Bringing it all together is way to a better life

Apr 23 2007

By Jane Picken, The Evening Chronicle

North East fitness gurus have come up with their own way to get people in the region toned up and in peak health. Reporter Jane Picken found out more. ********* Imagine a workout that includes elements from boxing, circuit training, pilates and body pump, with handy tips on nutrition and massage thrown in. Fitness instructor trio Paul Love, James Milburn, both 25, and Andy Mclean, 30, have done just that with their Fit Camp programme which aims to improve the lung capacity, waistline and the general health of people across Newcastle. Story continues ADVERTISEMENT The personal trainers have pledged to get bring Geordies to peak physical fitness, and help tackle the soaring rates of obesity across the region. Over the course of four weeks their Fit Camp programme sees groups of 20 undertake 12, one-hour sessions, focusing on weight loss, metabolism, endurance, stability, flexibility and shape. "The idea is that the programme gives people the same motivation as personal training but with the knowledge and attributes of three different personal trainers from three different sporting backgrounds," explained James. "And not only that, the group of people doing it also get encouragement from other people on the course and it works out at a third of the cost of 12 personal training sessions." The trio's classes will usually include a mix of men and women aged from 23 to 52 with varying levels of fitness. Just one of their clients is 41-year-old Tony Blenkinsop, from North Shields, who began Fit Camp after not exercising for the past three years. But in just fours weeks Tony has more than doubled the number of straddle jumps, box-ups and press- ups he can do in 60 seconds. "I hadn't done any exercise for a long time as I'd lost the motivation and soon got out of the habit," explained Tony. "In the past three years I've had two gym memberships and have wasted a lot of that money just using the sauna and spa. "I was really keen to get involved in something different - it's much harder trying to exercise on your own, at home or in a gym, and it's been a lot easier keeping myself going with the encouragement of everyone else on the course. "If I can improve there's no reason why anyone else can't. I feel so much better and it's having an impact in all aspects of my life - I'm definitely doing it again next time," he said. Of the people who have taken part so far, 85% lost weight and each person on the course also improved their bleep test results - a physical test of aerobic capacity. Over 50% of the class improved their lung capacity and everyone improved their ability to complete as many repetitions of 10 different exercises in a circuit. Northumbria Police worker, Davina Knowles, from Benton, was particularly pleased with her progress. "I've been going to the gym four or five times a week for the past three years and have been doing personal training as well," said Davina. "But I wasn't doing as much as I should when I got there - I needed more of a push. This helped me to concentrate better each time I do exercise and I've had a great laugh at the same time." For more information about dates of upcoming Fit Camps email instructors@fitcamp.info  or call 07951 051 970. --------------------------------------------------------- Andy McLean Name: Andy Mclean Specialist area: Boxing conditioning He says: "After representing England in the 1998 Commonwealth Games, where I won a bronze medal in boxing, I decided to study and develop a career in the health and fitness industry. "During this time I also boxed professionally, retiring undefeated. I decided to further my career by becoming a personal trainer while enrolling on a sports therapy degree. "I believe by delivering expert knowledge and motivation we can achieve any goal together." Sporting history: 1998 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Qualified in: weight management and nutrition, core conditioning, massage therapy, coaching, teaching and instructing, bodycombat and bodypump. --------------------------------------------------------- James Milburn Name: James Milburn Specialist area: speed and agility He says: "After studying sport and exercise science in Leeds I decided upon a more vocational qualification. "This took me to York where I studied personal training and sports therapy with premier international. I have since co-founded vitality training and therapy and have been working in the fitness industry for four years." Sporting history: athletics - 110m hurdles. Qualified in: nutrition, sports massage, personal training, fitness training, Swedish massage, circuit training, pilates and football coaching. --------------------------------------------------------- Paul Love Name: Paul Love Specialist area: Strength and Conditioning He says: "Thanks to extensive and continuous training and therapy I'm well versed and in tune with the needs, goals and preoccupations that come with embarking upon a new fitness regime. "I've had my own personal battles with weight loss and injury having completely changed my body shape and lost five stone after reconstructive surgery on my knee." Sporting history: Rugby Qualified in: Nutrition, sports massage, personal training, fitness training, Swedish massage, circuit training, pilates, bodycombat, bodypump and exercise to music.

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