Movers story: Pete and Louise

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From Mark Glanville: 

Pete and Louise! Our first couple Movers of the Month! Some people just stare at Pete while they wonder what the hell the Jordie (Newcastle UK born) bugger said and ask for a translation and Louise is just a smiling assassin. 

These guys haven’t been here all that long but in the time they have they have shown to commit to a great variety of classes which is exactly what we like to see!

Congratulations team keep up the good work and keep working on speaking a little more clearly please Pete it makes life a lot easier for the coaches and members alike 😂

From Pete:

1. What is your favourite class?

Movement Strength. But I do also like every other class.

2. What made you choose MHQ and how do you think this has impacted your life?

The people. High quality coaching, friendly staff and friendly punters 👍 Huge impact, I want to improve myself. There are so many inspirational trainers and trainees.

3. What do you think has been your best achievement since starting MHQ?

Turning up 5 days a week and it not being a big deal.

Mover story: Heather, the epitome of MHQ

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From Mark Glanville: 

“You’ll always know when Heather is in the house, you’ll hear her or she’ll just come up and tell you.

Super engaging, fun, supportive and full of life Heather you are the epitome of MHQ! After having a hissy fit and yelling at both Sarah and I for gently forcing you into testing you grabbed the bull by the horns and gave it everything you had and came out smiling after absolutely bloody loving it!

Thanks for the energy you bring everyday and you deserve every bit of this recognition. May the force continue to be with you my friend.”

From Heather:

1. What is your favourite class?

“My favourite class is Tori’s conditioning. You never know what you are in for and she has this amazing natural killer instincts to make you do better!”

2. What made you choose MHQ and how do you think this has impacted your life?

“My ex F45 buddies Air & Amy hassled Shelly and myself to come and do a trial. Shelly and I started the trial and we were both hooked on the very first class. Love the care factor from all the instructors, love all the classes and I believe I have become physically stronger.”

3. What do you think has been your best achievement since starting MHQ?

“My best achievement so far at MHQ would be coming 7 days per week (when I am not away on weekends) and doing double classes.

 

Mover story: Daragh, from nomad to part of the family

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From Mark Glanville: 

“Daragh…. Our little Irish pit bull! Having a good crack at everything, came in as a nomad and is now a firm part of the MHQ family. Dag bag as I like to call him always gives everything and does it all with a cheeky smile and I believe he’s actually starting to finally understand my Aussie accent enough that he’s not having to try to read my lips when I talk to him 😂

Congratulations buddy, you are well deserved Mover of the Month and we look forward to seeing you daily for a long time to come.”

From Daragh:

1. What is your favourite class?

I have to say that my favourite class is always changing because there is so much to choose from! Right now, it’s a close tie between Conditioning which rinses me completely every time, and Pilates, which I took up only a few months ago. Pilates has been a humbling experience—I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m absolutely loving the journey.

2. What made you choose MHQ and how do you think this has impacted your life?

I discovered MHQ while looking for gyms in the area and was amazed by the variety of classes all under the one roof. I was immediately drawn to the gym’s focus on progression and its holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Now, the gym is a regular part of my (almost) everyday life.

The morning classes kickstart my day perfectly, breakfast has never tasted so good! Meanwhile, the evening classes are a great way to unwind after work. If I were to choose one reason why I keep coming back, it would definitely be the MovementHQ community. The entire team are incredibly knowledgeable, supportive and always encouraging you to do your best. Plus, the members are an amazing bunch of people – no one takes themselves too seriously, and it’s always a great laugh!


3. What do you think has been your best achievement since starting MHQ?

Back in high school, I used to row almost every day. I loved the camaraderie of being part of a team and the satisfaction that comes after a tough training session.

Ever since then, I’ve been searching for something that could replicate those experiences. My best achievement at MHQ has been finding that same sense of community and challenge. By showing up each day, making new friends, and steadily getting fitter, I’ve managed to recreate what I loved most about rowing.

