As a kid I was never in to sport, I was much more at home in the library than on the football field. After leaving Uni I was offered a job as a scientist for the Ministry of Defence, my job was to analyse the way the Navy and Marines work and to look for ways of streamlining their operation. It didn't occur to me during the interview that what this actually meant was that I'd be running around with the Navy and Marines while they were on manoeuvres - usually in the middle of the night, and usually in the rain.

If I was the macho type I'd pretend that I had a great time slipping and sliding around on my backside in the mud, as it happens I'm not the macho type, it was horrible! I was so out of shape in was untrue, I'm not even sure if out of shape is the right phrase - I'd never actually been in shape.

As soon as I got back to base I joined the gym and also read every book on fitness, sports science and sports psychology I could get my hands on (well, I was a scientist). I guess it all started from there. When I left the MoD 5 years later I was managing the on-site gym and designing fitness and nutrition programs for all the members.

Fighting fit today

I'm really passionate about my health and fitness now; it's funny how it takes hold of you. To begin with you'll wonder why on earth your bothering, but slowly, as the weeks pass and your body gets used to the idea you'll wonder why its taken you so long.

As well as long distance running, I've practiced yoga for years and also love Tai Ji, Qi Gong and Gong Fu. I've really learnt a lot from these more holistic, eastern fitness systems and they really influence the way I instruct.

My training as a clinical hypnotherapist and in NLP was a natural result of my deep interest in fitness and health and also in the wellbeing of my clients. Having a well balanced diet and fitness program has so many benefits, I realised though that there was a bit of a gap. Not everyone finds it easy to stick to that diet or exercise program, and although being in excellent shape works wonders for a persons confidence and self-esteem I thought that for some people there was more I could do to help in those areas.

My personal training and hypnotherapy complement each other completely and I'm really proud to be able to use them both to give people the absolute best possible. I mean, this is why I'm a trainer in the first place.

In my spare time I'm studying for a psychology degree.