I first started training with Mark in about November 2009 when I had a goal of losing 10lbs in six weeks before going on holiday and then starting a new job. It was ambitious, but with having weekly one-to-one training sessions with Mark, getting a full assessment and advice on my eating habits, and suggestions for workouts in between our training sessions, Mark helped me meet my goal.
I returned to training with Mark in mid-October 2011 shortly after he started running morning “bootcamp” sessions in a park in central London three times a week. Over the previous two years I had undone the excellent progress I had made – stress and health problems led to me rarely exercising and returning to bad eating and drinking habits. I was at my highest weight (189lbs) and not feeling very good about myself physically – it was time for a change.
I had started cycling to and from work, but it wasn’t until I started attending bootcamp sessions with Mark that I started to see and feel a change. Mark had me keep track of all the food and drink I was consuming so he could review it and give me advice – I learned that what you are putting into your body is just as important, if not more important, than exercise, and you won’t see progress unless you combine both.
By attending Mark’s bootcamp three times a week and following his advice on nutrition, I have consistently lost about 5-6lbs a month, for a current total of 35lbs from mid-October to early June. I’ve gone down two sizes and three belt loops.
Although the sessions are called “bootcamp”, it isn’t as scary as it might sound – Mark is always encouraging and supportive and works on the basis of positive reinforcement to get the best out of clients. Attending the sessions are great fun, as they are different every day. I never thought I would enjoy getting up early to exercise, and I never imagined myself exercising outside through the winter, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Mark goes above and beyond the call of duty – I know I can email or text him at any time with questions about exercise or nutrition and he will always respond quickly with helpful information, or a promise to research it and get back to me. He checks up on what I am eating through my online food diary and continues to provide advice and support.
I would highly recommend that anyone speak to him about your goals, whether it is weight loss, toning, or training for an event. I am confident that he will be able to help you reach your goals, as he did with mine, whether by way of one-to-one training sessions or by attending his bootcamp.
Ariel Ricci