Mover story: Nola, an amazing 12 month transformation

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From Mark Glanville: 

“Nola loves a bit of a stir. Learning how we Aussies banter the hard way courtesy of Moi! 😂

Not much to say about Nola other than she is hitting every target and more purely through sheer commitment and receiving coaching very well. A well deserved Mover of the Month and a fantastic part of the community we’ve built here at MHQ. Congratulations Nolzee you nutter, we love you dearly!”

From Nola:

1. What is your favourite class?

That’s a hard one. I am at MHQ religiously Monday through Friday. I love how much stronger I’ve become lifting weights in Movement Strength and exploring my childhood gymnastic dreams in Bodyweight Strength.

I love anything on the rings; it’s so challenging working with the resistance of my own bodyweight. But if I were to pick a fave class, I would say Functional Movement on Fridays, as it allows me to really flex and stretch all muscle groups, fascia, and ligaments.

Those deep, hurt-so-good movements keep me limber and feel like a welcome release after the week of hard work I just put in doing everything else. So rewarding and satisfying!


2. What made you choose MHQ and how do you think this has impacted your life?

I will give credit where credit is due — hands down it was the MHQ Body Composition Program run by Coach Sarah Bartlett that led me to join MHQ in February 2023. The Covid pandemic along with middle age was a very unhealthy combo for me. The stress of lockdowns and restrictions along with fluctuations in my hormones really took their toll.

Before I knew it, I found myself overstressed, undernourished, overweight, and lethargic. Suffering from sore joints and poor sleep, I knew I needed a kickstart to get me back to wellness.

I was a bit apprehensive about joining a gym as it had been so long since I had worked out, but I had seen an ad promoting the inaugural 10-week Body Composition Program at Movement HQ. Since it wasn’t a prerequisite that I join the gym to take the Body Comp Program, I figured I had nothing to lose and decided to give it a go.

After Sarah’s first workshop, I was hooked and knew immediately this was precisely what I was looking for. She was a superstar, with such a wealth of information and knowledge to share regarding holistic health, nutrition, sleep, and mindset.

She took physical stats, set realistic exercise outcomes, and created nutritional macro targets individualised to each participant. She offered regular progress check-ins to keep everyone accountable and help them reach their goals, be it to gain muscle or lose weight.

I felt so welcomed by Sarah and other MHQ staff, I decided to join MHQ in quick succession and have never looked back. I took Pilates and Movement Strength to ease me back into an exercise routine, and I loved the BCP so much I completed the program twice!


3. What do you think has been your best achievement since starting MHQ?

Not giving up. Shortly after I joined MHQ, I developed bursitis and tennis elbow in my left arm and I thought my training would have to stop as many of the exercises exasperated the pain and discomfort; I feared my health journey would be stalled indefinitely.

Thankfully MHQ classes are kept small and the trainers knew of my condition. They generously provided me with modifications each class to ease the stress on my arm so I didn’t have to stop training.

During the 10 months it took for my arm to heal, I was so grateful to Tori, Renato, and Perry for being so patient, encouraging, and supportive.

I’ve definitely gotten stronger and now I can do an unassisted chin-up! This may not seem like much but considering I started out using the thickest band 16 months ago with a compromised arm, this is a pretty big win. I’ve also done several PT sessions with Tori which has been pivotal in the progress I’ve made.

It took years to get out of shape but thankfully when following a sensible and realistic nutrition plan and training routine, the human body responds favourably. I continue to work with Sarah for my nutrition and weight loss goals and she’s been my rock. With her guidance and support, I’ve worked very hard to shift unwanted weight without sacrificing muscle and I’m only a few kilos shy from achieving my goals.

But with all that said,  I’d say the most satisfying achievements are the ones you cannot see. My stress levels are down, my blood pressure is great, my joints no longer hurt, my sleep has improved, my mindset is positive, and since I do all the food shopping and cooking, my entire family is healthier, too.

