Paula, Thornbury
Malcolm R
My initial health assessment threw up a health issue of which I would have remained ignorant without their attention to detail. It’s now back under control – thanks to Russell’s professional approach.
I went to them on personal recommendation when finally I could no longer escape from my increasing girth, decreasing flexibility – and the comments of a frustratingly naturally thin wife! As a sixty-something (no need to go into more detail) who had never explicitly exercised in his life (I’d even bunked off games at school) I was daunted at the prospect of setting foot in a gym to be faced by ultra-fit youngsters attacking frightening looking equipment with excessive gusto. Russell’s calm and pragmatic approach has worked for me. I have more energy, more stamina and more enthusiasm than I’ve had for years. A lot of the old aches and pains that I thought were just signs of aging have gone – and I can now take the stairs instead of the escalator without fear, or breathlessness.
Dave Price, Thornbury
Sue, Thornbury
I first met Russell 18 months ago when my fitness was so low I could only manage 10 minutes on the treadmill, but slowly with a lot of encouragement and patience from Russell, I am now able to complete a half hour session. Russell understands that when I have a bad day medically, I can only exercise for a short time. There is no pressure from him to complete the half hour.
He manages to work towards keeping me on track, without making me feel uncomfortable, that I cannot complete the session. We have over the months worked towards completing a marathon on the treadmill and an Ironman triathlon by using the cycles, treadmill and rowing. I certainly will be carrying on when this block of sessions has finished, as my confidence has grown along with weight loss, as an added bonus.
James Marchant, Thornbury
I was recommended to Russell Knight by my chiropracter just before Christmas 2014. I had an ongoing problem with my lower back which was not only painful but also restricted my movement and ability to participate in regular sport. I was also unhappy with my weight and general level of fitness so decided to take the plunge and sign up for an initial course with a personal trainer which I have never experienced before.
Russ and his team are an extremely friendly and supportive group and this gave me the confidence to sign up for a training program.I have been working with Jack now for a number of months. Within a matter of only a few weeks my back condition was much improved due to the stretching exercises that are built into my exercise program. My range of movement has improved significantly and I am virtually pain free. I have also been able to play badminton and cricket which I was struggling to do before starting to work with Jack. In addition to this I have lost 8lbs in weight and whilst I haven’t reached my target yet, I am confident that with Jack’s help I will do so in the next few months.
In summary, working with a personal trainer keeps me focused. I have two sessions every week and these have become part of my weekly routine. I am delighted with the results I have achieved so far and can’t recommend Russell and his team highly enough to anyone who wants to get fit, recover from an injury or a combination of both.
Sue and Mark, Tytherington
After muttering to my partner Mark that I really should try and get a bit fitter and slimmer, I was horrified when he bought me a ‘present’ of gym membership plus personal trainer as it was only a throw-away comment! I have tried every diet going over the years, and whilst successful short term it all crept on again.
When I first met Russ I was really impressed that he talked to me at length about my day-to-day life, what I wanted to realistically achieve and how I could do this, and most importantly he explained how going on another diet with a bit of Zumba thrown in was not going to work, and that a ‘lifestyle change’ was needed. I had a goal in mind as we had a big family holiday planned in 5-months time.
Five months have now passed and over this period I have lost the 1.5 stone in weight that I was aiming for (without being on a diet!) and have totally changed my eating habits and attitude towards health and fitness. I found every session with Russ worthwhile, motivating, and felt a huge sense of achievement at the end of each session. He will always tailor a programme to suit you personally, and will vary this as needed.
My partner Mark also signed up with Russell and is due to run a half-marathon soon, having achieved brilliant fitness results in only 5-months. We can now go away on our holiday slimmer and fitter than we have been for years, and this is all down to Russ who has been an inspiration to us. We are already booked in to carry on when we get back, and looking forward to seeing what the next 5-months will bring! We would highly recommend Russ to anyone, and whatever level of fitness, size or shape you are we guarantee Russ will be able to help you.
Simon Hunt
I have booked Russ for 2 Platinum packages and an ABS package – it has been worth every penny. If I could have a personal trainer for the rest of my life, I would pick Russ every time. I have already lined up another Platinum package for next year, and I am sure it won’t be the last.
Thank you for all your help Russ, it is appreciated.
