Rise & Shine Fitness ☀️

I was missing the right environment. This community has been the difference. Being surrounded by people who lift each other up, celebrate every win, and keep showing up no matter what is incredibly powerful.

I’ve made genuine friendships here, and I’ve pushed myself further than I ever thought possible. I went from not being able to run across a field to running 5km. That still blows my mind. It’s not just about the physical progress, it’s about proving to myself that I can do hard things.

Bootcamp has changed me mentally as much as physically. I have more energy, a clearer head, and a completely different mindset. Even when it’s dark, cold, and raining, I know how good I’ll feel afterwards. That feeling is addictive, especially when combined with all the laughs we have as a team.

For the first time in a long time, I don’t avoid photos anymore, I’m proud of what I see. Proud of the effort, the consistency, and the progress.

I couldn’t have done any of this without Chris and the team. Their support, encouragement, and belief in me made all the difference. If you’re on the fence, start. It might just change everything.”

I was hooked from my very first session. A year later, I go three times a week and really notice the difference if I miss one. My overall mood, strength and fitness have all improved massively.

The classes are varied, Chris is encouraging and everyone works at their own level, while still being pushed to do their best. It’s just a really nice bunch of people getting fitter and stronger — no egos and no judgement.

There are strength training sessions too, which are a great addition and complement the regular classes really well.

This might sound dramatic but it’s true — joining is one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself in a long time and I can’t imagine my life without Rise & Shine now.

If you’re on the fence, just come along. Worst case, you get a 30-minute workout. Best case, you become obsessed, start going three times a week and rope your family into the family fun days and classes on their days off too!”

I’ve been going for around four months now and I’m really enjoying the sessions. Everyone is so friendly, supportive and welcoming, and there’s a real sense of community. I’ve made some great new friends and we now meet up socially too, not just at bootcamp.

Chris includes loads of variety in the sessions, so they never feel repetitive, and he’s excellent at adapting and differentiating activities to make sure everyone is challenged, whatever their fitness level.

Even though I was already active when I joined, I’ve definitely noticed a difference. I feel more toned, my muscular strength and endurance have improved, and I’m able to push myself harder when playing hockey with more confidence in my body and less fear of injury.

For me, Rise and Shine isn’t just about getting fitter — it’s the variety, the challenge, the people and the supportive atmosphere that keep me coming back.”

I was worried about the pace and the impact on my body before I started, but Chris has always built a tailored programme around my goals. I wanted to build good fitness habits for the long term, with an experienced professional keeping me accountable, without it taking over my lifestyle.

Since then I’ve built up my cardio and strength, and my confidence in trying new things. I’ve run a half marathon, done some triathlons and brought my 5km time down to under 25 minutes, thanks to the good baseline fitness and flexibility Chris’s sessions give me. I recover from exercise much better now, and because I work in an office and can get a bad back at times, Chris helps me work through it so I’m not just lying on my back all day.

My single taster session in 2021 has taken me to a half marathon, climbing mountains and countless parkruns. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step — give it a go!”