Summer 2010

Nordic Walking Stories - Race for Life 2010 by Anna Davey
It has been Race for Life season here and it was unfortunate we couldn't get a team out again this year but I have had a great story in from Anna Davey (pictured left, in the pink) who made it to the Bedford venue with her mum, Sue and a few friends where they had the opportunity to NW both the 5K and 10K route with the poles in fabulous times so here is Anna's story... "My Mum and I have had a few family members and friends who have had or got cancer and my Granny died 11 years ago of it and my best friend and colleague Tim died within 6 weeks of being diagnosed just before Christmas 2009. I also have some friends and family still battling this terrible illness and as we both enjoy Nordic Walking we decided to do the Race for Life this year at Bedford as I wanted to and did the 10k which I completed in 1hr 34 mins and 20 seconds at 3.7 moving average and I started off with a Bedford group of Nordic Walkers them but I came in 10minutes before them.  It was nice to meet other people with the same interest as us and they were a nice group of lady's who said same time next year as we parted.  My Mum decided to do the 5k and completed it in 1hr 20mins and 2 seconds at 3.1 moving average we both really enjoyed it and are up for doing it again next year..." Anna and Sue Davey

APRIL 2010

Pilates Improves Recovery by Sue De Fraine

Sue has been one of my most regular, consistent and very keen Fitness-Pilates class participants since 2003 which is when I started these sessions out in the community.  Before the classes she attended some one to one sessions to get some specialised technique due to spine surgery and arm issues and she tells me that ever since her first session she brings a Pilates-based stretches and exercises into her routine every single morning to 'get things going'.  Sue also gave me a report back in April 2004 which I have included at the bottom of her latest offerings on how Pilates has helped her to rehabilitate her after recent surgery and get her back on mat and back into classes in no time at all...

"On 23rd Sept 2003 I started Fitness Pilates with FitHaven, which had just been formed and Mel had a handful of people in Southoe Village Hall. It was different to any previous exercise done over the years and I noted in my diary “enjoyed – good trainer”.  This still stands today and has become part of my life. 

Being part of a daily routine has been a tremendous help over the last few months, where I have gone through surgery on both my knee and abdomen. On both occasions the surgeons have commented on how much easier it is to have patients who are fit and not carrying excessive weight.

To try and keep fit and get the body moving again each day I have done some basic stretches like - Shoulder rolls - Waist Stretches – Head Rolls – Roll Downs – Squats - Pulling in Abs.  Six months on and now ready to start classes again.”

April/May 2004 Report - One to One Fitness-Pilates, Beginner & All Level Fitness-Pilates
"Being an enthusiastic gardener, I felt quite fit through the summer months, but once winter came everything stiffened up.  So, I promised myself gentle keep-fit classes that were not too strenuous due to having undergone surgery on the spine and treatment for a painful arm.  I joined Mel's classes in Sept 03 and found from the beginning my whole body felt more relaxed and exercised from within as well as out.  In the New Year, I partook in some one to one sessions which were useful for technique and confidence and the first time recently I did a full body roll up, which I thought it was a miracle!  Mel's first Mind-Body Workshop was great, well organised & fun and I am looking forward to the next workshop as well as maintaining my classes at least twice a week."

Personal Training with Neal by Tom Smith
As a middle-aged small business owner who spends too much time at a computer and as an overweight sailor who found it increasingly difficult to get back in the boat it was definitely time to try and get fit! The problem, as always, is time and motivation. I actually used to be quite fit and was a very active sportsman at University but, as have so many, I when tried to exercise on my own I always seemed to have an excuse why I couldn’t afford the time to carry on.

I started PT classes with Neal in the Autumn of 2009 and have enjoyed (almost!) every minute of it. Neal is a great trainer, balancing realistic goals with plenty of motivation and an unfailingly cheerful approach. Most of my sessions have been done in a well equipped and convenient environment, and for variety, miles of beautiful countryside on the doorstep to use when the weather is good. The structure of the sessions is such there is no chance to lose enthusiasm, and finishing each with a decent cardio-vascular workout leaves me feeling, as Neal puts it “exhausted in a good way”. I attend two one-hour PT sessions a week (which forces me to get out of the office) which is just about right. The variety of exercises, sometimes general, sometimes working on a specific set of muscle groups means nothing is over-stretched and nothing aches too much to prevent a good workout at the next session, and using a variety of equipment keeps the interest up and the potential boredom down.

Healthy, but not over-emphasised, competitions between regular attendees and the displaying of short, medium and long terms goals (OK I’ve got to work on those) and the discipline of filling out exercise and food diaries really makes a difference. Instead of making excuses not to bother, I now positively look forward to each session. Having family and friends comment on the difference in my appearance and fitness helps too! There is absolutely no doubt I couldn’t have done it without Neal’s encouragement and support. One-to-one sessions just suit the way I work and mean that tailored workouts feel just that – tailored to me, my goals and to address my weaknesses – I just couldn’t have got that in a large gym environment.

I feel much fitter (in fact better than for many many years), I’m much stronger where I want to be , my core muscles transformed (although there is still a way to go) and I can (and want to) do exercises at home – even like press-ups and sit-ups - that I haven’t done since I left University (which as my kids would tell you was shortly after the dinosaurs). I’ve lost a stone and a half (more to go), and I’ve even had to buy new trousers!  

Thank you Neal. (visit www.fithaven.co.uk/pt for more information about Personal Training with Neal)

MARCH 2010

Maisie Marsh
Maisie Marsh who is one of a handful of children who take part in our classes.  She comes along to Monday night Fitness-Pilates with her Mum, Dad and sister Grace and also attends the BootCamp Workout on Thursday nights with her Mum.  They have been coming to my classes since I started them seven years ago now from Crosshall Infant School and I have seen them grow from babies into lovely grown up girls and they are always a pleasure to have in class.  Read Maisie's fabulous article below that she wrote, all by herself, for her schools newspaper publication...

Maisie's Exercise Experiences

I don't know why, but I like going to exercise class called FitHaven with Mel and Neal Thomas.

I first met Mel when I went to her children's class named Yoga Bears when I was only five years old. I learnt how to do the Spotty Dog and the Cat and Cow stretch. It was good fun!

Now that I'm ten I go to two adult classes, Fitness Pilates and Boot Camp, which makes you sweat a lot!

Pilates helps you to gain flexibility, tones your tummy muscles, strengthens your back, improves your posture and keeps you fit. The equipment you use is a resistance band, which is like a big elastic band, a small green ball, hand weights and a purple mat.

Boot Camp is an exercise class and you use the same equipment as you use in Fitness Pilates. At Boot Camp Mel keeps us moving around a lot, because at the beginning of the class she gets us jogging around in a huge circle in the middle of the hall, and it gets you sweating even though you're just warming up! Some of the stretches are quite tricky to do, for example when you have to lie down on your mat and raise your waist whilst keeping your left or right arm on the mat and lifting the top leg up with all your strength.

In the summer holidays Mel has classes that mums, Grannies and children can go to, it’s a good place for them to bond!  Sometimes Mel does themed weeks, in the past there has been a Bollywood week, a circuit week and an Abba week, its great fun, and I recommend it to all mums and their children!

Mel and Neal have a Border Terrier called Millie who goes everywhere with them. When you throw a ball she runs across all the mats in her way, whilst barking and sometimes skidding. Millie is fun to be with, is very energetic and has a good personality.

Mel's husband Neil is very friendly, is kind to everyone, smiles all the time and is never in a bad mood! 

Mel is flexible, stretchy and has a lot of experience. She is funny, friendly, has a nice smile and is never grumpy, even though she must be exhausted!  The music is great to sing along to and some songs are well known by a lot of the adults. All the songs that I know that Mel puts on are fantastic to sing along to (but only in my head)!

During the cool down Mel puts on some blue green star lights which are used, because when Mel turns of the lights and closes the red curtains you can't see a thing! So the star lights help to see clearer.

I love going to the Pilates, boot camp and the mother and child classes, because its good fun, helps to lose weight and keeps you strong, fit and healthy!

For more information about FitHaven go to www.fithaven.co.uk
 

FEBRUARY 2010

Kylie 'Smileee' Daines
This testimonial is from Kylie who has not only made 12 out of 12 sessions last BootCamp term but has worked so hard over the past five years she has been coming to FitHaven classes and from that has gained a brand new fit and healthy body to be proud of...

Kylie says...

"Just a little email to say a mahoooosive thank you for BOOTCAMP :-) I have been BootCamping since you started the classes in Jan 2009, and I've only missed 3 classes in that time. I'm well and truly addicted. I can't thank you enough for helping me shrink even more, not only have I lost lbs, but I've lost inches all over too.....for the first time in 20 years I can fit into a size 10, and I am regularly being complimented on my fab new body (its still a work in progress tho). Thank you thank you thank you.....I can't recommend your classes highly enough... Thanks very very very very much... lots of love, Smilee:-)xx"

JANUARY 2010

Louise Small

Meet Louise...  She has been coming to my Fitness-Pilates classes now for SIX years now, she has 4 children, a husband, a family dog, she works, runs the family home and still finds the time to fit in 3 classes each and every week.  She has fantastic energy and enthusiasm for life, has a great sense of humour and completely the right attitude towards being fitter, healthier and more toned not only for herself, but also for her own wellbeing on the inside and outside too.  She has been one of my loyal class members since I started FitHaven 7 years ago, has become a great friend and makes a sensational cup of pre-class coffee too (a very important part of FitHaven!).   Here is her story...

"I first started coming to Fithaven about 6 years ago now, I had damaged my knee sometime before doing step classes and wanted to find another type of exercise that I could do to get back in shape after having babies!!  I attend the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday morning Fitness-Pilates classes with Mel and I enjoy the challenge and the results to my body that this class brings.  Most people think Pilates is 'slow and boring' but I can guarantee that once you have mastered the basic techniques Mel keeps it upbeat, fun and exciting and there is never one class the same.

I have made some good friends at my Pilates classes, everyone is really chatty and friendly regardless of their age.  Everyone fits in and I love the variety because of this.  No-one judges you and once the music starts we get onto our mats, into our zones and enjoy the movements.  Mel has not just been my pilates teacher over the last six years but has become a good friend too.  She has been very supportive to me, especially when my mum was very ill and then died suddenly last January and she was there again for me when another very close relative died suddenly in August.   She listens to me winging on when I am hormonal or feeling a bit low, and we also have a good laugh and chat before classes too over a coffee.

As well as the Fitness-Pilates classes I also walk every day with our dog as well as all the usual running around after my kids!!!  I love my Pilates classes with Mel and I am completely hooked and hate to miss one!!   After having my four children it has got me back in shape from a size 12- 14 to a size 10 which I never could have done that without Pilates is my life!!!  I call it my `therapy` as its good for my mind as well as for my body - which is great for everyone else around me too!"

Louise, you are a fitness inspiration to all busy mums and women out there who say they 'can't find the time' to fit in exercise, when you have well and truly proved that you can!  Thank you and long may Pilates continue in your weekly schedule!  Mel xx

December 2009

Steve Clark
This is an absolutely fantastic testimonial from Steve who has made an amazing change to his life, fitness and waistline this year!  It has NOT been an overnight miracle - he has put in a lot of hard work and effort over the past 12 months and has made small but significant changes to make his life healthier and fitter all round.  Steve and his wife Jilly are great fun, motivated, committed and 100% dedicated to a more fun and active lifestyle!   Here is his story...

Having been quite fit and fond of the outdoors through my teens and early 20’s,  life on the road driving many miles, and lately, sitting on aeroplanes, and dining out regularly late at night had gradually taken it’s toll.  I could breath in no longer!

Two years ago, I tried to join a Gym, but was referred to my GP because of high blood pressure. I got the OK from the GP to join, and did enjoy the first few sessions, but the random nature of my job served up the normal excuse – “I just don’t have the time.”

Meanwhile, my wife Jilly had been going to various classes with Mel at Fithaven, and over the last 3 years, has lost around 3 stone, toned up, and is looking great.

Last year, Jilly asked me to go Nordic walking with her, which I refused because I thought I would look ridiculous!  Jilly persisted, and I finally joined in January this year. Not only did it feel good to get out again, I met a great bunch of people, and after only a few weeks, enjoyed the best skiing holiday I could remember. My previous preparation for skiing was normally limited to packing, and getting my boots down from the loft.

In April, I started walking on a Wednesday evening, and decided to sign up for some personal training sessions with Neal. After 6 sessions, I felt great, but couldn’t see much difference in terms of BMI. Blood pressure was a little improved, but not near enough.  A review of the food diary made it clear that treating myself to a KFC or a Big Mac meal as a reward for exercise was not helping the cause!

So, time to get serious, and set some goals. I wanted to lower my BMI to 28 (from 32 – that’s well into the obese zone) and lower my blood pressure, without the aid of drugs, into the normal zone.

First to go was the junk food, in with the fruit and green vegetables, and lots of them. No low calorie chocolate treats, or other “crutches”. Neal has some great information about nutrition, which I used to the full.

I am very short-term goal driven, so I invested in some of those fancy scales that Neal uses in his studio. These give a good guide to body fat, skeletal muscle, and visceral fat, the dangerous stuff that collects around your organs. I also got a heart rate monitor.

Next was to step up the exercise. I had already found a nice walk in Sawtry through Aversely woods, which I shortened to just under 4 miles, so I could get round in an hour. I set a goal to do at least 5 lots of exercise per week, to see if that made a significant difference. I carried on with the food diary, and started the new regime on August 9^th.

It is incredible how quickly things improve when you get the right encouragement and take full responsibility for yourself. If you like statistics, then here are the numbers:

• It took 14 weeks to reach my BMI goal of 28 (that represents over 30 lbs in weight loss)...

• Body fat is down by 25% to just over 20...

• Muscle is up by 12% ...

• Visceral fat has fallen by 27%...

• I have lost 5 inches off my waist...

• I can now run for the first time since I was at school...

• No matter how fast I try to Nordic walk, my heart rate stays below 100 on the flat, (good job we now have the Nordic walking challenge!)...

• Oh yes, and I almost forgot, my blood pressure is now close to normal...

So a huge thank you to Mel and Neal for their encouragement, enthusiasm and expertise. I have just been lucky enough to be given a beautiful grandson; I can now plan to watch him grow up!  Steve Clark, 3/12/2009

 Before and After Shots of Steve...

                                                  
Before: Taken in Lake Garda, May 2009....  After: Taken on Nordic Walking Challenge, December 2009!

Frank and Gill’s 'FitHaven' Adventure
Gill says:  I joined Mel’s BootCamp in Little Paxton in April on a friend’s recommendation. I found the exercise challenging but Mel’s exuberance and enthusiasm were infectious and encouraged me to attempt everything. I loved it and felt a real sense of achievement at the end of each class. I now go to Mel’s New Body Workout class which leaves me feeling energised, younger and fitter. I’ve at last managed to persuade Frank to come and give it a try. He finds it fast but enjoyable and is keen to improve.

At Little Paxton Scarecrow Festival I tried Nordic Walking. The Physio had been nagging me about my posture and I was sure this would help. Frank and I already belong to a trekking group so I knew he would also enjoy this and I had been looking for an activity we could do together. After the first beginners session we were hooked! I find Neal and Mel’s passion for Nordic walking an inspiration and it is all helped by the friendliness of the group. Unobtrusively Neal encourages us to walk farther and faster. The highlight for me so far has been the Wednesday evening walks in September with headlamps. I felt like an intrepid explorer especially in the wooded areas. It was such fun.