Annie M, Alveston
Here I am way down the line and why do I keep going … I like his style! He keeps me fit, sets realistic and achievable goals, varies the sessions and is flexible particularly when life and work get in the way. He has a quietly confident and encouraging manner. Most of all he smiles through and takes absolutely no notice of my endless whingeing and STILL I improve. Great technique.
I never thought that at 61 yrs old I would ever use the phrase “shan’t be long, just going for a run” Russell has helped me achieve that; well done Russell.
Heather, Thornbury
“It’s never too late!”
“I am in my early fifties and was unhappy at how my body was changning. I started going to the gym in Thornbury on my own but for me this was not enough. I did not push myself and certainly did not appreciate what I was capable of achieving.
Then I met Russell; everything changed! He encouraged me to use different equipment which included some weights in interesting and varied routines. Without realising it I had soon found myself motivated to do a little more each time and Russell was always there to guide me. My body shape has changed, I am more toned, I have lost body fat and feel much better for it. Initially I found hour long sessions challenging to complete but Russell was flexible and allowed me to split my hour into two 30 minute sessions which I found more beneficial.
Thanks to Russell I am a lot happier, look and feel so much better and could not have done it without his support and encouragement.”
Rachael Arrivabene, Bradley Stoke
Russell and I discussed what I wanted to achieve from our sessions, he took in to account my lifestyle and planned sessions with me that were enjoyable. He offered encouragement and challenged me when required.
When I first started our Personal Training Sessions, I disliked running and actually was so unfit that I couldn’t run for more than a minute or two. Last week I signed up for the Bristol Half Marathon – something I never imagined doing, but it’s going to be one of my biggest achievements and there is no way I’d be doing it if it wasn’t for my Personal Training Sessions with Russell.
I have continued my sessions for two years and am still improving my fitness every single week. I no longer need to lose weight, clothes shopping is no longer a source of misery and I am very much looking forward to my summer holiday (and bikini) this year!
I genuinely couldn’t recommend anybody higher than Russell.”
Janne Priess
Janne Priess – Director – Consol, Your Walk in Spa
Karen and Jim Gusterson, Thornbury
I enjoyed the Personal Training Sessions so much that my husband (a previous gym-phobic) decided to start seeing Russell for Personal Training sessions himself, which he also has found really suited him. Russell is always keen to keep the focus on improving and switches around the routines so we don’t get bored. Both of us work full time and Russell has been really flexible in making changes to our times when work commitments mean we’re not available for a particular session. Because of this, despite our busy lives, we’ve still managed to maintain two sessions each week.
The benefits of our sessions have extended in to all aspects of our lives with our 13 year old daughter – we’ve all become so much more active. I’ve dropped a dress size without dieting and am looking forward to my new running challenges. My husband has re-gained flexibility in his legs and shoulder he thought he’d lost forever. We are both in our mid-forties but feel healthier and fitter now than we did in our thirties … maybe even our twenties! I would recommend Russell’s Personal Training Sessions to anyone – give it a go and you’ll be surprised how great you feel.”
Ian Curtis, Olveston
The key thing with Russell for me, is that he listens to what you as a client wants, then puts 100% into trying to achieve your goals. He doesn’t only concentrate on the fitness side of things either, he is willing to listen to other issues you may have and offer advice about them too. All in all you get the whole package! I would have no hesitation in recommending Russell Knight as a Personal Trainer to anyone!”
Ian Curtis, 38, Olveston
Janine, Thornbury
I have a reoccurring neck problem and Russell is able to tailor my program to ensure I do not aggravate this along with his support to do all the exercises correctly.”
Elaine, Bradley Stoke
On my weekly sessions, Russell puts me through my paces. Each week I am improving on the last. My shape is changing, (confirmed by my friends), I have more energy, feel and look fitter and my stamina has increased. What a result in less than 6 months. Hooray.”
Elaine, Bradley Stoke – Elaine Stinchcombe Therapies
Mark, Bristol
Russ helped in setting goals, which with a weekly session at the gym in Thornbury and some ‘homework’ were achieved every week. This provided me with confidence and determination to push myself every session to not let myself or Russ down and continue setting new boundaries.
The Personal Training sessions which Russ devised were different every week and imaginative, in all fairness I am the type of person who needs to be and enjoys to be pushed in training sessions and therefore these were of great benefit.
I also have an old injury which Russ took into consideration when setting exercises and if ever there was a niggle or a twinge, the session was adapted to suit.