Thanks Coach Sarah, Coach Tori, and MHQ! 💪🏼”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW NOLA’S VIDEO

Mover story: Maria, achieving the impossible

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From Mark Glanville: “Maria, I can not explain how long it took Maria to actually finally drag herself in to attend her first class after what seemed like months of answering questions online and trying my best to convince her just to ‘come on in and have a crack, I promise you’ll love us’.

Navigating inflammation throughout her body, fighting pain and discomfort on the journey to working out what actually worked best for her, and building on it … and here she is!

10kg lighter, doing movements she would never have tried or thought of ever achieving under our guidance, and giving everything it takes to be successful at reaching her goals and then some.

Congratulations Maria, we all can not wait to see what 2024 brings for you! Keep up the inspiring work.”

From Maria:

“My favourite class is the Rings and Stallbars class … I love that I have achieved the impossible from 6 months ago, with Sarah’s guidance and giving me the confidence to just give it a go.

I joined Movement HQ when I saw the Body Composition Program advertised … I knew I had to try it out. My body was in a bad state (spasming ribs). I had to do something to change.

The impact MHQ has had on my life is massive. I can now participate in all classes without worry, I have been able to challenge myself with different classes along the way, like Movement Strength – lifting weights with Renato’s guidance. Now I can hang on bars .. love it.

MHQ has changed my life for the better, I am only looking forward to what else I can achieve.

MY BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SINCE I STARTED HAS BEEN NOT GIVING UP. TURNING UP TO CLASSES. GETTING ON THE RINGS WHICH I HAD ALWAYS ONLY ADMIRED FROM AFAR WHEN I STARTED – NOW I CAN DO IT!

Thank you to Sarah for helping me achieve my wish and giving me tips along the way to achieving my goals 💕😍”.

Mover story: Houri, 20kg down

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From Mark Glanville: “Houri!! Haha! Her answers will tell you everything. All I can say is the first time I saw her was a Tuesday morning around 5:20am. She was walking toward me as I was plotting the Kettlebell class, she looked at me with a little bit of uncertainty in her eyes and I asked her name and if she was here for the Kettlebell class, she said ‘yes’ and I replied with a subconscious ‘WHOAA! 😂’

Then I quickly recovered and promised I would stay close and guide her through the class and BOOM….. here we are today watching this amazing woman absolutely kill any challenge put in front of her and I am just so proud to be able to claim to be an influence in her progress and how far she has come.

Congrats Houri, you’re an absolute champion!”

From Houri: 

“My favourite class? That’s a tough question, it’s so hard to choose!

I would have to say Kettlebell. This was the first class I ever did at MHQ having not exercised for months and months and I had no idea what I was in for. It was such a challenging class which needed a much higher level of fitness and technique than I had at the time, but Mark and the whole class were so supportive and encouraging and got me through it! I now look forward to this class each week and love seeing the progression I have made each time.

Kettlebell classes at MHQ are cardio without feeling like cardio which is exactly what I need in my life!

I chose MHQ because I saw the Body Composition Program advertised and thought it looked like a really balanced approach to getting fit and healthy again.I also loved the variety of classes available such as functional mobility, strength, pilates, yin yoga and more.

I have been a member of various ‘big’ gym chains for years and I found I basically donated money to them each month without stepping foot inside the gym. This gym is completely different, I look forward to getting up at 4:45am each morning to prepare for a 5:30am class. Something I never thought I’d ever do!

Everyone is so supportive, friendly and encouraging and the classes are so well designed. It has completely changed my lifestyle for the better.

SINCE STARTING IN JUNE THIS YEAR, I’VE LOST OVER 17 KILOS (AND COUNTING) WHICH IS SOMETHING I’M REALLY PROUD OF BUT ISN’T MY BEST ACHIEVEMENT.
MY BEST ACHIEVEMENT IS THE HEALTHY MINDSET AND APPROACH I NOW HAVE TOWARDS EXERCISE AND NUTRITION. I’VE NEVER BEEN ONE TO HAVE EXERCISE PART OF MY ROUTINE OR LIFE AND I THINK MHQ HAS DEFINITELY CHANGED THIS FOR ME.

