Success Stories

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“Following cancer surgery and the subsequent treatment, I decided to start exercising more to offset its effects and strengthen muscles and bones. Having never worked out in the gym, I was fortunate to have Scott as my PT. He patiently listened to my long list of problems and devised a series of exercise programmes for me, constantly guiding and encouraging with great enthusiasm and humour, when needed. This paid off. Having never done any weightlifting, I found myself achieving deadlifts and barbell squats, amongst many other lifts, that I'd never even considered.

Over time, problems dissolved and I gained strength and confidence but it was now time to tackle the overweight! Scott discussed nutrition and set macro and calorie targets and, alongside my continuing weightlifting programmes, over the period of a year, I lost over 4stones ( 25.5kg) in a steady sustained effort (a drop of at least 3 dress sizes) giving my body the chance to adapt along the way. I now feel more energised and so much stronger. Scott's patience, expertise, enthusiasm and desire to help have had an enormous affect. Sessions can be tough but rewarding, challenging but not overwhelming. Scott is always positive and encouraging. Thank you.”

— Marjorie Watson

Rachael started out doing PT sessions with coach Scott. With encouragement from Scott she transitioned from PT sessions into the Victory Strong Team coached by Scott & Kerry. 

Here’s what she has to say ..

“I started training at Victory with Coach Scott in 2020 for PT sessions. I had an accident when I fractured my left clavicle. I was unfit and could barely lift my left arm. I built confidence to be in a gym environment again, started to feel more comfortable in the gym & I was delighted it wasn't cardio focused. As my confidence and fitness grew, Coach Scott recommended joining the group. 

I love being supported by other people in similar circumstances to myself. I enjoy the fun and banter which has created the most incredible atmosphere. I enjoy training and improving my physical and mental health with the most incredible and welcoming bunch of people I have ever met in my life. I love the virtual hug you receive and the roaring encouragement when you achieve lifting goals. 

In terms of my biggest fitness/training achievement to date is being able to enter the 100kg club with my deadlift and entering my first comp Sept 2023. Also being able to stick to a regular training programme which has been key in my progression with training. 

In terms of my biggest non gym achievement I have to say its being able to go out with my family and friends. Being able to be myself, have fun and allow people to take photos of me. I have always avoided the camera at all costs. 

For me Victory Strong has been a massive support for my mental health and body image. I have finally accepted that my happiness should not be dictated by the number on the scales. I have accepted to embrace my curves and be proud of my body! I have learnt to dress with brighter coloured clothes and now have over 3 bright coloured bikinis packed for my holiday in a few week! This is a massive push out of my comfort zone! Class has also given me an opportunity to meet some incredible people along the way! Attending seminars and being inspired to keep pushing myself out my comfort zone!”

— Rachael Scott 

Liz joined our Victory legends team with coach Kerry. When she first started she had very little mobility in her shoulder which stemmed from an old injury. Liz has been consistent, adaptions to exercises we’re made where necessary and with her hard work and determination she has gone from not being able to lift her arm to shoulder height to being able to press, plates & dumbbells overhead with good technique. It’s been great to see her progress and feel her sense of achievement after all the work she has put in.

In her own words here’s what she has to say about being part of the team…

  1. What encouraged you to start training? I was made redundant, then retired and I needed to get off my butt to get fitter and stronger as sitting around due to injuries was catching up with me.

  2. What do you like best about being part of the legends team? It’s a great group of women, we have a laugh but still exercise and work hard. We also have coffee after class now and again.

  3. What's your biggest achievement to date and what are you most proud of? I have managed to get movement back in my shoulder which was injured. I had lost mobility in it for over a year so working and being able to re-gain this over time is a big accomplishment. 

  4. Whats your biggest achievement outside the gym? My get up and go has come back, it had got up and gone.

  5. Anything else you would like to add? As you age the assumption is that your strength and mobility will go downhill. But it doesn’t have to be that way, as the old saying goes “use it or loose it” is true.

— Liz Waters 

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“I have been working with Jon for over a year and a half now. During that time I’ve managed to get in the shape of my life and that’s due to Jon. From the very start, he’s provided guidance and support to build a plan that works for me. He’s made changes when needed to fit around life or changing goals and has given me varied and challenging programmes throughout. Jon is always there when I have questions or doubts, but will also give me a push when it’s needed.“

— Michael Brown

I managed to lose a significant amount of weight during lockdown. The world had gone crazy and it was one thing I could control. I went through Lockdown alone and so I could order my online groceries purely with myself in mind.

Having become rather too comfortable with my own company I had to find a way to become more social after the world opened up again.

I felt the benefit of not having the additional weight to carry, but I still felt very limited in my mobility and strength. I did a consultation with Kerry Emms at Victory Bespoke Fitness. I have previously joined gyms but never stuck with them as never felt part of the gym on a social/emotional level. Victory is a smaller private gym so it just felt more welcoming. 

I did a 121 Personal Training block with Kerry and started to build my confidence in the equipment and the new environment. Having previously went to the gym where most of the time was spent on a treadmill it was strange to go to a gym which doesn’t have one. Kerry programmed my training sessions to meet what I wanted to achieve. Basically to improve my functional mobility (not that I knew that’s what you called it!).

