Testimonials

"We started with Ann doing Boot Camp sessions last January. Although, we call it ‘Boot Camp’, our hourly sessions are really just a form of outdoor fitness. It’s challenging, but nothing too frightening – we certainly don’t get yelled at!

Being outdoors all around the island in all sorts of weather conditions is just an amazing and exciting way to exercise. It keeps us motivated and helps us appreciate how beautiful our gorgeous island is no matter what the weather.

We have all increased our fitness levels hugely and interestingly, although we have had to endure one of the toughest winters I can remember on Guernsey – none of us have had the usual coughs and colds that winter brings. So, we are definitely a healthier bunch now too!!

Thanks for putting up with us Ann."

Catherine Sinclair-Stott

"It was September and I was 50. Id stopped playing football and doing fitness for 5 years, weight had crept up and Id decided to grow old gracefully. That's what I kept telling myself anyway but inside I really felt guilty as I knew I was too young to be consigned to the scrap heap. Motivation was my problem, even my excercise mad wife could not force me. One day I was following a little white van (BFN) so clocked the website and contacted Ann. Best decision I ever made. As everyone finds out she is such a good laugh and really makes the "pain" she inflicts fun. Knowing what a great athlete she is, is motivation enough as I feel I dont want to let her down. Her ecouragement and advise are priceless. Three months of personal traing in and Ive lost just over a stone,can run 4 miles non stop and clothes that didnt fit do now. I'm fitter than I have been for years and feeling good about myself again and thats all down to Ann.You could say Ann is my heroine and Im addicted to her! Looking forward to my next session (can't believe Im saying that about excercise)."

Robin R

"My wife uses the phrase "No pain, no pain" and at 8.00am on a Saturday morning after a hard week's slog at work (+ the occasional lively Friday night) it would be easy to agree, throw away the alarm clock and turn over. In fact, too often that was the case. Who would miss me at the Gym anyway? In other words, if you're like me, needing a bit of a push and some discipline in getting yourself feeling fitter and better in yourself, Ann's Boot Camps are the place to come. Not only is it all organised for you, there are many other like-minded souls in exactly the same boat. The banter is great and the time often flies. The variety of locations that Ann chooses week to week adds to the experience. I already feel fitter and better in myself and, unlike the days of the dreaded gym, actually look forward to the next time. Why not come and join the club !!"

Gordon I

"I've had fifteen years of caring for everyone else, and having a full time job, and I wanted to regain my health and fitness, and lose the weight that had crept on, before I was in my 50's. I had tried gyms, but schedules and motivation intervened. But last summer's resolve to concentrate seriously on my fitness, and the many recommendations, led me to Ann, and I haven't looked back. I do not want to miss my twice a week training schedule, and I love the fact that I feel and look so much better. Ann has got me motivated to care about beating my personal goals, she makes it fun, and whether in the gym through the bad weather, but mostly outdoors, my personal and busines life seems all the more manageable and positive."

Sally D

"I signed up to some personal training with Ann as I had been a member of a gym for a while but found it hard to motivate myself.I knew Ann had a great reputation in the sports world and that she was friendly and approachable which helps when you are nervous to start something new. Right from the start, Ann inspired me a gently pushed me towards my personal goals. She is very knowledgable and patient and has become a good friend. Ann really tailored the training to me and I have found she helps me both physically and mantally.I have gained enough confidence in myself that I will be joining Anns bootcamps shortly and will enjoy mixing with other like minded people and having a laugh whilst improving my fitness."

Tracey O

"I have known Ann for many years and when I took up triathlons and needed help with cycling I found Ann was willing to listen and encourage me with training ideas. I have also been doing bootcamp for a few months now and really enjoy the varied exercises and light hearted approach yet burning many calories in the process. You can't beat training outside and I come away every Saturday morning on a high. Although I have done many exercise classes I was bored of gym work and spinning classes I was looking for something different and I have found it with Ann's bootcamp."

Chris G

"I don't know about you but I am inherently lazy so when I decided I needed to tone up & look the best I could for my forthcoming "large" birthday I decided I needed help. Best decision I ever took when I contacted Ann at BowditchFit, not only is she a great motivator but wow what a sense of humour. The sessions are fun as well as being productive - a great combination. Need to tone up / get fit? Contact Ann you will never regret it."

Steph A

"I was already quite active before I started training with Ann but, despite this, my weight was creeping up and I felt generally unfit and lacking motivation. Following recommendations from friends I decided to try personal training with Ann and I can honestly say I've never looked back. After 5 months of training I feel and look better and am fitter than I've been for years. Ann is able to make each session fun, which is quite an achievement considering we go out every Monday morning at 6:30! If in doubt, my advice would be go for it - you'll be surprised at what you can achieve with Ann's help."