I look forward to coming to each session (maybe other than conditioning) and I’m hopeful this will continue for a lifetime!”

Mover story: Gina & Laura, dream mum & daughter team

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From Mark Glanville: This mother and daughter duo, Gina and Laura have been MHQ members since we opened in November 2020.

Gina has been a bit of a work-horse since joining, so much that she trusted Mark’s guidance on training around quite a severe hamstring tear.

Rather than suspending her membership and sitting around waiting for it to heal, she continued with her training which is a testament to her trust in us, and also her desire to keep working hard.

As for Laura, a young girl at the start, somewhat a little precious at times 😂 she has turned from everything being too hard to having an absolute crack and pushing through what would have most probably broken her 2-1/2 years ago!

We are super proud of both of these awesome ladies, but Laura’s change is astonishing and we are proud to have helped her find herself and the grit to push through her comfort zone and better herself physically and mentally.

From Gina:

My favourite class is Pilates.

I chose MHQ because a friend of mine (Daphne) spoke about it and explained the ethos of the gym and it sounded like a good fit for me.

I think that it has impacted my life in many positive ways.

I AM STRONGER (I CAN NOW DO A NUMBER OF PULLS UP IN A ROW) WHICH IS GOOD FOR ME AT MY AGE. I HAVE ALSO MET LOTS OF WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO ARE SO POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING. THE COMMUNITY IS AMAZING.

My biggest achievement would be doing chin ups with a weight tied around my waist.

I REALLY WOULD NEVER HAVE THOUGHT I WAS THAT PERSON WHO COULD DO THAT.

From Laura:

My favorite class is Movement Strength I love weight training!

I chose Movement HQ because Daphne introduced my mum and I, and spoke so highly of it.

Honestly the whole mindset and values behind the gym are what has made me stay.

THE TRAINERS ARE ALL AMAZING AND EVERYONE IS SO ENCOURAGING. THE GYM CAN BE AN INTIMIDATING PLACE BUT TO BE SURROUNDED BY SUCH ENCOURAGING PEOPLE IS AMAZING. IT REALLY IS A COMMUNITY GYM.

I also love going to the gym with my mum. She’s such a role model for me and I’m constantly amazed at her strength and what she can do.

I think for me I just feel so much stronger and fitter. I have also gained confidence in myself and my body which I think is so important as a young woman. I’m so excited to continue my fitness journey at MHQ!

Mover story: Emma, 7+ classes per week

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From Mark Glanville:  She’s one of the lads! Haha, loves Tuesday night Metal sessions with Sarah and I and the banter the boys bring to the blue floor!

I’m not sure Emzy has taken a day off since starting at MHQ 🤔 dabbling in almost every class possible sometimes at 5:30am and sometimes at 5:30pm, even rocking up for testing at 8am on a Sunday after a night out till 3am.

Em you are an absolute trooper, cheeky, fun and we just adore having you in our family. Rock on Emma and keep up the awesome work 🤘”

From Emma:

It’s hard to pick just one favourite class as they are all great but right now it would have to be Handstands, it’s challenging but so much fun!

I was sold from the very first class I went to at Movement HQ. The coaches are so knowledgeable and welcoming.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLASSES OFFERED AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE COACHES AND EVERY PERSON WHO GOES TO MHQ IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER GYM I HAVE BEEN TO.

It’s had such a great impact on my life, not just physically but mentally too. I had actually been following MHQ for around 12 months before finding the courage to try it out.

I feel like I have found a lot of confidence since coming here and am much more open to trying new things as a result.

My best achievement at MHQ has definitely been how consistent I have been, I never thought I’d be the sort of person that enjoyed going to the gym and now I attend 7+ classes a week and wouldn’t have it any other way!

Mover story: David, the smiling assassin

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From Mark Glanville: David, the smiling gentle giant. In his early days David popped in to reception wanting to cancel a class because he’d hurt his shoulder over the weekend so I dragged him onto the gym floor, applied a bit of trigger point release and some coaches some activation work and boom he was back in the class killing it.