A couple of years down the line and I go to the gym three times a week. I do the over 50s Legends class twice a week with a new bunch of friends. I also do a buddy PT session once a week with Lilian who is a new friend made via Legends.

I have deadlifted 75kg, lifted a 30kg atlas stone and participated in a Bootcamp that raises funds for Bowel Cancer UK in memory of my late husband. 

I now walk into the supermarket in my gym gear and don’t care what anyone thinks. Seeing what is achieved by the women and men that do the strongman training you come to appreciate that body shape is not a way to judge a person. I find the women of the Victory Strong group inspirational. They are seeking to beat their own personal bests while cheering on those around them. We all know that a bit of positivity goes a long way so being encouraged by others is phenomenal.

Legends aren’t about competition; it’s about working to be the best version of you. I don’t want to run a marathon I just want to be able to get on the floor and play with my grandkids. 

Legends are just a group of women working to keep their bodies functioning to the best level we can while having fun. I have now been diagnosed with arthritis in both hips and one knee. If you read the physiotherapy leaflets from the NHS then my gym exercises are exactly the type of thing I should be doing. It feels good for once being seen by a medical person as doing something right!

However, the biggest thing that the gym gives me is a weekly routine and a wonderful group of friends with the ladies from Legends and the wider diverse group of people that train there.

— Linda Fraser 

“I worked in IT for over 20 years, sitting all day every day. I never did any exercise except go for the odd walk. I was over 18 stone at my heaviest and had severe stomach issues and high blood pressure. 

Just over a year ago I had the opportunity to change careers and decided to apply for the Police (at the age of 46!) something I always wanted to do when I was younger. I realised I was a long way from being able to pass the fitness test so signed up with Scott, Kerry and the rest of the team at Victory Gym. 

Today, I’m in a new career, have lost over 4 stone, have zero stomach issues and my blood pressure is normal. I feel healthy and fit for the first time in my life. It’s never too late to make changes to your life, if I can do it, anyone can - and the team at Victory are amazing at taking you through it step by step.“

— Stephen Barr

“2018 - At the age of 24, I reluctantly joined slimming world as I knew something had to be done. I’d reached 18.2 stone and, despite being tall, really was beginning to ‘not’ be able to carry it well. I’d gone through uni, started a new career and completely fallen into a place of convenience eating and absolutely minimal exercise. This had taken a toll. 

Fast forward to 2021, I’d come to the end of my slimming world journey as the weight has stopped shifting. I’d lost 3 stone, but my physical shape was awful. Despite being lower on the scales, my personal self confidence was at an all time low. Cue one of the BEST Facebook messenger messages I’ve ever sent… and the rest is history! 

I started training with Cammie in 2021 at Victory. Covid required zoom initially, and from April or so we could get into the gym albeit mostly outdoors. This is where I first became immersed in the victory community. From the off, my fears of being the ‘heavy guy’ walking into a gym were alleviated. Scott and Kerry as coaches, despite not being mine, were extremely welcoming, and so too were clients from various classes, backgrounds, strength capabilities… the list goes on. The group totally made me feel at ease, supported me in my lifts and progression and made me feel like the gym was a place I totally belonged. 

We’re now in 2024, and I’m sitting at a healthy 93K and in the best shape I’ve ever been in. I couldn’t have done this journey without my coach Cammie by my side. He’s been a supporter, motivator, shoulder to moan on and believed in me when I’ve not believed in myself. Through him, and the victory community - I’ve achieved things I seriously never thought possible. I’ve ran a 10K, completed in a singles Hyrox event, lifted weights I never thought possible and learned how to safely navigate a gym. 

Cammie and the victory community have really helped me to change my life. I always wanted to be able to go to a beach and take my top off - daft as it sounds, this was my goal. I achieve this in 2023 and have never been prouder. This mental and physical health change in me is immeasurable. 

I will never look back. I’ve still got some way to go, but - I’d never consider doing it anywhere other than within the victory community. I’ll forever be indebted to the ways in which they’ve changed my life!”

— Ryan Ashcroft  

Lillian joined victory legends in September 2023, after a long period of time struggling with pain in her knees Lillian was reliant on walking sticks to get herself around, had difficulty walking short distances without getting breathless and was feeling pretty low in confidence. We have taken our time safely building up Lillian’s, strength, fitness & confidence and it is safe to say all of her hard work has made many positive impacts on her day to day life. Fast forward to June 2024, Lillian is not only attending her legends class twice per week she has also teamed up with her new found friend Linda from legends for a 3rd weekly session of buddy PT, she has made a whole new group of friends from legends who have encouraged and supported her every step of the way and her confidence is beaming. Due to improving her strength and fitness she is a lot less reliant on walking aids as she now has the confidence to head out without them. In fact she was able to take herself a leisurely stroll around a shopping centre and have a look around a shops for 4 hours without having keep stopping to sit down for breaks, which is a huge win as this is something she hasn’t been able to do for a long time. In her own words this is the best she has felt in over 2 years, when asked why her answer is it’s down to coming to legends and PT and having a group of friends to socialise and work with every week. 

We are seeing improvements every week with Lillian’s progress, the hard work continues as we help Lillian build a stronger, fitter and most importantly confident woman.