Bill Marshal's Success - Lost 6.8kg (15lbs/1.1 stones) & Completed a Sprint Triathlon

When Bill started personal training with me in November 2004, he was suffering from arthritis in his hips and knees and just walking up or down the stairs was a real struggle. Kneeling down on the floor or sitting on his heels was impossible due to the stiffness and pain in his joints. 

Bill's goals were to be able to kneel down to play with his grandchildren and he wanted to reduce his weight too. Starting with some gentle mobility exercises and progressing to more moderate activities using free weights, core training and aerobic exercise his fitness began to improve and the aches and pains started to subside.

By April 2005 Bill and I started training for the Concorde Sprint Triathlon in Bradfield to raise money for the Chiltern Air Ambulance. Five months later and after lots of hard training

Bill successfully completed the race being the eldest competitor at 70 years of age! 

For his achievements to date Bill was awarded Fitness First member of the month for August 2005. Bill feels as fit now as he did 40 years ago and continues to train hard hoping to beat his personal best time at next years Triathlon. Subsequently his body fat has reduced to a healthy level and he has lost 15 pounds of fat. He no longer suffers from arthritis in his hips and knees and can now kneel down and sit on his heels!

"It was terrific to hear that I would be Fitness First member of the month for August 2005, no one more surprised than myself. I had just completed the Concorde Triathlon sprint event after much labour on the day itself, as well as in the gym with several months' hard work. I felt pleased with my efforts. But then I reflected on one salutary thought - left on my own I would almost certainly have been full of excuses for under achieving, if not giving up, and in the need of some serious input of effort into my exercise program, assuming I could stick to one!

On the day of the race when I was out on my own struggling with the big hill I was certain I could hear Ryan's voice urging me on (as he did in training) "Go on Bill, you can do it!". Normally I would have given up without his constant encouragement and I wish to acknowledge here the major part Ryan Phillips has played in my satisfying though modest achievements. Age does not seem to matter when I can begin my Triathlon life at seventy years, with a "little" help from my friend!"

Bill Marshal - Sept 2005 *