NZ Success Stories
I have always been a very active person who has an exceptionally busy lifestyle. My health and fitness was something I’ve often taken for granted and was the first thing to be bumped down the list if other opportunities came up. Since hitting 30 and starting my own business, I suddenly began to realise that I would be no good to anyone if all I had was ‘best laid plans’ and a body and mind that couldn’t follow through. After receiving the WOWFIT brochure in my Beachlands letterbox I decided to give James a call. I initially began using the vibra-train machine for 15-20 minutes at a time which I had enjoyed using previously before my wedding to get in tip-top shape. James asked me one day if I had ever considered trying some personal training sessions to which I replied “no!” Goodness! I didn’t have time run around getting sweaty and looking ‘un-co’ in front of people! However, remembering my new ‘grown-up’ age of 30 and after a few months of watching James train other ordinary women and seeing them work hard to become extra-ordinary , I began to lighten up on the idea. My first free consultation was booked. I was very nervous, anxious and excited all at once! I didn’t have a great deal of weight to lose, I really wanted to tone up, particularly in my legs and I was anxious about a previous knee injury. I am a person who becomes bored quite easily and needs to see results fast so I was still unsure of whether this path was the right one for me. James was so warm and friendly and incredible at explaining why he was planning certain sessions the way he did. I’m a person who likes to know what is coming next and generally likes to be in control. James got to know me quickly and ensured he created a programme which kept me motivated, interested and that I saw results quickly. He pushed me outside of my comfort zone on a number of occasions while still being respectful about my genuine limitations to do with historical injuries. Along with his knowledge of fitness came James’ free advice surrounding health and nutrition. I have learnt so much about how to feed my body properly and completely changed my mind-set on diets verses a life-style change. 7 months down the track I am now maintaining the goals that I have achieved with WOWFIT. I have lost 10 kgs, changed the shape of my body, dropped 4 dress sizes and feel WOW! I really appreciate the personalised care and training that James has put into my health and fitness goals and enjoy the laughs we have while getting there. Health and fitness is now part of my life and I’m very grateful to James and the WOWFIT vision for that.
~ Emma McAlister, Beachlands
An accident earlier this year left me with an injured knee that couldn’t straighten, was sore, weak, and was restricting my movements. On recommendation from a friend I signed up with WOWFIT for a series of sessions designed to rehabilitate the knee whilst also addressing the presence of too many kilos which had somehow attached themselves to my body over the past couple of years! At 61 years old I did not want to attend a regular gym full of lycra leotarded lovelies, nor did I see myself running, cycling or taking part in solo exercise. I knew this wouldn’t work…it hadn’t worked before so I needed a new approach. James at WOWFIT certainly provided plenty that was new, and from the first session introduced challenge, cardio workouts, strength training, and essential rehab work for the injured knee. The addition of his vibra train machine is a real bonus…really effective for post workout recovery but also seems to be improving an old broken toe injury and mobilising all my fat to shape up or ship out!! I leave each session a sweaty mess but know that it’s been worth each and every minute as I see the weight dropping and the knee behaving almost like a normal knee with full range of movement and restored strength..
James is lovely with a very personable style, works hard at motivating and engaging with his clients, mixing up the workouts and adding in new and different things to keep us all on our toes. The WOWFIT studio is really well equipped, welcoming and has become a haven for those of us who need to specifically ‘go’ somewhere to workout, pick up hints and tips, and keep on track. James is a fountain of knowledge on how the body functions in terms of exercise, fat reduction, and injury recovery, and as he has studied nutrition is a great help in providing direction on establishing good eating habits that are sustainable in the long term.
At the risk of seeming too evangelical I can wholeheartedly recommend James and WOWFIT to anybody looking to effect change in their lives through exercise, injury rehabilitation and nutritional improvements. I’ve lost 7kgs to date, achieved significant reduction in the size of those tricky body areas such as hips, waist, and thighs, and my knee feels good. As somebody who is exercise and change averse I honestly believe that if I can do it, anybody can. With James help of course!
