I started back at a gym about 4 years ago after a lengthy break and was ashamed to even stand beside the scales let alone on them. Due to work commitments, a long term girlfriend, laziness, and down right gluttony, I had crept up the dial to a whopping 19 stone and knew something needed to be done.

Although I had some success in the first year getting down to 16 and a half stone, I still hadn't changed shaped and felt it had all been more of a down size as opposed to a full renovation, which was the initial plan. During this period I used a trainer to help break the mould, however it was clear that this guy regarded training people as his 9-5 job as there seemed to be a lack of passion, for both my end result and for him showing me the way.

I met Neil in October 2007 after a change of gym and hearing about his unique diet plan. At first I hesitated when considering him as my personal trainer. I needed someone to help me get out of my 16-17 stone limbo land and the thought of no cardiovascular activity just didn't make sense.Skipping, pounding some meat, running up a massive flight of steps to a monument of yourself at the top and flinging your arms in the air Rocky style is what its all about right? WRONG!

Neil turned the whole idea of training on its head and I liked it! I am now 13.5st, and have a shape and a body that still catches me off guard when I look in the mirror in the morning!! He taught me how to eat right, train right, and plan my work outs more efficiently, leaving me with the body I've always wanted. I have so much more confidence now, shirt on or off, which certainly helps when its your job to perform and look good.

There seem to be two types of personal trainer, those who do it as they're 9-5 and those who live it, Neil is the latter. From practicing what he preaches, to flexibility in scheduling, to support and friendship, Neil McTeggart is THEE PERSONAL TRAINER!

Martin John