Personal Training Success Stories

Niamh enjoying a well earned rest

Niamh putting in an early morning run

Niamh McCarthy

Mum, Wife, Business Owner and Friend

I joined Fitness Together for a 12 week package four years ago.

It was meant to be a kick start package to get me to increase my fitness levels and to try something different.  I had been a member of various gyms over the years and I felt coming up to the big five 0 that I would try something different.

 After the first few sessions I was hooked.  The standard of training was excellent. There is no room for slouching when you are having one to one sessions.  The sessions were hard work but great fun.  As the 12 weeks passed I felt I could only improve so joined for another 24 sessions and I have been going ever since!  It has kept me sane in a difficult job, increased my fitness levels and completely changed my attitude to excercise.  I now excercise pretty much every day and also on holidays. 

As a result of the great training at Fitness Together I get up every day with more energy and a positive attitude to life due to the enormous benefits that exercise bring.

Niamh McCarthy

I cannot recommend FT highly enough. 

Amy training for the mini-marathon

Amy going through her paces at Fitness Together

Amy Huberman

Actress/Novelist

I joined Fitness Together almost three years ago and I can honestly say it was life-changing.  Before I joined I was nearly allergic to exercise, going for a brisk walk, or attending the odd, very infrequent yoga class was about as far as I was willing to push myself.  I'd also convinced myself that I was just not a sporty person so what was the point? 

When someone suggested I join Fitness Together, I thought I was going to hate it, but within a few short weeks I ended up loving it!  Unlike a regular gym where you would be left to your own devices, you get personalised one to one training in Fitness Together, which I have found invaluable! The trainers are so enthusiastic and supportive  and genuinely care about your progress and general health.  Their enthusiasm is infectious, and once you really start noticing the difference it's difficult not to get enthusiastic about it too. 

For me personally, it wasn't really a weight issue, although I did certainly drop a few pounds when I started, it was far more about feeling fitter, stronger, healthier and more toned.  It had such a positive knock-on effect in my life that I really couldn't imagine not having it!  It helped me address my overall well-being, my diet and even my posture.  It is also the greatest motivator in the world to be booked into a fitness session, knowing you can't really cancel and let the trainer down, so it really is a brilliant incentive.  If it was left to me to go the gym off my own bat I would honestly never go!   

Thanks to all at Fitness Together for your encouragement, support and enthusiasm

Congratulations!

The workout!

Oonagh Kearney

Fitness Together Client of the Year 2010

Oonagh joined fitness together in February 2010.  She came with very specific goals.  She wanted to lose some weight but more importantly improve her overall fitness levels.  Work had been very demanding over the last 5 years but she now had an opportunity to put the time and effort in.  Oonagh's results were incredible.  She lost 21 lbs in overall weight,  dropped her body fat percentage by 7%, doubled her cardiovascular endurance, improved her strength by  110% and flexibility by 7 inches.

Here is what Oonagh has to say about Fitness Together:

I joined Fitness together in February 2010, my goals were to lose weight and get fit. After 6 months of very hard but very enjoyable training and sensible eating I have made excellent progress, I have lost the weight and gained the fitness that I was aiming for. I train with Declan 3 times a week, he is a superb trainer, he is very encouraging and pushes you to do more in a very supportive way; the sessions are fun, varied and hard. Carl and all the trainers are very encouraging, helpful and take a very keen interest in how you are progressing. I highly recommend Fitness Together, it offers a very professional, encouraging and fun environment to get fit and healthy. I am planning to continue training with Declan to work on improving my % body fat and maintaining my weight and fitness.

Update: 16th February 2011

Since Oonaghs last full assessment back in October 2010 she has split her training time between Fitness Together and training on her own.  We did a Full Fitness Assessment today and I am delighted to report Oonagh is still progressing; her overall weight is now 145 lbs, down 30lbs and 24.2% body fat, down an incredible 10% points. 