~ Karen Houston, Beachlands
Over the last few months I have been training with James twice a week and have been remarkably pleased with the progress of my overall general health and well being.
With his encouragement and careful structuring of the sessions my muscles have strengthened and an improvement in my cardio fitness has improved my ability to achieve more physical tasks every day without tiring in the same way as I would previously.
I am so impressed with his training style that I have introduced my friends to his professional service.
I look forward to more great results in 2013. Thanks James!!
~ Sally Freebairn, Beachlands
After feeling very unfit, unwell and unhappy with my health I decided it was time to make a change, I am approaching my 50th year on this earth, was very overweight, a hefty drinker and eater of everything bad for me, an ex chef and the manager of a large brewery, I hade all the vices at my immediate disposal 24/7.
Through the years I had made several attempts at gym memberships, which all ended badly, hiding in the corner, unmotivated by part time gym staff and personally uninspired to commit to the vast task before me,
I saw WOWFIT Personal Trainers open in Beachlands a few years ago, James being part of my local community always saying hi in passing as he always does, running up and down our street with his clients in tow I decided to catch up with him and see what he could do for me .My initial assessment with James put me at ease, maxing out most of his testing equipment and compounded his mammoth task by having a knee ligament injury (which was looking like impending surgery as physio and acupuncture had very limited success ) I thought that he may think the task was too large!
James was honest in informing that I would have to put in a lot of work and he would see what he could do for my knee, but if I did he guaranteed results. James made me feel comfortable and motivated to start immediately, we discussed diet and lifestyle changes that had to be made, that was my contribution, so I hobbled over to his custom built gym and off we went.
The most encouraging aspect of James training is that he genuinely cares and wishes for you to succeed. His never ending encouragement, which never goes astray!
After a few months and three times a week I have dramatically reduced my weight and astonishingly removed all symptoms of my knee injury as if it had never happened, Awesome! I am well on my way achieving my lifestyle goals with James and have convinced others to follow my lead in utilising his one on one skills.
Again I can’t recommend James and WOWFIT highly enough, he and I still have a way to go yet but I do want to encourage others to take that first step as anything is possible here!
~ Nigel Shaw, Beachlands
I have been attending training sessions with James from WOWFIT for the past 4 months and I feel so much stronger, healthier and fitter, James encourages you to do the best that you can possibly do. You leave the session feeling on top of the world. James’ knowledge of the different muscle groups, tendons and various exercises is amazing. The sessions are varied so you never get bored. The training sessions have inspired me to push myself that little bit more I am now training to complete a half marathon in Rotorua in May 2013.
I would thoroughly recommend James to anyone who wants to achieve results be it weight loss; better cardio fitness or strength - all are achievable.
~ Sharon Hart, Beachlands
When I first approached James of WOWFIT I presented him with a real challenge that no other previous personal trainers I've trained with had managed to conquer.
I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and as part my condition, I have weight problems and I find it extremely difficult to lose weight. I also have a back injury which has restricted the type and duration of exercises that I can do. I was not going to be an easy customer. But, right from the start James was unfazed, completely honest about the hard work I needed to put in, and worked closely with me to develop a plan that works for me.
James is extremely dedicated to his clients, he listens carefully, and spends a lot of his spare time researching, updating his knowledge and skills to make sure that each client is individually catered for. He doesn't try to push a one size fits all program for all of his clients which I have found refreshing.
James is very approachable, friendly, professional and has always made me feel comfortable even when he works me hard and pushes me beyond my comfort zone.
As expected results have been slow but steady to achieve and James has been very encouraging every step of the way. He keeps me focused and motivates me to keep going even during setbacks and personal struggles. As a result I have lost a few inches, even in places that haven't budged in the past and increased my fitness to a new level.