Now it seems nothing can hold the big man back, squatting more than ever, hitting calisthenics skills he never would have thought he could achieve and all while being super friendly, extremely helpful and supportive to other members and just an absolute pleasure to have in the MHQ family!

Congrats big fella, well deserved! 👊🏼

From David: My favourite class is Bodyweight Strength.

I CHOSE MHQ FIRSTLY BECAUSE OF LOCATION (I WAS WORKING NEXT DOOR). I HAVEN’T WORKED THERE FOR A WHILE BUT I HAVE STAYED AT MHQ BECAUSE OF THE COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE AND THE QUALITY OF TRAINERS. IT IS LITERALLY THE FIRST GYM I HAVE ENJOYED GOING TO.

The best achievement for me is actually enjoying a gym and staying at the same gym for longer than 6 months … that, and being able to do chin ups and dips.

Meet our fabulous Movers of the Month

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Every day, right here on our gym floor, we observe wins and successes as our members stick to their training, try new things and reach new heights.

Whilst we are proud of every single member who trains at MHQ, here are our Movers of the Month who make us proud and pleased as punch that we do what we do.


December 2023 – Maria

From Mark Glanville: “Maria, I can not explain how long it took Maria to actually finally drag herself in to attend her first class after what seemed like months of answering questions online and trying my best to convince her just to ‘come on in and have a crack, I promise you’ll love us’.

Navigating inflammation throughout her body, fighting pain and discomfort on the journey to working out what actually worked best for her, and building on it … and here she is!

10kg lighter, doing movements she would never have tried or thought of ever achieving under our guidance, and giving everything it takes to be successful at reaching her goals and then some.

Congratulations Maria, we all can not wait to see what 2024 brings for you! Keep up the inspiring work.”

From Maria:

“My favourite class is the Rings and Stallbars class … I love that I have achieved the impossible from 6 months ago, with Sarah’s guidance and giving me the confidence to just give it a go.

I joined Movement HQ when I saw the Body Composition Program advertised … I knew I had to try it out. My body was in a bad state (spasming ribs). I had to do something to change.

The impact MHQ has had on my life is massive. I can now participate in all classes without worry, I have been able to challenge myself with different classes along the way, like Movement Strength – lifting weights with Renato’s guidance. Now I can hang on bars .. love it.

MHQ has changed my life for the better, I am only looking forward to what else I can achieve.

My biggest achievement since I started has been not giving up. Turning up to classes. Getting on the rings which I had always only admired from afar when I started – now I can do it!

Thank you to Sarah for helping me achieve my wish and giving me tips along the way to achieving my goals 💕😍”.

 

November 2023 – Houri

From Mark Glanville: “Houri!! Haha! Her answers will tell you everything. All I can say is the first time I saw her was a Tuesday morning around 5:20am. She was walking toward me as I was plotting the Kettlebell class, she looked at me with a little bit of uncertainty in her eyes and I asked her name and if she was here for the Kettlebell class, she said ‘yes’ and I replied with a subconscious ‘WHOAA! 😂’

Then I quickly recovered and promised I would stay close and guide her through the class and BOOM….. here we are today watching this amazing woman absolutely kill any challenge put in front of her and I am just so proud to be able to claim to be an influence in her progress and how far she has come.

Congrats Houri, you’re an absolute champion!”

From Houri: 

“My favourite class? That’s a tough question, it’s so hard to choose!

I would have to say Kettlebell. This was the first class I ever did at MHQ having not exercised for months and months and I had no idea what I was in for. It was such a challenging class which needed a much higher level of fitness and technique than I had at the time, but Mark and the whole class were so supportive and encouraging and got me through it! I now look forward to this class each week and love seeing the progression I have made each time.

Kettlebell classes at MHQ are cardio without feeling like cardio which is exactly what I need in my life!

I chose MHQ because I saw the Body Composition Program advertised and thought it looked like a really balanced approach to getting fit and healthy again.I also loved the variety of classes available such as functional mobility, strength, pilates, yin yoga and more.

