Real People
Real People
Real Results
TRANSFORMATIONS
Andy Jenkins
I have now been working with Tony for over 10 years.
I walked in with two slipped discs, chronic tendonitis of the left Gluteus Medius and I was Obese. I could not walk without a stick. Since then, we have worked on average 3 times a week, and I am now in better shape than ever, and I’m 57.
We have had our setbacks, carrying the injuries I have it is inevitable, but it’s how we’ve responded to these setbacks that is the standout. If you want to rehab from a back related sports injury, believe me, exercise is your way out, but it must be professionally supervised, and that’s where Tony has stepped in.
Before I went to see him, I had seen several consultants, physiotherapists, and chiropractors. All have their place, but if you really want to sort your back pain, try exercise, especially the strengthening type, targeted at the areas that support the core and spine. Lose weight, be disciplined, and get yourself a Personal Trainer.
Imagine jumping into car to take your driving test without any lessons. One or two may succeed, but most of you will not. You will not know what to do and what not to do, what the road signs mean, and how fast you can drive.
It is the same for getting fit and strong.
Sophie Mayanne
In November 2019, prior to coming to Catalyst, I had attempted to return to exercise without guidance, and injured my knee. I knew I needed help, and direction. I’d looked online at articles on getting fit – but felt at a bit of a loss as to what to do next. When I walked into Catalyst and met Sean I laid all my issues, concerns and fears on the table (and definitely took up more of Sean’s time than was allotted.) I admitted that the task ahead of me seemed insurmountable. I was significantly overweight (140KG), drastically unfit and unhappy. Issues with my physical presence had seeped into other parts of my life – and I knew it was likely a case of now or never. Sean was able to make me feel immediately comfortable and at ease – despite the fact I was talking about issues that I generally, at the time, found it hard to talk about.
When we began training at Catalyst, Sean encouraged me to firstly start walking, as well as exploring my abilities (or lack thereof!) during PT sessions. Walking, at that time, was something that had pretty much ceased to exist in my life, so an initial goal of 5,000 steps a day was set. Despite some trips, slips and falls, I persevered. Training wise, I would definitely be lying if I said it was easy – but luckily Sean is patient and takes the time to ensure you understand the movements you are doing.
Back in 2019, and early 2020 even – any kind of presence in a gym was still pretty alien – and without Sean/ Catalyst – I quite literally, would not know what I was doing, or where to begin. At the very beginning, a lot of my focus was on making sure I showed up and tried – so it took me a little bit of time to relax and enjoy what I was doing. Every session I have had Sean has always had more than enough energy for the both of us, and from the very beginning ensured I felt comfortable in the space, and with everything I was doing.
March 2020 then threw us into Lockdown 1, and I remember messaging Sean worried that I would go backwards and would not know how to cope. Sean supported me all the way through – ensuring I had home workouts to do, helping me stay consistent, and challenging me to learn new movements. I will not lie and say it was easy – as the change in routine was difficult, but when I did make it back to the first PT session at Catalyst again, I knew the months of work were worth it. Lockdown 1 was also the first time I tried classes with Catalyst, when outdoor sessions were introduced. Joining group classes was something I was scared of initially. I did not want to go and be the least fit person on the class, or to be able to go and feel like I could not do anything.
When the gyms reopened for a while, I returned to PT sessions with Sean and began learning an array of new skills – including deadlifts and squats – and going from strength to strength. Classes were added to my routine too – even trying Olympic Lifting! Joining classes added a new, social side to exercising for me – and I started to really feel part of a community. Not long later, I was lifting a 90KG deadlift for the first time – and a 60KG squat. I took on shoots during the summer months and was amazed at how much more easily my body moved, and how less tiring day to day was. I went out with friends and felt like I could keep up.
Training with Sean, and Catalyst has given me the confidence to try new things, and really push myself outside of my comfort zone – I have gone from being unsure if I could cope ahead of Lockdown 1, to trying to design my own workouts in Lockdown 3 (with help from Sean!) and trying activities I never thought I could or would do – including things like running my first 5k and picking up a skipping rope. There have been huge changes in my mindset, as well as in my physical body in 18 months.
I do not know what the future looks like for me, I guess nobody does – but I know now that I feel better after I exercise and move. I have come a long way from that first challenge of 5,000 steps a day – with some days now reaching the 25,000 mark!
Sean’s support has been, honestly, phenomenal. From in the gym, to outside the gym support with nutrition, as well as emotional and practical support when I am struggling. He has helped me stay accountable, challenged me, and helped me find a new lease of life. I do not know at the moment what my ultimate goal is, but I do know that I have the support of a great trainer, and gym behind me to get there.
Sarah Watkins
Training with Robin at catalyst has been the best life decision I have made. I started training at catalyst weighing 120kg, currently I weigh 84kg.
I have gone from being very inactive to training multiple times a week. From being scared to exercise to competing in powerlifting and deadlifting 165kg. Robin and team catalyst have been there to support me through it all including recovery from Covid and switching from powerlifting to Olympic lifting + conditioning. I cannot thank Robin enough for all his support!
Amanda Tyler
I have known Sean for nearly three and he has been my personal trainer for that time.
During that time, he has been a great motivation for me to push myself and be more confident in my training. He has been able to encourage me and help me achieve things I thought were beyond my ability, and most importantly from time to time when my enthusiasm has dipped, he has motivated me to keep going.
When I first joined Catalyst, I had very little experience of attending an organised gym. Sean took the time to show me around and introduce me to group training and making me feel more comfortable in myself in attending and taking part in these sessions.
The PT sessions he puts together for me on a weekly basis are challenging, varied and (occasionally) fun! They are certainly benefiting my fitness and myself believe in my ability.
During the unfortunate time the gym has had to close due to COVID, Sean has been able to deliver excellent one to one PT sessions remotely to help me in maintaining my health, fitness, motivation, and sanity!
Tim Burge
Joining Catalyst for me was a turning point in my life being the wrong side of 40 gaining weight and feeling down.
With Cat Pushing me past my ability and Tony constantly encouraging me to achieve what I never thought I could in Olympic lifting.
It has given me the confidence and ability to achieve and attempt activities I could never imagined.
Thank You Guys.