I encourage all of you who are wanting to achieve a fitness or weight loss goal and think it's not possible to go and see James at WOWFIT. I am very happy with my progress so far and I look forward to continuing to train with James to achieve my goals this year.
~ Natalie Pointon, Maraetai
When my friend Julie told me she was going to a personal trainer I thought she was nuts! Pretty soon I began to see the positive changes in her and now she's down 20 kilos! I decided to go and check it out for myself because I couldn't walk up a hill without thinking I was going to have a heart attack.
I've been training with James for 3 months now and honestly feel that I am the fittest I have ever been. My shape is changing, I feel stronger, I have more energy and my mood is much improved. I am even looking forward to entering a 5K fun run - unheard of!
My sister has also started getting fit with James and we both marvel that we can workout with James and not feel embarrassed about our "wobbly-bits". James is very knowledgeable about anatomy and physiology and is generous with his time and knowledge. He is always positive and encouraging. When we get discouraged or feel things are getting tough he reminds us of the progress we have made. We are discovering new strengths and abilities. However the best outcome is that for the first time ever I can be a positive role model for my daughters with eating right and enjoying exercise. My 13 year old daughter is going to James now too and I have already seen changes in her attitude. We get special mother daughter time together and actually have a pleasant conversation in the car on the way home. Bonus! Thank you James for helping me to see that exercise has many varied benefits.
~ Elise Simpson, Clevedon
Having been told, by my husband, that I wasn’t fit enough to join a trek in Peru (and maybe I wasn’t), I signed up at WOWFIT while he was away to improve my fitness and strength and lose a bit of weight.
James’ approach is professional, caring and supportive – he is also pretty tough which is what I need to get maximum benefit from the sessions. I enjoy the variety of exercises offered – no two sessions are the same – and the opportunity to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the local environment is a plus.
I have enjoyed the positive encouragement offered by James as he helps me push myself beyond anything I could achieve exercising on my own. I am fitter and stronger and have lost at least 5kg and many centimetres so far. Activities of daily living are easier and I am enjoying exercising with my family and friends between my sessions at WOWFIT. My husband is sufficiently impressed that he has signed up too!
~ Christine Maslowski, Whitford
Dear James, I am writing to let you know how pleased I am with your fitness programme since I started in July 2012.
Once I had consulted with my doctor and cardiologist a fitness programme was devised in line with my age (83yrs). We stressed the need to exercise moderately hard but not to extreme levels and this approach has been successful.
The twice weekly half hour sessions consists of rowing and cycling or treadmill for 10mins then followed by 20minutes of stretches & light leg resistance training.
I also use the Vibra Train for 20mins five times a week in which helps aid circulation to my lower extremities.
By doing daily workouts my general health has improved along with a noticeable reduction of intermittent claudication (restricted blood flow) in my legs and feel the effort well worth while.
I look forward to your advices about home exercises and general dietary comments.
~ Digby Sykes, Beachlands
I have been working with James at WOWFIT for 6 months on my fitness goals.
James is a very knowledge trainer who will push you to new levels of health and fitness. I find his sessions to be challenging yet extremely satisfying at the same time. We work together on what is important to me.
After years of road cycling I found I was having a lot of trouble with my hamstrings. James has really targeted that area and I now have little to no trouble as he has really stretched and strengthened this area.
I highly recommend James to anyone who is serious about taking their fitness to higher levels.
~ Struan Abernethy, Beachlands
James has helped me to achieve my goal last year which was my first cycling event at the Taupo Cycle Challenge in November 2012. I joined with three enthusiastic friends entering as a relay team. It was a big challenge for me….still learning to ride a bike and previously I had only done running. I decided to get extra training on top of my gym routines to improve my cycle fitness, so I bought 8 sessions at WOWFIT, recommended by friends (one of James’s existing clients). James has great knowledge of how the muscles work. He believed in me and motivated me pushing me outside of my comfort zone. He targeted specific exercises to improve my mental and physical fitness for cycling. The cycling event was an awesome experience. I achieved the 40kms relay and was feeling good to carry on for another 40kms. All the hard work paid off; I completed 80kms - the second half of Taupo Cycle Challenge!
