"I joined AMC to improve my overall fitness and support training for my first marathon. Within two-months my overall fitness and endurance had improved well beyond expectations, my confidence with gym exercises and equipment has grown massively, whilst making new friends and working hard. I'd thoroughly recommend Alan's style of training"
Malcolm Holmes
" I Feel extremely focused and engerised. Loving every minute of training, could never go back to the way I was pre amc!"
Lisa Cheesman
"I have been following a programme with alan for the past few months, and its really helped me lose weight, body fat and inches..
its amazing how much a structural programme can work, thanks alan!"
Amy Whitby
"Alan is an excellent trainer and motivator.
After doing no exercise for
years, training with him has changed my life. "
Paul Humpheryes
"The sort of training I do is always a challenge and never gets boring and keeps working out fun"
Emma Tasou
"amc-training Rewards effort with Results, thank you Alan and the rest of the guys!"
Duncan Butt
" After training with Alan for 5 years he is still constantly coming up with new ideas for new exercises and routines.
The team sessions are excellent - we work as a team and the competitive element means we train much harder but its still fun!"
Doug Hall
"Alan is a real dedicated individual who engages closely with each and
every one of his clients to ensure they can obtain their fitness goals. I trained with Alan for around a year and not only exceeded my fitness
goals but had fun doing so. If anyone can drive you towards the success you require with your body and overall wellness its Alan"
Liam Dower
"Training with Alan has been great, he keeps me motivated and the results
have been very positive – my general fitness has increased significantly and it has given me the confidence to start running. If you are anything like me
and find it hard to keep up the gym or exercise classes, this is the ideal solution to getting in shape and staying there"
Jo Deal
"Alan is a real dedicated individual who engages closely with each and
every one of his clients to ensure they can obtain their fitness goals. I trained with Alan for around a year and not only exceeded my fitness
goals but had fun doing so. If anyone can drive you towards the success you require with your body and overall wellness its Alan"
Liam Dower
"Training with Alan has been great, he keeps me motivated and the results
have been very positive – my general fitness has increased significantly and it has given me the confidence to start running. If you are anything like me
and find it hard to keep up the gym or exercise classes, this is the ideal solution to getting in shape and staying there"
Jo Deal
"I have trained with Alan for several years now and his training routines become more enjoyable with each session I go to. He knows how to get the most out of your training and believe me when I say you'll enjoy every minute of it. If your're looking for results, he is your man! Just check out his web site for before and after pictures. I highly recommend amc-training, so why not give it a try your self."
Chantel Dibley
"Alan helps me to believe that my goals and dreams are possible. The training sessions are my favourite part of the week"
Kate Lynch
"I can notice the difference a trainer makes after just weeks of training"
Dave Kelly
"If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, tone up, train for a specific event or sport or just to feel fit Alan will push you as hard as you need and often harder than you think you can. He manages to do this while keeping things fun and interesting."
Rob Read
"Training with Alan has made me mentally and physically sharper"
Marc Woolhead
"I have lost half a stone in 3 weeks and 3 and a half inches off my waist , thanks Alan"
Jacky Harniman
"Alan is a great motivator. He listens to you and develops bespoke training to suit your goals and abilities."
Kevin McElligott
"I'm so proud of myself, I'd never have done it this time last year so thank you" (after completing first 10k)
Laura Green
"I started training with Alan 8 months ago to improve my Golf!! I have since completed 10k's, a Half Marathon, Climbed 3 Mountains in a day and
I am about to compete in a Triathlon. It's fair to say AMC Training has changed my life. The Golf? Yes that's improved as well"
Lee Lawerence
"Alan has helped me to improve my fitness and lose weight. I am a lot fitter and happier and really enjoy my training sessions. I have taken part in a lot of events in the past year and am quite proud of myself , thank you very much alan :)"
Megan Dower
"Working with Alan and AMC-Training has changed my way of thinking and life forever. A lot of hard work and determination and Alan will get
you beyond what you want to achieve. Couldn't do without him now! Thanks a lot!
Lee Dibley
"I started training with alan about 5 months ago and it was an amazing experience. In just weeks, I felt like a superstar. I felt much fitter and more confident in myself in school and out in public. I want to say a HUGE thank you to Alan, Emma and Mike, for all the help and support"
Shannen Butt
"I have been training with Alan for two years now and go to him specifically for squash conditioning training. There is no doubt that he works you hard - but that's what's required! Alan always varies his sessions and really produces results. My reaction, sharpness and agility significantly improve as a result of our sessions. I can highly recommend Alan for conditioning training - top lad and good fun!"
Bruce St Leger
"I have been a client of Alan's for over a year. Previously I'd not been near a gym in years. The fact that I'm still working out with Alan tells you a lot about how good he is. After a year each workout still has something new and different. He's addictive."
Paul Ingham
"I've been training with Alan weekly for about 3 years. He is a constant motivator, helping me achieve my goals. I am in the best shape I have ever been in and will continue to train with Alan, his sessions are always fun, varied and challenging. I would recommend AMC-training to anyone who wants to stay or get in great shape."
Jacky Jones
"I used to go to the gym once as month and do the same work out every time, and wonder why i wasn't getting results. I now go to the gym twice a week and Alan pushes me to the limit every time. I'm stronger and faster than ever before and really look forward to new challenges. I'd thoroughly recommend AMC training."
