SMarta Fitness

CLIENT'S SPOTLIGHT
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By Olivia Barrett:
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"I started training with Marta in May 2019, having seen her working with other clients in the gym. I was a regular at the gym but was frustrated that I wasn't shifting any excess weight.
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With the added incentive of my wedding that summer, I signed up with Marta for an online training and nutrition plan. My goal was to lose some weight and reduce my body fat percentage.
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Marta changed my exercise regime straight away, adding resistance training into my cardio-heavy routine. The routine was updated as I increased the weight I was using, with videos to demonstrate each exercise.
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Marta was always at the end of the phone if I was having any problems. She also designed a personalised nutrition plan - it turned out I wasn't eating anywhere near enough protein to allow me to reach my goals.
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The variety in my exercise regime made me enjoy my training sessions more. I learnt that cutting down on calories didn't mean eating tiny portions and always feeling hungry.
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I quickly started to see results and by the time my wedding came round, I was really proud of what I'd achieved with Marta's help. The changes I've made are ones that I'll keep long term!" More...

From size 24 to 12 in a year.

Having worked within a toxic working environment and settling down into a long-term relationship suddenly I’d put on 5st! I knew I needed to do something about it, when I found myself going on holiday, not wanting to be seen in any pictures. And the realisation, that my weight gain was stopping me from going to certain places due to how uncomfortable I felt at the thought of bumping into people from the past.

Luckily enough, I found myself a new, healthy job, which included a gym membership. It took me a while to gain the confidence to even step in the gym at first. And when I was there, I felt too uncomfortable to do anything other than cardio.

I had noticed Marta in the gym and followed her on social media for a few months, until I plucked up the confidence to make an appointment with her. I’d be lying, if I said, I didn’t pick her due to how scary (and amazing) she looked in her bodybuilding photos. I knew she would be the one to put me in my place.

Marta knew exactly how to handle me. At first we came to terms with my eating habits and she slowly introduced me to weight machines. At this point I felt good after our sessions, as opposed to other experiences, where personal trainers have killed me on the first session, resulting in not being able to move for a week and never coming back.

Around 2 months in, it was as if something had switched, I was comfortable in the gym, Marta helped me understand my eating habits and the next thing I know, I’m actually enjoying being a sweaty mess, I’m feeling pain in places I didn’t know existed and I’m losing 1kg+ a week!

My journey has not only been physically challenging, but I have struggled mentally. Just having the strength to go to the gym, when you feel like you’ve been hit by a bus, to stop eating for pleasure (and drinking alcohol), to not giving up when I’ve put on weight, and even distancing myself from toxic people has been the hardest thing.

Marta was able to support me throughout the whole process. Not only when at the gym, but whenever I’d be at home feeling sorry for myself or had the sudden urge to binge. She knew, when I needed a break, before I’d even realise, and she has taught me the importance of listening and looking after my body.

Without Marta none of this would be possible. I dred to think, how much money I’d spent on pointless fat losing treatments before. And now, within a year, I’ve hit my goal and have never been so fit.

Yes, personal training is expensive, but if you find the right trainer, someone who you look up to and who practices what they preach, then it’s worth every penny. I will always be grateful of Marta’s knowledge, patience and passion throughout my journey. It has been a life changing process, which will stick with me. I have walked away happy, confident and with a friend for life, which is priceless. More...

With the big "50" looming two years ago, I decided I wanted to make a step change in my exercise routine. I have always exercised regularly and like to think I live a fairly healthy lifestyle, but I knew I could do more. I think, like most folks these days, I will be working into my sixties. However, I still have big plans for my retirement, all of which require a level of fitness, which I am keen to invest in now to set me up to be as able as possible when I do eventually retire! 

So to get back to the point... I wanted a personal trainer who didn't treat me like a middle aged lady, as I certainly don't feel like one, well not all the time! And someone who could get me comfortable with the gym, as I do find it a bit intimidating and am not sure what to do with most of the equipment. This is where Marta steps in! She came with a big reputation already, but I knew I needed someone with that focus, energy and drive.

The results I have been able to achieve with Marta have been incredible. I am achieving more, lifting more and am stronger than I ever imagined possible. And this translates across all the other classes I attend too, where I feel stronger and have the confidence that I am doing the exercises properly. 