~ Shirley Chan, Bucklands Beach
I have been coming to WOWFIT once a week for 5 months and in that time have achieved a weight loss of over 15kg. As someone who hate's gyms and finds it very hard to get motivated to exercise, this is a great result for me. I find the sessions challenging with nothing left in the tank by the end. With cleverly planned sessions I strangely look forward to my training session. I would recommend WOWFIT to anyone if you are after real results!
~ Jodi Thomson, Brookby
I started at WOWFIT on September 11, 2011 (hardly a date I could forget!). I am 45, overweight, with a strong family history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but my biggest motivation was to be fit, strong and healthy enough to care for my severely disabled son. I have two beautiful children, Lara (10) and Zach (7). While I love being a mum, it has been the greatest challenge of my life. Zach is 98% physically impaired due to his birthing process going horribly wrong. But, intellectually Zach is clever and loving and has an awesome sense of humour. I thank my God for him, my life is so rich because of him! However, the journey is extremely hard both physically and psychologically which has caused absolute stress and exhaustion. The team at WOWFIT have become like family to me. The support and encouragement I have received is amazing. I grew up doing well socially and academically but I was not athletic. After 3 months at WOWFIT I ran my first ever 6km fun run. My goal was to run the whole distance without stopping, I achieved this and I was also proud of my time.
Over Christmas, I regressed with too much food and too much wine! However, now I'm back on track, and am being trained by James himself. Although the training is extremely hard and is definitely pushing me beyond my comfort zones, it has become a life line. My aim is to rise to the challenge that life has dealt to me, WOWFIT is hugely helping me with that endeavour. WOWFIT is by far the best monetary investment I have ever made. The guys are pretty cute too!
~ Fiona Howell, Maraetai
After looking into personal training options for a while, I met with James of WOWFIT and was offered the option of training in a pair or small group. My friend and I train with him once a week and have really enjoyed the sessions and it has made it more cost-effective for us, which is great. We like the variety of exercises we do, and the flexibility of training either at WOWFIT studio or in a park, and James is doing his very best to get me super fit and trim for my wedding day in May!
~ Sarah Keegan, Beachlands
I have been running for a few years but wasn't really improving my times. I thought I would give WOWFIT a go and see what they could offer for a runner wanting to improve. This was about 4 months ago and I have been training with Garyth twice a week since. I have been very impressed by his expertise and ability to motivate. He seems to know just how far to push you to achieve maximum results. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I ran the New Plymouth marathon at the beginning of March and shaved 20 minutes off my previous best time. I would highly recommend the WOWFIT team.
~ Christina Riddell, Pine Harbour
I moved to Beachlands in recent weeks and on my first walk up Pohutukawa Rd I passed the WOWFIT sign. I have always attended a gym on a regular basis and made an enquiry. I was greeted with friendly welcoming service by James, who immediately assessed my individual needs. I was impressed by his professional knowledge of the physiology and mechanics of the body. He set up a muscle strengthening and cardio fitness program for me, which also included Vibra-Training. After five weeks I am smiling at the benefits. Thanks James.
~ Sally Ross, Beachlands
I was so BORED with my gym routines that I'd completely stopped exercising. I've been going to gyms on and off my entire adult life, wandering from weight rack to machine with the same old routines: lower body and abs, upper body, low key “cardio”. I've even had a pretty good set-up at home. In January I received a WOWFIT brochure in my letterbox and decided to see if a personal trainer could get me interested in exercise again.
After a free 30 minute consultation with James I started working out, with Matt coming to my home in Clevedon twice a week at 6 am! He bought all the equipment with him and I quickly found that I didn't need a whole lot of gear to perform intense and varied exercises. After a month of early starts I opted to go after work to the WOWFIT studio in Beachlands. Over time I've also been trained by James and Garyth. I’ve found all three to be professional, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and reliable.
