Petite Scottish redhead Lorna Wilson is a 30-something power package. A qualified personal trainer and sports massage therapist she runs her own business, Wilson’s Workouts, from Amsterdam where she has lived for seven years.

“I became a trainer because I wanted to do something new and it fits in with my love of sport,” says Wilson.  “I mostly train expats and find that these clients like the fact that I understand their busy lives and expat pressures. Coming to their homes it saves them the time and motivation needed to get to a gym.”

Expat Anne, who uses Wilson’s services, admits, “I wanted to lose weight, but couldn’t follow Weight Watchers in Dutch, nor the instructors at the gym.”

“I work mornings, so Lorna comes to my house mid-afternoon twice a week – but sometimes first thing in the morning – you can be flexible.”

Full-timer worker Christie also finds the training convenient. “Lorna comes around once a week in the evening. That suits me.”

Christie admits that she lacks motivation. “Some days I can’t be bothered – I’d never go to the gym, but Lorna arrives at my house – and then pushes me throughout the training session.”

Reaping the results

Wilson’s client Teresa is pleased with the results so far. “After our first session I suddenly had more energy and got lots done for the rest of the day”.

Another of her clients who held a party after a few weeks training and had a lot to carry up the stairs to her home reported feeling a lot stronger and more able to tackle going up and down stairs with heavy shopping.  “Extra strength seems to be one of the principal things that women say they gain from the programme,” says Wilson.

Anne confesses that when she started with Wilson’s programme in June she could hardly manage the one minute walk /one minute run.  “Last month I did a 10 km run in 61 minutes – and I’ve lost 14 kg!” she says.

 
Wilson’s Workouts Festive Season survival guide

There is no point trying to be perfect during the festive season.

But you can do some damage control:

• Limit yourself – instead of guzzling and drinking constantly for the whole period, decide on one or two pig outs and really enjoy them.

• Food: Think about what's in the food you eat over the festive season: Convenience foods are usually of poor quality, full of chemicals, refined sugars and trans- fats.  Cook from pure and simple ingredients and at least you will know what you are eating.

• Alcohol: You don’t need me to tell you that constant binge drinking over the festive season is not good for you!  Alcohol contains empty calories, which equals no nutritional value.

• Be active: Take any opportunity to get out for a walk. If you have children, encourage them to play active games and join in!

• Maintain your weight: If you have been losing pounds successfully, make it your goal just to maintain your weight over the festive season.

 
Wilson’s Workouts Fitness Tips for 2010

• Set yourself a goal: Something to work towards helps motivation.  Make your goal realistic: You’re not going to train five times a week if you only have three evenings free or run a marathon by Easter when you can’t yet run for the bus.

• Do something you like: Don’t join a gym if you hate every minute of it.  Look around – there will be other keep-fit options in the area.

• Train with a partner or group: You motivate one another.

• Work to a beat: Music keeps many people motivated while they work out.

• Record progress: Write down what you have achieved regularly.  Seeing how far you have come is a great motivator. 

• Find a gym on the way home from work–and take your kit with you to work:  It’s hard to go to the gym once you’re home and couch and TV beckon.

• Vary your training: Don’t do the same routine each week–this leads to a plateau in your progress.  Change things round-it’s also more fun.

By Philippa Metcalf