It was a big ask; and I expected him to say no as many before had. But he took a calculated risk and agreed to help me. He was thorough in ensuring that my physical health was being monitored and insistent that should anything deteriorate or change, we would have to stop training until I got things back on track. He was also quite strict that in terms of nutrition, I needed to seriously change things up. We began our sessions using tiny weights, 1-2kg dumbbells, it was light, but it was a start. And over the months and now year that has followed I can wholeheartedly say that working with him was the best decision I have ever made. I am now at a fully healthy weight and my body functioning as it should, I can lift weights beyond my own body weight, and I am entered into my first triathlon in the coming month. But not only that, I have my life back, I can laugh properly, I can enjoy spending time with the people I love, and I can treat food as my fuel rather than my enemy. Working with Simon is hard work, he has pushed me at times, but only because he knows that I can do it. He is supportive, and caring and incredibly dedicated to ensuring that each session is as good as it can be. He has taught me the importance of good nutrition, sleep and overall lifestyle. I can’t thank him enough for all that he has done for me, it is a change I never believed possible, but it is the sort of change that with his help, anyone can achieve."

Update:

"Since writing this first testimonial I have taken part in my first triathlon. It was the most incredible event; I finished in 57mins, came 14th out 552 overall, 3rd lady out of 346 women and 2nd in my age category. It fills me with such excitement for what the future holds and I know I owe a lot of that result to the help Simon gave me in helping me to build and maintain my strength."

"My work with Simon was transformative. I attended a few yoga classes he gave at the gym, and I was impressed by how clear his explanations were, how concerned he was for my safety, and how knowledgeable he was about yoga and the body in general. I started private lessons with him and he adapted to what I needed, guiding me gently and with compassion towards a new discovery of my body and its capabilities. The proof that this was working was that when I pulled my back after a long haul flight, I did the exercises he taught me and I was healed 4 days later. Iʼm still practicing yoga and itʼs all because of Simonʼs teaching. I canʼt recommend him highly enough."

"Private yoga classes with Simon are a real treat. After experiencing his style and teaching approach at my local gym, my partner and I decided to book some private classes. Completely new to yoga, and recovering from an illness, he appreciated Simon’s calm and thoughtful approach. The weekly sessions in the comfort of our home were great in helping him during his recovery. With kindness and expert knowledge, Simon takes into account different abilities, always making sure that everyone gets the most from his sessions. Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, I highly recommend Simon."

"I started Personal Training with Simon in 2014 on an ongoing basis and after 7 years do 2 or 3 sessions a week with him. He was originally recommended to me because a shoulder operation had made gym workouts too difficult to continue. Simon helped me with the physical recovery from this and also from subsequent operations and medical issues (I am not young). He devises a specially tailored programme, adapted as necessary to meet the client's individual requirements and foibles. Simon is professional in every way, but also sympathetic and pleasant."

"I was first introduced to Simon through his Yin Yoga classes, but became interested in personal training after a tough year with hip impingement soreness that prevented me from jogging, and then a heart diagnosis that led to a coronary angioplasty earlier this year. I lost a lot of confidence in my body and became nervous about exercise, even though I knew it was essential to recovery. Simon’s guidance and encouragement through a programme that combines weight training with yoga style stretches has made me stronger, fitter and much more relaxed. He knows exactly when to take things gently and when to push on, so I feel motivated and safe. He’s a calming presence and very easy to talk to, so I thoroughly enjoy each session and getting fitter never feels like a chore."

"Simon has been my personal trainer for the last 11 years – a longevity which is itself a testimonial to his excellence as a trainer. We meet generally twice a week. The approach he takes is a mixture of stretching, core-strengthening exercises, cardiovascular exercise and weight training. He is very thoughtful in adapting the proportions of each of these exercises to the particular physical circumstances of the day. For example, if I have recently been on a long flight, he is likely to insist on a comprehensive session of stretching. I am quite confident that I am in far better shape at the age of 70 than I would otherwise have been, thanks to these regular sessions with Simon."

(Note; I began training John in 2008, and continue to train him to this day. Since John kindly wrote this testimonial, and at the current time of writing in 2023 - this now makes it 15 years... and counting!)

"An approach to yoga which encompasses the mind/body connection in a calm, gentle yet extremely focused manner, creating a tranquil relaxed atmosphere. I feel blessed to have finally found such a truly unique instructor. Simon teaches from the heart, that's what sets him apart from the rest."

"Born in Derbyshire, brought up in New Zealand, this man definitely has, is, the best of both worlds. The body of our northern 'peaks' and the mind of that most laid-back and self-reliant of islands. To yoke, to unite, job done. Simon is a wonderfully wise, authoritative, hands-on and principled yoga teacher, who knows how to get the best out of even the stubbornest minds and bodies! His patient and highly personal instruction means that what's long been closed gradually opens. A revelation and a pleasure."

"I first met Simon at one of the yoga classes he teaches in my office. I quite liked his approach to teaching - In a fast-paced environment where everyone asked me to push, Simon asked me to slow down and make sure I felt comfortable during class and reminded me that our bodies are different, and we have different limits. Although I had experience with different types of physical exercise, I was just starting out with strength training, and I wanted to make sure I learn correct form from the start. Unfortunately, I was a couple of weeks too late when I reached out to Simon. I had already managed to injure myself, and this was in addition to the chronic arthritis I had been struggling with for the past few years. When I finally started my personal training sessions with him, it immediately became clear to me that my approach to strength training was wrong, and I had a lot to learn. Simon created a safe environment which allowed me to leave my expectations about my performance at the door. Instead of "how much can I lift", I started focusing on "how do I lift". Instead of "how often and how hard do I exercise", I focussed on "how do I feel during and after exercise". Very quickly, I made progress on both physical and psychological fronts. We worked around my injuries, and they were eventually resolved - to the extent that I no longer think about my arthritis, because I rarely feel it. Even though I felt better after only a few months, I continued to train consistently with Simon for almost 3 years. At present, I am able to continue my strength training journey alone, because Simon has equipped me with a foundation I can confidently build upon."