I’m stronger than I thought and have really enjoyed the boxing exercises. I don’t have to motivate myself to exercise. I don’t have to plan a routine, set weights up, increase or decrease them, return them, or worry about dropping the last ones. I don't check the clock. And I don't have to wait for anyone else to finish with a weight or machine. We're often outside, which is a nice change. Every workout has been different and I haven't been bored once. I just turn up (without fail), trust my trainer and get stuck in. I leave after an hour with wet hair (I never worked out that hard in the past!) and feeling great. I thoroughly recommend a WOWFIT personal trainer if you want to revitalise your exercise routines.
~ Sue, Clevedon
Getting chemotherapy and other harsh medications was a real set back for my fitness. Going from being a sports fanatic to not being able to walk was a definite challenge. Over a 6 month period I put on almost 10kg because of the steroids I was taking. This was hard being a teenage girl. These drugs also helped weaken my muscles and bones. James has been helping me get back to my full strength. I am now playing club and school football along with training at WOWFIT twice a week. Although James has been helping me for only 6 weeks now, I have lost 5kg already and have definitely noticed a huge difference with my fitness. Thanks James.
~ Courtney Rowse - Whitford
Whitford couple Dave and Priscilla Blackbourne don’t describe a session at WOWFIT Studio as a workout. They call it an investment in life. Says Priscilla: “We decided we needed a lifestyle change so we’ve made a personal commitment to ourselves that as we get older we want to get fit, do some of the things we enjoy and not have to struggle with extra weight.”“It’s hard work but we are seeing the results and the benefits. I am pleased with what I see. It keeps me motivated and keeps me coming back.” Dave and Priscilla are professional people with busy lives. They admit that before their personal training sessions with James, they hadn’t done much exercise for quite some time. Now, after three months of sessions for an hour twice a week, they have lost 10 kgs between them, are enjoying mountain biking at the weekends, are fitter and feeling better in themselves. They do their WOW sessions together, pursuing different programmes, but with James supervising both of them at the same time. Says Priscilla: “It hasn’t detracted from the experience. James is very good at involving both is us in everything we are doing. He might be doing something with Dave but never takes his eyes of what I’m doing.” Says Dave: “He tailors programmes to suit both of us, so we do different activities. There’s great variety. I‘ve gone to gyms in the past and got bored. Here there’s no chance of that all all. It’s always varied..we are comfortable here. It’s not some big gym with lots of people. It’s personal and convenient.”
~ Dave and Priscilla Blackbourne, Whitford
Nearly a year ago my husband and I decided to put our eldest son in with WOWFIT Personal Training. This was to mainly increase his fitness levels. We have found James and his team great. Our eldest is stronger, fitter and has better posture and he enjoys his weekly training sessions. James is also working with our second son to improve his running stance, with only 3 sessions under his belt he has made a noticeable improvement. James and his team are friendly, flexible and strive to help you reach your potential.
~ Conny Kiteley, Beachlands
If you want a no nonsense approach to training WOWFIT is the place to train. James seems to get more out of me than I thought possible and I have had a few trainers over the years. My body shape has changed drastically and I now have an abundance of energy. I couldn’t be happier and thanks James for creating a new me.
~ Hayley Willis, Whitford
WOW here I am one year on! From walking in and seeing those scary machines, I am now on the road to total fitness again. I am now reaping the benefits of all the hard work I have been putting in each week. I was overweight and very unfit and getting a little depressed but now I am healthy, with the added bonus of a little weight loss, and fit thanks to all my efforts and encouragement from Garyth and James.
My goal when I started was to get fit and healthy and to be able to walk 10km again, which I have achieved. Those machines are no longer scary, I can look at them now and know I am a better person for giving myself this challenge and keeping at it.