Our daughter who hadn’t seen us for several weeks came and said, “Mum have you lost weight? You’re looking really slim and trim.” This has all happened while I’ve been having such a good time at Mel’s classes and Nordic walking. Also my posture has improved and my dreaded cellulite that I’ve had forever is much better. By far the biggest bonus though has been the huge drop in my blood pressure. It has been extremely high for over six years and difficult to regulate with medication. I’ve had to have it checked at the doctor’s every three months and it is always high but the last to times it has been fine. The doctor asked if I was doing something different and I told her about Nordic Walking. She was impressed and said that it was more than likely the reason as it is extremely good cardio-vascular exercise.

Frank says:  She’s said it all as usual but I totally agree for once and have to admit that joining FitHaven has been her best idea. I’m beginning to feel the benefits of Mel’s exercise classes as I’m more flexible and co-ordinated. We are now taking part in Neal’s Nordic Challenge to gain more stamina and fitness. Watch out you youngsters!!  Thank you Mel and Neal

FITNESS PILATES FOR MEN by Jim Morris

This is a fantastic report from Jim Morris, who has been a regular member of my Fitness-Pilates classes on a Monday and Thursday night since he attended my Men On Mats preview session back in February 2008.  He is a superb class member, even though in the minority, and usually shares the back row with Sandy Telford, who is another great example of  why ALL men SHOULD do Pilates.  Here is why...

Last week Mel Thomas held an introductory Pilates class for men in the Millennium Centre at Buckden.  I went along, not to find out about Pilates, but more to support her because I had already become hooked on Pilates some two years ago after attending Mel’s first men’s class.

As Mel ran through the various exercises, I was able to follow them with not too much difficulty. But listening to the groans of the guys around me as they tried to copy her movements for the first time, I realised how much I had benefited and how far I had progressed since becoming a regular in what I took to be a ‘girly’ activity at the beginning.

What surprised me looking back at the earlier demonstration was how few of us stayed on to became regular attendees at Mel’s classes. In my case, I am retired and can, to a greater extent, select which of Mel’s classes I decide to attend.  But in all these classes so far the ladies have outnumbered the men, a situation I don’t really object to (probably quite the opposite!), however I can see it might put off the types who are used to working out in a male orientated gym.

And talking of gymnasiums, that is where I went twice a week for my keep fit fix until my introduction to Pilates.  However, being well into my retirement I was beginning to have my doubts that working out was actually doing me any good.  It seemed that no amount of exercising was improving my back, and the various sports injuries gained over the years were beginning to gain the upper hand.  

Pilates has changed all that.  Not a miraculous cure by any means, but I have strengthened those areas of my body that support my lower back and have found that the right way to improve my posture and keep my joints flexible is the Pilates way.  However, once you get past the basic breathing and exercises movements that Mel’s classes tend to follow a range of exercises designed to help the female body. 

This is reasonable since the fairer sex form the majority of these classes.  But if we can get just a few more guys to become regulars and make up a viable class, then we can ask Mel to concentrate more on the male physique and make our exercises more challenging.  So I do hope that some of you who came along to the other evenings and will also make the effort to attend in future the class that Mel has programmed in for us - Fitness Pilates for MEN. Those of us who have been going for a number of years now will be only to willing to testify to the bodily improvements we have achieved – and we cannot let the ladies take all the benefit from a technique that was introduced and developed by a man for men!

Laura Taylor's 'Bride-Fit BootCamp' Journey...

Read the proof that BootCamp classes really do work - Laura has been coming to BootCamp for only six weeks and she is already noticing and feeling fantastic results in her body and fitness levels.  She started off by coming just once a week but has now upped it to twice a week and is enjoying her new active habit as she is prepares for one of the biggest days of her life next year - her wedding!  This is her story so far...

My Journey with Mel, so far... by Laura Taylor
With my August 2010 wedding fast approaching and the need to get my body back in shape after I quit smoking, I decided to put on my sports bra and get down to Mel Thomas' Bootcamp. I, like most people have tried all manner of different diets and exercise fads with no real results. A friend (Kylie "Smilee" Daines) recommended Mel's Bootcamp. I'd had some experience with Mel at Dance Fitness and decided to take control and get committed to BootCamp.  Mel enrolled me into what we have since nick-named 'Bride-Fit BootCamp', she took my weight and body measurements, told me to stay true to the plan and watch the results. Here's how my first 6 weeks have panned out! 

After working really hard with my exercising - BootCamp twice a week, Dragon Boat racing twice a week and staying on track with my diet - (except the odd sneaky glass of vino) - I'd noticed that my trousers had loosened slightly, although I didn't think there was a massive difference considering all the hard work I had been putting in.  So I got on the scales and decided to weigh myself. I was shocked and upset to see that I hadn't lost any weight, not even a pound!!!!! I nearly decided there and then there was no point, but..... I remembered Mel saying about healthy lean muscle weighing more than fat and to ignore the scales. I could hear Mel saying "Look at measurements instead"...

I measured myself at the start of this term of BootCamp and wasn't expecting to see any difference after my disappointment with the scales episode!   However, I was wrong!!  I had lost an inch off of everything! Both legs, my bust and my waist! 4 inches off my whole body is quite a large amount!  Obviously I was delighted and excited to see that my hard work was paying off and I was making progress. It surprised me and has given me even more enthusiasm to keep it up!  I was very pleased and now cant wait for 4 weeks time to measure myself again, hopefully I'll see a few more inches disappearing!   My advice is... Forget what you weigh! It's all about shifting inches!   Thanks to the lovely Mrs Thomas for everything so far!

Bob Kittle
Meet Bob... Both himself and his lovely wife Ali joined us for the very first time this year at the special Bank Holiday Easter Monday Nordic Walk from Brampton and they have been with us ever since.  Not one week has gone by when they haven't made it to a NW session come rain or shine, in-fact they are the luckiest Nordic Walkers around as they have yet to experience the 'rain' as they haven't even had to get their waterproofs out yet which means walking with them is a guaranteed dry one!!!  Always full of the life, constant jokes and stories and an amazing knowledge of anything flying in the air from birds to planes (which is extremely handy) and an entertaining couple making FitHaven and especially Nordic Walking what it is all about - the people who come!  They both did extremely well on Sunday at the Great Cambridgeshire Walk and Run and Bob was one of the first Nordic Walkers to cross the line with Ali not to far behind in well under two and half hours for 9.5 miles is not bad going at all - especially for someone who had a heart attack 2 years ago!!!  Here is his amazing story and let him be an inspiration to make you get up, get out and get Nordic Walking...

Walking back to Happiness? by Bob Kittle
On 30 July 2007, I was working as a busy manager, overseeing a team of regulators that covered half of Hertfordshire, parts of Lincolnshire and a little bit of Essex. I went to the gym regularly and kept a weather eye on my diet. On 31 July 2007, I had a heart attack that lead to unplanned early retirement.

Once Addenbrookes and Papworth Hospitals had done their magic, Ali, (my wife) and I looked for ways for me to regain my health. I attended a once a week cardiac rehabilitation fitness class and we took to walking round our home village of Cambourne. However, this can become a little repetitious.

In December 2008 we were spending Christmas in the Canary Islands (as you do when you are retired), and I went on a trial Nordic walk – two hours up a volcano and one hour back (whilst Ali had a Yoga session). In spite of not being able to walk properly for the next two days, I was hooked.

When we got back to England, Ali began a search for Nordic walking groups and we were lucky enough to come across FitHaven. Since then, through Nordic walking, we have seen new places, met new (and interesting) people, lost weight and got our fitness levels up. There are no volcanoes in Cambridgeshire and Mel also insists on a warm-up and a warm-down, so I can even walk properly after our Nordic walks.

On 13 September 2009, we joined the Fithaven contingent on the Great Cambridgeshire Run (or in our case, the Great Cambridgeshire Nordic Walk). Not only did we complete the route in a time that surprised us, we have become so fit that we went on a Fithaven walk the next day!

Being part of a group adds a dimension to a healthy activity that cannot be explained, only experienced. We would heartily recommend anyone of any ability who wants to get more out of life, to have a go at Nordic Walking.  Bob Kittle.

• Click HERE for fabulous photo's of Bob and Ali Kittle at the Great Cambridgeshire Run & Walk, September 2009
   

NORDIC WALKING by Rosemary Petts

"What are those people walking round and round the field with those funny poles (similar to ski poles)? I was asked this by a rather staid and elderly couple who were walking their dog, and when I replied that we were practising Nordic Walking they looked at me in amazement and made it very obvious that they thought I was quite crazy. You might well ask what Nordic poles are and what Nordic Walking is. Well, it is a form of walking with special poles to help you balance better and also improve your posture.

I went to a Parkinson’s meeting in Ramsey and the speaker for the afternoon was a very handsome and highly qualified fitness trainer called Neil. My heart sank, oh dear is he going to make us do some weird and wonderful exercises? But no, he showed us these Nordic poles and demonstrated how to use them and explained the benefits and potential difference they could make to our mobility. He then offered to let any one have a go. Being a bit of a dare devil and ready to try anything once I volunteered! Wow, I could immediately feel the difference in my posture and my mobility so I duly joined his class at Buckden the following week and have now been for many sessions now and have even bought my own set of poles. Everyone has commented on the improvement in my posture and walking from only being able to creep from my front door to the car I am now walking 1KM. There is no one pushing you to do a specific time or length you go at your own pace and we all have a good laugh and it is great fun too.

I would recommend Nordic Walking to anyone however bad your mobility or effects of Parkinson’s to come and have a go - the results are terrific!

Nordic Walking for Parkinson's is running weekly on a Thursday morning, 11.30-12.30am - Buckden Millennium Centre - just turn up!

Maggie Gambrill
(Pictured, front row, 4th in from left to right)

More than 1,500 athletes and supporters visited Coventry last weekend for the 32nd British Transplant Games. All athletes taking part in the Games have had a transplant of some kind. By illustrating the power of the gift of life, the aim of this event is to encourage people to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register and help save the lives of thousands of people in the UK currently on the transplant waiting list. 

The Papworth Team of 23 transplant athletes, including 4 new members, was well supported by 30 family and friends. It was a great and inspiring weekend and rivalry in competition is balanced by warm friendships being formed.

For the last 4 years, Papworth have won the Tesco Trophy for the best heart & lung team, but we were piped at the post this year by Harefield. Well done to Harefield! The team spirit amongst the Papworth team is very special and everyone is spurred on for the challenge of winning the trophy back next year!  I'm happy to report that my personal medal tally for the weekend is 2 Gold medals in Badminton Doubles and Tennis Singles, and a Silver for Table Tennis.

I've been very focused to reach and maintain a level of fitness to prepare for my events and have been working hard with Neal in regular Personal Training sessions. Having had a heart transplant in October 2002, Neal has worked with me to build up my stamina and muscle strength and it's clearly paying dividends! I've been Nordic walking, jogging, weight training and have overcome my fear of the treadmill. It's been hard at times but there's no gain without the pain!

Charles and I off next week heading to Australia where we will be joining the rest of the UK Transplant Team to compete in the World Transplant Games being held on the Gold Coast from 22 - 30 August. The UK have a team of 120 athletes and there are expected to be up to 2,000 participants from 50 countries taking part in 14 different sports. I'll be competing in Badminton Doubles & Singles, and Table Tennis Doubles & Singles.

The competition will be tough but I'll give it my best shot and make sure we enjoy every moment along the way whilst spreading the message of the need for more organ donation in the UK and across the World. Without the gift from my donor, I would not be talking to you now.  For more information on transplant sport and organ donation check out www.transplantsport.org.uk
 

Anne McCormick (Personal Training & Nordic Walking)
"I really have enjoyed my PT sessions with Neal (despite the 6.30am starts!!) and I do feel far much better and certainly Tuesdays are much more energetic as a result of the early morning workout – I especially enjoyed the one session we had outside!  Having reflected on the weight issue (of which I think the wedding excesses at the weekend were certainly reflected!!) I think I fell into the trap of thinking that I was exercising more so could indulge more!!  Hence my commitment now to watch the eating more thoroughly as well as maintain the exercise.  I am very pleased about the belly button measurement – as this is the area I wanted to really see improve – so a result there!

The advantage of having a 1:1 PT session is that you feel your needs are really focussed on. The combination of challenge, motivation and sheer hard work (!) result in a sense of wellbeing at the end – not just because it is over but that you come away feeling energised and toned.  My sessions being early in the morning had a profound effect on my wellbeing for the day as I often reflected on how well I felt and how much more I was able to achieve. In my work – stamina is vital – and my PT sessions with Neal really supported this.  Neal’s approach is encouragement yet challenge, demonstration and support in an environment that is tailor made.  Thank you Neal – a great 6 weeks."

Jilly Clarke & Mervyn Foster
Nordic Walked 46 miles at the Pathfinder Long Distance Walk - Saturday 20th June 2009!

They did it!  Both Jilly (left) and Mervyn (right) set off in their separate teams at 4am from RAF Wyton, raising money for two separate and very worthwhile causes not to mention the personal challenge walking 46 miles brings to not only body but mind too.  Having spent the past year with Jilly and the last few months with Mervyn out nordic walking with the poles we had no doubt at all that they would complete it.  Mervyn even showed up this Monday lunchtime, proudly wearing his trophy 46-miler t-shirt (show right) ready and raring to go out Nordic Walking with the regular lunchtime group - how fantastic is that!  We had a great chat about his 15 hour journey around the route course and his first words to me about the whole experience was 'BRILLIANT'.  Other than a bit stiffness in the back of the legs and thumb numbness from the nordic straps he felt really great and is now looking forward to his next challenge and will definitely be doing it again next year!  Jilly's story is below so carry on reading and a huge well done to them both.  If you are interested in donating then I have a 'Jilly Bucket' in class raising for M.E.L (Malawi Education Link) and Mervyn has a sponsorship form on him raising for Help for Heros.

In Jilly Clark's words... Hi Mel. Thanks for all your lovely comments, support and encouragement. Saturday was brilliant. We began at 4.13am and finished just before 9.30pm. We took our breaks at each checkpoint, and used them wisely. I have to say, I was totally amazed how well I felt at the end of the walk. I ate loads of high-energy food and drank loads of high-energy drinks. I did get to the point where I couldn't put another 'sweet' substance into my mouth. That was at 39 miles at Warboys, when Steve met up with us. I think he thought I was going to pass out and not be able to complete the walk. He did say he hid up the road and waited for a good half-hour just in case I rang for assistance! How could he doubt me!

My friend had terrible blisters and tender heels by 32 miles and by the time we were at Bluntisham, I thought she might pull out. I gave her my poles so that she could push her pressure onto them and so relieve her feet. Initially, I enjoyed having 'free' hands but goodness, by the time I was a couple of miles in, I could hardly walk. I could not believe just how wonderful the poles had proved. My legs became heavy, my body slumped and I suddenly felt a pain behind my right knee. It was like a knot and gave a pain that was similar to cramp. I couldn't believe it. 14 miles to go and I thought I had injured my leg so I phoned Steve and suggested he met me at the last checkpoint in Warboys with another set of poles. By this time I was at the back of our group and struggling to keep up. I have to say at the point, I did question if I would finish the walk. I had only walked 6.6 miles without my poles, and I was struggling.

