​“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.​

​I started training in BHAF with Rob in November 2013. I was quite nervous, very self conscious and I really didn’t know what to expect. But my goal to lose weight spurred me on (that, and my husband dragging me down as he was sick of hearing me complain about my weight!). I have to say, getting myself down to the gym and signing up for personal training was definitely the hardest part. I hated the idea of someone focussing only on me for a whole training session, I wondered if I could commit based on work demands, the horror of getting weighed and my body fat getting measured by someone!! But once I met Rob and chatted about what I wanted to get out of the training, did some sample exercises and saw the gym I felt more comfortable, so I signed up and I have never looked back since!

Rob eased me into the training and recommended a diet plan I should follow. He wasn’t over the top, pushy or too intense which was a relief to me! From the outset, I stuck to the diet plan and together with the exercise, after a short period of time, I could already see and feel a difference and I started to really enjoy the training sessions.
The training itself was very varied and I never got bored with it. I had never lifted weights before, had never lunged, never done split squats or deadlifts, I had always stuck to cardio….well…all that changed quickly once I started personal training. Once I got used to the exercises and weights, Rob really pushed me during training and I really surprised myself with what I achieved during the sessions. It’s a great feeling coming out of the gym having increased my reps or increased the weight I lifted from a previous session. I genuinely felt a great sense of accomplishment & always felt motivated and happy with myself after training.

After a few weeks i noticed the pounds dropping off, which i was delighted about. I lost quite a bit of weight initially but then my focus turned to toning and becoming strong. My body shape started to change and my friends and family really started to notice that and I was delighted with the compliments I received! I felt great, it made all the work I put in feel so worth while!

Rob’s a great trainer, he puts a lot into the training sessions himself and was always motivational, encouraging, non judgemental and friendly. All these attributes contribute to making an excellent personal training experience.

Losing weight aside, another great aspect of this training which I didn’t consider previously is that it is a great form of stress relief. I’m one of those people who find it difficult to switch off from work but by undertaking this program I am definitely a more relaxed, happier and healthier person.   I also have a new appreciation for a good diet and the importance of regular exercise which is essential.

I would highly recommend Body Health and Fitness as a lovely friendly gym to join and Rob as a highly effective personal trainer.

​I joined Body Health and Fitness in October 2011. Up to then I was used to plugging away on my own in the usual commercial/franchise gyms and although I was achieving results, I didn’t really know how I was doing it nor did I understand how to maintain it.

Body Health and Fitness provides a very different gym experience. What struck me the most initially was the level of interest the trainers take in your progress, regardless of whether you’re there as a monthly rate member or as a client taking part in a one to one personalised training program. The atmosphere is friendly yet focused; everyone there is striving for a common goal and how you participate in that is up to you, be it for the gym’s sociable aspect or whether you prefer to just zone-out and work alone.

Since joining BHAF I have participate in two 6-week training programs. I have seen my body completely transform and my attitude to weight training and what it can do for the female physique (and morale) has transformed also. Rob’s direction, intuition and professional knowledge has been paramount to my progress, the approachability of the trainers here outshines that of every other gym I’ve been to. I like to work alone but I also depend greatly on mentorship and encouragement, something that BHAF delivers in spades. I cannot recommend it enough…

- Fiona Dowling

​I started training with Colin about 6 months ago. I have worked out before – so this is not a case of being scared of weird looking weight machines – and I have visited a few gyms in Ireland. Since I was never impressed (unfit trainers, people doing exercises with terrible form etc) I never tried personal training, even though was not making any progress for a long time.

First time I went to BHAF I was impressed from the very beginning. I noticed the trainers were different, dedicated, and everybody knew what they were doing. After trying a kettlebell class (which I still do and love it) I really liked the way Colin worked and decided to book a few sessions with him.  

It was such a great decision! He changed my diet, talked about nutrition, explained me things with a lot of patience (still does) and introduced me to exercises I would NEVER have tried on my own, like deadlifts, chin ups etc. He also helped me understand that each person is unique with regard to what can be achieved and how long it takes to achieve it, so I stopped comparing myself to others and started focusing on getting stronger and trying to be the best I can be. Now I look forward to my sessions and classes each week and have become totally addicted to exercise. 

It makes a huge difference to have a professional making sure you are doing things right with a plan of exercises which leads to actual results. A bad day at work is easily forgotten in the gym. The sessions are never boring, exercises change all the time and Colin is always challenging me. He can see some days when I don’t feel so good and changes the sessions accordingly, which is so helpful. I also started paying more attention to my food and for the first time I managed not to put on weight while on holidays for 3 weeks. My body has changed a  bit already, I get compliments from family members, friends, work mates, even clients and most importantly I feel GREAT, with lots of energy all the time. 

I now wear clothes that I would not wear before and have dropped a dress/jeans size, which for a girl is priceless! Now I just want to keep getting better and better because I`m so motivated. It is a work in progress and a long term thing for me. I could not recommend this enough to people who need some motivation to get fitter, healthier, leaner or whatever they want to achieve. This is money well spent (an investment really) and something that can change your lifestyle for good, not only with exercising but also with eating properly and feeling happy with yourself. Thank you Colin and all the team. I am a very happy customer.

I have been a member Body Health and Fitness for over a year now. I planned to get married in September of 2011. In the back of my mind I was always thinking I would love to look fit and healthy for my wedding picture and not feel embarrassed when I looked at the pictures in the future. So in January of that year I set out to lose some weight which started with a meeting with Rob Lynch in Body Health and Fitness. Rob told me that now that I had the motivation, he would be able to help me reach my goals in the time period I set.On the first day with Rob, he let me set the goal for the next 3 months; we set the new diet plan and then drew up a workout program. For the first 3 month Rob explained it was critical to work hard and to stick to and maintain the diet. He told me it would be hard but that I would see great results within the 3 months. Every week apart from my normal program session, Rob would have a sit down with me to talk over my weekly food diary. This was also a time for any questions or concerns I had about my progress.  During the first 3 months Rob was closely watching my progress and was able to let me know what I needed to do to ensure I was on target to reach my goals.

​I would be lying if I said the workout program that Rob set out was easy going. At the start Rob had to push me to my limits so he could tailor a 6 week program specific to my needs. Every 6 weeks Rob would change my programs to keep the weight loss consisted. With this type of training I saw my weight going down consistently and healthily each week. I was very happy with the progress I was making and the results were evident on the scales too. The best thing about working with a trainer is that you learn the skill to ensure a proper work-out. Rob will always focus on teaching the correct position to maximise your results and to avoid injury.

Throughout the year Rob was very aware of my ability, limits and most of all what mood I was in on my training day. If Rob saw I was finding the first set hard or struggling to lift he would quickly change the weights and higher the repos to counter the weight loss. This also works the other way. If the set looked too easy for me, Rob would increase the weight or reps.  Working with Rob was also a great laugh and I found it particularly rewarding when I beat my personal best on an exercise.  He always knows when to encourage and push me to do more. That said, if I didn’t reach the required target when I know I should have Rob knew when to add on extra burpees.

I am very grateful to Rob and BHAF for helping me to achieve my goal. Rob has created a great atmosphere and facility at Body Health and Fitness which makes it much easier to reach the target and goal you set for yourself.  It’s the kind of gym you want to come down to and work out and enjoy the time you put in and know that someone cares about helping you succeed.