I have been a member of various ‘big’ gym chains for years and I found I basically donated money to them each month without stepping foot inside the gym. This gym is completely different, I look forward to getting up at 4:45am each morning to prepare for a 5:30am class. Something I never thought I’d ever do!

Everyone is so supportive, friendly and encouraging and the classes are so well designed. It has completely changed my lifestyle for the better.

Since starting in June this year, I’ve lost over 17 kilos (and counting) which is something I’m really proud of but isn’t my best achievement.
My best achievement is the healthy mindset and approach I now have towards exercise and nutrition. I’ve never been one to have exercise part of my routine or life and I think MHQ has definitely changed this for me.

I look forward to coming to each session (maybe other than conditioning) and I’m hopeful this will continue for a lifetime!”

 

July 2023 – Gina and Laura

From Mark Glanville: This mother and daughter duo, Gina and Laura have been MHQ members since we opened in November 2020.

Gina has been a bit of a work-horse since joining, so much that she trusted Mark’s guidance on training around quite a severe hamstring tear.

Rather than suspending her membership and sitting around waiting for it to heal, she continued with her training which is a testament to her trust in us, and also her desire to keep working hard.

As for Laura, a young girl at the start, somewhat a little precious at times 😂 she has turned from everything being too hard to having an absolute crack and pushing through what would have most probably broken her 2-1/2 years ago!

We are super proud of both of these awesome ladies, but Laura’s change is astonishing and we are proud to have helped her find herself and the grit to push through her comfort zone and better herself physically and mentally.

From Gina:

My favourite class is Pilates.

I chose MHQ because a friend of mine (Daphne) spoke about it and explained the ethos of the gym and it sounded like a good fit for me.

I think that it has impacted my life in many positive ways.

I am stronger (I can now do a number of pulls up in a row) which is good for me at my age. I have also met lots of wonderful people who are so positive and encouraging. The community is amazing.

My biggest achievement would be doing chin ups with a weight tied around my waist.

I really would never have thought I was that person who could do that.

From Laura:

My favorite class is Movement Strength I love weight training!

I chose Movement HQ because Daphne introduced my mum and I, and spoke so highly of it.

Honestly the whole mindset and values behind the gym are what has made me stay.

The trainers are all amazing and everyone is so encouraging. The gym can be an intimidating place but to be surrounded by such encouraging people is amazing. It really is a community gym.

I also love going to the gym with my mum. She’s such a role model for me and I’m constantly amazed at her strength and what she can do.

I think for me I just feel so much stronger and fitter. I have also gained confidence in myself and my body which I think is so important as a young woman. I’m so excited to continue my fitness journey at MHQ!

 

May 2023 – Emma

From Mark Glanville:  She’s one of the lads! Haha, loves Tuesday night Metal sessions with Sarah and I and the banter the boys bring to the blue floor!

I’m not sure Emzy has taken a day off since starting at MHQ 🤔 dabbling in almost every class possible sometimes at 5:30am and sometimes at 5:30pm, even rocking up for testing at 8am on a Sunday after a night out till 3am.

Em you are an absolute trooper, cheeky, fun and we just adore having you in our family. Rock on Emma and keep up the awesome work 🤘”

From Emma:

It’s hard to pick just one favourite class as they are all great but right now it would have to be Handstands, it’s challenging but so much fun!

I was sold from the very first class I went to at Movement HQ. The coaches are so knowledgeable and welcoming.

The different types of classes offered and the encouragement from the coaches and every person who goes to MHQ is unlike any other gym I have been to.

It’s had such a great impact on my life, not just physically but mentally too. I had actually been following MHQ for around 12 months before finding the courage to try it out.

I feel like I have found a lot of confidence since coming here and am much more open to trying new things as a result.

My best achievement at MHQ has definitely been how consistent I have been, I never thought I’d be the sort of person that enjoyed going to the gym and now I attend 7+ classes a week and wouldn’t have it any other way!

