Testimonials
Ann Freeman
What was the problem you needed to solve?
Back injuries from a car accident a few years ago, I had already been through 2 years of physio and I needed help and guidance on strengthening my back up again after a physio recommendation
Why did you choose the Strength Made Simple?
I was recommended Jamie by my physio and a few friends who knew him personally. I was told Jamie knew a lot about rehabilitation for injuries and would be able to help with my problems.
How did we solve your problem?
Training twice a week with specific plans for me, and constant communication between Jamie and my Physio was key so they knew what was triggering certain issues.
What results did you see compared to when you started?
Generally I’m more toned and my upper body strength has improved no end! My back is getting so much better with a lot less pain and discomfort day to day.
What did you particularly like about our approach or delivery?
My programmes were tailored to me, and we always set goals of what I wanted to work towards! Jamie would explain the reasons for certain exercises and why I couldn’t do certain ones at certain points due to the impact I’d have on my back. Key for me was the communication between him and my physio!
How would you summarise the experience as a whole?
Brilliant, sessions are always savage but great at the same time. Always having a laugh and I’m always being challenged even when I don’t want to do something, Jamie finds a way to get me to do it! I’m lifting heavier than I ever thought I’d be able to and training more than I ever have!
Would you recommend the business to others?
Can’t recommend Jamie enough, he knows his stuff and educates. I never really understood my injuries until Jamie explained. Every workout is fun but challenging.
Ori Abutbul
I needed year long planning for rugby work gym etc. I chose to work with Jamie because he had the best background I saw in rugby strength and conditioning. Jamie has a solution for everything from strength, speed, agility and fitness. Everything was easy to understand a high standard and I was doing what I needed and not just what looks good. Working with Jamie is the best thing I did for my rugby and I’d recommend him 300%! Some of the gains I’ve made include: Squat 200, Bench 135, Deadlift 200, Chin Up 60 kg and Rugby Jamie helped me return from ACL reconstruction.
John Greengrass
What was the problem you needed to solve?
I had long term issues from an accident in 1996 that left me with stiffness and pain in my left ankle and an unstable left knee. In 2018 my GP diagnosed mild arthritis in both knees - climbing stairs and uphill walking was becoming more uncomfortable
Why did you choose the Me?
I arranged some physiotherapy sessions initially and the therapist recommended low impact exercise to improve muscle tone in my legs which would help to support the knee joints.
Jamie was also working at the same gym - so we arranged a couple of 1 hour try-out sessions. Jamie had been helping rugby players with injury recovery and his experience seemed to be a good match for my needs.
How did we solve your problem?
Jamie spoke to my Physio and set up a program specifically designed to help with my ankle and knee issues and full body routines to improve my general fitness and muscle tone
What results did you see compared to when you started?
My ankle mobility is still limited by the original injury but the persistent pain is now almost gone. I still have to live with the 'age related' knee discomfort but the training has definitely stopped the decline for now
What did you particularly like about our approach or delivery?
Taking the time to evaluate my needs
Using your experience to put together the right training program
Constantly encouraging me to try harder
Changing routines if I was uncomfortable
Great sense of humour
How would you summarise the experience as a whole?
I don't really like training all that much but knowing how important it is for my well being I appreciate how Jamie's professional approach and good humour make the experience OK
Would you recommend the me to others?
Definitely
What specific gains did you make? Any PRs etc?
I had no plans to break any records but since I started training I have made 2 long trips to Australia with a lot of walking (and hills)
Tim Stafford
"I needed help with long term rehab following an accident, to rebuild muscle after disuse, and improve overall movement. I was recommended Jamie by Ken from Bedford Sports Massage. I’ve built my strength up, improved general movement and range of motion. Jamie encourages long term exercise and the little and often mantra, and is always happy to help with routines to do at home. He’s always good for a chat and a pleasure to visit, full of encouragement for me to continue with a lifetime of rehab. I would certainly recommend Jamie to others who need rehab or just to regain some kind of fitness. I’ve lost weight and move better!"