The last push was about 7.5 miles, and it was with relief that I saw Steve. He gave his poles to my friend and I had mine back. I knew the end was in sight!  I'd walked 32 miles with poles and just 6.6 miles without, but now I had them back they certainly did turn things around. I finished with very few blisters and hardly any aches and pains. Certainly, the Nordic Walking sessions have proved valuable, giving me the essential cross-country training I needed.

See you very soon, and thank you again,  Love Jilly x  P.S. I wore my tee-shirt with pride!

Mervyns 'Help for Heroes' Team Start at 4am - RAF Wyton

Jilly's 'MEL' Team Finish around 9pm - RAF Wyton (Jilly, Lauren, Marion, Bob, Sonia and Paddy)

Sandie Rouelett - Nordic Walking

Sandie is one of Neal's Personal Training clients and she continues to work with him, twice a week, on a regular basis.  She is remarkable lady doing amazingly well - here is her story...

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease two years ago just after my 57th birthday.  One of my hobbies was walking with a group of friends.  We had completed three 26 mile walks and were contemplating a two day 40 mile walk when I developed a noticeable heavy limp and "strange gait" (amongst other symptoms.)  The diagnosis of Parkinson's followed soon afterwards and walking became more and more difficult.  By Christmas 2008 I was almost housebound due to balance problems and weak and wobbly legs.

A friend recommended Neal and FitHaven Nordic Walking.  It took a while to get arms and legs working in co-ordination, rather longer to build confidence that the thin, strange shape poles would support me, and a little longer to build up strength in my legs.  Today after only a few sessions, and two years since diagnosis, I walked nearly two miles with Neal.

Its not far compared with 26 miles, but it's not the distance that counts - it's just being out there with birds in the trees, ducks on the lake, two little multicoloured goats in a field, and the sheer joy of being able to walk again - supported both by the Nordic Walking Poles and by Neal's ongoing and relentless encouragement."  Sandie - June 2009.
 

Mervyn Foster - Nordic Walking to help old Leg Injury
Mervyn, pictured right after a 26 mile walk, has only recently started Nordic Walking with us and after his first session was completely hooked, bought a set of poles and hasn't looked back since.  He is preparing for a long distance walk later this month and came to us to see if Nordic Walking would help an old leg injury and get him through the 46 miler he is so desperate to achieve.  Since his first try in April he simply hasn't stopped Nordic Walking, we wish him lots of luck and stamina for the Pathfinder Long Distance Walk on 20th June and have every faith that the 'Power of the Poles' will get him to the end - pain and injury free!  Here is his story about how he came to discover this fabulous outdoor walking form... 

"It was in January this year that I started to help a business friend of mine (Terry Downing) to prepare for the Pathfinder Long Distance Walk (46 miles) on 20th June 2009 which he was doing in aid of ‘Help for Heroes’. We would meet every Sunday in Brampton and walk to Grafham and back (about 8 miles), then later we would go around Grafham Water (about 15.5 miles). At the time of starting I was unable to take part on the walk due to work commitments in the Netherlands, but since then my dates have changed and was then able to take part myself.

It was in April after completing one of our Sunday morning walks, that I ended up limping to my car at the end of the walk to drive home and I continued to have a pain in my right leg for the rest of the week. This, I realised, must have been due to an old injury to my right leg (I had a metal plate inserted in 1973 after major skiing injury – fractured Tibia and Fibula). I was upset as I realised that this may put a damper on my taking part in the Pathfinder Walk, so I ceased walking for about 3 weeks to give my leg a rest.

I was still apprehensive about waking again as I thought that the distance we were going to have to cover would seriously affect my performance and I did not want to start the walk and then have to stop without completing it.

It was whilst I was working at the St Ives Complementary Health Centre that I was talking to a fellow practitioner (Maggie Whitehead) who informed me that she took part in walks using Ski Poles, called Nordic Walking. Maggie gave me the web link to FitHaven and informed me that Mel and Neal organised walking training from their fitness studio in Buckden. She informed me that not only will it improve your overall health but it has been shown to help you burn up to 46% more calories, increase heart and cardiovascular training to 20%, but more important for me is that it will give less impact on my hip, knee and foot joints by about 26%. So what could I lose?

I started walking on a Wednesday evening with Neal at the end of April and after only completing about 5 miles, I found the use of Nordic Poles to be an improvement in my walking style and improve all parameters significantly even though it is a low impact exercise.  My training has increased significantly and I try and complete 30 miles per week as a minimum, I also took part in the 26 mile Oxfam Charity walk at Chilford Halls on 20th May, with no reoccurring pains in my leg….. I would not hesitate to recommend Nordic Walking to everyone, not only do you get a great workout but you have a sociable walk with likeminded people …."

So, See you at the next walk with Mel, Neal and Millie.
Mervyn S Foster - Quantum Touch Healing and Shiatsu Practitioner
http://www.soothing-hands.co.uk/

Nordic Walking by Jordana Watts...
Here in her very own words is Jordan's story as to why Nordic Walking is working for her - Jordana features in this photo taken on Sunday and looking fabulous! (She is at the front, in the pink T-shirt on the right hand side).  Enjoy her story...

"I just wanted to say thank you for your Nordic Walking classes - I never would have believed that...

a) I would have attended them all
b) Would have survived a 4.5 mile walk (and twice in 1 week!)
c) Enjoyed exercise!!

So a big thank you to yourself and Neal for keep me motivated and making me feel so welcome.

Having attended a 5 week Nordic Walking Beginners Class I have been left feeling motivated, proud of not only my attendance but my achievements too. I am in the front of the queue when avoiding, making up excuses and all sorts to get out of "exercise" but Nordic Walking is something that I tried a few summers ago and was delighted to see on the timetable for a weekend.

Only once in the five weeks did I not want to go - and that was because I'd had a busy week and was feeling tried and grumpy. But I got ready to go and went for it and felt much better for doing it. My Sunday's have certainly become my well-being day, where after a lovely walk I come home and have a relaxing bath and pure chill out before doing anything.

In just 5 weeks I feel my body has changed shape and my clothes feel looser around my middle. I've never been one for measuring myself so can't give you exact measurements but I have had lots of comments saying that I look slimmer and much more healthier. I can honestly say that it's been the Nordic Walking classes and not any magical cure as I haven't attended any other exercise classes but do try to eat healthy.

So thank you Mel and Neal for making me work hard, feel motivated and look healthier!"

Laurence Morris – BootCamps
Laurence has been one of THE most committed, regular and motivated BootCamper since these sessions started back in January '09 - in fact I don't think he has missed one session yet, even through the snow - so well done for that!  He proves that BootCamp or 'group exercise' for that matter is not 'just for girls' as he pitches up, mixes in and workouts out in his usual place at the front every week giving 110% effort with a regular team (of yes, mainly women) around him.  He is always smiling, even through the hard-stuff and gives everything a go and not once have I seen him drop out or cringe at what I throw at the group.  Yes, these sessions can be challenging - that is the point - but he certainly shines out of the crowd of (mainly) female faces, puts his energy into action and goes for it every single week!  Because of this I asked if he would jot down a few words about why coming to 'BootCamps' has been so good for him, so keep on reading and all I can say is 'Laurence - bring on the next one...!'
          
"Contrary to popular belief I didn’t join “Boot Camp” to find a date! – Nor did I want to embarrass myself in front of a class of predominantly women! – Although the latter I think I succeeded in doing at the beginning somewhat successfully!

Approaching 48! - Recently separated (now divorced) - I felt I needed to do something to motivate myself and get fit.  Having always enjoyed sport- a keen rugby player in the past, now enjoying the benefits of the more tranquil game of golf, I wanted to do something where I could exert energy and hopefully benefit in the process. My personal goals were/ are to reduce my waist size, and try and get rid of the current expanding midriff! Whilst I don’t expect to achieve the ultimate “six-pack” – I do want to improve where I can.

I go to the gym at Buckden Marina a few times a week and although I enjoy it I don’t find I push myself hard enough. In Mel’s group class you are extremely motivated, not only by Mel, but also by everyone else as well. Everyone works extremely hard – “No Pain – No gain” mentality! 

I saw the Boot Camp advert in the local village magazine and whilst slightly sceptical and “nervous” to start with I thought I would take the plunge – what the hell…  OK – I’ll admit the first few sessions were a bit daunting- co-ordination went out of the window. Working the arms – no problem. Working the legs- fine. Working them both together- I felt I resembled a demented flapping duck - with absolutely no grace whatsoever. As everyone was going left – I was going right – (out the door !!!) (Mel made it look so easy!!). But I’m glad I stuck with it. The current variety of circuit training routines makes the sessions not only fun but also competitive.

Its probably the hardest fitness classes I’ve done since I was playing rugby…. And I was surprised that there were so few men turning up. You get out only what you put in - but its defiantly been worth it. I feel fitter - and more motivated - my BMI has reduced slightly, and I am on my way to coming down to the next notch on the belt. (although weekend wine consumption tends to have a counter effect) . I look forward to the classes, and would definitely recommend it to any guys out there who want to renew their fitness regime and whilst continuing with the group classes perhaps the time is right for me to give Neal’s personal training a go !!!!  Laurence"

Matthew & Pam Davenport
Pam and Matthew, mother and son, were first introduced to FitHaven by signing up for the 2009 Six Week Body-Toning BootCamps.  Pam emailed me to see if it would suitable for herself and her 11 year old son to take part and as long as she accompanied him to the sessions I did not see it as a problem, in fact I was really excited about them coming along.  NOT only do they take part on a Monday night but they also attend the sessions on a Tuesday night too, which is no mean feat!  They have both shown me so much enthusiasm, are ALWAYS smiling and put 100% effort into everything they do - whatever I throw at them.  They also braved the arctic conditions we had on Monday 2nd Feb and managed to make it to BootCamp together with the other 20 people who also wouldn't let the weather beat them (see photo below)!  Pam & Matthew make a great 'BootCamp' team and have worked together and mixed well with others attending the sessions too.  It has been a great journey for them both as well as a breath of fresh air to have them on board.  This is their story - prepare to be inspired...

'I saw a FitHaven advert advertising a six week Bootcamp to start in the New Year and thought this would be a good opportunity to motivate my son Matthew into thinking about his weight and doing a physical activity outside of his regular PE/sport at school. Matthew is a stocky build and needs to lose some weight and tone up and I knew a six week programme would be a starting point and something I could do with him.

I was into aerobics many years ago and always enjoyed the music and fitness routines but having not exercised in a while and plus having been involved in a car accident last August in which I damaged my spine and pelvic area, I was concerned about whether I would be doing more harm than good. My physiotherapist advised that increasing my fitness and strengthening my lower back through exercise would be beneficial to my recovery.

We have been attending the Bootcamp classes at both Buckden and Little Paxton. We have thoroughly enjoyed these classes as no two classes are the same, there is variation each week with the music and exercise routines, the choreography at the beginning is fun, we use weights, bands and balls and overall, our co-ordination skills have improved. We particularly enjoyed the “circuit” routine held on week 5 and 6 as we really felt we worked hard during this time.

The class members in both venues have been friendly. I knew some people attending the Buckden class as we live in Buckden and as the weeks have gone on, we have begun talking to more members. I believe that with Mel asking members to say “hello” to people on either side and behind during the warm ups, this helps reduce the barriers of getting to know people.  

Mel has really encouraged and praised us for attending both classes. After a few weeks we felt we did not want to let Mel (and ourselves) down by not attending. It is so easy to look outside and see darkness, cold, snow and ice and think “lets not go tonight” but we were determined to carry on and achieve a new year’s resolution. During the sessions, Mel has been supportive and pushed us each week to try harder – her enthusiasm for everyone to do well has been inspirational to both Matthew and myself.

I do not attend any other fitness classes and Matthew’s fitness involvement is through PE/sport activities at his school. Matthew and I have thoroughly enjoyed the Bootcamp sessions and we would certainly attend future Bootcamps. Our fitness levels have increased and proof of that was in the circuit activity in session 5 – we would not have managed half of the circuit in week 1.  I have also found that the Pilates element of the Bootcamp sessions have helped strengthen my lower back area and plan to take up a Pilates class at the end of the Bootcamp.

Matthew has lost some weight and is thinking more about his diet and combining it with exercise. He has enjoyed the Bootcamp sessions and has just enrolled on a 10 week programme for 7-13 year olds organised by the NHS called MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it.) Matthew is now motivated to continue with his fitness regime and I thank Mel for helping him on his way.

 
'SNOWY' BootCamp - Monday 2nd Feb 2009
(Matthew & Pam pictured middle/back-left! WELL DONE to Everyone who attended!)

Abi Bewick-Lethbridge
Abi has just literally got married (Sat 1st Nov 2008) and looks absolutely stunning in that gorgeous white dress.  I wanted to feature her story as she has been such a continually consistent and fabulous class member and has showed 100% commitment and dedication to her own personal fitness and health as well as willing to give everything a go too.  We all want to congratulate her on her recent marriage to Jez and we wish her a fabulous honeymoon and future life in Bristol but PLEASE come back to classes when you come and visit family and friends in St Neots - we will all miss you...!  Lots of Love, Mel, Neal and everyone you know at FitHaven xxx   Be inspired by Abi's story...
 
I was introduced to Mel’s classes back in 2004 by my sister, who came home every Wednesday night raving about some dance she had learnt. It is not often you find my sister so enthusiastic about exercise so I knew I must be missing out on something! I was in a bit of an exercise rut, not enjoying or pushing myself enough at the gym and unable to find a swimming pool that fitted in with my weekly routine. So the following Wednesday I joined my sister and her friend and was hooked!

Since then I think I have tried every one of Mel’s classes at some point but have become a regular at Monday night’s body pump and Wednesday and Thursday night’s dance classes. My favourite has to be Wednesdays dance. The routine are pure genius. They can really pickle your brain in that first week but by week four you just feel so proud of yourself! I love the flexibility and freedom of the classes. Being a teacher you never know what meetings will pop up after school, so if I miss one class I can always replace it with another. Mel’s classes are my ‘me time’. A place where I can switch off from all the pressures of the day and just enjoy myself in a fun, relaxed and slightly mad (at times!!!!) way.

Just after joining Fithaven I went travelling around the world for four months. During that trip, sitting on a wall in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, New Zealand I met the man I would marry (not that I knew that at the time!). Life was good, I got myself a new job, in a new school and Jez and I managed to keep going even though he lived in Bristol! Most of time together was spent treating ourselves in nice hotels and restaurants. I was slowly piling on the pounds. Although I was never huge, I was the biggest I had ever been and it did not feel good.

When Jez proposed in August 2007, I finally had an excuse to get to my ideal weight of 10 stone, ready for the big day! With Mel’s help and motivation, a food diary and some self control I managed it! Mel’s classes are just the best tonic. She is lively, energetic, enthusiastic, motivating but most importantly she makes exercising fun and a really enjoyable way to spend an evening. I really miss the classes when I can not make them or when it is half term and Mel is recharging her batteries. It is a real social time, everyone who attends makes you feel so welcome and it is always great to catch up on the gossip for the week. In all the madness of planning a wedding, finding a new job and home in Bristol, planning a 5 week honeymoon and saying a lot of goodbyes it has been Mel’s and her classes which have kept me sane and stress free. I’m going to be hard pushed to find anything as fabulous as Fithaven in Bristol but I will continue the good work and keep enjoying exercise and will definitely try and fit in some classes when I am back in the east!!