As a Personal Trainer Marta is second to none. She ensures you are doing every exercise correctly to work the targeted muscle group safely. She adapts the routine where necessary to fit your own needs and addresses any niggles you may have. She is energetic, enthusiastic and patient... Oh and properly funny! And ladies, please don't worry that you are going to end up looking muscle bound. Yes, you will be more defined and stronger, but we don't naturally have the hormones to make us look like the next Arnie! More...

I began my weight loss journey in June 2018 when I looked at some holiday photos and realised something had to be done!

For a few months I had struggled with walking up hill, becoming breathless easily, and was in a diet wilderness, not knowing what or how much to eat. I am in my sixties and was carrying far too much weight, particularly around my middle, the danger zone for good health at any age. I wanted to look and feel much better than I did. I had previously lost weight following plans that either included more food or less than I was used to. Both worked for a time, but were not sustainable.

Following a recommendation I contacted Marta. In July 2018 over Skype my journey started. Marta assured me she could help me lose weight and improve my health and fitness at the same time.

Marta listened to my food likes and dislikes, and took into account a few intolerances I have, and emailed me a Nutrition Plan. I started this and from Day 1 I started to feel fuller and more satisfied than I had in years.

After one week I was 1.8 kg lighter, which was so uplifting, and I was impressed how easily I could prepare meals, feel so well and still lose weight.

I was also finding eating out did not sabotage my weight loss journey, providing I kept reasonably within my Nutrition Plan. I had always struggled with this in the past following other plans.

I was never looking for a quick fix and much preferred the steady reduction of weight Marta recommended for me. Every step of the way Marta was available to advise if I had any queries or if I was struggling with my Nutrition Plan.

Now, after just over 10 months, I'm 14 kg lighter and thanks to Marta I have the knowledge to maintain this loss. Marta has transformed my everyday life and I remain so grateful to her for her knowledge, expertise, sense of humour and unlimited encouragement on my weight loss journey. She has taught me how to eat properly in an easily sustainable way. I am so thrilled with my new body shape, strength, energy levels, and it is all down to Marta.

To anyone out there wishing to transform themselves, do not hesitate to contact Marta. I recommend her without reservation. More...

Marta must be the most knowledgeable, passionate and caring Personal Trainer I've ever had the pleasure of meeting or working with.

I started training with Marta approaching my 50th birthday to push myself with the aspiration of getting leaner, stronger and fitter. "Age holds no restriction" is what I was told, and it certainly is so true.

What I achieved with Marta's help was far more than this! Monitoring my daily diet, using weights and various bodyweight exercises, my overall strength and fitness improved so much in a short space of time that I was able to perform exercises I would never have attempted on my own.

Her golden nuggets of information were so obvious, yet never applied, was critical towards my transformation both physically and mentally enabling me to lose 8kg in the short space of 5 months, and more importantly provide confidence in myself to continue training without assistance.

I can’t recommend Marta enough. Such a caring person that she still checks MyFitnessPal account to ensure that I'm consuming the right number of calories and sends the occasional texts with genuine interest to see how I'm doing.

As a final note I wish Marta the very best for the future. I will miss our sessions and doubt that I will ever find a more knowledgeable, genuine and passionate Personal Trainer in the area I have now moved to.

Egham is so lucky to have Marta!

Many Thanks and I hope our paths will cross in the near future. More...

I started to train with Marta in early 2018, I looked skinny and lacked shape. I struggled to put on muscle in a meaningful way.

Marta began by stripping back the weights, simplifying the programme and focussing on technique. Initially a tough pill to swallow, but it proved to be a solid platform for progress. She brought a fresh outlook on my nutrition, identifying a shortfall of calories and protein. The weights increased, My posture improved out of sight and I have bulked out in the right places and feel so much better. My legs have changed shape, with defined quads and larger hamstrings. I also no longer suffer from back ache sitting at work or when standing for long periods.

Marta is utterly precise on technique and using her observational skills she devises a tailored programme for the individual. She regularly reviews progress and makes changes where necessary. She is organised and focused on the client. And there is no greater motivation than a PT that actually practices what they preach! More...

June 2019 I had already lost 14kg! (In less than 6 months!) I had also reduced my waist size by 4 inches, reduced my bodyfat to a very healthy level and generally felt a lot more positive every day. The only disadvantage was that I had to replace my entire wardrobe!
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I attribute my success to getting the right combination of weight training, nutrition and cardio into my regime, based on recommendations and constant push from Marta. What makes Marta special, is her ability to pin you down to your objective and being fanatic in her follow-up and commitment to it. During this period she was more committed to my fitness objective than I was. More...