~ Pam Allsopp, Maraetai
I have been attending PT sessions with WOWFIT for 6 months, a combination of studio and home based sessions. I have found James and his team to be totally professional. Since using WOWFIT, my fitness has improved significantly. I have learnt how to improve my breathing technique while running, and have gained overall muscle strength. James and his team know how to push you that little bit further each session, and have provided me with the self-talk skills to get through exercise when the going gets tough. I would recommend them to any one wanting to find that extra motivation to improve their fitness.
~ Tracey Koat, Howick
My occupation requires a high level of fitness and due to being a shift worker I found it very difficult to get motivated and exercise. I did not want to exercise to lose weight, my intentions were to get my fitness levels up. Since joining WOWFIT it has been great having trainings that are flexible and work in with my shift pattern. I have been going once a week for about three months and have noticed the difference. Every work out has varied exercises that compliment not only my occupation but have also assisted with my netball skills.
James and the team have been a great inspiration and helped me reach a high level of fitness and maintain it. I have looked forward to my training each week and have no hesitations in recommending WOWFIT!
~ Nikki, Whitford
I joined WOWFIT because I knew I needed to lose 15-20kg. I was tired of being overweight and being reminded everytime I visited the doctor or tried to keep up with my primary aged kids. The staff at WOWFIT have really challenged and motivated me. The exercise programmes are varied and interesting, even for someone who doesn’t much like exercising! James’ anatomy knowledge is incredible and I really feel comfortable and reassured by his exercise programmes. He has been fantastic in working with an injury of mine, making sure that I still have a good workout whilst not aggravating the injury. I am 14 sessions in and well on my way to meeting my goals.
~ Elaine, Beachlands
I am a stay at home mum who unfortunately had got into the comfortable state of not exercising, thus resulting in a considerable weight gain over 6 years. I had kept WOWFIT’s brochure and always thought,“I’d love to train with a personal trainer”, but of course I never made that call – I was too unsure and felt too intimidated to call a personal trainer. It was a friend who made that first call to James and before I knew it in less than an hour we were having a consultation and had booked our first session.
To my surprise – I came away feeling very comfortable and impressed with how professional yet friendly the WOW team were. It has been a few months since I started with WOWFIT and are feeling better than I have felt in years and am seeing terrific results. I have lost a staggering 12 cm from my hips and am 9kg lighter. For anyone who is struggling with weight gain, I would encourage you to make that first call to James. It has been the best decision I have made in a long time.
~ Angela Dagg, Beachlands
I joined the WOWFIT mobile fitness group in November 2011 to get into shape for a trip to Cuba in April 2012. The mobile fitness team were fantastic, and mostly great for me in terms of managing my time as I work for myself. I knew from previous attempts at joining a gym that I would not get the benefit of a gym membership – I just wouldn’t get there. The mobile fitness regime saved time, travelling to the gym, showering and getting to clients. It was right at my backdoor waiting for me to step outside and work out hard for an hour then shower and go to work. The best thing I’ve ever done for myself without any stress of travelling OR the guilt trip of having a membership and never using it! So, if you are serious about getting into shape and are short on time, go the mobile fitness way! It works, and you appreciate every minute of the 1:1 fitness coach attention.
~ Karen Vernon, Whitford
My instructions to James, of WOWFIT, were simple: Local editor needs to reduce his middle-age stomach,lose about 5-10kgs in weight, and build up some muscle and upper body strength. The deal was done and I handed over a cheque for $399 for eight one hour sessions in Wow’s Beachlands gym. Handing over money is, in itself, a good incentive to seeing it through! James is recently returned from England and building a new business aimed at improving the fitness and wellbeing of Kiwis – starting with those living in Beachlands and Maraetai!
