IT’s these times of focus and commitment that define our future.
Success Stories
Meet Andrea
This is a story from a lady called Andrea from Brixworth who has worked so hard for her truly remarkable results
When I started with Hit My Goal, my reason was simple: weight loss. Five stone, without giving up my love of food — a tricky combination! I’d tried almost everything before, but nothing had worked. From day one, Iain took the time to understand my motivation and support me in a way that suited my (sometimes stubborn!) personality.
His enthusiasm and non-judgemental approach made all the difference. We tackled my struggles with food honestly, set clear targets and used simple tracking to stay focused. The result? Five and a half stone lost — 77lbs — and a completely different me, right down to a wardrobe that now includes sportswear.
In my very first session on Ashway field in Brixworth, I could barely run the width of a football pitch. With Iain’s guidance and belief in me, I went on to complete a half marathon. I still love my food — but I love being in control of my weight even more. I did “Hit My Goal”, and I’m still setting new ones.
Laurent’s story
THE 2 STONE WEIGHT LOSS SEEMED INSIGNIFICANT COMPARED TO ALL HIS OTHER ACHEIVEMENTS.
In January 2023, after a business trip to India, I knew I needed to get fit again and lose a couple of stone so my waistcoats would fit. I hadn’t run properly in years. Before my first PT session, I dragged myself through a slow and painful 5K and messaged Iain: “Every journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step.”
By December, I messaged him again — this time to say I’d just passed 1000 miles for the first time since 2012.
With regular Wednesday sessions, I learned exactly what I needed to improve my running — core work, squats and even box jumps. I didn’t just get fitter; I got focused. I ran four half marathons that year, finishing the Northampton Half in 1:38, my fastest in over ten years. Over 12 months I lost two stone, ran further than ever before and fell in love with running again.
If you’d told me that a year earlier, I wouldn’t have believed it. Now, I’m just popping out for a quick lunchtime 10K.
This is Jo!
RE-IGNITING THE ROCKSTAR!!
Like many people, I’d spent years stuck in the cycle — yo-yo dieting, emotional eating, promising I’d start on Monday. Every January I weighed more than the year before and couldn’t understand why, especially when I felt like I was always thinking about food.
In January 2023, that changed. A year later, I started the new year over three stone lighter — three stone. No desperate weigh-ins. No starving myself. No post-Christmas self-loathing. Just control, clarity and momentum. Working with Iain has been one of the best investments I’ve made.
We worked on fitness and nutrition together, through busy family life, injuries, holidays and the moments I would usually give up. As a mum of four, I didn’t have time to run a bath — now I run 5K three times a week and completed a 10K. I’ve found a level of mental clarity and confidence that had eluded me for years. I’ve enjoyed parties, gigs, meals out and holidays — and still lost three stone.
I’m not done yet. With a half marathon ahead and more goals to reach, I know I’ve built something that lasts.
Meet Simon…
THE WEIGHT LOSS WAS A MINOR PART OF THIS TRANSFORMATION.
Like many people, I’d spent years stuck in the yo-yo cycle. There was always a reason to start “later” — and later never came. My weight was going up, my self-esteem was low and I didn’t like the person looking back at me in the mirror. I told myself it wasn’t my fault. Eventually, I realised it wasn’t about fault — it was about responsibility.
At the start of 2020, I decided to act. I’d seen what Iain offered before but hadn’t been ready. This time, I was. There was no hard sell — just clear information, a proper conversation and a plan. I committed to the 12-week programme because I didn’t want another quick fix. I wanted tools I could use for life.
Over the course of the programme, I went from 13st 12lbs to 12st 2lbs. But the bigger change wasn’t the weight — it was the mindset. I stopped blaming circumstances and started taking ownership. Even when life threw serious challenges my way, I stayed consistent because the changes were simple and sustainable.
My wife has noticed the difference. My relationships are stronger. Colleagues see a calmer, more capable version of me. I can look in the mirror now and feel content with who I see. That’s something you can’t measure on a scale.
If you’re unsure about taking that step, I was too. But committing to change — properly — has made all the difference.
This is Dan’s success story
I’ve always been a big guy. I could carry it off for years, but after shattering my ankle and spending three months barely moving, things changed. Approaching 40 and sitting at around 22 stone, everyday life was becoming harder. I wasn’t confident pushing myself, especially with an ankle now held together with screws and plates. I knew I needed guidance.