Mair Seal
What was the problem you needed to solve?
I wanted to lose weight, tone and improve my fitness.
Why did you choose the Me?
I chose Jamie as I knew he was very knowledgable, experienced and passionate about training.
What results did you see compared to when you started?
I lost 2.5 stone! Boom! I also dropped 2 dress sizes, feel more body confident and like what I look like in the mirror.
What did you particularly like about our approach or delivery?
Jamie’s approach is always fun but hard and challenges all the time to achieve more than you think you could.
Would you recommend the me to others?
Would definitely, recommend working with Jamie if you want results and to enjoy your training.
What specific gains did you make? Any PRs etc?
I got stronger on all of my exercises but the best was getting my first ever pull up whilst working with Jamie!
Luke Richardson
I consider myself committed to fitness, however ‘doing my own thing’ it is fair to say that i had reached a plateaux. In working with Jamie I was hoping to reinvigorate my approach and reach new levels, and I can definitely say that working with Jamie has achieved this. My one to one sessions with Jamie are fresh, varied, and pitched just the right level for me personally. I have seen improvements across the board. I’ve worked with Jamie for over 2 and a half years and would definitely recommend him!
Alison Jackson
“I was overweight and unfit and saw Jamie’s advert on Facebook, he was local to me, so I thought I would give it a go! We worked out a plan to fit my needs. I’m still a "work in progress", but my body shape is definitely changing for the better. Exercise is hard work but helped by also being fun. I love the fact my body shape is changing for the better, I look forward to my sessions, and also have a laugh, best gym sessions I’ve ever had, and I have tried a few times. I would definitely recommend Jamie to everyone.”
Chris Smith
What was the problem you needed to solve?
I went to Jamie with recurring lower back pain that appeared whenever my squats and deadlifts got heavier. I'd had treatments from many physios over the past 10 years (including Harley Street!), but none of them uncovered the root cause of my issues. I needed someone who understood training and could point out where I was going wrong and help me learn how to train without injuring myself - someone more than just a personal trainer or a physio.
Why did you choose Me?
Jamie's website showed he'd worked with some great athletes, which demonstrated his competence, but he'd also worked with regular members of the public, like me, so I needn't have felt intimidated. It turns out he's actually a really nice, down to earth chap with a great knowledge of training and conditioning, and is easy to work with and learn from.
How did we solve your problem?
I paid for a brief 10 week course with Jamie and he pointed out what he thought the issue was and set out a programme for me. I also saw the physio that he recommended during that time. She addressed the pain that I'd gone to Jamie with and backed up the choice of exercises that he'd already suggested for me. He switched my squat style, helped me drill the new style and 'unremember' my old ingrained style. He also added a lot of lower intensity unilateral work, which was quite different from my old always-heavy squat, bench and deadlift combination.
What results did you see compared to when you started?
My aim was to learn from Jamie so that I could go away and set PRs later. I think that was a huge success. I'm much happier with how I'm training now and my squats and deadlifts are progressing nicely so far, with no signs of injury and I'm confident he's solved the problem for me.
What did you particularly like about our approach or delivery?
Jamie always went into detail, explaining how exercises were done, why programmes were laid out the way they were, etc. He always had references, name-dropping to show where his reasoning came from, demonstrating his training experience and giving me avenues to research myself.
How would you summarise the experience as a whole?
Jamie was sympathetic to the issue I had and helped me address it in a way that gave me confidence that I could go away and continue with my training on my own, but staying pain free. If I ever get stuck with my training again, he'll be my go-to guy.
Would you recommend the me to others?
Absolutely! Jamie has a wealth of knowledge and experience of training and conditioning, but he's also very approachable and really easy to get on with.
What specific gains did you make? Any PRs etc?
I gave up training for a couple of years prior to seeing Jamie because I was sick of the recurring back pain, so I was completely detrained. It'll take time to reach PRs, but I'll keep you posted - watch this space!