Now with the big day only 5 days away I have never felt or looked better!  Thank you Mel and Neal

In Memory of Valerie Dodds
    
Valerie, my dear friend and one of my original and extremely loyal class members passed away on Monday 8th September 2008 after a two and a half year battle with cancer.  She was a such a fun, vibrant, glamorous and great friend to Neal and me and supported us 110% with FitHaven from the very beginning.  She will be sadly and hugely missed by us both as well as each and every class friend she made over the past 5 years. Here are just a few of the memories we shared both in and out of classes together.  Val-erie, your memory will always live on within FitHaven...
  

Carolynn has been attending my Fitness-Pilates classes with Julia (her partners mum) for a year now and has recently just taken up Neal's Nordic Walking sessions too.  She is bright, cheerful and enthusiastic participant and always has a smile on her face and a funny story to tell, whatever the weather.  Knowing that she had a heart defect and has been recommended to take up more exercise she decided to take the plunge and start a class or two.  She puts in 100% effort into her classes (even though balance can be a bit of a challenge) and shows fantastic commitment to her own health and general wellbeing and she feels fitter, happier and healthier and wouldn't change a thing.  Carolynn is another true inspiration to FitHaven so please continue to read her story below...

My name is Carolynn Bacon, I'm 35 and live in Wyboston with my partner Dave and three black cats, Crunchie, Rolo and Snowball.

I started going to Mel's Tuesday evening Fitness-Pilates classes in September 2007.  I  went along with my Daves mum, Julia as she was recommended Pilates as a way of helping her arthritis and she didn't fancy going on her own so I  “volunteered” to go along to keep her company!  Also, I have a heart defect which was diagnosed when I was six weeks old and at that time doctors were unsure what kind of effect this would have on my life as I grew up.  Having spent lots of time seeing doctors at Papworth Hospital over the years I often got told “to do some exercise” to help keep my heart healthy.  I didn't really take much notice and often "exaggerated” how much exercise I was doing!

I was a bit nervous in the beginning as I've never really been into fitness much before as was a bit worried as to what I'd let myself into! It soon became obvious after going to a few sessions that I was in fact really enjoying the whole idea of attempting to stand on one leg whilst holding a pilates ball! Having Mel explain what you're supposed to be doing and what muscles you're exercising is absolutely great, you really get a good idea of how the class helps you improve your strength and having a room full of people going through the same thing as you always helps :) We always have good fun, often ending up in a fit of giggles over something daft. I've certainly enjoyed meeting everyone and having a chat before we go into the session. Tuesday night's will never be the same again!

Whilst waiting to go into class one week, Neal mentioned that he was gong to run a new evening Nordic Walking session and as we both had no idea what that was Julia decided that she'd give it a go first and see what it was all about. To be perfectly honest I wasn't that keen as I've never been one for walking much, although we often do go walking on holiday, but that's not really the same is it!  I went to Julia's the following Tuesday and she said how much of a great time she had on the walk and wondered whether I'd fancy going along with her and as the classes were being held on a Wednesday night from Southoe it suited my work schedule and enabled me to fit in the session around everything else. So, I took my decision and went along to see what it was all about.

I bought my own set of nordic walking poles (although you can hire them from Mel & Neal) and Neal explained how to use them and the walking technique very well and off we went. I was completely surprised by the trails and tracks hidden at the back of the village although I wasn't really looking at the countryside much - I was too busy trying to keep up!  Having my heart problem does mean I tire very easily but I was determined not to let it beat me and carried on. There is no pressure to be at the front or with the group as you walk at your own pace and level and Neal does check that and stop to see that everyone is OK.   By the time we got back I was completely elated that I'd managed to walk nearly five miles and having support along the way with Neal and all the other members of the team it makes it all worthwhile.  I absolutely love the walks and have met some lovely people and always enjoy a chat along the route.

In conclusion, Mel and Neal are completely dedicated to their fitness classes and always have time to have a chat about any problems or even if you just want a quick chat at the end of a class, The people I've met, the laughs we have, are the reason for making the effort every week come rain or shine. I feel fitter, happier and healthier and I wouldn't change a thing!  I've now even started cycling again to help with the fitness and am hoping to do badminton in the winter months when I can't go Nordic Walking.

Beryl Atkin
Beryl is a keen regular class participant to my Tuesday morning Fitness-Pilates class in Buckden.  She has her favourite spot at the back of the room laughing (or groaning) her way through the class either to herself or with the others around her.  She is celebrating a BIG birthday this month - she is going to be 80 years old and I personally think that her attitude, drive and dedication is a true inspiration to all of us especially as she is seeing and feeling such great benefits from a regular Fitness-Pilates session in her life.  It is NEVER too late to start - here is her story - enjoy her inspiration...

I first began classes in September 2007 (I only wish I had begun years earlier!)  I know that I needed the incentive of a regular class and was sure that 'Pilates' was the one for me!  I go to the Tuesday morning class at Buckden Millennium Hall.  A morning class is best for me as I am an early riser and my energy levels are best in the morning.  Also the Hall is about 100 yards from house!! 

The class that I attend is is a very friendly class and everyone is well motivated which is a great encouragement to the less able.  There is quite a range of ages and abilities too which is good and does not make you feel inadequate or intimidated.  Everyone works to their own limits and we often laugh at ourselves (or Mel!).  Mel is an inspiration to us all.  Her enthusiasm is so evident and her knowledge so obvious that we all enjoy ourselves while she is doing us good - Thanks Mel! 

I go for a twenty minute walk every morning (very early, about 6am) and I try to do an hour of Pilates later in the week, using one of Mel's Fitness-Pilates DVD's.  But that is a lot harder to find the motivation to do that than going to class.  Pilates has improved my breathing, my posture, my muscle tone (at least for the few muscles I have!) and my blood pressure has also come down too, which is absolutely fantastic.

The discipline of attending a regular class is good for me so I am just grateful that I discovered Pilates and if an 80 year old with a pacemaker and a couple of stents can enjoy and benefit, why doesn't everyone try it!!!

Thanks for your story Beryl - you bring joy, laughter and true inspiration to everyone -  we all wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Jo Carter
Jo is a young and bubbly mum of 3 young children and she had a BIG event this year.  She wanted to get 'Bride-fit' and set herself a goal and managed it in no time at all.  She put in a lot of hard work and effort, reached her dress size/weight goal and walked down the isle with complete body confidence.  As you can imagine she has a very busy home life too but she still managed to fit exercise as well as healthy eating into her lifestyle because SHE wanted to do if for herself.  She still continues to come to classes and here is her story...

"I started FitHaven classes in the winter of 06, but had to stop in the summer last year when problems during my third pregnancy prevented me from exercise - in fact I was on bed rest at certain times. I spent time in and out of the hospital, but thankfully Leo was born perfectly healthy on the 16th Feb this year. I decided to get back into shape as Mark and I had booked our wedding earlier in the year - for the 25th of May! It didn't give me long to lose the extra pounds. I only really got into the exercise once Leo was about 6 weeks old - although he had been born healthy, I had a few complications after the birth and had to have surgery. I lost a lot of blood and was anaemic for a while.

Anyway, once I started to try and lose the weight, I set myself the goal of being '9st something' on my wedding day! I started back at classes with Mel - in particular Legs, Bums and Tums. I also did her online downloads at home as getting to classes was often difficult with the 3 young boys at home! I mixed downloads and classes with riding my bike for 30 mins a day and I tried to be exercising at least 5 days a week. It was difficult fitting it in, but Mark and my family were really encouraging and helped when they could. I ate fairly healthy meals but my problem was snacking, especially in the evening in front of the TV. I found that doing the exercise in the evening replaced some of the time I'd sit there eating. I also switched chocolate and ice-cream for low fat yoghurt and fruit. I still ate chocolate when I wanted it though!!

It took a while for the pounds to start coming off, but they did and once it started, it came off quite quick. Before I knew it I was fitting back into clothes I hadn't worn since I fell pregnant with my second child! When my wedding day rolled around I was down to 9st 10lbs - I reached my target! In total I lost about 20lbs in just 14 weeks. Don't get me wrong - there is still work to be done. I'm not sure I'll ever reclaim my tummy after having 3 kids, but at least I am on the way. I am really proud of how well I have done and I had a fantastic wedding day. Thanks for your help Mel!"

 

Mandy Cartlidge
Mandy C is another one of the "Sawtry Stunners" gang and she is every bit of a "Stunner"!  She is a bright, sparkly and full-of-life class member and has been a loyal regular to Tuesday night and Thursday night classes for just over 2 years now.   I first met Mandy when she attended my special Sizzling Salsa Saturday Masterclasses at Harpers and then she filtered into my regular timetable of classes.  She is a very busy lady with plenty going on in her life, as everyone is these days, but she still and always manages to find the time to get her class fix over anything else.  One of the health benefits of her class attendance is to get fit and help with the reduction of high blood pressure, which I believe, is steadily lowering for her.  From her corner of the room you can always expect lots of laughs, giggles and sometimes squeals as she has immense fun with getting fit, which is what it is all about.  Mandy, your hair is gorgeous, you make me laugh and yes even during the blood, sweat and tears you ALWAYS look stunning...! 

Here is what she had to say...

When Mel asked me to be FitHavener of the month, I was both flattered and embarrassed as I wasn’t sure what to write about myself that people would be interested in reading but after thinking about it I came to the conclusion that I really enjoy reading about other FitHaveners’ so hopefully you do too.

I have been coming to Mel's classes now for the past two years and I really look forward to them as I feel great as a result, even though I may not always look it! You may have seen (or heard me) at the Tuesday or Thursday evening FitHaven classes as I am usually groaning in the Pilates classes or laughing, when I get the steps wrong, in the Legs Bums & Tums or Dancercise classes.

My parents travelled a great deal when I was young and I spent a lot of my childhood in Africa and have a real love for the country. I now live in Sawtry with my husband and have two grown up sons who both live away from home; one in Northampton and the other at University in Lincoln.  After juggling a full-time job, children and a home for the past 26 years, I found that suddenly my time was my own.  Initially, I felt lost without the boys at home but I made the decision that I would throw myself into getting fit and healthy.  So when a friend recommended Mel’s classes to me, I thought that I would give her a try.  I am lucky enough to share the driving with a good friend of mine but don’t have any qualms about going on my own as I just lose myself in the music and exercise and everybody is really friendly.

I have a full time job as a Property Administrator for a large company based in Huntingdon which is a very busy environment so I really look forward to my FitHaven sessions when, whatever the weather, I can throw myself into exercise and lose all the tension of the day. Mel’s classes are such fun and she keeps everyone's interest by changing the routines and the music regularly.  She never fails to amaze me how she can chat or sing through the exercise routines.  How does she do that?

In the early days of attending Mel’s classes, I was a very tired and unfit 51 year old and I used to worry that I couldn’t keep up with some of the exercise routines but after speaking to Mel about it, she put my mind at rest and I now learn to listen to my body and work at my own pace still gaining results, leaving the class feeling energized. I have noticed that since I have been coming to class, I feel more confident in my clothes and also feel that my mood has lifted and I feel more self-assured which has done wonders for my self esteem.

I have taken pills for high blood pressure for the past 10 years but have found that since I have been coming to Mel’s classes, my blood pressure has gradually reduced so I hope that in the future I will be able to stop the medication altogether.  I am convinced that it is down to exercise that has lowered my blood pressure.

Mel is a lovely person and such an inspiration. She has been very supportive to me over the past two years and I thank her for that.  I look forward to many more years of torture….. I mean exercising, with a twist of fun.  Thanks Mel……… Mx
 

Sharon Stone(ham)
WINNER of the FitHaven Survey 2007 10 class pass!

I come to classes so that Jim has to cook once a week instead of me cooking for him!! (Joke!! )

I come as I want to lose weight and get fitter. I have always played sport and with my job it is hard to play team games so i don't play much anymore. This is my night of exercise that i try and come to, I enjoy it and always end laughing at least once in the evening because of something Mel does or says!!

I come with Jim's sister Tracy, it means I get to spend time with my future sister in law (hopefully) and we support each other to ensure we come nearly every week. Tracy is getting married sometime next year so she has an aim plus I always have an aim of getting smaller in width not height!! You never know it could be my turn to walk down the aisle some day so my body is a work in progress!!

The thing I like most about the class i come to regularly (legs bums and Tums) is that unlike most classes when you do Ab exercises, we don't spend hours doing "killer" moves. mel always changes exercises and although we are working on these areas of our bodies, sometimes you don't even realise! They are short sharp bursts of pain!!

Mel's routines are unique and involve all manner of moves that you never use at other classes. One week we are doing salsa, the next we are doing combat moves, the next we are doing pony prancing! Unbelievable!!

Mel seems to have a way of making people get involved and dress up for seasonal or special evenings. Halloween/Christmas/Jane Fonda 80s there are too many ideas to even mention. Where else have you been to an exercise class and dressed up like a Christmas tree or in 80s lycra thongs and legwarmers?!!

Normally I am put off exercise classes by the super thin fit stuck up teachers-not at Mel's classes.  Mel and Neil greet you with a friendly hello, conversation, jokes, smiles and make each and every person feel welcome. Yes Mel is super thin and fit-but not stuck up and she never makes you feel bad or useless if you can't do anything. I know I am going to enjoy the class so even when I have had a bad day, one hour in Mel's company makes the stress of the day disappear.

I just wish I had time to do more of Mel's classes. I have attended her morning fitness pilates from time to time and this was great also with moves for all abilities. The thing you notice about Mel's classes are the people-all ages and all shapes. It's obvious that people feel comfortable coming and its because of mel.

I love the dancing and the music is fab especially the musicals!! Just keep doing what you do because it's brilliant!!!!  Thanks x
 

Sharon and Tracy at last year's 'Back to the 80's Christmas Class

Jan Walsh 
I was first introduced to Jan when I ran my Fitness Fiesta Saturday Masterclasses at LA Fitness last year and from there she started to come along to some of my weekly community classes.  Since then she has been a very regular and loyal class member is always happy, friendly and smiling and despite recent knee surgery continues to be consistently active and willing to give anything a go within her limitations.  This is her story...

Since the 80s I have always been an exercise and keep fit junkie. Hi/Low aerobics, dyna bands, sliding mats and my favourite of all step you name it I tried it, at one point I was doing 9 classes a week until my lower back decided enough was enough. After surgery and a further slipped disc I ground to a halt petrified to almost move. Then in 2003 I discovered pilates and started going albeit tentively twice a week.  It took a while to get the breathing correct and my tummy muscles (those few I had) ached like hell, but my back did seem to get stronger and less stiff. Then a further slipped disc and I was advised to have a fusion operation something which I did not want to do so I stopped the pilates and went back to just walking and the odd dance class.

Then when we moved to Hinchingbrooke just over a year ago we transferred to LA fitness in Huntingdon and it was here that I met Madeleine who in turn introduced me to Mel's Masterclass Extravaganza and I was hooked.  Not only is Mel so professional in her approach to exercise but so knowledgeable in her understanding of joints and fear of injury and she explained how to moderate and slowly build up exercises to minimise any injuries. Before long I was attending two Fitness-Pilates classes and the Thursday night Dance Fitness classes which were always great fun as well as brilliant workouts. Then about 6 months ago my right knee became painful after doing certain movements and eventually I had to stop the dance classes. Knee surgery recommended, I decided to spend a few weeks building up my muscles around my knee.

