Prior to joining Atlas I was just a regular gym goer, turning up, randomly working out on various pieces of equipment with no real structure to what I was doing.

Looking back now with the knowledge I have gained from Atlas, it’s no real surprise I was not seeing any changes.

Atlas is planned in such a way that allows for progression no matter what level of fitness you are, which makes it ideal for any fitness/sports enthusiast to participate in.

Once you experience Atlas you will realise what working out should be like.
Since joining I have seen huge improvements with my strength, power and speed. The fact that there is always someone to spot you, really helps you push that little bit extra.

The best thing about being part of ATLAS is the atmosphere and encouragement you receive from your fellow members and coaches. It gives you the confidence to go beyond where you have been before and take your fitness to another level.

If you are still unsure as to whether to try it or join up, all I can say is try it, you won’t regret it!

For 20+ years I lead the sedentary life of an IT delivery consultant, staying in hotels for extended periods of time around the globe grabbing food on the go with complete disregard for what I was eating or drinking and what the long-term consequences might be. I have a fantastic family, 3 amazing children and a loving and very accommodating wife. A few years ago, No1 Son was developing a passion for mountain biking, both cycling up hill and single track down hill (think what you see in Red Bull adverts!). I had that lightbulb moment that said, if I didn’t engage with him on his level, we will drift apart and have nothing in common to talk about or stay connected through.
I came along to my first session scared, hesitant and full of self-doubt. I had to do something to change my lifestyle.
An old friend who was already a member really encouraged me to give Atlas a try. My first session was so tough that I struggled to even walk down the stairs at the end! However, with perseverance and continued encouragement from the coaches I have amazed the doctors at my annual medical assessments where they have simply asked, “How have you made such changes to your stats”! An additional and unexpected positive through my diet and exercise choices has been that I’ve been able to drop some prescribed medication with my doctor’s agreement as my body has changed so much for the positive. From not being able to do a single “sit up” when I started with Atlas to now doing back to back classes of Engine & Lift. Training alongside teenage military hopefuls and so many people from different walks of life in my late 40’s and discovering a joy in lifting weights is something I’d never have imagined a few years ago.

Setting personal goals has been a real motivation to me and Atlas encourages this through the development and testing cycles. I am now chasing all my kids both uphill and downhill on their mountain bikes on local rides and in mountain bike parks in Wales and the Lake District. I now no longer pigeon hole myself as that “Middle aged London train commuter”, but now a “FIT and 40ish” trying to improve my health and wellbeing.

The best bit about Atlas Fitness Conditioning is that it’s fully inclusive. Whether you are 16 or 60 everyone encourages each other to be the best they can. Get off the sofa, come along, do what you can, repeat trying a little bit more every time. We start as strangers but quickly become friends at Atlas.

Before ATLAS– I was getting older and fatter, nothing dramatic just compounding over the years, not enough exercise, eating too much of the wrong things. I don’t get on with gyms, I lack motivation and discipline. A group photo showed peak me and something had to change and then Jim rocked up at Meridian BNI, a business networking group, and told us about his business and ambitions so I went for a trial, that was 4 years ago. I’ve lost 15kg of fat and now have good muscle definition on a much slimmer frame, I’ve got more energy and look forward to my twice weekly BBC sessions.

No two sessions are the same. The group is very supportive and will notice if you’re not there. We’re all on a journey, not all to the same place but support each other as we go. If you want to get fitter or need a challenge with support then Atlas is for you and with the free trial you’ve got nothing to lose but fat.

I was stuck behind a desk 9-5 eating too many biscuits and lacked motivation to go to a gym before or after work, I knew it was time for a change and that is where Atlas came in! The coaches were so enthusiastic and so motivating in my first session that I caught the bug straight away and knew this was the exercise class for me!

I have become faster and stronger and feel I am ready now to play rugby again for the first time in 10 years! Every member of Atlas has their own story to tell and they are all there to cheer you on and lend that helping hand. This isn’t an exercise class, this is a community!

I have tried going to the gym but found myself getting bored and not really pushing myself. And then just lacked the motivation to actually go. Recently I have found a love for running but needed something else to build up my strength and endurance.

I saw Atlas advertised on Facebook and instantly knew that this was the class that I needed. It looked so much fun but also pretty hardcore so knew that it would really challenge me which is need.

Since becoming a member and doing two classes a week, in just 2 months I am already a lot stronger and faster with my running and have booked in 3 half marathons for next year which I don’t think I could do without the training I’m doing with Atlas.

I love being a member of Atlas. I’ve tried other exercise classes but this is by far the toughest and most fun. Each session is different so it never gets boring. Everyone is at different levels of fitness but everyone can go at their own pace and ability and no one is made to feel bad for being slower or less able then the next person. There are lots of group exercises so we all get to know each other and have lots of laughs. The coaches give lots of encouragement and really push you to your max. I always come out feeling like I couldn’t have worked any harder and that I’m going to be in real pain the next day!

Just give it a go!  Guaranteed you will be signing up after the first class!!

Prior to joining Atlas I had two knee replacements. I needed to regain the strength and flexibility in my knees and to also improve my general fitness. My daughter, Stef told me how much she enjoyed the classes and so I decided to give BBC a go. The overall increase in my flexibility, strength and stamina has been I think amazing. The commitment, enthusiasm and sense of humor of the coaches and all of the members is inspiring and infectious. I enjoy the variety of exercises, you never know what the class is going to offer.

I am regularly challenged and have never been disappointed. If you are considering joining then just come along and give it a try. Talk to some of the regulars who will share their joy of being a member of Atlas. It is the best thing I have done for my fitness and health.
Brian – going strong at 70!