Testimonials « Optimum Health Coaching

Optimum Health Coaching

Ian Laird, Matt Davidson & Claire Williams

Success Stories

Whilst everyone's specific goals, level of fitness, commitment and motivation is different, we hope these testimonials help to inspire you with what is possible with the right trainer helping you along the way. 

Where to start?  

I lost 35 1bs in 3 months – and couldn’t have done it without the help of a focused personal trainer. Ian managed a good balance between pushing and encouragement and after 6 weeks of tough weights and then 6 weeks of brutal cardio I managed to hit the weight I wanted (alongside a pretty disciplined diet!). As a triathlete himself, Ian also persuaded me that I needed a goal – my first triathlon - and I proudly completed a sprint event with his belief that I could do it when I really didn’t think I could!  The sense of achievement was enormous.  

Leigh Strustrad

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What was your situation like before we started working together?

Before working with Claire I was struggling to see how I could achieve the goals I had set for myself without either getting injured or reaching far below the target times set. Being a mum plus working full time in a demanding job it was vital for me to maximise any time spent training. I knew I could run and bike, but could I really go the full distance I wanted in the times I wanted?

What fears or worries (if any) did you have before we started working together?

Having crashed out of my first half marathon due to a virus I was scared of failure particularly when being sponsored for charity. I was also very aware of how precarious it could be having so many events in quick succession. I lacked self-confidence, was feeling pretty low and really needed a boost to keep me on track.

How do/did you feel during our sessions?

Claire is great at judging what sort of session is going to be of most benefit to me and if I turn up having had a rough day at work she is incredibly flexible at adapting her plans to get the best out of me. I always feel comfortable and at ease. I know that I can talk about pretty much anything to Claire and what ranges from casual conversation to intense analysis of life the universe and everything makes the sessions pass quickly and enjoyably. I trust Claire and know she has my best interests at heart at all times.

How helpful are/were the sessions for you?

The sessions with Claire have taught me what to focus on to get the most out of my training. I gained both mental and physical confidence in myself that has stood me in good stead. I simply would not have achieved what I have without them. Problem is I now want to achieve even more and build on my progress-it is proving to be addictive!

How likely would you be to recommend working with me to your friends?

I have no hesitation in recommending Claire to any of my friends who would like to work on their fitness. It is great to see someone with such passion for what they do - it is simply infectious. But behind it all I know that Claire has been through a similar journey herself, that the struggles you or I might face are ones she herself has faced and conquered to become a highly successful athlete. It is pretty inspirational.

Julie Smith

What was your situation like before we started working together?

I’ve always enjoyed sport, particularly running. Last year, however, a few changes in personal circumstances meant that I found it hard to motivate myself to train and, over a few months, I found that I lost the confidence to try again for myself.

What fears or worries (if any) did you have before we started working together?

I was anxious that I would feel like an imposter in a gym and I was worried that I would find it difficult to re-gain my fitness or make progress again.

How do/did you feel during our sessions?

The sessions offer an excellent balance of challenge and support; hard-work and fun. There’s a fantastic variation in exercise and Claire always explains how the different movements are helping to develop strength, co-ordination and balance, which means that each session feels extremely purposeful.

How helpful are/were the sessions for you?

The sessions have been invaluable; they have helped me to get back to running, cycling and swimming. I’ve noticed significant differences in my body shape and strength; specifically, I’ve noticed that I now find it much easier to recover if I’ve done a challenging training session.

How likely would you be to recommend working with me to your friends?

I would (and have!) recommend Claire to anyone who wants to challenge themselves to improve both their mental and physical approach to running or, any other sport. Claire always takes the time to answer any questions I might have about training or nutrition with knowledgeable, considerate and individualised advice. I certainly feel that my attitude and approach towards nutrition and exercise has improved significantly in and through the sessions.

Kathy

What was your situation like before we started working together?

Before starting with Claire I was very unfit with no real strength and with my age and weight things were beginning to hurt!

What fears or worries (if any) did you have before we started working together?

That my body wouldn’t be able to do the training and I would struggle to do the exercises.

How do/did you feel during our sessions?

I feel great during sessions, I am amazed that someone as overweight and unfit as me can do the things we do and I am getting fitter and stronger whilst having fun.

How helpful are/were the sessions for you?

My sessions are really helpful, they are helping me build my strength and fitness whilst also helping me to understanding how much better I feel through the constant improvement and challenges I am given by Claire.

How likely would you be to recommend working with me to your friends?

I would highly recommend Claire to anyone who wants to get stronger and fitter no matter how out of shape you feel. Claire is very welcoming, understanding, knowledgeable and makes it fun.

Louise Beaumont