The experience of major surgery on both knees left me feeling vulnerable, lacking confidence in what I could do physically and very much aware of the need to do something structured on a regular basis, to be able to maintain the active lifestyle I had always enjoyed. Until Camilla approached me for a discussion about taking a different approach, I had always trained alone and done my own session work. The thought of working with a PT instructor had never crossed my mind, primarily because observing from a distance the approach taken by the ones I had seen, did not appeal to me. Making a lot of noise to “motivate” works for ten seconds before I switch off and stop listening!
When we sat down and spoke, I made my objectives clear; put simply, to improve fitness and flexibility and maintain overall strength, especially in the muscles that help keep the knee joints stable. My first impressions were good, as Camilla listened to everything I had to say, especially the concerns I had and added her own contribution to my thoughts.
This discussion was followed by a free session to establish if working with a PT was something I could do. Frankly, I found the free session tough, but completed it and with a smile on my face at the end. Unbelievable!! I was on my knees but felt good. It is so easy to kid yourself and believe that when you train alone you have worked hard, but in a calm and easy manner, Camilla had teased another 10% out of me and took me to a level of effort that I didn’t believe I could do anymore.
Additionally, I found working 1:1 with a PT Instructor to be a safer environment than training alone. Knowing that someone was there to ensure I carried out the exercises in the correct way, paying attention to my posture, technique and form, gave me confidence to try the new exercises and workouts she prepares for me every week.
After just over three years (and approximately 120 PT sessions later!!), of training with Camilla, I feel she has taken me to a level of fitness that I could not imagine having, following my knee operations. And this could be you….
Her sessions are varied, clever and structured. The intensity of the training is down to me, but instinctively Camilla can sense my mood and adjusts the level of the session to match the mood, depending on what she is witnessing. Her mature approach to PT training works and is one of the main reasons I continue to be a client. The style is calm, encouraging and with humour. I doubt if I could work with anyone else in this way, because from my experiences and the results of the work she has done, my trust and faith in her is high.
I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone as a PT Instructor and would suggest to everyone, try a free PT session. She is very good. And don’t be surprised if you sign the forms afterwards!
JA Pickup (59 years old)
11th February 2020