Mel helped with specific exercises (placing mini ball between knees and squeezing) and I did Fitness Pilates at least four times a week. By the time of my op my knee muscles were a lot stronger which I hoped would speed my recovery. And they did, after a week of limping around and sitting with the frozen peas I decided enough was enough and I very slowly started bending and stretching my knee over the rolled pilates mat. Then I progressed to balancing on my bad leg while clinging onto the banister. After three weeks my consultant agreed that if careful I could resume class. Being nervous I left returning for another week and then contacted Mel who said she would be on hand for any advice/help so taking a deep breath back I came, and haven't looked back.

I am now doing Fitness Pilates /Extra Fitness Pilates at least four times a week and am so enjoying the new Keep Fitness class on a Friday morning. Am looking forward to getting back to the dance class although I think chair dancing may be a little too adventurous as yet! No I still can't do deep squats yet or wide bends and kneeling is awkward without my pillow but I know I am getting there and after each class my knee feels so much easier.
As a further endorsement for Fitness Pilates I have managed to persuade my husband Pat to come along on a Tuesday. He has been a boxing coach for the last twenty years and although is keen on jogging and spinning is so stiff in his back that he fights to get his socks on!!! Although worried about being surrounded by so many females he decided to give it a go and was amazed at how more supple his lower back felt after just one session. His intention is to keep coming and to finally be able to bend over and touch his toes, although NOT by candle light!!!

Thanks Jan and well done to you and Pat too! Mel xxx

Jan in Abdominal toning section of the Keep Fitness DVD 2007

Jan at a Fitness Fiesta at LA Fitness in 2006

Jilly spent the whole month of August out in Malawi on the Malawi Education Link programme.  Four adults and fifteen students carried 47 boxes of donated goods onto a truck, along with their luggage then squashed into a mini-bus and travelled the five-hour journey to the Ngala Lodge, where they stayed for the next four weeks.  Jilly has spent a very long time writing up her experience of her trip in this wonderful report which includes photo's.

PLEASE click HERE to find out more...
 

The Cave Family - Sally, Nicola & Rebecca
Sally (left, in white) first started coming to my Dance Fitness classes that run on a Wednesday morning then she started my Fitness-PUMP classes with her daughter Nicola (right, in black) and during the summer she attended all of my Summer Fit n Fun classes with her other daughter, Rebecca (front, in pink) where they both tried Cheerleading, Bollywood, Salsa & Disco.   Sally also attends my Fitness Nordic Walking classes with a lot of her friends together with an array of sporting activities like golf, tennis, hockey and possibly more...!

Sally comments... "Mel's classes were a fun way to keep fit over the summer and a great way to do something together as mother and daughters which benefited us all, Rebecca especially enjoyed the Grease Dancing class. Classes are well run, fun and always varied and challenging. A good range of times always ensures that a suitable fitness class is available to get to during a busy week and during term time for Nicola who is finding the fitness work is helping her prepare for the canoeing race which will take place next year. Thank you Mel." 

It is a great pleasure Sally and it is brilliant to see you exercise and have so much fun with your children and it is great to see that you, Nicola and Rebecca are willing to give absolutely anything a go too! Mel x

The Emery Family - Sam, Cath & Laura
Cath (middle, in pink) first came to my Dance Fitness classes on a Wednesday night with her daughter Laura (right, in blue).  Then her other daughter, Sam (left, in light blue) started coming with them and now they all come as one big happy family and enjoy this class plus a weekly blast at Fitness-PUMP too.  They are certainly a fun and lively bunch and they definitely keep the classes entertained that's for sure.  The two girls even got dressed up in their fishnets and sassy outfits for a special Shirley Bassey Chair Dance Fitness class last week - you can watch them all in action here...  

Cath goes onto comment "Thanks for the great workouts and we are all really enjoying doing the classes together.  My husband Graham gets a huge chunk of their time on a Saturday when they all go horse riding together, so for years I have been trying to find something to do with them that they will enjoy, and also have the major benefit of maintaining a good fitness level.  I only find shopping gives this much enjoyment and a workout if you go with a loaded purse and walk the streets of London and then carry those wonderful filled heavy bags home...."

I certainly agree with you Cath as I also enjoy the odd trip of shopping as an extra workout to my fitness week!  Keep on smiling, bringing the girls and have a heap of fun in classes too! Mel x

The Daines Family - Jan & Kylie
Smilee Kylie (right, in black) first started coming to my Dance Fitness classes about 2 years ago and still continues to strut her funky stuff and laugh her way through every Wednesday night and she has also appeared in all my dance fitness downloads that I painstakingly make them do (they love it really!). 

Also, this year she entered the Race for Life with her mum, Jan (left, in blue) and they became part of the FitHaven team.   Between them they managed to raise £200 for Cancer Research UK which is just brilliant.

Then straight after the Race for Life, both Kylie and Jan started coming to my Monday night Fitness-PUMP class too.   Kylie's has also done really well with a personal quest to loose some weight as she had to be a bridesmaid twice this summer and she has managed to loose a stone and is well on her way to another half a stone which is absolutely fantastic.

Kylie and Jan comment "Coming to Mel's classes is the highlight of my week, not only do I get a good workout, but I get a great laugh too. I've been coming to Dance Fitness for 2 years, and I love it.  Mel makes it great fun, especially with our recent addition of using chairs, scarves, hats etc. Everyone is so friendly and supportive, I've made some new friends, who I look forward to catching up with at each class. Mum and I recently started Fitness Pump and we love that too, especially as there are other Mother/Daughter groups there.  Mels classes are a great opportunity to get some quality Mother/Daughter time, as well as keeping fit too.

Mum decided that she wanted to try something new, to keep herself active and fit. She met Mel at the Race For Life and decided that she'd like to try a class. The next day we both went along to Fitness Pump. As you can imagine, we both laughed our way through the first class and were hooked. Mum says she enjoys the fact that she can go at her own pace and still enjoy the class, she's already noticing a difference in how her clothes fit her, so she's determined to keep coming to class, get fitter and tone up.   Mel - thanx very much for keeping us fit and healthy!!!

Well done you two - it is really great to see you both in class, having so much fun together! Mel x

Lisa Sparks and Joan Norman
Lisa (right, in red) has been a regular and active class member at my Legs, Bums & Tums, Fitness-Pilates and my Saturday morning masterclasses too.  Back in April, Lisa then asked me if Fitness-Pilates would be a good class for her mum, Joan, (left, in black) who is nearly 70 to attend as they had been going to a yoga class together and as she is still very active wanted to find a class they could come to together that would still keep them toned and stretched.  So ever since then both her and her mum have been regular class participants at my Monday night Fitness-Pilates class too and they always look like they are having a great time, with the new mini-Pilates ball and bands!

Lisa comments "Pilates is a great class for us. It’s something we can take part in together, because we can each work at our own pace and level. It’s a great way to spend time together and keep fit into the bargain."

Thanks Lisa, and it is always great to see both you and your mum in class every week at the front of the class too! Mel x

 

Jean Logan & Julie Champkin
Now, look at this stunning pair in their Back to the 80's lycra gear!!!  Jean (left in black with pink) and her daughter Julie (right, in black) have been coming to my classes for nearly 2 years now and haven't looked back since.  They are lively little pair and always keep the back row in classes entertained that is for sure!  Fitness-Pilates and Legs, Bums & Tums are the favourites but Fitness-Balls has been honoured with their company and my new Keep Fitness class may see their presence too! Here in the photo they took part in my "Back to the 80's" class last Christmas and the other photo is them suited and booted at the Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning they came and supported this.

Jean, who is 68, suffered quite a bad fall this year and has been recovering from a broken wrist but she returned back at the beginning of September and still continues to make it to Monday night Fitness-Pilates with Julie.  And Julie manages to keep on top of a busy family life as well as squeeze in 2 if not 3 sessions every week too.

Julie comments... "As we live near each other we thought it would be nice to do a class together and that's why we started Fitness-Pilates on a Monday night originally at Crosshall Infant School back in January 2006, where I saw your advert. We both wanted to start exercising again as we hadn't done anything for years and we really enjoy it!! "

And Jean went on to comment... "My daughter Julie and I attend Mel's Fitness-Pilates Class on a Monday evening and we really enjoy it. "Keep fit" is something I have always done over the years, whether it be yoga, Legs Bums and Tums or Pilates.  Mel is very positive in her teaching and her classes are full of different age groups and I can honestly say that I have never felt "one of the oldest" in the class.  Mel always advises us to go as far as we can with the exercises and never shows us up in any way.  There could be the odd time during the winter that one might need some encouragement to go out into the cold night to a Keep Fit class but having Julie to go with makes it easier and we encourage each other.  We enjoy the great music and feel so much better for exercising.

Thank you both and you two are always such fun in and out of class and I love our little chats whenever there is a spare moment or two before or after class and thanks for being such fun and keeping everyone else entertained and motivated in class too! Mel x

The UK team have returned from Bangkok, Thailand, having triumphed in the World Transplant Games. We were by far the largest team with 120 athletes, including 23 Juniors, and we joined 1,000 others from 50 countries, all of whom have undergone an organ transplant.

This was my second World Games and was yet another step in an amazing journey through my new life. The heat and humidity of Bangkok made conditions tough in competition but we had great team spirit and supported each other through the downs of tummy and throat bugs, to the ups of succeeding in our sports.

Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, a patron of Thailand’s Kidney Foundation, declared the Games open at the official opening ceremony. The sporting events of road race, cycling, archery, volleyball, golf, tennis, bowling, swimming, badminton, table tennis, petanque, shooting and athletics, followed over the next 7 days.

All competitors deserved medals and in transplant sport it really is the taking part that counts. However, I’m sure you’ll be interested to hear that the UK team topped the medal table once again with an overall medal tally of 293.

I had a heavy schedule of training and competition days in my chosen sports of Golf, Badminton Singles & Doubles, and Table Tennis Doubles. For my effort, I’ve come home with 1 Gold medal in Table Tennis Doubles, and 3 Silver medals in Golf and Badminton Singles & Doubles, and I’m absolutely delighted.

The Games were difficult and challenging but I wouldn’t have missed it for the World! Your generous sponsorship helped to make this happen for me and I cannot thank you enough for your kind support and friendship.  God willing, I remain fit and healthy and look forward to competing again next year and, who knows, I could be down under with the kangaroos and koala bears in 2009 when the World Games move to The Gold Coast, Australia. Who would have thought it possible when only 5 years ago I was too poorly to even hold a racket! How lucky am I?! I dedicate my medals to my donor.

The aim of Transplant Sport is to raise awareness of the ongoing need for organ donation. If you have been inspired by what you have read and have not yet signed on to the NHS Organ Donor Register, please give it some thought and talk to your loved ones. Over 7,000 people in the UK are currently on the transplant waiting list. For further information on how to register please visit www.uktransplant.org.uk  (go to” Donor Families”) or call 0845 60 60 400. If you have already signed the Register, then I thank you for your forward thinking.

Unfortunately the Thailand website was not accurately updated so please feel free to further check out the UK Transplant website (shown above) which provides the results and lots more information. If you have a spare moment, you can scan through the 3,000+ photos taken at both the British and the World Games this year!

A HUGE HUG OF THANKS to Mel for keeping me fit in her fantastic classes and to everyone at FitHaven for their sponsorship, especially to Frances, Rachel & Lorraine for their amazing fundraising Charity Challenge Week.

Maggie x

 

My Badminton partner Joan, and our friends from Holland

My partner Alison, table tennis success

Outside the arena in Bangkok, Thailand

Barbara Morris
I first met Barbara at Buckden Marina when I used to teach Aqua Aerobics and Fitness-Pilates around 6 years ago.  Barbara used to attend the Aqua class every week and then joined the Fitness-Pilates class.  I then left the Marina to pursue my career with FitHaven and as expected I lost touch with Barbara for a while as she remained a member at The Marina.

Back in December 2006, I got a call from Barbara requesting some Personal Fitness sessions as she had been quite ill and wanted to get back into exercise but wasn't quite sure what and how to go about it.  We met, I went through an initial consultation and had a chat about goals and desires and what she wanted to achieve in her new, active lifestyle.  Her illness had left her feeling a bit weak, lethargic and had taken a bit of confidence away of knowing what was the right thing to do and whether or not a class would be too much. 

During January and after only 3 one to one Fitness-Pilates sessions I set her free into my Beginner Fitness-Pilates class in Buckden and she hasn't looked back.  With 5 months of regular weekly Fitness-Pilates classes under her belt she then decided that she wanted to have a go at something a bit more upbeat and one morning she turned up to my Bollywood class with a friend, and has even tried the Cheerleading session I ran during the summer term.  She has now increased her attendance to 2 Fitness-Pilates classes a week with the possible intention of sharing that with my new Keep-Fitness class in September to fit around her schedule. 

Barbara looks absolutely amazing (especially for her age which you can find out for yourself in her statement below)!  She is always cheerful, smiling and encouraging towards others in the class, especially new comers and as you can see is willing to give anything a go.  I really admire her for her determination and drive to live life to the full, gain quality of life and enjoy exercise again of which she has succeeded whole heartedly with 100% effort.

This is what Barbara had to say...  "After a short illness last year, which left me feeling breathless and with weakened muscles, I joined Mel in January of this year with the aim of improving my quality of life.

I felt that at the age of seventy-two, I needed to do something before it became too much of an effort to get motivated. After a couple of one to one sessions with Mel in her Home Studio, I felt confident enough to join the Pilates class here in Buckden.

From the beginning I began to feel more relaxed and standing straighter and taller as my joints and muscles sorted themselves out under Mel's explicit guidance. I quickly saw an improvement in my flexibility but my balance still needs to be worked on!

I now attend two sessions each week. Mel makes all her classes interesting and enjoyable and her choice of music really suits the exercises. I was able to enjoy her Bollywood sessions, which were both fun and challenging.

Thanks to Mel I have discovered the best anti-ageing treatment ever."

Well done Barbara.  You are a true inspiration and fantastic example to everyone out there, especially those who think they are "too old or ill" to start exercising again.  You have proved that it can be done, it can be fun, whatever your age, ability and level.
 

So far, the team has managed to raise £1024 (and still counting), which is brilliant well done!

Well done and thank you to each and everyone off you who took time out to take part in this years Race for Life in Bedford.  The sun shone brightly, spirits were high, energy was up and between us we power walked, jogged and ran the 5K circuit around the embankment and Russell Park.  Afterwards we enjoyed Neal's famous chocolate brownies followed by a cup of fizz and photo's to capture the memories.  We had a great team of supporters too of husbands, dads, boyfriends and nephews which certainly helped make our day more enjoyable and teamly.  
See you there next year - Mel xxx

Enjoy watching the Race for Life 2007 Montage put together to capture the true spirit of why an event like this is so important for EVERYONE!
Click here to view...
 

Janine Teal
Meet Janine... (another full-on member of the Sawtry Stunners.)  I have known Janine for nearly 2 years and she has been a regular, loyal and super fab class member ever since.  Like me, she also shares a deep love and passion for music, dance and exercise, and she is also not bad at taking a great photo or two.  In fact, she is so good I am now using her photography and videography skills in some of my classes and so far you have seen her fabulous work from my Nordic Walking, Bollywood, Cheerleading and PUMP classes. 

Janine has also introduced me to the wonderful world of YouTube and  inspired me to start up my very own FitHaven YouTube collection of class clips.  For me this is one of the very best ways to help promote and spread the word about my classes!  Janine is also a massive music fan and absolutely loves Take That, Barenaked Ladies, The Scissor Sisters and even Jason Donavon to mention but a few plus she constantly feeds me with music and song ideas for my dance fitness classes. 

Below are a few words and around are some fabulous photo's from the totally mad but extremely lovely lady herself...

"It was January 2006 & I had decided to stop working for a while. Since Summer 2003 I had very slowly lost around 10lb and I was worried that stopping work all together would see me putting it back on! I love walking & cycling but being Winter I needed something indoors to do that was FUN. Jo Lane (aka Sawtry Stunner) suggested I went to a FitHaven Salsa class with her, so on a dark & dreary Thursday evening in January we set off for Buckden.

I seem to remember the song we danced to was Ricky Martin "She Bangs". But whatever it was, I was hooked. 

I've always loved dance & I had been to a dance class in the 90's up north, but it took us weeks to learn a routine to just 1 song - Mel had us all aligned with a full routine in only 45 mins - INCREDIBLE.

So that was it, every Thursday without fail I was there. BUT then when salsa was off the timetable for a week or so I tried the Wednesday dance fitness class to get my fix. I didn't think it possible, but I loved it even more. Despite being 42 yrs old I try & keep in touch with all the modern stuff & the tunes Mel was picking were right up my street.

So I'd rush home after class, download the tune & scribble down the moves, then Jo would turn up a few days later & we'd have a practise in my sitting room. If only you could've see us!!! Well actually now you can because of the magic that is youtube. Now that Mel downloads the routines, if we forget any moves we can refer to the FitHaven videos online - absolutely fantastic!!

I was feeling really wooden & inflexible initially, but 12 months later I felt like I had loosened up & could move a lot more freely & easier. I kept the weight off & lost a bit more, having a lot of fun in the process - RESULT!

Dance has always been a part of my life & thanks to Mel it still is."

Well, all of that just leaves me to say..."Well done Janine and thank you so much for your input, support and fabulous photo taking and let's carry on dancing forever!"

Jo and Janine - An arty shot at the Candyman Dance Fitness class 2007

A very young Janine in what she does best - in fancy dress!

Janine, Mel & Jo - More 80's fancy dress - Christmas 2006!
 

Janine loves Fitness-Cheerleading 2007

The biggest Take That Fan's - Natalie & Janine at the Take That Masterclass 2007

Janine with Lorraine at a special Valentines night Dance Fitness 2007

Janine, Jo, Mel, Lorraine & Sal Bags strut their funky stuff at the Christmas Party 2006

Check out the fishnets, leotard, shell suit and legwarmers...
"Janine's beautiful behind" at the Christmas 80's Aerobics session 2006

Dawn Kemp
First, I have to say congratulations to Dawn and Nick who got married on Saturday 5th May 2007.  It was a very special and perfect day!

About Dawn...  She first came to me as a personal fitness client for extra motivation and advice to get her into the right track of fitness.  We power walked around Southoe and did some strength and toning work on the stability ball in my studio and then I set her free into my world of classes and she hasn't looked back since.  She has truly blossomed in the sessions and is now not afraid to give anything a go.  She even took time out of schedule to come along to the special 80's class I ran at Christmas last year!   Dawn is a mum, with 2 young boys, holds down a job as well as a new husband and life!  However, with all that going on, she always manages to find the time to fit in at least one class a week, if not two and here is her story...

"I first met Mel in May 2005 and initially had one to one sessions so that I could judge my fitness level and see what Mel was like! I needn’t have worried; Mel was friendly and encouraging and made me feel positive about myself. After a few sessions I felt brave enough to try a class, which was Monday evening “Balls and Bands”. Once again Mel was friendly and cheerful and bouncing around on a big blue ball was great fun too!

Basically I have not looked back. I still attend the Monday evening Balls class but have also tried, and enjoyed, Pilates, Power Walking, Fitness by Candlelight and Dance Fitness.

As for the benefits, well basically I feel great! I feel fitter and healthier in general, and I have toned up all over and definitely notice the difference around my tummy, bum and thighs. In fact I have dropped a size in clothes! I also get the “feel good factor” and “buzz” after each class I attend.

Mel is a fantastic, enthusiastic and innovative instructor, who has become a good friend. Her classes are never dull and new classes are always appearing on the timetable.

As for my future with Fithaven? Well long may it continue – I don’t think I will ever tire of Mel and her fun and well planned classes which, with effort and commitment, definitely work and the results are great!"

Dawn - in her 80's get up for Christmas 2006 - loving the leg warmers!

Mel & Dawn - have a photo moment on her wedding day!

Dawn with her two boys, Harry & Charlie, & Nick on a cold  & wet Bank Holiday Power Walk around Southoe for charity!

Striking a pose with the 80's group (Dawn - far left)

Jo Ivell on a Mission...
This is Jo's story about her recent fitness and weight loss mission...

"Looking in my diary, I saw a month without my usual amount of business trips and socialising. I decided this was the perfect time to take action. Only 3 weeks later and after attending three of Mels great classes a week, (Nordic walking, dirty dancing & hi/lo aerobics, working hard and not cheating) I have also changed my eating habits and have chosen to eat 5 small meals a day (2 are fruit) and having a two litre bottle of water on the kitchen top, (that must be gone by bedtime)...

GUESS WHAT - I have lost 10lbs and dropped a jean size (in just 3 weeks).  I am over the moon and feeling really great AND this week I was voted most red, sweatiest person in the class (after Mel of course)!

WHAT MORE COULD I WANT !!!!!! "

You can see Jo in action and her continuing quest to a fitter, healthier and more streamlined body this summer by clicking on the links below...

Jo - Nordic Walking in Southoe
Jo - Dirty Dancing in Buckden   (She is the one in the front row on the right)

Caryl Spurdin
Caryl took part in this year's Playtex MoonWalk to raise money for Breast Cancer research...  Here are her comments about her fabulous efforts after the Monday morning Fitness-Pilates class just one day after the event... 

"I am feeling really great and you wouldn't know that I had walked 26.2 (don't forget the .2!. That's the bit that seems to go on for ever!) miles. No blisters, aches or pains - going to your Pilates class on Monday really helped to stretch-out. Just got some sore bits below my bra-line where the decoration rubbed! Oooow!!!  My bra was really fab (even if I say so myself!). It had lights, beads, fur, and sequins on it. Looked like a cross between something a belly dancer would wear or something you would buy from Ann Summers! :-)."   One for the Bollywood class then Caryl...!

"I completed the MoonWalk in 6 hours 14 minutes and 4 seconds. I have raised over £250, by people offering to sponsor me when they heard what I was doing."

Well done Caryl for this fabulous effort and if any of you would like to make a donation then please give it to me or Caryl when you see her in class, which is usually on a Monday or Friday morning.

Maggie Gambrill
My first report on Maggie's progress this year from her forthcoming Transplant Games season.  The money that will raised earlier in the year will help her take part in these events which are entirely self funded.  Here is the first one...

Event: Transplant Badminton Tournament
Date: Saturday 21 April 2007
Venue: Gateshead, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Maggie entered the Ladies Doubles and Ladies Singles in the Vets (veterans!) category and won the Gold Medal in both events. Her Ladies Doubles partner, Joan Bell, is a kidney transplant from London Barts Hospital, and they have played together since her first British Games in 2004.  It was a hard fought competition and she had to dig deep, particularly in the Singles matches. She surprised herself with her determination and fitness - and put it down to all the Pilates and Dirty Dancing that she has been doing!!

Onwards & upwards now to Edinburgh in July for the British Transplant Games and then to Thailand in August for the World Games.
 

Brenda Townend
(My Mum!)
Meet my Mum, Brenda! This is her story about a 3 stone weight loss, a drop in 4 dress sizes in 5 months, and a return back to fitness and a new lease of energy & life! My mum was always an outgoing, fit and healthy person but a lengthy episode of depression & anxiety led her to weight gain, loss of energy and severe on-going joint pain in her back, knees & shoulders. However, after combating the anxiety and feeling more like her old self she could see and feel how the extra stones and pounds were making her feel fat, unhealthy and ill but also difficult to enjoy times with her young grandson and enjoy her love in shopping for clothes!

She had reached a dress Size 22/24 (she is only 5ft 3”) and felt lethargic, flabby and out of breath! After seeing photo’s from a family birthday celebrated last September 2006, continual ongoing health problems and constant nagging from me and my sister, she could see and feel that something really had to be done. She doesn’t live near me so she couldn’t attend any of my weekly classes so I did some research and found a diet and exercise class near her that I though she would be interested in – and she was!

In November last year she started her local fitness and weigh-in class (weighing in at 13stone 11lbs) as well as monitoring her diet which converted to a low GI and low fat plan (one which both Neal and I follow). She started to attended and enjoy her weekly aerobic or salsa class and followed a Low GI & fat eating plan religiously. She also started to come to my monthly Fiesta masterclasses and could see how trying different exercises was not only fun, especially the pole dancing would allow her to enjoy those extra treats like wine & chocolate!

This month (April 2007) she has very proudly lost 3 stone and 1lb in weight (now weighing in at 10 stone & 10 lbs), feels much more energetic, enjoys playing with her lively grandson as well as taking long country walks.  The pressure has eased drastically off of her joints, including relieved back and knee pain, and she has loved shopping for a new wardrobe and is now proudly fitting into a Size 14 jeans. Not only that, she has introduced her Low GI eating food plan into the household and my Dad has been losing weight too and feels healthier, more energetic and snores less!

I am not just choosing my Mum because she is my Mum, but I think she is such a brilliant inspiration and example to all of us especially our “Active Aging”  population (my Mum is 66), as she has shown that even in your prime ages, making a few simple but positive changes in your fitness and food intake can change your life, energy and dress size for good.  I never thought I would see my Mum enjoy life again especially when she was severely depressed and suffering from pains in her back, knee and shoulders. But, as a family we took the time and did all we could to encourage her that being active, fit and healthy can make you feel and look fabulous every day!

To see her now enjoy a long countryside walk with my Dad, joining me and my sister at a masterclass, Dirty Dancing, Pole Dancing, enjoying active times with a lively 6 year old grandson, plus taking an interest in the food that we eat is just amazing and she should be so proud of herself for this great achievement over the past 3 months. No-one is more proud of her than me, Neal, my sister and my Dad – so well done Mum from all of us!!!

Mum with a pair of XXL trousers she wore last year!

Me & Mum - Take That & Party Masterclass - Feb 2007

Lindsey, Mum & Me - after a Fitness Fiesta in November 2006

Mum at a family birthday celebration in September 2006!

Jilly Clarke (aka The Sawtry Stunner)

Jilly has been coming to my classes for a year now, and in that time she has lost 2 stone in weight (without dieting) which is fantastic and has changed (in her words...) from a hunched and tired 45 year old into an upright, happy 46 year old, with a spring in her step!  Jilly is a part of the Sawtry Stunner Brigade and she has tried every single one of my classes from Pilates to Pole Dancing and makes it to at least 4-6 classes every single week.   When I found out a little bit more about Jilly and her life outside of Fithaven I just had to let you all know what amazing things she is and will be taking on this coming summer.  So, in my eyes, she really is a true inspiration to us all so please take the time read all about her and her Malawi quest!   Well done Jilly and here's to the next 12 months...!

Jilly comments...

"I first met Mel at a Fitness Fiesta held a Wyboston Lakes. A friend had suggested I went along. I had been unwell and the thought of any sort of fitness was the last thing on my mind. I went along and enjoyed it so much, I became hooked! It changed my life!

While my sons were at home, I decided I needed a hobby so I chose an Open University degree. After nine years of study I had ended up with a MA in Eighteenth Century Literature and a Postgraduate Certificate in Asperger Syndrome through Sheffield Hallam. ‘Brainy’ I may have appeared but I had put on over three stones in weight.

Eating healthily is something I have always done, although I have to admit to enjoying my wine but the weight had crept on and I had become more and more lethargic. My studies over, I began to sit in a chair at night and stare at the television. I went to bed tired and got up feeling the same way. I had lost my spark!

I work as a Teaching Assistant at a secondary school, where I specialise in Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). My work is varied, and at times intense. People ask why I haven’t gone into teaching, and it is something I have at times considered but the challenge of working with young people with an ASD within mainstream school, and their families, is what I really enjoy. I found myself, however, lacking energy in this role.

Meeting Mel has changed all this. Reading her leaflet and ‘willing’ myself to go to all of her evening slots, I began the Tuesday night session of Bums and Tums. It was great! Before long I had joined the Wednesday night dance session and the Thursday night Salsa. The Flexible Fitness soon followed and it was then that I felt my body change. I was standing taller and racing round school. Something I hadn’t done in quite a while. Now, if commitments allow, I go to six of Mel’s lessons, having added two Pilates sessions into my week.

Mel is brilliant! Her enthusiasm, encouragement and advice have been tremendous. The sessions are fun and it really doesn’t matter if you make the wrong move. I have also been lucky in the fact my friends ‘The Sawtry Stunners’ are with me. Sharing lifts and texting to make sure we are going to the sessions has been great, especially through the winter when the dark nights encourage us to sit in front of the fire.

This year I shall be going out to Malawi for one month to work on educational and health projects as part of a charity called Malawai Education Link (M.E.L.).  There will be two teams from Hinchingbrooke School, consisting of team leaders and 40 year 11 students. My team, Team 2, will be going out 3 August. All team members have to fund their own costs but make a commitment to fund-raise for the projects. Last year (M.E.L.) raised over £13,000, which allowed classrooms to be completed, a head teacher’s house to be built, along with the building of a new primary school on the Sugar Hill Estate, where previously, children had had to walk a very busy road to go to a more distant school. In the past over 30 children had been killed on this road.

Fund-raising has kept the teams busy and it is hoped that this year we will reach our target of £15,000. There are many events up and coming and thanks to Mel, she has kindly added the link to some of these.

Charity Auction for M.E.L.
Please click on the link above and feel free to make a bid in the auction or attend one of our events. We shall be holding an Indulgence Evening in the beautiful rooms of Hinchingbrooke House on Monday 30 April. Otherwise, if you have any old mobiles, cameras or solar powered calculators, or are able to donate old spectacles, sunglasses, or can give pens and pencils, all items will be taken out to Malawi with us and gratefully received and Mel has agreed to take any of your items to give to me.

Not sure what I shall do when I am back in September. I am considering returning to my studies with Sheffield Hallam. There is one thing that is certain, however, I shall continue to attend Mel’s fitness sessions. Thanks Mel!"

Jilly & Shelley - marshalling an all night fun run in the rain

 Photo's from Malawi supplied by Jilly & M.E.L.




 

Lorraine Harte
The original "80's" Workout Girl!!!!

Now, when I say the original "80's" girl - I really mean it.  There is not one class that goes by without Lorraine sporting a traditional 80's-style outfit - and she looks brilliant!!!  I know the 1980's is making a bit of a come back, both in fashion and in exercise, but Lorraine really did keep hold of the workout gear from this era and has pleasure in sporting thonged leotards, hot-pants, shell suits, cycling shorts and headbands too! (Only I wear the legwarmers!)   

Not only that, but she makes it onto the FitHaven Hall of Fame because she brings so much passion, humour and whit into every class - guaranteed! She always has a laugh with other class members and myself and has made fun fitness a firm favourite on her weekly schedule. She is one of the "Sawtry Stunners" (although she lives in Hamerton but that is close enough) and makes the A1 southbound journey every Wednesday and/or Thursday night to Dance Fit, Chillout and Salsacise too!   Keep the 80's alive, Go for the burn Lorraine and well done!  This is what she has to say...

