Katie’s Story
Life has a way of throwing challenges at you when you least expect it. For me, unexpected events and struggles with mental health, particularly depression, started affecting every part of my life—exercise, sleep, and eating habits all took a hit. I was stuck in a cycle of unhealthy behaviour, constantly battling with my own negative thoughts about being overweight. I was tired, both physically and mentally, and I knew I needed to do something different.
That’s when I found TMB. It promised a style and intensity of strength training I hadn’t done before, and I thought, “Why not give it a go?”
My Goals at the Start
At the beginning, my goal was simple: lose weight. I also wanted to regain some of the energy and fitness I used to have. I used to be active—running, sailing, and scuba diving—but that version of me felt like a lifetime ago.
What I’ve Achieved Since Joining
Fast forward a year, and I’ve seen incredible progress. I’ve become stronger across the board—lifting heavier weights in deadlifts and overhead presses, doing more chin-up reps, and going faster and longer on the ski erg and bikes. I’m stronger now than I’ve ever been!
I’ve also lost 34 pounds, and I’m back to running! I’ve completed two 10k events, I have loads more energy, and my sleep has improved dramatically. It feels amazing to be back in a place where I feel physically capable and energised.
The Challenges I Overcame
When I first started at TMB, I hadn’t exercised in a group setting for years. I was a little nervous, but as soon as I attended my first session, those nerves disappeared. Everyone was friendly, upbeat, and inspiring. Watching what others could achieve motivated me, and it still does.
How My Life Has Changed
Day-to-day, I’m just happier. Improving my physical fitness has had a huge positive impact on my mental well-being. I feel better physically and mentally, which has made a difference in all areas of my life. I have more energy for my family, more confidence at work, and, on a practical level, I can lift heavier things around the house and garden with ease!
One thing I hadn’t even realized until recently is how much mental energy I used to waste focusing on “not being fat.” After years of trying, I’ve finally reset my eating habits. Now, it’s all about having the energy to train and recover. The weight loss and this mindset shift have quieted the negative voice in my head, which is a massive relief and a huge change for me.
My Advice for Anyone Just Starting Out
If I could give one piece of advice to someone starting their fitness journey, it would be this: Make a non-negotiable commitment to yourself and just start. Find the joy in it, because it’s there! And if you’re wondering whether to keep walking to the Farm Shop or take a left into TMB, take the left—you won’t regret it.
The TMB Environment: A Game-Changer
One of the biggest reasons for my success has been the positive environment at TMB. The focus is on performance, not competition, and that suits me perfectly. It allows me the freedom to push myself without feeling pressured. The structure of the 12-week programmes has been a big help, giving me purpose and the ability to track my progress. I’ve always had a bit of a “butterfly brain,” so the variety in the workouts keeps things interesting and fun.
Dexter helped me shift my mindset about nutrition, too. It’s no longer just about weight loss; it’s about fuelling my body for energy and recovery. His guidance, along with the expertise of Harry and Scott, has given me so much confidence. I trust in their training methods, and I know I’m in good hands.
My Goals Moving Forward
Right now, my focus is on staying consistent with the basics. I want to stay strong and keep improving my running, getting quicker and going longer. I’m excited to see how far I can go!
TMB has been such a huge part of my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful to have found this community. It’s more than just a place to work out—it’s a place where I feel supported, encouraged, and constantly challenged to be my best self. I can’t imagine my life without it now.