Colette B

"Training with Ann has given me the confidence to exercise regularly - something I would not have had the motivation or willpower to do on my own. I am somebody who has started with a very low level of fitness however with Ann's support and encouragement I have been inspired to embark on a healthier eating plan and lifestyle. Since my first session at the beginning of January I have had great success and am feeling positive about reaching my target. Ann is approachable and caring and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a friendly, professional instructor."

Elly S

"When I started training with Ann in March, I wanted to improve my overall levels of fitness and become more toned. Little did I realise that, not only would I achieve these ambitious objectives, but we would have so much fun and laughter along the way. The sessions are always diverse and entertaining, and leave me with a sense of well-being and achievement. I would recommend Ann to anyone who is looking for an inspirational trainer with a wicked sense of humour".

Debbie L

"I have been doing boot camp with Ann since January and personal training since March. I had not done any regular exercise for a few years and felt that I really needed to lose some weight and get fit. I have found that the sessions have challenged me and, by the time I finish, I feel exhausted but with a sense of achievement. Ann injects each session with humour but her determination is contagious. My friends and work colleagues have begun to comment on my weight loss and how much more toned I look."

Paula I

"If you're looking for a personal trainer to get you motivated, driven and above all improve your fitness and stamina, Ann at Bowditchfit is the perfect choice. Not only does she make her sessions the best fun but she is warm, caring and encouraging. She has lots of ideas to make training varied and keeps a progress report so you can measure your improvement over time. She has an absolutely wicked sense of humour and I have thoroughly enjoyed every session I've had with her."

Kate H

"I started this year full of enthusiasm to lose weight and get fitter. During the year, I've tried a multitude of diets, gyms, and keep fit sessions, all to no avail and by the beginning of September, I discoved that far from losing weight, I'd put on a stone!

Getting in touch with Ann has been the best thing I've done in years! Her enthusiasm and encouragement has made me believe that with her training and dietary advice, it is actually possible to reach my weight loss and fitness goals. True, the first running session left me thinking I might need an oxygen tent, but by my 5th session I was running 30 mins non stop - a minor miracle as it was something I haven't done in ages.

I would highly recommend Ann if you want a trainer who is kind and encouraging, knowledgable about fitness and diet and realistic about fitting goals into a busy lifestyle. She also has a very cheeky sense of humour!"

Fran B

"I really cannot recommend Ann highly enough! I emailed her approximately six weeks ago feeling lardy and lacklustre having lost all motivation to do anything about it. I was impressed with how quickly she responded and I immediately warmed to her friendly but no-nonsense approach. Even after just one early morning training session I felt totally energised and couldn't wait to meet up again! I have had ten one to one training sessions with Ann now and even after such a relatively short time, I already feel like a completely new woman! I now have the confidence to join her bi-weekly bootcamp class and am really looking forward to the different challenges that will bring."

Lucy C

"I have always enjoyed doing exercise but used my demanding job as an excuse. I would tell myself I was simply too busy. When I moved back to Guernsey and sorted out my work-life balance thats when I realised I needed to do something! I had just turned thirty,was over weight and unfit. I started attending boot camps and really enjoyed the variety of exercise with most classes being outside. Ann got to know her 'clients' and worked out what strategy worked for them. When we were close to giving up she encouraged us:thats what we needed! Someone who was aware of our goal and was determined to get us there. I have now lost a stone in weight through exercise and healthy eating and am fitter than I have been in years.Whenever I am thinking I can't do these Jerbourg steps, I always think of the fact that Ann can ride around Gsy in under an hour. She is truly inspirational!"

Becci C

"I have never enjoyed any type of exercise or sports. However, Ann has achieved the impossible: in January this year I started attending her bootcamp and I have not yet given up (in fact I hate missing any sessions). Ann pushes us to improve our fitness whilst giving us the right encouragement. Also, she caters for different fitness levels within the bootcamp sessions. I have made some good progress in the last 8 months and I feel fitter than I have done in years. I have become so enthusiastic that I intend to supplement bootcamp with personal training sessions in the near future. If you hate going to the gym but want to improve your fitness and stick to a programme in the long term, look no further. Ann is the right personal trainer for you. If, on the other hand, you are already fit, you will be able to benefit from being trained by a top island sportswoman."

Mariana E

"I've been working with Ann for few months now. She is professional, inspiring instructor. She takes to an account your individual needs in every training session. Every session is different, she always has something new to try which makes the sessions more interesting. I thoroughly enjoy my weekly sessions and I'm always looking forward to the next one. I hate going to the gym so the personal training is just perfect for me. Ann is very easygoing and such good fun to work with. Highly recommended!!"

