​“I had always found going to the gym very intimidating. I had zero knowledge of fitness or how to use any sort of machine in a gym!

When I first joined BHAF, I was extremely nervous and convinced I was going to make fool out of myself. After a chat with Rob, I decided to sign up for the 8 week programme he designs for each client. My first session was mainly focused on what I was capable of, but also to get me comfortable using the machines and weights in the gym, most of which I had never even seen before, let alone used! From this session, Rob devised my own personal programme which he ran through with me when I next went to the gym. I have stuck to these 8 week programmes ever since, during which time my confidence and ability has grown massively. Even if I do occasionally make and eejit of myself!

I have never felt more welcome and more comfortable than I do at BHAF. There is always someone there ready to help you with any questions, setting up machines and weights or just to have a laugh with! Even the members are all so friendly and willing to help you if you need it.

Rob and his team clearly have great pride in what they do and care a lot about their members.
There is always a bit of banter to be had at BHAF, and with the move to the new gym, you really couldn’t ask for any where better.

If you want a gym that is all about fitness and not running mindlessly for hours on a treadmill, a gym that is welcoming, friendly and fun to be in, then look no further! I couldn’t recommend BHAF enough! #aREALfitfam”

​The first time I stepped inside a gym was when I started at BHAF in September 2014. I didn’t know what to expect or how anything worked but after a brief chat with Rob about what my goals were I decided that Personal Training would be the best option for me.

Rob asked me to bring along a food diary of the previous weeks food intake to the first session where he went over it with me. It didn’t take long to see that I had very poor eating habits where I’d either miss meals during the day and then binge in the evening or would eat convenience food instead of something better for me. A meal plan was set out where I would have a breakfast, lunch & dinner consisting of proper food such as fish, lean meats, eggs and plenty of vegetables in order to ensure I was getting enough calories for the training I would be doing.

The training to begin with was about finding out what I was capable of physically. I have played 5-a-side for years but in the last few had found it harder to compete as I became breathless quite quickly and didn’t have the stamina to keep up with everyone else.

Each session with Rob saw me work on different areas, legs, arms, shoulders etc. Not only was I being introduced to each piece of equipment but was being shown the correct technique needed to use it effectively and without hurting myself. Rob is always ready to give encouragement when you need it and pushes you hard enough that you know you’ve had a good workout without over doing it.

As the weeks have gone by, each session has seen the amount of reps increase or heavier weights being used. Rob also suggested I also do a Saturday morning boot camp with Colin and after a couple of months things started to take off. I noticed a huge difference as my recovery time decreased dramatically between exercises, I was breathing better & had more stamina when it came to training and playing football.

Overall I’ve lost over 2.5 stone in weight so far and feel better and more confident in myself thanks to Rob. Before I didn’t see a time when I’d ever be working out in a gym, now I can’t see one when I’m not.

Start weight (17/09/14): 116.7kg/257.2lbs
Current weight (12/03/15): 99.6kg/219.5lbs
Total Lost: 17.1kg/37lbs

Before I start I have a confession to make: I never believed I would have anything like the results I’ve seen, and for that reason I decided not to take a “before” photo.

I walked into BHAF 20 weeks ago in bad shape. My eating habits were poor for various reasons and I wasn’t exercising nearly enough. Due to working hours I’d had to give up football a couple of years ago and after having back surgery late last year it slowed me right down in terms of motivation. I needed a change and it took a long time for me to get into the right mindset for action. For added motivation, I had my own big day to look forward to which meant I had to look decent in my formal-wear!

I had a chat with Rob about immediate changes to my diet and was advised to take a week before starting to train, there was no pressure to join, no contract, just helpful advice & an open invitation to start training when I was ready.

I had a session with Rob to develop a program specifically for my needs and soon got into a routine which I stuck to. As the weeks went on I started to notice the benefits of both eating well and regular training. After a while I had a review and my program was changed to suit me again, and again the results followed.

