Testimonials

Personal Training

Sandra Douglas wrote:

After returning from a weekend break in July I was shocked when I saw the photographs of how much weight I had piled on. My 57th birthday was just around the corner and I felt, with great reluctance, that I had to do something about the state of my health. I saw David's website and was impressed by the lack of psycho-babble and pretension and decided to drop him an email. I told him that I was probably beyond all hope because I was very overweight, smoked 20+ cigarettes a day, loathed any form of exercise with a passion and had tried various gyms and ladies' fitness clubs in the past with limited success. I had all the latest, gimmicky but unused gym equipment in my home but I was the queen of excuses i.e. I work full time so I'm too tired when I get home, I have limited spare time and I would rather curl up with a book and a chocolate bar.

I contacted David and we arranged for a free consultation session at my home and from the outset I felt at ease with his gentle and professional manner. I signed up for a course of 10 sessions never thinking that I would complete it, but to my great surprise I am still sticking with it and for the first time in my life it's not all about weight loss alone, I can appreciate the health benefits of being fitter. In just two months my blood pressure dropped from medically high to an extremely healthy level — my children are both doctors and they are thrilled with what David has achieved with me.

I still hate exercise, I probably always will, but David varies his workouts by bringing different equipment to each session and I have to admit that I am energised afterwards.

I can't praise David enough, he is very knowledgeable, always punctual, extremely patient and, very importantly for a woman, I feel relaxed in his presence. Even when I reach my goal weight I plan to continue with David's services because unless he is knocking at my door, I will revert to the couch potato I was before I contacted him. A word of warning though, David's programme will ultimately cost you money and I don't mean his fees, which are very reasonable. The cost of a fab new wardrobe a size smaller and a new hair-do to match the increased confidence is priceless!

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Judith Massey wrote:

"Whilst I have always considered myself reasonably fit, doing a fair amount of walking, cycle riding and sailing, it definitely gets harder to keep going as you get older! Having a job that involves sitting in front of a computer or attending meetings, and absolutely hating the gym, I needed to find some means of increasing my strength and stamina for this year's Merlin Rocket National Championships (dinghy sailing). I'd read David's articles/advertisements in the local paper and decided to give it a go.

To my intense surprise, I have really enjoyed doing the training with David. He has taken a real interest in what we do and the type of all round flexibility and strength that I needed. This has meant that he can build a programme for my needs and he very carefully and unobtrusively made me work harder each week - to great benefit. The Champs were physically exhausting (big wind, big waves and awesomely fast sailing for 5-6 hours each day for 6 days) but I was able to keep going until the last minute each day for which I thank David very much! We even got our best result ever!"

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Alex Balston wrote:

"Having put on a lot of extra weight whilst living abroad, once being back in the UK I did not seem to have the will power to diet and exercise by myself. I think it was fate that I happened to be looking in the Elvetham Heath Directory when I was feeling at a really low ebb and saw David's advertisement for Personal Training and realised if I was to get on the right track I would need help and support.

As David comes to you rather than having to go to a gym there is no getting out of it but as each session came and went I found myself enjoying them more and more and finding the exercises easier as I was getting fitter.

If you need that extra conscience on your shoulder to help you with your will power or feel awkward about going to a gym then I highly recommend David. You will be so glad you did when the inches start to come off."

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Richard Winters wrote:

"I suffered with terrible back problems for over 12 months. Every time I tried to exercise to build up strength in my back things went wrong and I went back to square one. David took time to really understand my problems and designed a program specifically for me. After my sessions with David I have never felt better, I even managed to go skiing!! I will continue to use David's services to ensure my back is kept on the straight and narrow."

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Sadhana Panesar wrote:

"Having gained some two and a half stone in weight over 18 months, following an injury to my knee and going through the menopause I had all the excuses I needed not to exercise - until I met David!

From the very first consultation I knew that, not only had I found a skilled professional but also someone who was genuinely inspiring, down to earth and very approachable. David was interested in everything I had tried in the past to get fit, my medical history and my aims and designed a programme just for me - not one off the shelf but tailor made.

His support, encouragement and interest in my individual health needs gave me the boost I needed to start exercising properly. I have since even began to enjoy going to the gym on my own in-between our sessions!

David constantly monitored my progress, making sure the sessions were varied and fun. He is very knowledgeable, respects his client's needs and I would have no hesitation in recommending him."

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Melanie Eriksen wrote:

"As I have not done any exercise for several years, I needed to find someone to help me on the road to fitness. I have found David to be extremely motivating, inspiring and sympathetic to my needs.

David is very punctual, reliable and kind.

I highly recommend him as a personal trainer."

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Massage

Esther Rosten wrote:

"After many years of netball, tennis, and gym workouts, albeit at a very amateur level, I put the general creaking, aching and loss of speed down to old age. However, after trying sports massage for a specific complaint, I quickly found that the benefits of this type of massage extend to other areas. I now feel more balanced and supple than I have felt for years and have even speeded up again around the tennis court. Even hiking feels less of an effort.

I now regard a regular sports massage as an important part of keeping fit and healthy, and wish I had discovered this years ago.

David is a true professional. He has a good touch; his equipment is clean (as is he!) and in good order; one feels comfortable in his presence; and he is a reliable timekeeper."

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Julia Walsh wrote:

"This was my first Sports massage. David quickly put me at ease and thoroughly warmed up my back. He found aches I didn't even know were there and firmly eased them out. I felt truly confident in his ability and at ease in his presence. Thank you David for getting to the parts which lifting the grandchildren, carrying the shopping and doing my job had made tender."

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Nicholas Haslam wrote:

"I have now been having massages from David Bowie for several months. Though he was able to clear the initial ailment within a couple of hourly sessions, his skill in both healing and pleasurable massage is such that I make a 2hr appointment with him each weekend. Not only are his treatments that rare combination of strength and gentleness, his entire approach to each session is one of total relaxation, with none of the 'candles and whale-song' hoopla that I personally find distracting.

I cannot recommend David Bowie too highly. While most masseurs seem to be pre-programmed, and to work by rote, David tailors his skill to suit each individual, frequently suggesting a new, invigorating treatment. He is quiet, confident, and has another supreme attribute; he is never late for an appointment.

When you have made an appointment, I know you will find as much benefit to your well-being from a session with David Bowie as I have."