amazed at how much heavier weights I can manage now and how much longer I can go at full pace on the rower. I remember that in my first session with John I told him that I couldn’t co-ordinate myself on the stepper and my feet hurt on the treadmill and I would never do a press up on my toes in a million years. Today I did a total of 20 press ups on my toes (I’m not saying it was easy) and the cross trainer would be my preferred cardio equipment – not that I get to choose! What a difference the last 30 weeks has made to my life.

Week 34

Another month and another stone off so I’m just under 13 stone. Someone I hadn’t seen for a few months congratulated me on how I looked today but then said ‘It’s okay for you, I just can’t lose weight, you’re lucky’ Thankfully I’m not an aggressive person but luck had nothing to do with what I’ve achieved so far (not finished yet!) I’ve been asked ‘is it hard going?’ Yes it was tough, particularly for the first couple of months as I was changing a lifetimes bad habit of eating more than my body needed and piling on weight. I’m disciplined and know what I can and can’t eat. If I eat more than I should then I have to work it off – simple as that. Yes, it’s easier now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Week 38

I have less than a stone to go now to meet my target weight . I have a lot of work to do on toning up and the most recent programmes reflect that this is what John is helping me with now. I’m actually working on my ‘abs’ and it’s great to be getting into focusing on fine-tuning like normal people now that I’ve dealt with the offloading of 7 stone of ugly fat. I feel like a new woman – my husband thinks he’s got one!

Week 43
Had some new Pictures done this week: