June, 2001

Three years ago I felt as if I was facing Mount Everest and did not even have the strength to tie up my boots! I was morbidly obese and could not walk to the end of my driveway without getting “puffed.” I was too ashamed to show up at a gym. I had spent a lifetime dieting and several times had had great success, losing considerable weight and exercising on my own. Each time I eventually fell back to my old patterns and would gain back the lost weight and then more. I knew that any real success was going to be a long term/life time project. Most of all, I knew I needed help “getting going”.

I had always felt personal trainers were an indulgence for those with money to burn. But I decided that I would find a trainer just until I was able to “go it on my own”. As luck would have it, Active Lifestyle was early in the yellow pages listings for personal trainers.

Three years later, I am 6 stone lighter and reaping the benefits of greatly improved health and fitness. I am still training with Active Lifestyle twice a week and I would cut back on just about any other expense in my life before I would give up my “indulgence”. I still have 3 more stone to lose but I know I am going to get there! My blood pressure is normal and my resting heart rate is below 60. I love to tell people that I have lost nearly a foot off my thighs! I could go on and on describing my statistical fitness improvements but perhaps the best assessment is the dramatic increase in energy, confidence and well being that I can now apply to all aspects of my life.

It has been hard work getting to where I am now. There have been disappointments, frustrations and setbacks along the way. There have been times when I wanted to give up. Times when aspects of my personal and professional life seemed to conspire to sabotage all of my efforts. I know I have much more hard work ahead of me. I also know Active Lifestyle will be with me every step of the way.

I laugh when I think of how my definition of what a personal trainer is has changed. I thought I was hiring an “exercise coach and dietary nagger”. Yes, in our two training sessions each week, I am always pushed that little bit harder than I will ever push myself. I now meet exercise goals outside of set training times. I continue to strive to improve my diet but still have problems consistently sticking to sensible healthy eating plan. So, what are the extra ingredients to the Active Lifestyle magic formula for me?

My personal trainer is Chris Matthews. He is my friend. He supports me when the going gets tough. He understands that I’m not perfect and that I need to have fun and enjoy life. He listens to all my complaints and always finds something positive to give back to me. He has acknowledged every incremental improvement over the past 3 years and continues to work to keep me focused on the big picture. And last but not least, he believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself.

Words seem inadequate to describe my appreciation for the expertise, professionalism and commitment that Active Lifestyle and in particular, Chris Matthews has shown to me over the past 3 years. For now, a simple thank you will have to do.

Leslie O’Connell