 

April 2023 – David

From Mark Glanville: David, the smiling gentle giant. In his early days David popped in to reception wanting to cancel a class because he’d hurt his shoulder over the weekend so I dragged him onto the gym floor, applied a bit of trigger point release and some coaches some activation work and boom he was back in the class killing it.

Now it seems nothing can hold the big man back, squatting more than ever, hitting calisthenics skills he never would have thought he could achieve and all while being super friendly, extremely helpful and supportive to other members and just an absolute pleasure to have in the MHQ family!

Congrats big fella, well deserved! 👊🏼

From David: My favourite class is Bodyweight Strength.

I chose MHQ firstly because of location (I was working next door). I haven’t worked there for a while but I have stayed at MHQ because of the community of people and the quality of trainers. It is literally the first gym I have enjoyed going to.

The best achievement for me is actually enjoying a gym and staying at the same gym for longer than 6 months … that, and being able to do chin ups and dips.

 


October 2022 – Karren

 

From MHQ: Polite, punctual and super sweet Karren. What an absolute trooper, coming in to have a look around because she liked the look of what we had to offer and boy has she dabbled!

Karren’s a super member in that she has really adopted a wide range of classes and is doing everything from strength through to mobility, yoga and Reformer Pilates.

This is the kind of training approach that we try and promote with every member and she has made us very proud! Good on you Karren, keep up the fantastic work and we look forward to helping you achieve more little wins on the future 😃

From Karren: My favourite class is yin yoga. I love how it creates space in your body. I chose MHQ because it offers a great range of modalities in a beautiful modern studio. All the trainers are very knowledgeable, supportive of the level you are at, and always greet you with a smile.

Since starting at MHQ I have more energy, better posture and balance, move easily and it’s great to feel stronger.

I love working in my garden and I was finding it difficult to lift bags of potting mix and move pots. Not anymore.

My best achievement has been to step out of my exercise comfort zone ( yoga & Pilates) and start doing body weight and movement strength classes.

September 2022 – Nick

From MHQ: Nick, our softly spoken giant is the perfect example of ‘do the the work, the right work and things will improve’ Nick was open to our advice from day 1 and it has paid off significantly.

He’s gone from focusing purely on mobility and Bodyweight Strength to our Bodyweight skills classes, our Movement Strength, Yoga and Reformer Pilates classes.

Nick has hugely improved in strength (notably his chin-ups!), greater mobility and less pain which are all due to following a more global approach to his training.

This is exactly what we try to promote with all our MHQ members. Congrats Nicko, well deserved mate.

From Nick: My favourite class is Functional mobility, I always like the way I feel after this class, I feel like a lot of tension and stiffness gets released.

I did try a Yin Yoga class last week which was amazing and could be a strong contender for my favourite class. I also feel I’m getting a lot of benefit from the Reformer Pilates class.

I chose MHQ as the classes are smaller, well designed and adaptable from complete beginner to expert. I had a significant back injury in my early 20s which ended up with two surgeries to fuse my lower spine and since then I have been dealing with chronic back pain and sciatica.

I have tried multiple gyms and physio guided exercise and it was all quite repetitive and boring, meaning I often lost interest and let everything slide. 

After meeting with Mark and discussing my issues he recommended a program of which classes to attend and after the trial period I felt this was right for me. Having skills to work towards with many levels of progression helps keep it interesting with goals to aim for.

My favourite exercise is chin ups. I haven’t been able to do chin ups for a long time. After many months of training I just grabbed the bar one day and was able to do 5 chin ups in a row which was a big surprise for me.

It has been a big boost to my motivation as I can now see that if I keep turning up I will be able to push my body to do things I thought I would never be able to do. Since starting at MHQ my body in general feels stronger, more stable and my mood has improved. 

My base line pain levels are now lower and I have learnt techniques to relive the pain when I get flair ups. I have two young daughters and my pain was affecting my ability to play with them, now I’m getting close to keeping up with them and hopefully they will have to try and keep up with me.

I am also teaching them some of the exercises I do at MHQ to help them with their fitness development.