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goals and ambitions without the pressure of signing<br />
up to a ‘big gym’ membership contract which, so<br />
often, goes unused.<br />
Now many of us may think we’re not fit enough or<br />
ready to work with a personal trainer, preferring<br />
to go it alone in the gym. But, says Raul, this is<br />
counterproductive to getting the most out of your<br />
fitness regime.<br />
When you think about it, it makes perfect sense<br />
for gym newbies to start their new workout plan<br />
with the help of an expert who can guide them<br />
through the right kinds of exercises to help them<br />
achieve their goals, rather than wade in blindly,<br />
focussing on intense cardio when it’s more strengthbased<br />
fat-burning they need, or aiming just to burn<br />
calories when toning exercises will make more of a<br />
difference.<br />
I started my own personal fitness journey with Raul<br />
looking to regain the fitness level I’d let slide since<br />
having my son nearly four years ago. As a dedicated<br />
gym bunny pre-baby, I was probably more active<br />
throughout my pregnancy - with four-times-a-week<br />
gym sessions, running, pilates and yoga almost to the<br />
bitter end when I could no longer see my feet, let<br />
alone get into a convincing down dog pose - than I<br />
have been since the little one arrived.<br />
The thought of heading back to the gym, to packed<br />
classes and aimless treadmill pounding, didn’t fill me<br />
with motivation. But Ambition Personal Training<br />
isn’t your average gym.<br />
The first session - a one-to-one where Raul assessed<br />
my fitness, helped with my technique and guided<br />
me through a comprehensive circuit of weight,<br />
strength and cardio exercises - was undeniably tough,<br />
AMBITION PERSONAL<br />
TRAINING FOUNDER<br />
RAUL ROMERO<br />
especially after four years of little to no exercise. But<br />
it did the trick in reigniting my interest in fitness.<br />
I committed to twice-weekly group classes, with a<br />
TRX Fit session combining TRX exercises with<br />
cardio, and Super Circuits which sees you blast<br />
through everything from tricep dips and press ups to<br />
planks and weighted squats… lots of squats.<br />
One of the main things which sets Raul’s classes<br />
apart is the sense of camaraderie between members;<br />
with such small class sizes people get to know each<br />
other quickly, and that friendly atmosphere sees<br />
everyone motivating everyone else through those<br />
tougher exercises.<br />
After a month in Raul’s expert hands, it was time for<br />
the first progress report. The weigh-in - even after<br />
a weekend of birthday-related indulgence - showed<br />
I was moving in the right direction. However, the<br />
biggest difference for me, personally, isn’t seen on<br />
the scales. It’s in the improved toning and definition,<br />
particularly on my arms - goodbye bingo wings! -<br />
and, more importantly, the difference I feel in my<br />
fitness levels.<br />
From struggling through the first few sessions - and<br />
feeling the burn for days afterwards - I now find<br />
myself powering through an hour of TRX or Super<br />
Circuits with, well not ease but certainly a damn<br />
sight less huffing and puffing, and looking forward to<br />
the next session.<br />
Thanks to Raul, a fitness focus has become a part<br />
of my weekly routine, and one I feel is genuinely<br />
making a difference. If you’re struggling with getting<br />
- or keeping - fit, then I’d heartily recommend<br />
abandoning the ‘big gym’ for a more personal<br />
approach. The results speak for themselves.<br />
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