Fat arms. That was the fear which drove me to booking a trial session with James in 2017. I was going to be a bridesmaid, and I really did not want to have fat arms in the dress. I booked in for twice weekly sessions with my friend and started the work. I felt comfortable in every session, and I could see definition in my arms and other areas. We talked about the scales and how not to be obsessed with the numbers and James created a flexible food plan. No restrictions which was a first. I dropped 2 dress sizes and felt great on the day of the wedding.

Superficial goal achieved, I stupidly stopped sessions. Emotional eating and horrible life circumstances over the next few years saw my size creep up to an 18. I lived in elasticated waists, empire line dresses and baggy tops, and hated going anywhere as I felt so self-conscious. I contacted James again in 2023 to start sessions. I didn’t really have a goal apart from to feel better. I was breathless walking upstairs, I wasn’t sleeping, my joints ached, and I felt like an old woman.

Seeing James again was like seeing an old friend – no judgement, so much empathy and a drive to help where he could. I started with 1-1 sessions. Two weeks in, life delivered a gut punch, I was single, and I suddenly had a goal. I needed to be able to lift 35 kg safely. 35 kg was weight of my Labrador Milly who had mobility issues and would often need picked up off the floor or lifted into the car for vet sessions. And that’s what we worked towards. Not slim arms, or a lifted butt – just to be able to lift 35kg safely for both me and Milly.

I showed up consistently to sessions – some were more productive than others – a box of tissues appeared out of nowhere and became a workout staple- and suddenly 9 months had passed. I’d lost 3 dress sizes and 4 stone. Sadly, we lost Miss Milly the following month, but I was able to do her final lift into the Home Vets car for the crematorium.

I continued sessions with James going on to lose a total of 5 stone and 4 dress sizes. The sessions were never cookie cutter workouts – James adjusted according to my strength that day, had I slept, my arthritis flare-ups and my emotional state. But each week we did something. You’ll hear James say consistency is key. True story. Annoyingly 😉

Unfortunately, due to illness I have had to pause my sessions for a few months, and I cannot tell you how much I miss them. I’m so looking forward to starting back. If you are looking for an authentic, adaptable, trainer who genuinely cares about you and achieves results, get in touch with James.