Fithaven – What's in it For Me (WIIFM)!
I cannot actually remember how I first came across Fithaven – or should I say Mel. But my first class (Stageworks Buckden) was a pilates class.

I knew very little about Pilates.  Wasn’t it something about inside out..? but figured the best way to find out more was to go and join in.  I have always been interested in fitness, evolving through the years of aerobics and step, occasional dance classes and the dreaded weights and gym.

I cannot remember much about that first class…. other than I was hooked.  Mels approach was different to other classes I had been to… I couldn’t quite put my finger on it….. I was getting access to a first class trainer, in a friendly personal environment, right here on my own doorstep. Fantastic.

Wednesday nights have now become sacrosanct in my schedule.
No matter what I am working around first priority on a Wednesday night is my double Fithaven Fun Fix.  I love the lively energetic dance class, followed by the more tranquil stretch relaxation class, especially with candles.  In dance I spend a good proportion of time laughing wondering why I seem to be the one with coordination problems, no matter, coordination has improved over time….

Is levitation out of the question in our relaxation class, I challenge Mel?

I really enjoy and benefit from all of Mels classes, whether its salsa, flexibility or toning. No matter what has gone on during the day or week, Mels class is one place I know I will have fun, chat with great people and come away feeling relaxed and invigorated – ready to take on the next challenge.  Mels positive attitude and unique approach in class structure and combination of different training and exercise styles is a winner for me.  Not only do I have fun, I have lost weight, toned up my body and improved my fitness levels.

I am sure I am not the only one who is a great advocate of Fithaven….oh, and as for putting my finger on the difference …I put a lot of it down to the Miracle Mel Factor. Thanks!

Lorraine - after the Masterclass - Jan 2007

Lorraine - having fun at the Christmas Party - Dec 2006!!!!

My Marvellous "Men on Mats" 2006!
My quest continues to get more "MEN" to sample and stick to my classes in 2007 so to help please read about my 3  dedicated, keen spirited and courageous men who make it to either a Fitness Pilates or Flexible Fitness class, week in week out, amongst all us women (which must be awful) and take lots of stick (from me!).  However, despite all of this they make the time, effort and energy to unroll their mats and take to the floor whatever the weather or class holds for them.  For all different reasons, this is why they find coming to classes good for their body, mind & muscles.  So, well done, Dave, Alan & Tony and let's hope other men out their will be inspired to join you in 2007! It's not just for the girls you know!

Dave Sharpe - Flexible Fitness
Dave came to my Fitness Yoga class (as I called it then) about 2 years ago as his guitar teacher recommended that he take up Yoga to improve his posture and promote a more relaxed style of classical guitar playing as there are some classical guitar techniques that are quite impossible to achieve without being totally relaxed. So that is how he came to my weekly class and has been coming ever since, without fail.  In fact the class wouldn't be the same without Dave, and his sharpe(!) wit and blue mat!  Dave comments... "The mix of fitness disciplines, including Yoga, that you have put together works for me. Posture, general fitness and relaxation have all improved; though I sometimes think, forget the pain of posture and fitness - just give me the relaxation!!! As to whether my guitar playing has improved.....well you must ask my long suffering teacher."  Dave is the father of Ben Sharpe who is also a regular Flexible Fitnesser and was Member of the Month back in July 2005.   Scroll down to read and "see" more about Ben below!!!

Alan Lewy - Flexible Fitness & Pilates
Alan has been coming to both a Fitness-Pilates class and a Flexible Fitness classes for well over a year now.  He came along with his wife, Steph, one evening and has been coming ever since.  He had a dodgy back problem and tight hamstrings that prevented him playing his beloved football.  So his wife, who is a PE teacher and knows all about these things, recommended a dash of FitHaven to help.  So, he bought a mat, bought a band and now you can't keep him away.  Alan usually gets just as much ear & body bashing as Dave does on a Wednesday night - but he loves it!   Alan goes on to comment... "I have been coming to Mel's classes for a year now, before I started I'd had problems with my back and hamstrings which had prevented me from playing football for a whole season. I'm glad to say that I'm now back playing football, and more flexible than ever. All thanks to Mel and her Flexible Fitness classes"  Steph and Alan also joined us on a very rainy and cold Charity Fitness Walk back in May (hence the red rain-hoody on Steph in the photo) and they are due to have their first baby in about 8 weeks so they are both looking forward to that too!

Tony Hall - Fitness Pilates
Tony has been coming to my Tuesday evening Fitness-Pilates classes for nearly 6 months now and has been the ONLY man at this class for a long while now.  Despite this, he puts up with all our womanly moans, groans and humour and just gets on with it! And we have to admire him for that!!!  Tony first contacted me as he, as many people do, suffer with a bad back and was recommended Pilates by a physio.  His wife, Caroline, also attends my Fitness-Pilates on a Monday night and she also comments on the improvements Pilates has made to his back and life!  Here is a really lovely email I received from Tony not so long ago...  "Hi Mel, I thought I would just drop you a thank you. Yesterday I really did feel rubbish, I left home before 7.00am, worked all day without a break and left late to come to your class. My back has been pretty bad since coming back from holiday and for most of last week and all weekend I have had sciatic pain in my bum, knee and calf so add that to being knackered it wasn't the best of days. I did struggle a bit in class this week and felt pretty gloomy by the time I got back to Catworth but this morning......I feel fine! My pain has largely gone, I don't feel stiff even after your sadistic leg lifts and overall I feel a whole lot better so thank you so much. I have my regular Chiropractic appointment next week and last time she (Vicky at St Neots Clinic) said my core strength was noticeably better - I was beginning to think I couldn't get through this week without her yanking me about but they had no free appointments - you seem to have fixed me instead! So, Pilates is good and so are you, it must be that or the scary Halloween eyeball I had on the way home :)"  So, as you can read here Tony is a real inspiration to all you men and lots of women too out there who are thinking on taking the plunge - JUST DO IT! 
 

Alan Lewy & Dave Sharpe
(Looking chilled after a Flexible Fitness Class on a Wednesday night)

Ben Sharpe (Dave's son) practices the Crow Pose - very difficult!!!

Alan (back-right in blue!) also took part in a Fitness-Walk for charity on a rainy Bank Holiday in May with his wife Steph (back-left red hoody!)

Tony Hall - at Little Paxton Village Hall - practices Fitness Pilates

(Rachel) Perkins & her Pointers...!

Rachel has been coming to me every Monday since April for her weekly fix of FitHaven with Mel Thomas together with the odd class here or there for good measure.  She first approached me to help motivate her to get fitter, loose a bit of weight and generally feel better about herself as she battles with her condition (read below) and this the reason why I am choosing Rachel this month.  Despite dealing and coping with Colitis she has to endure many pitfalls along the way, which includes copious visits to a specialist, steroid injections and food monitoring.  However, through all of this she still manages to maintain her good wit, determination and sheer madness!  On top of this she holds down her full-time business - Simply Vanilla, rides 2 horses every day, walks her two gorgeous dogs twice a day plus all the other housey, wifey stuff one has to do too!  She may also be running in the London Marathon next year and is just waiting to find out.  So, together with Billy and Bertie I congratulate Rachel and long may you brighten up my Monday mornings with laughter, fitness & lots of mud!  This is what she had to say...

"Every Monday Billy, Bertie and I drive to an undisclosed location in Southoe for one-to-one sessions with Mel. Come rain or shine we’re there raring to go, there really is no better feeling than being outside in the fresh air, it lifts the spirits and adds colour to your cheeks.

For me one-to-one sessions aren’t about trying to achieve a bootie like Beyonce or arms like Madonna it’s all about looking after myself and being healthy. I look around and find we are bombard by magazines containing articles on who weighs what, who has cellulite, who has perhaps put on a pound or two, what diet fad we should be following. Admittedly, a few years ago I read these articles with interest, perhaps followed a few diets which weren’t designed with my best nutrition interests at heart, I smoked (a lot) and had an extremely stressful job with long unsociable hours. I then went to work one day and found myself suddenly at lunchtime loosing vast amounts of blood from my bowels, frightened and confused I was taken to hospital. From that point and really overnight my lifestyle had to change as I found I had Ulcerative Colitis, this is when your body becomes allergic to your bowel lining, apparently it’s hereditary, not that I know of anyone in my family who has it, however bowels are such a taboo subject.

So what next, well I’m a great believer that food is the best natural healer you can find and my diet has changed dramatically. It really is incredible that what you put in your mouth really does affect your well being, your mood and energy levels. I saw a nutritionist called Jane Clarke and she really opened my eyes on how food is so important, I also read every article and every book I could lay my hands on, I don’t think there isn’t much I don’t know on the digestive system!!

Is there a moral to this story well yes, exercise goes hand in hand with diet you really cannot have one without the other to keep yourself healthy, get yourself equipped as best you can as you can never be sure what’s around the corner."

Read all about colitis and it's effects here - www.nacc.org.uk
Read all about Jane Clarke and her BodyFoods here - www.bodyfoods.com

Billy & Bertie after their workout!

Another smashing shot of Billy (oh and Rachel!)

Billy!

Bertie, Rachel & Billy

Gillie Cozens & Jill Doake
I first met Gillie as a  Personal Fitness client in April 2005 and then she started to attend my Monday evening Fitness-Pilates sessions together with Jill.  Both of them bring fun, light and laughter into the class and in there own different ways deserve to be my FitHaveners of the Month.  They come to class each week from Coton, near Cambridge - which is a fair way - and their party trick is getting lost most weeks too!!! 

Gillie has amazing whit and brilliant use of words (as you can see from the poem below) and I love her dearly as she always complains when the exercises get too tough.  Jill, like Gillie is always smiling, but unlike Gillie NEVER complains about the going getting tough and has amazing energy too as for the first time this year walked the Moon Walk - 26 miles around London at night, which is no mean feat!  Congratulations Ladies - and thank you so much for keeping my Monday nights alive!

Gillie Cozens
I first met Mel in April 2005 when I came to her in need of a ‘complete body makeover’ before my youngest daughter’s wedding that summer.  I make the half-hour journey each week because she’s very good at her job.  This is a tribute to her professionalism and energy...

Poetry in Motion

We met in a room with mirrored wall;
I was invited to sit on a ball!!
We talked of ‘shoulder rolls’ and ‘abs.’,
‘Control’ and ‘buttocks’ – (strange vocab.)!
Nevertheless, I thought Mel was OK
So maybe, after all, I’d stay.

Once a week I’d be inspired
To ‘stretch’ and ‘squeeze’ and go home tired!
Then the weather changed – oh my!
Power Walking – give it a try!
Off she went, her feet would fly
I’d follow – but I thought I’d DIE!

I practiced every week at home,
My husband listened to me groan,
But slowly, surely, here and there
I jumped up quicker from my chair!
I walked the dog and felt so well
And I owed it all to Mel!

Her class is full of motivation,
To watch her is an inspiration!
She’s like a dancer, full of grace,
But she sets a brutal pace!
Woe betide you if you slack,
She sees you – even at the back!

Now every week, come this or that,
I brace myself to ‘face the mat’!
At my great age it might be said,
“But what’s the point; you’ll soon be dead? -
Just stay on the sofa curled!”
But I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Gillie Cozens - Age with-held

Jill Doake
I travel half an hour from Coton to Mel's classes because I think pilates is a wonderful form of exercise but needs to be exceptionally well taught. Mel gives just the right amount of information at just the right time to help us all do the exercises properly. She is also very cheerful and encouraging. The classes have a lovely atmosphere: friendly and relaxed - like stepping into a warm bath after a hard day at work. Mel and Neal are always very welcoming and it is sheer delight to watch Mel at work - sometimes we dare hope that given time and practice we too might look like her.
 

Gillie & Jill - something is funny?

Gillie & Jill - Feeling the workout!
Photo's taken after a Monday night class!

Sue Foley

 Sue is the FitHaven of the Month due to her outstanding efforts for raising the most amount of money (£500) for partaking in this year's Race for Life in Bedford.  I first met Sue when I was a regular studio instructor at Harpers, Wyboston Lakes.  Although don take classes there any more she still attends my masterclasses and workshops that I run either at Harpers or now LA Fitness and has always kept in touch.  This is her story as to why and how she did it...

"I got married last year in June because Dave, my partner of 16 years became very ill with cancer in his mouth so we needed to legalise everything in case anything bad happened. Well, as you can imagine we had a horrendous year in and out of hospital for massive surgery and loads of radiotherapy etc, and we made a pledge that when we got to the first wedding anniversary we would throw a big party to celebrate. So, at this party in June I manage to collect £357 towards my 'race for life' and have also received a huge amount of sponsors from people at my work and my partners work too.  So that's how come I managed to collect the amount I did and also and more importantly am very pleased to say that Dave is making a fabulous recovery. So, all in all it has been one big journey and roller coaster ride.
 

400m medal ceremony (Silver medal)

In the golf club house (Gold medal)

Ben Sharpe enters the National Amateur Body Building Competition 2006

Ben attends my Flexible Fitness class  when he is not at University.  He comes with his Dad (Dave) and sometimes with his other university friends much to the delight of my lady participants!  The competition he attended was the National Amateur Body Building Association (NABBA) South West championships held on 23rd of April 2006.  He competed in the First Timers Class and placed 3rd from 6 entrees, qualifying for the British National Championships on the 19th of November in Dudley.  Here are his comments regarding the competition and training involved..

Jane (1st on left) and friends on the Pennine Way looking very soggy!

Tina Jackson
"I saw 'FITHAVEN' classes advertised in our local paper, and I joined in Mach 2004 and haven't backed since. The first class I joined was the Body-Conditioning on a Tuesday night and I enjoyed going every week but wanted to try some of Mel's other classes and once a week wasn't enough for me.  I then started 'Beginner-Pilates' which was completely different but really enjoyable. Mel
then suggested that I tried the more advanced Pilates class as I had progressed very quickly and I soon found this to be my favourite class. I was so amazed at how supple I have become since joining the classes." 

"In January 2005, I joined the Fitness-Balls class and this was my first time on the stability ball which was quite scary but after a short while I became more relaxed and confident and I never thought I would be able to lie back on a big rubber ball, stretch out and touch my hands on the floor behind me - BUT I DID!!!! I also joined the Pilates and Tone using the resistance band, which you really feel your upper body working and toning especially if you use the higher level resistance (as Mel suggested I use!!!)"

"The classes I do are varied in style, but each on is so different but thoroughly enjoyable and through these classes I have met a lot of new friends. Mel is such an inspiration and her classes are NEVER BORING! My husband teases me sometimes as he says that I have become one of Mel's 'groupies' but he is really pleased that I have found something that I love doing. 

"I always feel 100% better after leaving a class and the fact that so many people come back week after week is a testament to Mel's fantastic classes and her great personality."