Hope this August newsletter finds you all well. I am sure some of you are still nursing bumps and bruises after last weekend's 3 Peaks Challenge (not that it's stopping you from training!)
Lots to report on this month, so I'll get straight into it!
Ironman Triathlon
Most of you will be aware that I completed the Ironman Triathlon on August 2nd (2.4 miles swim, 112 miles bike and 26.2 miles run) in 13 and a half hours.
It was a long day but nothing beats the feeling of crossing that line. The preparation started the day I booked the triathlon and I wouldn't have been able to the complete an Ironman then. I could barely swim in the open water and I had to stop for a rest the first time I rode home from work!
I am not expecting you all to go out and start training for an Ironman but I hope my experience shows that although achievement doesn't come easy, you can achieve anything you want to.
I will do an Ironman again and I hope that in the future I won't be alone! If there is enough interest, I am looking at registering my own Triathlon club. The season is coming to an end but there will be a few sprint distance triathlons in September and October if anyone wants to give it a go?
Plus the London Duathlon in September (13th) more details below in the event section of newsletter.
3 Peak Challenge
Last weekend (7-9th) a team of 17 took part in the 3 Peaks Challenge. The challenge is to complete the highest mountain in Scotland, England and Wales in less than 24 hours. We sacrificed the time aspect and focussed on the completion although some of the group showed some serious determination to finish Snowdon on the Saturday while the rest of us went to the pub!
In summary most of the group completed all 3 of the mountains and some even in the 24 hours cut off. Most importantly though, everyone enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to taking on the next challenge.
I have put a few clips into a video (you know how much I love a video!)
Challenge Central
You may well have wondered what exactly Challenge Central is and to be honest I haven't always known either.
I have been developing the concept of Challenge Central since the start of the year and I am now please to announce its true purpose!
For a long time I have been using challenges as part of my personal training business. I realised that people want to be fit for something and they like idea of a challenge or adventure as it gives them something to work towards and look forward to. The feeling of completing anything which at some point was considered impossible is truly amazing.
Challenge Central will serve 3 key functions: 1) Organisation of events such as the 3 Peak Challenge, Welsh 3000's, Bike challenges or boat races. These events will be organised and packaged by Challenge Central for members to purchase. Starting in the UK with the vision to build up to more serious events around the world - walking the great wall of China or climbing Kilimanjaro to mention a few.
2) Entry to large organised events. There are literally 1000's of excellent events around the UK. Not only will the club be entering the standard running and triathlon events but also supply organisation for team events such as the Tough Guy challenge, Grim challenge and the Survival of the fittest. This will give members the opportunity to take part in team events with other Challenge Central members. (all events just mentioned are linked below in the event section)
3) Forum. The Challenge Central website will also act as a forum to allow members to communicate about events and training. This should help bring like minded people together in a community of challengers where your own events can be organised and discussed. I have put together a basic forum, please go and leave a comment and let me know whether it is sufficient for the purpose.
Although there is an obvious link between the two businesses you will start to see a few differences emerge. As clients of amc-training you automatically get free membership to Challenge Central, so don't worry you don't have to do anything but new members will be charged a small annual fee to become part of the club.
amc-training will always plug into Challenge Central for its events and competitions but I want to open up Challenge Central to all members of active4less, other gyms and personal trainers. So tell your friends to get involved, you don't have to train with me... you just have to like a challenge.
As the two businesses move away from each other you will receive two different newsletters in September, one from amc-training and one from Challenge Central rather than hearing news from both at the same time. amc-training will be focussed on the personal training whilst Challenge Central will be focussed on events and challenges.
Clear as mud?
Health and Fitness Assessments
Just a reminder about the health and fitness assessment this Saturday (15th August) if you want to get measured, weighed and tested the assessment will be running between 12-2pm. Please let me know if you are coming and at what time so I can manage timing effectively. I have 6 people booked in already so it should be a bit of a social as well as a time to ask any questions or discuss your current training regimes or nutrition requirements.
Next Events
Everyone has been asking 'what's next?' So I've got a few events to put into your diaries
Firstly the London Duathlon on the 13th of September. The duathlon consists of a 10k run, 20k bike and another 5k run. I'd imagine there can't may places left so if you are interested, book it asap!
The next 10k run will be the Standalone 10k on the October 4th.
I am also thinking about a weekend away in the Brecon Beacons combining some SAS selection routes with some kayaking in late September. Let me know if you are interested and I will look into it.
Challenge Central will also be looking to put together the list of 12 marathon for 12 months (12in12) by the next newsletter and also provisional plans for a bike ride to Wales. Again, please let me know who wants to do what. I work much fast if I know you're interested!
amc & CC clothing
There will now be an option to purchase extra amc-training and Challenge Central clothing.
Everyone will still receive a free T-Shirt on joining Challenge Central or amc-training but extra T-Shirts, vests and hoodies are now available to buy from the Challenge Central Shop
Welcome Video
You have probably all seen this by now but just case anyone has missed it I have embedded the welcome video on the amc-training home page. Most of you appear on it so it's worth a watch if you haven't seen it.
I think that is enough for this month - If you have made it this far then I'm impressed - You have a better attention span than me.