That is what I think sets BHAF apart from the usual franchise gyms. They cater to the individual. I have been in gyms where you get a quick run through at the start and are left to yourself thereafter. There is always help or advice on hand when you need it here, there are 4 top trainers with expert knowledge & experience who observe and interact with members. You don’t get that anywhere else. There are also classes and personal training options available for those who want that extra push.

There is a focused but friendly atmosphere which is hard to find and absolutely no pressure or intimidation factor which can sometimes turn people away from the bigger gyms. Members are here to achieve their own personal goals, which BHAF specializes in. My own personal goal (which I’ve achieved), was to get my shape back to where it should be, rather than simply a target weight, but it was certainly nice to see the numbers before & after just 19 weeks of training:

March 2013: 13 st. 8 Ibs
July 2013: 12 st. 0 Ibs
March 2013: 36in waist
July 2013: 32in waist

I feel so much better about my health now, which comes at a good time as I’m heading away to get married soon. For that, I’d like to thank all of the trainers at BHAF. I would encourage anyone with thoughts of starting up or changing gyms to drop in & have a chat with one of the staff, as I did.

“I started training with Rob at BHAF at the end of September 2012, shortly after making the B Team roster at Dublin Roller Derby.

I had one goal in mind, to make the A team by next tryouts. Which involved my becoming fitter, faster and most importantly stronger. Rob took on this challenge even though it was a sport he’s never heard of!

Roller derby is the fastest growing women’s sport in the world and is heavy hitting, full contact and often high speed. Due to my training with Rob I have improved my speed lap and endurance times, reduced my penalties and have remained injury free.

The most important difference I have found is my strength and stability on track, I am able to bust through opposition walls and fend off large hits that would previously knocked me to the floor.

In February 2013 I made the A team and was awarded Most Valuable Player in my first game for my new team. I credit this entirely to Rob and would recommend anybody looking to improve at their sport to train BHAF.”

Kaele went on to compete in her first powerlifting competition in the IPO National in March 2014 as we both felt we’d set one last challenge outside of Roller Derby before Kaele completed her move to London for Roller Derby. First outing and she won the novice category in her weight class!!

Kaele’s Top Lifts: Body Weight 63kg
Squat (Raw) 115kg in Competition 120kg in the gym
Deadlift (Raw) 132.5kg (over double body weight) just saying 😉
Bench (Raw) 47.5kg
Total: 290
Leg press 207.5kg x6… just adding this in as I personally think its impressive

​This is a testimonial from Gary, not many members will have seen Gary as his gym visits were mainly off peak due to his size. He does however have a massively inspiring journey. He had a starting weight of just shy of 300lbs and dropped a massive 78lbs in 5 months. Although he still has some way to go, he has already undoubtably added years to his life. Here’s his testimonial…

“I have tried any diet that you have heard of…. no carbs….Atkins….vegetables only….weight loss pills….lipotrim (food replacement) etc…. all of the above helped me lose weight….for round about 2 weeks at most, until either I became ill or couldn’t stick it.

The day I started with Colin in Body Health and Fitness, I knew it would be different. And it was. Within 2 weeks people started to noticeably weight loss. After 5 months I lost 78lbs and never felt better. Colin is fantastic at explaining things in easy terms for people like myself who break a sweat just looking at the gym. I have tried other gyms in the past and what greeted me was the same every visit….a heap of lads who were literally more interested in the wall to wall full length mirrors than any of the equipment around them. BHAF is the furthest thing from that. Members And staff are all there for one reason only…RESULTS.!!! From the day I set foot in BHAF it changed my life for the better. Couldn’t recommend these guys enough.“

Thanks to Robert and all the team at Body Health & Fitness I have achieved my goal of dropping over 11kgs in 4 months. From introduction, lifestyle, sleep patterns  to education of food intake, portion sizes, eating times to eating habits have all been invaluable for me. This background knowledge and understanding of my Personal Training plan has led to a more successful exercise routine that I now can’t live without. A massive benefit for me has been my clear reduction in stress levels enabling me to perform my job more effectively and the compliments I have received from people means that I am starting to reach the body shape I wish to attain. I would recommend BHAF to anyone who wants to make a serious difference to benefit of their health and improve their lifestyle.​