The help of keeping a food diary for Russ to comment upon was great and Russ was also able to provide tips and advice on all forms of dietary and fitness questions which I found useful and have passed on to numerous Friend and Family members.
I have and continue to recommend Russell’s services to any Friend or Family member looking for a Personal Trainer or if they need their training “spiced up” to push themselves that little bit further.”
Shelley Bateman
On a recent shopping trip to Cabot Circus I was pleasantly surprised by my reflection in the changing-room mirrors (the ones that generally manage to accentuate all your flaws!). For once I actually enjoyed trying on dresses and trousers and feeling that my body did them justice; needless to say it was an expensive trip!
The worst thing I did was stop my Personal Training Sessions for 6 weeks over Christmas. Rather than feel like I was treating myself by skiving my sessions, I felt sluggish, tired, unmotivated and was much more prone to head to the biscuit tin. I was also convinced that even over such a short break the change in my muscle tone & fitness level was noticeable. I was relieved to get back into it in the New Year.
Several months ago, my mum commented that my hourly session with a Personal Trainer was an extravagant luxury, to which I replied, “Mum, I work harder in 1 hour a week with Russell than I would ever workout under my own steam, it’s completely different, you push your body to the limit and that is how you get results – don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! My Mum recently signed up with Russ for some Personal Training and now thanks me she goes every week. 10 weeks in she is starting to reap the benefits and is surprised by the change in her shape and by how much more energised she feels. She’s 25 years my senior, but is as fit as fiddle!
I cannot recommend Russell highly enough, he pushes you without making you feel uncomfortable and happily adapts the workout to suit your needs. The packages are flexible, comprehensive and worth every penny. If I could find the time, I would definitely go more frequently.”
Shelley Bateman, Company Director – Rio Pools, Wotton Under Edge
Claire, Elberton
Claire Jaggard, Thornbury
There were many days when, left to my own devices, I would never have made it to the gym in Thornbury. It’s so easy to come up with excuses, but when you’ve made an appointment, you force yourself to go, and once I’d started the session, I was always glad I’d made the effort. An hour Personal Training with Russell goes much faster than an hour on your own, and you feel terribly virtuous when it’s over. Russell didn’t push me further than I wanted or was able to go, it was simply that stubbornness kicks in when there’s someone recording your progress. His feedback and encouragement, showing me the progress I was making, was a big incentive too. When you know you’re getting better, and the numbers show it, you do want to carry on.
So the day of the Oldbury Fun Run arrived and I was more nervous than I had expected but Russell was there to reassure me and I prepared myself mentally for the rather daunting task ahead of me. It wasn’t until I crossed the final mile marker that I realised there was a chance I might actually complete this, and began to relax and enjoy myself. Crossing the line was a huge surprise and relief. Just a few weeks previously I had thought this would be impossible, but here I was, and it was all credit to Russell. I started to feel the benefits of Russell’s workouts in my daily life too; little things that had been challenging before, such as the uphill bike ride to our local shop, were suddenly much easier.”
Read Claire’s full account of her experience with me on her website MyThornbury.com
Claire Jaggard, Thornbury, Editor – MyThornbury.com
Sue Evans, Thornbury
Now with having Russell as my Personal Trainer at the gym in Thornbury for the past three months, I have never felt so good and my muscles have really toned up, so much so that I’m beginning to like my body, and I’m constantly being told that I look like I’ve lost weight. I’m starting another three month block of sessions in a week’s time and I can’t wait to see what difference that will make!”
Alison Makepeace, Thornbury
Nicky, Bradley Stoke
Jenny Lambert, Thornbury
Miss Walker, Bradley Stoke
Mike Rowen, Westbury-on-Trym
“…and I was right – he’s pushed me further than any gym membership would have, he’s made me sweat gallons over the past 3 years, he’s made me throw up, he’s prolonged a cricket career which I never really enjoyed and has made it necessary for me to buy quite a lot of new clothes as lots of my old pairs of jeans, suits etc no longer fit me, and he’s also made it possible for me to spend more time with ‘the other half’ as I can now join her on bike rides …”
“Oh, and he’s even nearly got me running the Bristol Half Marathon! So if you want him to change your life, ruin your spare time, cost you loads of money in new clothes and make it possible to get involved in new hobbies which seemed impossible before, book some sessions!!”
Mike Rowen (37), Westbury-on-Trym, Company Director – Wylde Interior Architects
Amanda Sherwood, Almondsbury
“Thank you Russell.”