She has now reached her ultimate goal and can spend time now enjoying the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Warming Up!

The Work out!

Lisa Cannon

Presenter TV3 'Xpose'

‘Another year over and a new one just begun’…. The lyrics of the song from John Lennon rang through my ears as I looked down at my rather large pot, post-Christmas gorge belly and sighed. This has been a long pattern for the last number of years and I was determined that 2011 was not going to beat me with the all too familiar disappointment of starting a ‘diet’ only for it to fail in February. Granted, I am on Television and I probably should be according to the ideal ….slimmer, but I ain’t! I have what I like to fondly call the Irish Rubenesque Figure or what my Mum used to call it, The Milkmaid! Yes, I have the quintessential curvy figure and for years because of my height and my large chest, you often can look portly or perhaps pudgy! Eitherway, I have, like many battled with my weight, whether it was over indulging at Christmas or on Holidays or just in general, to the Monday diet of ‘No carbs til Saturday!’ only to falter on the Tuesday and retreat into a haze of pasta and toast slathered in butter!

No doubt, I LOVE my grub and it has to be said so does everyone else. But it has taken me YEARS to find out that because I am petit 5ft 3’ I can’t afford to carry too many extra pounds and not only can the Milkmaid effect take full flight but more importantly I wasn’t too happy about the extra muffintop either! So, when 2011 rolled round I decided enough is enough and I sought the help of Carl from Fitness Together who has put me on the straight and narrow. I can safely say that I have boxed my way to a fitter me, healthier me and all round happier me. I started boxing twice a week and it’s made me feel like a female Rocky, cue music!.... So although I am on the TV and can see myself back, I now don’t recoil with horror, Its kinda ok what I see, wobbly bits and all!

I found that exercising with Carl and the team over the past few weeks has given me a lot of confidence. I am more aware of what I put into my body and take my health more seriously. I have come to understand my limits physically and have seen a DRAMATIC difference in my shape and stance and posture. I know that there are people like me that loathe exercise especially when you have to drive 45mins out of your way to do 1 session ( Hello!) but I pushed myself and didn’t give in in the February like so many years before, this year was different for some reason and I’m now onto April… Yippee!!

I think it’s that the team are so wonderful, they care and respect you. They are not easy on you, but it’s fun, energetic, kick some ass kind of exercise and Carl really makes you believe you can do it… and you can just like me!!

One of my favourite pieces of inspirational and motivational quotes for 2011 is…’ The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment - Own it!'

As they say in Showbiz – Break a Leg!!  Lisa x

Connemara Adventure Challenge - Cycle phase

Connemara Adventure Challenge - Mountain phase

John Walsh

I'd previously played rugby and did a bit of running so was reasonably fit before I joined Fitness Together.  However I found that training on my own in gyms either didn't suit me or I didn't feel I was getting the optimum benefit from it.  I joined Fitness Together for an initial 16 session trial and was impressed with their approach and delivery.  A specific training program was laid out for my requirements, it was flexible when I could do the sessions, all the instructors were knowledgeable and attentive and my progress was assessed on a regular basis.  The key benefits in my opinion were is there is much greater motivation to push that bit harder in a one on one siuation, you know you are doing all the exercises correctly and all the sessions were slightly different, while focussing on the same muscle groups.  I was impressed with the results and signed on for another 32 sessions.  I would highly recommend Fitness Together for people at any level of fitness to either get fit or increase strength/flexibility if already fit.  It's not cheap but in my opinion for the results I acheived it represents very good value for money.

Aidan ascends through the devils ladder

Aidan summits Carrintwohill

Aidan Cooney

TV3 Presenter & Q102 DJ

Time to make the change!

Easy Tiger!

Paul MacNally

Client of the Year 2009

I was fast approaching the big four 0, and somehow my eating and body were all out of shape. I had used personal trainers in the past and decided to seek out a new one. I hated gyms and personal trainers who were always late or never showed and left you waiting. I ‘googled’ personal gyms and found Fitness Together, emailed and set up a free trial.