Annu

"Everyone knows the feeling. It comes around every year on 1 January when many of us try to convince ourselves and everyone around us that we are committed to losing weight, getting fit and eating healthily.

I can honestly say that I've had that feeling for at least the last fifteen years 'though have never taken it seriously and followed it through, always managing to find an excuse. However, I was determined that January 2009 was to be different.

Weighing in at an all time high of 14 st 10lbs, feeling sluggish and with my waist rapidly expanding, the time had definitely come to shed my bad habits and change my lifestyle. As well as feeling and looking overweight, I felt I also needed to address those 'invisible' health related issues such as high cholesterol, possible diabetes and higher than recommended alcohol consumption.

Thankfully, my wife persuaded me to contact Ann as I did not have the willpower to tackle this alone. Having had an initial chat with Ann to clarify my aims and objectives, we agreed an initial course of one to one exercise sessions combined with nutritional advice which included keeping a daily food diary. These have been followed with additional sessions to suit my requirements. Ann plans each session to suit each individual, giving constant support and encouragement. What has kept me interested and enthusiastic is the variety in each session.

So far, in 4 months I have lost nearly 2 stone, not through dieting but through better nutrition and regular exercise. I do still enjoy a good social life but, with Ann’s guidance, have balanced that with a healthy lifestyle. I feel much better and people have started to notice, which is great. I can certainly recommend Ann to anyone wishing to improve their lifestyle in the way I have."

Andy Phillips

(Andy has offered to speak to anyone interested in the personal training and nutrition advice services offered by Bowditch Fitness & Nutrition)

"Having begun the year at my heaviest weight ever I resolved that this would be the year that I would finally do something about it. I have made similar resolutions in the past with exercise routines falling away after a month or so and diets being broken after the first big night out! Furthermore I had always found the gym boring, uninspiring and impersonal and so I had been toying with the idea of looking for a personal trainer when I saw an article about Ann in the paper and decided to arrange an appointment.

From the first meeting Ann was approachable and encouraging with a very "can do" attitude, although she always remained realistic. The focus was very much on moving forward from the current point and making improvements in general lifestyle and routine with an exercise plan that would fit easily into my new lifestyle. The exercise plan was varied and included indoor work of step routines, abdominal and upper body work, cliff walks which represent fantastic interval training as well as the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of our island, and a deceptively gruelling circuit training session in the garden. Of course it would not be true to say that there has not been the odd hiccup, or bad day, but Ann has always been there with support and encouragement (and the occasional gentle reprimand!) to get me over those hurdles. In fact, I have come to think of Ann as my "walking conscience"!

Three months on and with a current loss of one and a half stone and a fitness level that has, according to my Polar heart rate monitor, gone from "Very Poor" to "Very Good", I remain positive that these improvements will continue and that I will reach my ultimate goal with Ann's help. I have so much more energy, feel better, look better and, best of all, am starting to get back into clothes I haven't worn for a couple of years!"

PL

"Before Ann started to help me with diet, nutrition and advice on exercise and the best way to lose weight I was stuck in vicious circle of having no energy, sleeping to much, eating badly with no energy for anything. I found I was stressed over the most insignificant things, such as being stuck in traffic or school kids on buses. My idea of cooking was opening a packet and putting it into the oven on 200 for 20 minutes. I constantly doubted myself and my abilities and took everything as a personal criticism. My weight increased and the more miserable I became. Exercise was something I would not or had convinced myself I could not do due to being unfit and past experiences with PE lessons at school.

Almost two years later I love to cook and I am always on the look out for new healthy recipes, I would not dream of opening a packet or a jar when I can cook the food from scratch. I am fit, taking part in exercise six days a week and enjoying every minute of the varied exercise I do.

I am confident, self assured and have bags of energy. I no longer doubt my abilities and don’t take things to heart when I am having a bad day. I don’t stress about things I can’t change and take any set backs I may have in my stride.

I can’t thank Ann enough for her support and encouragement. Her helpful advice when I couldn’t see the wood for the trees. Without Ann’s help with nutrition, exercise and motivation I would still be the unhappy overweight person I was."

SB

"This is a note for any new people that are looking to join I really do recommend that you do as these boot camps are a huge help to me. I'm 27 and used to hate fitness but with Ann’s help and a bit of hard work I seem to be turning it all around and love going to the boot camps and also love eating better food. I had lost 4 pounds in two weeks. If you are thinking of joining but previous experiences with other classes elsewhere have put you off don't let it as these classes are FANTASTIC and I love going.

Thanks Ann hopefully I will be looking good for my hols to Mexico."