Penny Eyre - Weight Lost: 14lbs

Throughout my 20s and early 30s I had always considered myself pretty fit and relatively healthy and never worried about my weight. However after having 2 children in my mid 30s and then hitting 40 this year I was feeling pretty fed up with my weight, fitness (lack of!) and lifestyle in general.
After researching my options I found the Trimmer You Boot Camp and it seemed the obvious choice, offering what appeared to be very good value for money. Being women only also appealed to me. When I called to enquire and discussed why I wanted to attend, the staff were very helpful, encouraging yet also very honest about what to expect ? which re-assured me that this was the right course for me.
I can honestly say that I have never done anything so physically (and mentally!) challenging in my life and you will ache in places that you never thought possible however the sense of achievement far outweighs the pain....

Each day was different, covering a wide range of activities that included boxing, circuits, running, assault courses, games, walking, aqua and Pilates to name but a few.
The food was delicious with full marks going to the chef. We could definitely have eaten more in the beginning although as the week passed we seemed to become less hungry. It was also useful to have a session from a nutritionist on diet and what / what not to eat.
Top marks go to the trainers (Alex and Spencer). They very quickly gauged our individual abilities, how hard they could push us and what we were each capable of. They were extremely tough (but fair) and they certainly achieved the results from us all ? with some remarkable differences in our fitness test at the end of the week (versus day 1).

For me, what also made it such an enjoyable experience and certainly helped me through the week were the other women on the course. We were so lucky to all bond very quickly and continued to motivate and help each other throughout the week, it would have been tough without them! We're still all in touch and I'd like to think I've made some friends for life.
The week-long intensive boot camps aren't for everyone but it was just what I needed to kick start my fitness and a healthier lifestyle. It was tough being away from my family for a week but in terms of investing in time it was definitely the right choice for me and 6 weeks on, I am still the same weight that I was the day I left boot camp yet I am not eating like a Saint or exercising like crazy. I have simply adopted a more healthy diet (I still have my treats) and exercise regularly (mixing running with boxercise and strength work as recommended in the programmes that were given to us by Ryan from Trimmer You when we completed the course).
I have recommended Trimmer You to several friends and wouldn't hesitate in doing it all again. Thank you everyone at Trimmer You for a great week with great results........

Alison McIntyre - Weight Lost: 6.4lbs

Call me mad, but having had a great time in the Brecon Beacons in June, seven months later I returned to Trimmer You Boot Camp to their new 5 star accommodation in Nottingham. Once again the food was tasty, varied and filling and the staff (who really are approachable and human), worked us well with varied exercises throughout the day. I achieved even better results this time, possibly due to the fact that I was exercising during the winter.

The accommodation is truly 5 star. An impressive, modern house fitted out to a high specification, it is quite simply stunning. There are plenty of relaxation/sofa areas so whether you want to sit as a group watching TV or fancy some peace and quite with a book or magazine the choice is yours. The grounds for the activities include the garden, courtyard, driveway and field and there is a good walking route on the doorstep. The house also has an indoor pool which is used for activities (both in and out of the pool) and can be used in your free time in the evening to wind down. The bedrooms are light, airy and spacious. I was fortunate enough to stay in the Jacuzzi room – what a great way to ease the aches and pains after so much exercise!

Natalie Frankland - Weight Lost: 7lbs 10 inches

I am 5’5 and am usually a comfortable 10/12. The reason I signed up to ‘trimmer you boot camp’ was because I started to feel bloated and overweight. I noticed I was starting to buy 12/14 clothes. So I decided I wanted a solid week away to exercise, learn how to eat better and to generally change my habits.
With working in an office it is always tempting to have biscuits with tea breaks and eat unhealthily at your desk but I decided I just needed a change and get back to feeling good about my body.
I did some research online and found out about options of a boot camp. I knew that it would be a lot of hard work but the results would be quick.

After browsing around the different companies, ‘trimmer you boot camp’ was the one for me! Their prices are competitive compared to other places, especially if you book early, and their courses were flexible and really tailored to meet my needs. When I arrived at ‘trimmer you bootcamp’ I was surrounded by beautiful scenery and a lovely manor house and grounds- I instantly felt at ease and the whole please just had a positive feel about it.
The rooms are basic and contain everything that you need for the week- a hot shower and a comfy bed!!
Each day was completely varied- very hard but at the end of every day I felt a so proud of myself for completing the challenges we were set to the best of my ability. The staff understand that not everyone is at the same fitness levels and the activities are completely tailored to suits your needs and abilities. The staff really motivate, comfort and encourage everyone.