James is a qualified personal trainer with his own modern, fully equipped gym at his home in Pohutukawa Ave – complete with the usual gym accessories such as fresh towels, your choice of music, TV screen and fans for when the sweat starts flowing. My initial consultation was free. James measured my blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height, Body Mass Index, and skin folds. From that he was able to devise a personalised fitness programme aimed at achieving my goals. The work started at the next session (two sessions a week) with James adopting what he later described as a “shock and awe” approach. Fortunately, he didn’t use those words at the time – otherwise I might never have come back!
In fact, he was extremely encouraging and managed to stretch my endurance beyond what I thought I was capable of. And he was quick to congratulate me on this (modest) achievement. He also spends a lot of time each session explaining what I am doing, and why I am doing it. The correct term for James’ strategy was the “total body” approach. The aim was to get my heart rate up through a series of short high intensity workouts, known as interval training. Once the heart rate is up to the required level it becomes much easier to burn off fat quickly, as well as pumping blood into the muscles, while getting rid of unwanted lactic acid. Once it that zone each session it then became a matter of pushing the thresholds and working on improving cardio output and lung capacity. Correct breathing, as James frequently pointed out, is crucial to good exercise. High intensity short sessions on treadmill, rowing machine and/or cycle were followed by a session on the vibra train (a point of difference WOW has over other local gyms). The vibra train literally vibrates the muscles which helps muscle recovery and circulation. Then it was a series of exercises with weights and weight machines. Each exercise pre-programmes the body, so it gets used to the action making it easier each session. James particularly puts emphasis on the often neglected posterior muscles which help develop back strength, improving breathing and preventing back injuries.
“Shock and awe” – sorry, I mean the “total body” approach – is not for everyone. James used it with me because I already had some basic fitness (cycling and tennis) and wanted to burn fat and reduce weight quickly. If you are already a finely tuned athlete, or conversely someone who is extremely overweight and never done a minute of exercise in your life, then clearly a different approach is needed. For me, that is the advantage of a personal trainer like James. He is able to work out exactly what exercises you need to achieve your goals in the quickest possible time. But I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t also say it required effort and commitment on my part. That meant some exercising at home between sessions and being careful about diet, as well as being willing to give it my all at the sessions with James – even if at times I wanted to give up. And the results so far? After eight sessions I had lost 5kg in weight, reduced my stomach by 4cms, had squarer shoulders and much more stamina. I’ve never felt better.
~ Duncan Pardon, Beachlands
" Working with James is the best thing I have done for my health in a very long time! Following the birth of my son, my body quickly returned to its shape. I even had a flat tummy! Then came the wonderful news we were expecting twins, which was sure to throw the bod. Here I am four years down the track with a weak lower back and pending nuptials in November. It was definitely time to think about ‘me’.
Primarily I began to work with James to lose some baby weight, improve my general fitness and get stronger in my back. Following my initial assessment, we developed a plan for me to exercise with James twice a week. The results achieved to date are largely due to James’ perfect combination of diverse training methods and his encouraging (and at times firm) approach. Because James is committed to getting results, he keeps the programme ‘fun’ but at the same time challenging. Three months in and I feel fabulous fitting better into my clothes with energy to burn. This is a testament to James and the enthusiasm and dedication he has to help his clients achieve a new healthier lifestyle. For that I am go grateful! I am working to improve my BMI and core strength and won’t have any problem dropping a dress size to fit into my wedding gown come November. I love the new muscles I can see and the body beginning to take shape – it’s what keeps me coming back!”
~ Jacqui Eaton, Whitford
"My goals were simple – lose weight and increase speed and fitness for soccer. James tailored my sessions accordingly, and after only a few months I am gaining great results in both areas. My time on the soccer field is maximised each week, and my contribution and enjoyment of the game is improving as overall fitness and speed increase. I love the ongoing changes in my body and posture, and the comments made by others, with self-esteem and confidence growing in return. The motivation and challenges provided are enabling me to push the limits further each week, and I am slowly learning to turn self-doubt around and break through boundaries. A total mind and body workout, thanks James!