Tina attended 5 sessions this week including the Balls Masterclass and Flexible Fitness, as she had a week off work and just fancied upping her fitness.  Her usual fitness week is as follows:

• Monday night Fitness-Pilates and Tone or Fitness-Balls

• Tuesday night Legs, Bums & Tums

• Thursday night Bums & Tums Express (formerly Fitness-Pilates PLUS)

Now she tries Dance Fitness - Pink Fitness 2005

On the Stability Ball

Tina stretches at Pink Fitness 2005

Madeleine O'Broin
Madeleine rightly prides herself as an extremely dedicated follower to fitness classes and personal training with LA Fitness, her personal trainers, classes at the St Ivo & HRC recreation centres and with FitHaven, of course!.  I first met Madeleine when I used to teach at LA Fitness back in 2003 and she has remained a member there and has also followed me with my FitHaven sessions ever since. 

She comments... "I liked Mel's style of teaching so much that I became a sort of groupie and followed her when she started up Fithaven. I find Mel a very motivating teacher, I like the music and the way the routines change frequently so they are never boring (hard maybe) and always challenging."  

She also went onto comment... "I really enjoy seeing what different outfit Mel wears each time, and its nice that we can have such fun in class and are often in fits of giggles trying out all the different routines, twists & turns"  She is a really fantastic class member, totally dedicated and works hard too often sweating more than I do!  She also enjoys chatting and getting to know the other girls who come to class as we sometimes have a lovely cup of coffee afterwards too!

Madeleine started my fitness-salsa sessions when I launched them last September and she is really enjoying this very different sort of fitness class. She is such a versatile participant and is willing to give most things a go.  She feels that she is really getting to grips with the moves and is beginning to bring in more dance flare and co-ordination with the arms and the legs.   You will sometimes see her turn up for sessions in full combat gear having just had a rigorous army combat or self defence session with Dale and then gets changed into her funky salsa gear and lots of lovely lip gloss ready to sizzle & shimmy!

Madeleine follows a very rigorous and varied fitness week.  Anything from Body Combat to Pilates and everything in-between.  This is a typical fitness diary for Madeleine, which makes your sweat just reading it, with her favourite classes being Body Combat and Fitness Salsa...

Monday - Body Combat (LAF)
Tuesday - Body Conditioning & Core Stability (LAF)
Wednesday - Hi-Lo Aerobics (LAF)
Thursday - Groove FX or personal training (Dean) & Fitness-Salsa (FitHaven)
Friday - Hi/Lo Aerobics (FitHaven)
Saturday - Personal training (Dale) & Fitness Fiesta (FitHaven)
Sunday - Body Combat (LAF or St Ivo)

Well Done Madeleine for making my FitHavener of the Month for May 2006.  You really are a true fitness inspiration to those who are looking into getting themselves fitter, healthier and more active and we all admire you for your true determination, drive and motivation in the world of studio and personal fitness.

Madeleine & Mel after a Fitness Fiesta

Looking radiant after a masterclass

Madeleine at Fitness-Salsa

Mel & Madeleine Fitness-Salsa together

The Sawtry Stunners
The girls who Work Hard & Play Hard!

These girls have been travelling down from Sawtry every week to attend an array of classes since January 06 plus my Saturday Masterclasses at Harpers and LAF. There are 8 of them in total and between them they attend many
classes from my timetable including Legs Bums & Tums, Dance Fitness, Fitness Pilates PLUS, Fitness-Salsa & the Fitness Fiesta.

They have been regular, loyal and completely dedicated to their exercise and they make the classes that I teach a pleasure! Their great fun attitude and sheer determination makes them pour down the A1 to village halls and performing arts studio's for their weekly fitness fix. They love the Saturday Masterclasses too, not just for the session, but for the get together afterwards in the pool then onto a local favourite restaurant for a spot of lunch and a well deserved glass of wine!

Maxine (who will feature shortly) had been doing really really well until an unfortunate accident back in March which left her with a fractured pelvis and on crutches but will return soon, fighting fit and raring to go!

Keep it going girls - you really are an inspiration to us

 all!
Sian, Jo, Mandy & Louisa (after a hot Masterclass)
 

Steph Luke (Again)
Steph is the first FitHavener to make this prestigious award twice, and again she totally deserves it for her achievements since January.  This is her story of how she has lost 16lb's and dropped from a Size 16 to a Size 12 in just Thirteen weeks!!!  Since January Steph has been averaging around 5-6 classes a week and one week she came to 9 classes!!!!  All this plus she still manages to fit in her full-time job, husband and social commitments too.  Here is her story...

"At Christmas time after a medical which confirmed that I was fatter than was good for my health and that I had a high cholesterol level, I decided that I was finally really going to go for losing some fat and getting fit in 2006.  Also, the fact that my 50th (very scary) birthday is in May has also given me an added incentive too. So since January I have been religiously regularly attending the range of different classes run by Mel to burn fat, tone and condition my body as well as try different activities so that I don't get bored. I have also been following the eating plan Mel advocates (Low Gi) but not slavishly as I haven't wanted to completely miss out on all social events involving food and alcohol! So far I have lost 16lbs in weight and inches off my waist, hips and thighs. dropping from a size 16 to a 12.  More importantly my blood pressure and cholesterol levels are down and I feel fantastic; in fact better than I have for the last ten years. For me the variety of the classes and the real support and encouragement from Mel and other regular 'FitHaveners' has been the key to keeping me on track and making it fun."

Steph (on right) at Dance Fitness with Fearn & Frances!

Frances Peel
Frances Peel has taken the very first FitHaven Fitness Charity Challenge in 2006.  For 5 DAYS, she came along and worked out to every single class that is on the timetable; in total 12 CLASSES.  She performed her challenge from Monday 13th to Friday 17th February and raised £450 for the St John's Hospice in Moggerhanger, Bedford.  She thoroughly enjoyed her week of fitness, felt fantastic, lost a few inches and had great fun and support along the way.  Even an on going shoulder injury that had been given her trouble felt 99.9% better after all those sessions of Fitness-Pilates.

Frances continues to attend a variety of classes and here is her average week with FitHaven:

• Monday Morning Pilates

• Body Toning Fitness-Pilates x 2

• Fitness-Balls

• Legs, Bums & Tums

• Fitness-Pilates PLUS

• Fitness-Body Conditioning

Frances at Fitness-Salsa during her Challenge!

Steph Luke
Steph has been a personal training client and regular class attendee for nearly two years now and since we started back in January06 I have seen such a dramatic and dedicated drive from her I wanted to share it with everyone. She is managing around 7 YES 7 classes a week from Fitness-Pilates to Fitness-Salsa and everything in between, as well as holding down a full-time job & husband!  Well Done Steph and long may your increased drive, motivation & determination continue!

Steph's Fitness Week:

• Body Toning Fitness-Pilates

• Fitness-Balls

• Legs, Bums & Tums

• Supple Strength & Tone

• Fitness-Salsa

• Fitness-Body Conditioning

• Saturday Masterclass

Steph Luke

Steph in action @ Pink Fitness 05

Another Steph action shot - abs...abs...abs!

Paula Andrews
Paula started classes over 2 years ago and has been a regular class member since then but also since January has been on a real get fit drive and she is managing at least 6 sessions a week. This is on top of running a home, managing 2 children, a husband and Louis the Dog!  Great work Paula, here's to another great fitness month!

Paula's Fitness Week:

• Monday morning Fitness-Pilates

• Body Toning Fitness-Pilates

• Legs, Bums & Tums

• Fitness-Pilates / Beginner Fitness-Pilates

• Fitness-Body Conditioning

• Saturday Masterclass

  
  Paula's dog Louis...
  who also comes to class from time to time

Paula Andrews

Paula in action with her daughter Lucie
@ Pink Fitness05

Tonia Graham-Leigh
I would like to commend Tonia with not only Member of the Moment but Member of Year 2005! From a real person with real eating & exercise issues, here is her story…

My main initial aim started not to particularly lose weight but to get fit in order to race motorbikes in 2006. I knew that I could do all the practicing money could buy but the biggest difference I could make would be to get fit as I didn't realise just how physical racing bikes is. I called Mel and met with her to discuss personal training and she suggested that a healthy eating plan as well as exercise would not only help me get fit but lose weight as a natural bi-product. My goal soon went from just getting fit to losing 4 stone and eating healthily and exercising is making sure that I am doing good things to my body for the future too.

I have been seeing Mel since June and have lost 3 stone and I am well on my way to loosing the 4th! The one to ones have been key to my success so far and I'm considering keeping them going even once I have achieved my goal. Mel is very friendly and motivational without bullying, but always manages to get that little more out of you and is the first to congratulate on successes and good sessions. Doing a weekly Food Diary is also very important, as it helps me keep on track and monitor every morsel that I eat. Having one to one sessions has also meant that the exercises are tailored to my needs. Having someone there for that extra little push helps too and it's actually quite nice catching up with Mel each week for a natter.

The first 4 months were to be honest quite easy, particularly the summer months. Adjusting my eating habits was easy to manage and I found I picked very little. Exercise also was not a chore, however, now the nights have closed in and there is less to do in the evenings but watch TV and I admittedly have found it harder to keep motivated, so the sessions with Mel certainly help with that. Also, the energy I now have compared to 6 months ago is immense. Like running up the escalators without gasping for breath at the end, and even better being able to shop in normal clothes shops. I am now getting into my first size 16 pair of Jeans from a size 24! I certainly don't feel like I have been on a “diet” for the last 6 months but I have adjusted my lifestyle habits in both healthy eating and activity and it has worked!

Tonia's Fitness Week
One to One Sessions with Mel
2-3 Gym Sessions a week
A Fitness DVD
Weekend Walking

“I have been coming to Mel’s Pilates classes for just over 2 years now, starting off with Beginners Fitness-Pilates and then progressing to Advanced Fitness-Pilates. I now attend the Conditioning Fitness-Pilates class as well, as it finally dawned on me that 2 hours of Pilates a week would probably be twice as beneficial as 1! Ideally, I would love to do 1 or 2 hours more a week but unfortunately I don’t have the time. I started coming because I wanted to see what Pilates was all about and also wanted to improve my posture and overall body tone and over time, I have certainly seen the benefits. My posture has improved considerably, my stomach is much flatter, my torso, arms and legs more toned and I have even grown an inch in height – a major feat when you have been same height since the age of 12! I have to say I really love these Pilates classes and never miss them unless I really have to. Mel is a great motivator, is always up-beat and makes each class fun, as well as working us hard, which is what you want. I’m sure if it doesn’t require effort, it’s probably not doing much good”. Rosemary you are a true inspiration to others, you look amazing and well done!

Rosemary's Fitness Week

Monday evening Body Toning Fitness-Pilates
Thursday evening Advanced Fitness-Pilates PLUS

July/August 2005

Rienie and Hendrik (Henno) Jacobus Craig.
Rienie, who is originally from South Africa, started classes last May, mainly because a friend made her feel guilty for saying NO on a few occasions. So, she took the chance one day and went... and she certainly hasn’t look back since. Her comments about coming to class were “Mel made me WANT to exercise and attend classes! All couch potatoes (like me) BEWARE, Mel motivates and make exercising so enjoyable, before you know it, you're attending numerous classes, Pilates, Aerobics and Balls, on a regular basis, and worse of all - if you miss a session you just feel out of sorts and in need of a Mel-fix!”
 

May / June 2005

Sally Hullock (aka Sal Bags)
Yes, this is Sal Bags… You will see her coming to class—LATE—on most Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, but maybe not wearing full 70’s Disco Chick Gear with enormous hair and scary looking head band. Sally has been coming to my classes regularly since they started back in May 2003 at Southoe Village Hall and has remained a true FitHavener and friend.

Her and her husband, Tim, also came in fancy dress to the Pink Aerobics last September and won the prize for best (worst) dressed to support the Breast Cancer Care Charity. Fancy Dress is HER thing… so watch out girls legwarmers and lycra will be making a comeback on the timetable if she has anything to do with it. Thanks for all the laughs, rosy red cheeks and just being you!

November / December 2004

Christina Stimpson
A BIG well done to Christina for her total dedication to keeping fit, healthy & active not only with FitHaven but also as an active member of the Kimbolton Badminton Club and regular classes with Buckden Marina too. I would personally like to thank her for her help with me after class, for motivation & support to other class members and her continual consistency to classes. Christina’s comments on why she comes to class were “I attend a different range of Mel’s classes and find every one of them enjoyable, great fun and effective. I have also met lots of lovely people whom I have made great friends with—and Mel is a great instructor who keeps me totally motivated” Keep up the fantastic work Christina and I hope you continue to enjoy classes and the nice cuppa and iced bun afterwards too!

June / July 2004

Kirsten Allen
Kirsten started coming to me last July when over the years she had stopped exercising & put on about 3 stone as a result. So she decided that she needed to change lifestyle & mind-frame & get back to exercising and healthy eating. Her goal was to initially lose weight as well as tone up so we started with 1:1 Fitness-Pilates & now she attends both the Power & Advanced Fitness-Pilates class. She finds the classes hard work but enjoyable & good fun and within the first few sessions, she started to notice the difference. By staying motivated & encouraged she lost 2.5 stone in weight, gone down 2 dress sizes, looks good and feels great. Great work Kirsten!

Catherine Smith
Catherine gets this award for her loyalty, determination and regularity to a whole variety of FitHaven classes over the past year. Catherine first started with my Fitness-Pilates class last May and from there attended Fitness-StreetDance & Aerobics. She has recently taken up the challenging Advanced Fitness-Pilates class and recently Fitness-Yoga/Tai Chi making a total of 4-5 classes a week. She is always smiling, warm and friendly, works with such determination and to the best of her ability and is willing to give anything a go—even the Pilates Teaser. Well done Cath!
 

Cath Smith

April / May 2004

Mary & Sandy Telford
I first met Mary & Sandy at an aqua class I used to teach at LA Fitness back in April last year. I managed to entice them to a Fitness-Pilates class that I started at the Priory Centre in St Neots which is the now the Power Fitness-Pilates class at Crosshall School and have seen them progress from strength to strength. They also regularly attend my Fitness-Pilates class at Southoe Village Hall and Little Paxton Village hall from time to time. You very rarely see one without the other and Sandy is invariably the only man in my class and I commend him for that. Mary always has a big smile on her face and regularly has the rest of the class in fits of laughter, is always willing and never gives up! They both help me out a lot at the end of classes by packing up my equipment and back into my car. Thanks to you both and well done!

Picture of Mary & Sandy together to follow...

Val Dodds
One to One Fitness-Pilates, Fitness-Pilates, Power & Advanced Fitness-Pilates, Supple Strength & Tone, Fitness-Body Conditioning, and Fitness-Walking
"It's not a problem to go to class - regardless of the weather.  It's great fun doing the class; the tuition from Mel is explicit, caring & there's always a challenge.  Great value & never boring.  After just a few months - some one-to-one, some classes - I not only feel fit & healthy but friends & family tell me I look good, in such a short time & after so much fun at my age that's fantastic.  I really would recommend FitHaven to everyone."

Val in a one to one session with me!

Sue de Fraine

One to One Fitness-Pilates, Beginner & Body Toning Fitness-Pilates
"Being an enthusiastic gardener, I felt quite fit through the summer months, but once winter came everything stiffened up.  So, I promised myself gentle keep-fit classes that were not too strenuous due to having undergone surgery on the spine and treatment for
a painful arm.  I joined Mel's classes in Sept 03 and found from the beginning my whole body felt more relaxed and exercised from within as well as out.  In the New Year, I
partook in some one to one sessions which were useful for technique and confidence and the first time recently I did a full body roll up, which I thought it was a miracle! 
Mel's first Mind-Body Workshop was great, well organised & fun and I am looking forward to the next workshop as well as maintaining my classes at least twice a week."