Keeping fit has never been a big thing for me, there were times when I was single that I went to the gym. But mainly the reason for it was to have something to do after work on those boring weekday nights.
Since becoming a mum I have wobbly bits that I would like to tone up and I know that my core strength needs to be built back up from carrying my two babies. But, I just don’t have the time to go to the gym.
I am also taking part in the Race for Life in a couple of weeks, which I have done no preparation for. I managed to run it last year with no training, but it would be nice to be a little bit fitter this time.
Fitness Angels got in touch and asked if I would like to do a session with one of their personal trainers. All you need is a computer with a webcam and your fitness angel and you can work out anywhere. In your home, at the office, in a hotel room, on holiday, the list is endless.
Picture supplied by Fitness Angels
They have a really simple process to make sure you not only get matched to a personal trainer that suits your needs, but that they understand what you are trying to achieve.
Step One
They arranged a phone call with me to discuss what I wanted to achieve, how much exercise I do now, have I had a gym membership before and how much do I want to be pushed when training.
I told her that I really needed to get my core strength back after having my girls. That I am fit, but the only exercise I do is running around after my girls and going on walks with them.
I thought it was great that I was asked how much I wanted to be pushed in my sessions because I can’t imagine anything worse than having a sergeant major type telling me to do ten more! I told her that I wanted to be pushed a bit, but not so I am lying on the floor about to be sick!
They went away and matched me with a suitable trainer and we booked in a session.
Step Two
Prior to the session I was sent a questionnaire to complete, that asked about medical history, injuries etc.
I was also sent the instructions on how to join the training session on my computer and also the profile of my personal trainer Gawain.
Step Three
I had arranged the training session when I was in the house on my own and as per the instructions thirty minutes before the start of the session I went though all the steps to set everything up on my laptop. It was really simple and only actually took me ten minutes and now I have it all set up, I won’t have to do it again.
As it approached the time of the session I was feeling a bit anxious, I suddenly realised that Gawain would be able to see me and I felt a bit self-conscious. Thankfully when Gawain came on the webcam, he very quickly put me at ease.
He had a few technical issues with his wifi, but once that was resolved we didn’t occur any more problems. I guess this is something to consider when you are booking a session, make sure you are not in a rush to finish as you may not start promptly.
Gawain went through the questionnaire I had completed and made sure he understood the problems I had with my knee. We also discussed what I want to achieve and about building my core strength, which is what we were going to focus on in the session.
Step Four
The session then began and we started with a stomach vacuum suck, which I could really feel working and it was a nice one to start off the session with.
We then moved on to do squats. Before we began each exercise Gawain would demonstrate first and we would move our cameras to make sure he could see me properly and check my positioning and posture etc.
The final exercise we did involved rolling up a towel, placing it under my foot and I had to pull it up. Wow I could really feel this and he really pushed me on this one. Just when I thought I had finished, he said I will count to ten and then stop. Well, it was the longest counting ever and I thought I wouldn’t make it. But I did and I felt really good about it, if Gawain hadn’t been there I definitely would have stopped before. Maybe a personal trainer is what I need!
Not the best photo, but I took a sneaky picture of Gawain demonstrating the exercise to me!
I definitely felt like I had worked out at the end of the thirty minute workout and I know for a fact I wouldn’t have pushed myself as much if I was on my own.
The next day I received an email from Gawain to check how I was feeling and how my muscles were doing, also reminding me to make sure I drank plenty of water that day.
Overall, I was really impressed with Fitness Angels, they have really thought hard about what it is they are offering and Gawain was really friendly and was very knowledgeable.
Being a busy mum with very little time, being able to work out at home is really the only option for me. But to have someone to show you what exercises to do, how to do them correctly and to push you when needed is brilliant. I definitely benefited from having Gawain there and I would use Fitness Angels again in the future.
To find out more about Fitness Angels and the price packages they offer, go to their site Fitness Angels
Disclosure: I received a free session in exchange for an honest review, however all opinions and views are my own.
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
This sounds great! I think I would need someone to help push me as well. I’d be useless at making myself do everything!
Dean of Little Steps says
That’s perfect for us stay-at-home-mums isn’t it? A personal trainer and work-out in our living rooms. My exercise consists of chasing T around when she refuses to go to bed and walking the dog. I reckon that counts as exercise right? 😉 x
Fashion and Style Police says
This is just what I need. I can only work out at home too.
Plutonium Sox says
This is a good idea. I’m terrible at working out at home, so I’d need someone to push me. I do prefer to get out for a run or a swim though, but if ever I’m unable to do so, I’d consider something like this.
Nat.x
RachelSwirl says
I need to lose some weight but think I might try the seven minute workout app
Chloe says
This sounds so perfect. I’d be apprehensive about being on webcam with someone too, but you’re right you do push yourself harder when someone else is there. This sounds like such a good way to have a trainer when you’re a mama. x
Evelina says
That sounds absolutely amazing! Who has time to go to the gym now? Tempted to try it out myself.