I was over 18 stone when Carl and the team met me, they passed no judgement and assured me ‘it’ would disappear. My goal was simple…lose weight!!

They assessed my fitness level, body fat, heart and lung function, blood pressure, flexibility and other health indicators before we began training. This is also used to judge how I progressed over the coming months.

I trained with Niamh, 3 times per week. Over the next couple of months we focused on cardiovascular fitness, weight training and diet. The weight started to fall off! And it is still coming off…I am now just over 13 stone…!

The team at Fitness Together act just as that, everyone is interested and shows genuine caring on how each member progresses. There is a focus on long term change, not the quick fix. So you are never alone.

I feel part of something bigger than just training and working out, it has been a life journey of change for the best. Carl, Niamh and the whole team have helped me through it every day and are available to give professional advice on all aspects of health and fitness.

Thank you to the whole team!

Rebekah O.

Dubuque Resident and Professional

For about 3 years I was pouring my heart into a job working anywhere from 60 to 70 hours per week which turned into eating a lot of junk food, not spending anytime to care of myself, and gaining a lot of weight. The problem wasn't that I didn't know what to do it was that I didn't have the accountability, discipline, and motivation to follow-through with what I knew. The other problem was that going to a regular gym was completely unattractive to me. Then I discovered Fitness Together and it all came together. FT had expert trainers who really cared about my health and pinpointed my fitness and nutritional needs. They also gave me that accountability that was always missing as well as a close family atmosphere that made me feel I didn't want to let the trainers as well as myself down.

Fiona T

Fitness Together Client and Business Women

I had hit a significant plateau for six months after losing the initial 40 lbs on my own. Fitness Together broke that plateau and it really started coming off quickly! I am down 16 dress sizes. I am most proud to carry my "before" pictures (I never am without them) to encourage others and show people it can be done.

Robert Clarke

Referee

Just a short e.mail to say thanks to everyone involved in Fitness Together. Each and everyone I had dealings with was nothing but professional in their work regardless if the sessions were half seven in the morning or nine at night.

Carl, I remember you saying, it will depend on how much effort I put into the program, but it always helps when you have people wanting to help you improve. Looking forward to seeing you again possibly at the end of the year when my pre-season training starts again.  

Once again, many thanks for everything.

Mary O'Hagan

Charity Worker

I have been a member of many gyms previously but none have compared to Fitness Together. The staff are extremely friendly, punctual, encouraging and a joy to work with. The facilities are private, clean and not intimidating for anyone just starting out. It is not only weight and body fat that are a focus but overall cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and much more are also worked on; ensuring that within a few weeks you are feeling slimmer, fitter and better than you have in a long time. I had put on a lot of weight in a short period of time and felt that I had hit a wall. Niamh’s enthusiasm and passion for her job made it a pleasure to get to get back into the gym again. The workouts are varied, fun and challenging but the staff are careful never to push you too hard. Within 3 months I had lost 6% bodyfat and had gone from never running to training for a half marathon and loving it. I highly recommend Fitness Together to everyone. Whether you are an experienced gym attendee who is stuck in a rut, or someone who despises the gym and needs extra encouragement to get their workout done. With the help of the Fitness Together team you are guaranteed to see results FAST!

Ciara

Dublin 6

It was a big decision and financial investment for me to join FT and I was quite nervous about taking this new direction and failing. After only a few weeks I felt great and could already feel my muscles begin to tone and my energy levels increase day by day. I found myself looking forward to my sessions at FT.

FT provides a friendly and professional and most of all a highly motivating environment which focuses on YOUR fitness and health requirements. All of the FT staff are there to support you and ensure your continuous progression and improvement. This is were I failed miserably when I worked out alone in a gym. If you keep up your training sessions, incorporate a healthy diet and lifestyle you will definitely see results in no time at all.