At times throughout the week I felt emotionally weak- your mind and body are being pushed to the limit but there is so much support from the staff that you always feel that there is someone to talk to and that they understand and explain the emotions you are feeling.
At the end of the week my skin was glowing, I felt slimmer, fitter and more in shape than I ever have. I would totally recommend this experience to you and I just can’t put into words how it feels to have completed the week. I met some fantastic women and made many friends.
‘trimmer you bootcamp’ has change my life and I have kept the weight off 2 months later!

Mags Olmand - Weight Lost: 5lbs

Since returning from Boot Camp I have been unable to use excuses such as "I would never be capable of that" and as the boundaries of what I could and couldn't do had been taken away I started to consider one of my ambitions which is to do a triathlon. I've started slowly by swimming in the sea and last week (after the purchase of a good wet suit) did my first duathlon which consisted of an 800 metre swim (in very very rough sea) followed by a 5K run which incorporated 2 rather mean hills. I completed the course in under an hour! sea swimming is now a regular activity and I absolutely love it. I already cycle so I intend to purchase a road bike and when I can't swim in the sea anymore will switch my training to running and cycling with a view to doing a triathlon next spring.

The other major change has been my eating habits. Frances's cooking had a major impact on me and the diet we followed was one that I would never have considered previously. I made the decision to continue with it after I came home and 5 weeks down the road I have lost an amazing 11lb simply by cutting out wheat, dairy and sugar. Interestingly cutting down on fruit (which obviously contains its own sugar) has also had a big impact. I haven't been able to cut the alcohol but then I only have that occasionally anyway.

The change in diet has changed everything. I'm a completely different shape (no spare tyre), full of energy and have been told that as I approach 50 this is the best I have ever looked!! it's also given me the courage to look at a few other areas of my life that needed changing.
So for any ladies who're wondering what they've embarked on, please pass on from me that this can and will change your life if you want it to. Listen to the guys, do what they tell you, eat the wonderful food and carry on with the way of life when you go home and believe me the sky's the limit.

Frances Barber - Weight Lost: 5lbs

I went to Trimmer You Boot Camp not really fully aware of what I was letting myself in for.
I knew I wanted to lose the weight that I had gained . A combination of just letting go bit by bit, the drip effect, too much of this too much of that , another glass of wine , you know how it goes, ..and I also wanted to regain the fitness level I once had . That feeling of being glad to be alive in the morning, almost jumping out of bed with a vital enthusiasm.

That exhilaration had evaporated from my life without me really realising it. I was tired, stressed and just generally fed up. I wanted to feel good again. I wanted to smile again in the mornings, and continue smiling throughout the day.
So….I looked at health farms (been there done it, regained the weight), spas ( done that), Thai spas (yep), yoga retreats (a bit ) …etc etc until I saw something I had never considered before…a “military” run Boot Camp.

I had had an ex forces trainer years before when I had a foray into boxing training, and found him the most sympathetic and helpful of all the people I had ever sought to keep me on the straight & narrow in terms of my health and fitness.
So I looked at all the various options of boot camps available and opted for Trimmer You.
I can say hand on heart it was without doubt the hardest week of my life physically , but the most rewarding week I have probably ever experienced.
I had no idea I could actually train that hard, that regularly, run at 6 am, play games, run up hills, rock climb, abseil, body pump, circuit train, power walk, rounders, football and boxing.

Laughing at myself, laughing with my companions, applauding our successes, empathising with our failures just feeling alive and eager and keen and smiling again. All in the most glorious surroundings of the Brecon Beacons, bursting with wildflowers, bluebell woods, rolling hills, kestrels, eagles, ……….
The instructors are exemplary. Staff Wheeler and Staff Lord, respectful, friendly, twinkly and always egging you on for that extra bit you have in reserve without ever making you feel anything but thrilled about all you have achieved however small, and dealing on an hourly basis with any emotional outburst that may erupt as a result of such a different regime. They are bliss.

The food is without doubt succulent; we all asked for the recipes … I can not praise our chef Frances enough … and she told me she had worked at another boot camp where they were given a quarter of the portions we were fed …you need the amount we were given in order to do justice to the exercises. No one felt hungry ever in fact we were going to bed feeling completely satisfied, no moaning about hunger pangs ever from anyone. So…One week later I lost 5 Lbs, and 5 inches (2 from my waist ! ) and feel I have refound my urge for a fitter me. Some of the girls lost as much as 10 Lbs and 10 inches and were romping around the lounge full of glee. So I can say with utter conviction that I would recommend this to anyone who wants to feel good to be alive again.

Life is hard, economically, psychologically, physically, but if you want a bit of a kick to restart your love of life …and its only once! I would definitely do this.
Give yourself a week of Trimmer You, because your worth it!