THE RIGHT SHAPE FOR THE

RADIO

 Although my work demands

a high degree of mental agility,

it seldom requires me to break

into a sweat. I was fat.  

I front BBC Radio Norfolk’s breakfast programme, co-present The Cox & Bumfrey Show on British Forces station BFBS Radio One, and occasionally report for ‘Inside Out’ on BBC 1 (East). Although my work demands a high degree of mental agility, it seldom requires me to work up a sweat. I was fat. So why had I allowed myself to grow outward and old before my time?

WHY BOTHER?: Suddenly I was in my forties – a little too late to start keeping fit. Did I really want to show myself up at my local gym? Could I be bothered? In any case, I’d always been a bit podgy – apart from my late teens, and a few months in 1990. Then in May 2003, I came home from work one evening to discover that my partner of nine years had died from an epileptic seizure. What was the point of anything anymore? I had ticked all the boxes on the ‘Let Yourself Go’ sheet. 

But how can you turn down the call of BBC Children In Need when they ask you to participate in an obstacle race? Three weeks ahead of the event the organisers insisted I at least tried to get into shape. They persuaded me to visit L.A. Personal Training for an assessment with Lee. I will always remember his impeccable diplomacy as he delivered the bad news.

The obstacle race came and went with some surprising results, not least of which being that I could barely handle ten minutes of energetic fun. Post race, I found Lee among the spectators and, once I had returned to my usual colour, asked if I could sign up for an hour session once a week for a couple of months. Why? Because I’d had enough of making excuses for myself!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Lee knows all about nutrition. Of course, we all have a reasonable idea of what’s good and what’s bad. But there are hidden calorie hotspots. For example, many products boasting a low fat content actually contain heaps of added sugar.

Lee talked me through what I ought to be eating, and gave me a list of foods types - ranging from green for healthy, through amber for okay in moderation, to red for danger. The good news is that the choice of nosh in the green category makes for a tasty menu. And now if I know something is loaded with calories it rather puts me off wanting to buy it – even chocolate!    

LONG-TERM PLAN : L. A. Personal Training isn’t a boot camp. You won’t be limping home with pulled muscles and torn ligaments. It’s all about you, your aims, your ability, your potential. Lee is a qualified professional. He’ll keep tabs on your body fat, blood pressure, heart rate and, of course, your weight. All you have to do is put in some time and effort.  

As for me, well, I still have to keep a beady eye on my weekly calorie intake. Again, this is not a quick fix. It has to be a permanent change of eating and drinking habits. But it gets results. Red wine? Just now and then!  

Boxercise

Boxercise develops hand-eye co-ordination, balance, timing and cardiovascular fitness. It’s a great calorie burner and most of all it’s fun! Boxercise teaches the techniques of punching, footwork and defence moves without physical contact between opponents. As a Boxercise personal trainer, Lee gives one-to-one tuition allowing you to enjoy a safe and rewarding workout.  

Weight Loss

Lee specialises in weight loss programmes and relies on effective, fun and varied routines that not only help you lose weight safely and progressively, but also shape and tone your body whilst maintaining your optimum weight.  

Nutrition Advice

Combining good nutrition with exercise is crucial to help you achieve your goals. Lee can advise you on what to eat and where to find it whatever your dietary needs may be. Whether you are a vegetarian looking for different sources of protein, seeking to cut out saturated fat from your diet or interested in pre and post- exercise nutrition then Lee can guide you.  

General Fitness

Personal training with Lee Ashford can help you achieve any of the following: an improved cardiovascular system, better flexibility, muscle build, muscle tone,  mental wellbeing, increase confidence, reduce body fat, lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure, ultimately increasing your chances of living longer.

Special populations such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis and pre & post natal can all benefit from personal training.  

Regular fitness testing, health checks and progress reports are all part of the service to enable you to reach your goal.  

Gain a head start in your quest for fitness and good health!

Free initial consultation - Discounts for block bookings

E-Mail: enquiries@leeashford.co.uk         Mobile 07775 922463