This is truly an investment in your health and happiness and you will certainly have no regrets, only that you did not discover FT sooner!

I simply can’t imagine reverting back to my old work out routine. Please don’t waste a minute longer - Try FT now. You’re worth it!

It was a big decision and financial investment for me to join FT and I was quite nervous about taking this new direction and failing. After only a few weeks I felt great and could already feel my muscles begin to tone and my energy levels increase day by day. I found myself looking forward to my sessions at FT. FT provides a friendly and professional and most of all a highly motivating environment which focuses on YOUR fitness and health requirements. All of the FT staff are there to support you and ensure your continuous progression and improvement. This is were I failed miserably when I worked out alone in a gym. If you keep up your training sessions, incorporate a healthy diet and lifestyle you will definitely see results in no time at all. This is truly an investment in your health and happiness and you will certainly have no regrets, only that you did not discover FT sooner! I simply can’t imagine reverting back to my old work out routine. Please don’t waste a minute longer - Try FT now. You’re worth it!

Adrian O’Connor

Senior Advertising Executive

I feel compelled to write and thank you and your colleagues on the fantastic service you have introduced to Dublin.  Not only have you improved my health and quality of life, you have changed my perspective on life in general and bettered my day to day moods.   Niamh has been inspirational, and has shown tremendous patience while at the same time effectively managing my goals and expectations to a tee.

To one and all down at fitness together in the MEWS, thank you very much,

Tim Griffiths

Managing Director

I have been going to fitness together for 2 years now and thoroughly enjoy my workout experience. The atmosphere is friendly and not intimidating, the staff are professional and seem to tune in to my energy levels and push me harder than I would push myself without going too far. The results are that I am fitter, stronger have more energy and generally feel better about myself. Bring on year three. 

Derek Hughes

Co. Dublin

“I would highly recommend Fitness Together for anyone who wants to lose weight, get in shape and improve their health, but doesn’t know where to start. Carl and his trainers will help you develop an exercise and nutrition program that you can live with and fits in with your lifestyle and schedule. They educate you in the basics of exercise and nutrition and give you the building blocks for creating a healthy lifestyle. They will point out what you are doing right and what you need to change, but in a non-threatening, non-intimidating way. These are Personal Trainers who really care about the client and helping them achieve their goals.” 

Michelle

Dublin 6

After some years of trying and failing to “get back into shape” I had almost resigned myself to the idea that it simply was not possible - an insurmountable task! I came across Fitness Together and decided to try a different approach! I handed myself over to the professionals and began a programme designed to meet my needs, which would incorporate my lifestyle and work with me to achieve my desired goals. I have achieved a higher level of fitness, I am stronger, leaner, healthier and much happier with myself as I have finally realised that “getting back into shape” is not an insurmountable task! I could not have done this without the support and guidance of the staff at Fitness Together. Thank you to all the staff for your help and encouragement and to Eoin whose interesting conversations and postive attitude to life was inspiring to me. 

Greg McConkey

Terenure

“Given the hectic nature of life today, time was something that I found harder and harder to manage. I found it very frustrating being in the gym, either waiting for the CV machines to become available or for space in the weight area. I found that I couldn’t follow my routine, in the order that I wanted, and when I was doing my routine, was I getting the most out it. Fitness Together had the expertise and the vast experience, to help me to attain my goals without wasting my time, I know that I am getting far more out of each and every session than I would on my own. I find the work outs challenging and fun, and has helped be achieve a balance in my life” 

Carmel

Dublin 6

“With so many things competing for my time and attention, having the structure of the evening workouts have definitely given me the accountability/discipline I’ve needed. The trainers at Fitness Together do a great job.  The sessions are always varied, which is important as in the past when I joined gyms, I had no motivation, now I look forward to ever session.  I have been with FT for nearly a year now and the benefits are enormous; increased energy levels, health and fitness.  Thank you FT, I am looking forward to continued progress through out this year.”