~ Angela Parry, Maraetai
"I If you want value for money, then James at WOWFIT is for you! He has helped me push myself outside my personal comfort zone and when I walk away from each work out, I FEEL great!Working in a high stress work environment every day, my work outs with James help me to channel energy into my personal well being and this in turn helps me be the best I can be in all areas of my life.And I believe that’s what a healthy life is all about – balance. Having been an active sports woman in the past, I’ve let myself get all too comfortable using work as my excuse not to exercise. Changing my mind set and putting myself in the zone has been challenging, but James one to one training sessions remind me how important it is. I’ve only been with James for two weeks but already I feel motivated to achieve my personal goals and look forward to seeing the results as we continue through the program. He is easy to talk to, and gives good advice to help you outside the training sessions. I would recommend James and encourage others to take the first step to call him."
~ Senga Ogle-Powell, Spinnaker Bay
“James has arranged a varied programme for me with a combination of Vibra-train and Personal training. I always feel as though I am being extended to my limits and am feeling the benefits of both improved fitness and body toning”.
~ Sue Lees, Maraetai
"I have been having back problems for a long time and working one to one with James has been great. He has developed programmes to help strengthen my back . My back is now much better and I’ve also improved my fitness level in the process."
~ Tony Diver, Pine Harbour Estate
"I am a client of WOWFIT where James is helping me to correct back, spine, shoulders, posture, muscle strengthening and body toning due to sustained injuries and fall accidents. Over a period of lessons I have seen my shoulder muscles improve tremendously in my few sessions and am able to walk so much better and my posture is improving rapidly and my mobility of joints and muscles also. Thank you James. If you suffer any of the above symptoms I would thoroughly recommend you have a FREE consultation with James at his studio."
~ Nancy Marshall, Beachlands
"I am a mother & grandmother who after years of dedication to family life now have some extra time in my day. I decided to treat myself to something positive so I visited James McWatt at the WOWFIT studio & have not looked back. I train with James regularly & what I initially thought might be daunting for me or beyond my reach has become the most rewarding decision I have made of late. I now feel more "toned", mentally motivated, with that extra spring in my step & able to take on any challenge that daily life may present."
~ Anita Warren, Beachlands
"I was unwell for sometime. I also don't like to take medication. Then I think exercise should help me to get better. One day James came to have a massage at COCOON THAI SPA where my business is and he brought a WOWFIT brochure. I made up my mind to take work out sessions with James. I have exercised for few months now and feel much better with more energy and toned as well. Thanks James. My 70 year old mum had both knees replaced about one year ago. She had stiff legs. After a few sessions with James, she was walking better and her legs feel stronger. "
~ Gaye Fasher, Botany
My two favorite hates are exercise and sweating so going to a gym or even walking around the village is not my idea of fun. So when I heard that WOW had a Vibra-Train machineright here in Beachlands I decided to give it a whirl. The Vibra-Train are apparently great for getting rid of cellulite which I seem to have accumulated over the years. I have only been going for a few short weeks but I am already feeling the difference.
~ Sue Parkes, Beachlands
I started with James at WOW to give my metabolism a mid winter kick start instead of my usual hibernation. I'm half way through my programme and already I feel much fitter and healthier and my energy levels have increased.
~ Ruth Burt, Beachlands
I started training with James approx 4 months ago wanting to lose weight, tone muscles and gain fitness.
He is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of fitness and exercise, and adapts your programme to your needs, constantly challenging you! He has pushed me further than I expected to the extent that I now look forward to exercising, something that I have never experienced before. Given my results to date, I look forward to my ongoing journey with James and appreciate the support and encouragement he gives me in my fitness goals.
~ Karen Hughes, Beachlands
Left to my own devices fitness always comes last in my list of priorities. Training with James twice a week has made me make a commitment to myself. Even though I have found it hard, I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge.
~ Sophie Diver, Pine Harbour Estate
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