Twenty weeks in, I had lost 40lbs — nearly 3 stone — and I felt great.
It hasn’t always been easy. That’s the truth. Some days are better than others. But by taking more control of what I do, and understanding how to balance food, exercise and life properly, I’ve been able to stay consistent. That understanding has been the key.
The physical change has been huge. But the bigger shift is how I feel. I’m happier, more positive at home, work and socially. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about the number on the scales — it’s about how you feel about yourself and your life.
I still have more weight to lose. But using the methods I’ve learned, and staying focused on the goal I’ve set, I’m confident I’ll achieve it.
“I have no reservation in recommending Hit My Goal to anyone looking to make sustainable life changes — and to have fun whilst doing it.”
“I’m fed up and I need to change.”
Meet Caroline….
“No more diets. No more fads. Just a nice balance.”
I’ve tried various diets over the years. I’ve even reached my target weight a few times. But I could never maintain it for more than a few weeks. I love food and I don’t want to go without — I just needed something that would change my battle with food forever.
Earlier this year I knew I had to do something. I have a busy, full life and so much to be grateful for, but my confidence was suffering because I was overweight. I was looking for a different approach.
In 12 weeks, I lost 23lbs.
Looking back, I didn’t make massive changes — I couldn’t with my schedule. Instead, I committed to small, sustainable habits. My birthday and a holiday during the programme didn’t derail me. That’s when I knew this was different.
There were other benefits too. I’d been taking Nytol to sleep when I started my new job — within weeks I stopped. I was sleeping better. My energy improved. And I became more aware that there needs to be balance.
The biggest change for me is my confidence. I work in a male-dominated industry and I used to blend into the background. Now I stand tall. I speak up. I offer my insights. I’m no longer conscious about my weight — I can focus on being valuable and capable. Shopping for a dress for an awards dinner was fun. Wearing a bright red dress and graciously accepting compliments? That felt amazing.
“I now feel in complete control. This time my weight loss journey feels different — it feels like I have the answer to long-term success.”
Nearly two months after reaching my target, I’m still winning.
Beki’s amazing story
“How to get the confidence of a four-year-old in a Batman T-shirt.”
Summer 2018 — I was putting on weight, eating like it was a national sport, lacking motivation to exercise and feeling depressed, anxious and pretty miserable. My self-esteem was low and declining daily.
A friend dragged me to a circuits class and I met Iain.
Eight weeks later I signed up for personal training. When he asked what I wanted to achieve, I didn’t really know. I was adamant I didn’t want to run or do anything spectacular — I just wanted to feel a bit better.
Thirty weeks later… what a transformation.
I’ve dropped two dress sizes. I can run up mountains — yes, mountains — and actually enjoy it. I can paddle my kayak for hours, hike thousands of feet and barely break a sweat. I’m even confident swimming in a bikini in public.
But the biggest win?
“I now have the confidence of a four-year-old in a Batman T-shirt and have laughed all the way there.”
I love myself. I love what I can do. I feel strong, happy, healthy and sassy.
And the best bit? It’s been real, actual, belly-laughing fun getting there.
“If you want to have a laugh, feel great and love yourself — without crash dieting or torturing yourself — get in touch.”
Chelsea’s pre-wedding success story
“A Bridal Transformation”
“I wanted the choice to pick any gown in the shop — not just one that would cover up my sins.”
When I first went wedding dress shopping, I chose sleeves to hide my arms and a ball gown to cover my hips. Standing there, slumped and unhappy, I decided I wouldn’t try another dress on until I reached my target weight.
I wanted to look and feel amazing.
I changed my diet, smashed the gym and caught the running bug. Over the next year, I lost 2.5 stone — going a stone under my target weight. I felt good. I chose a fishtail gown with a low back and sweetheart neckline.
Then I relaxed. Slacked off. Comfort ate.
With 12 weeks to go until the wedding, I knew it was time to nail it. Our focus shifted to getting strong and building an awesome top line for my dress. Every session was tailored to me — not something pulled off the internet. I learned what each movement was doing and gradually built the strength and tone I wanted.
The day came. I slipped into my dress — which had been taken in twice — and I felt a million dollars.
Every wedding photo I’ve seen, I’ve thought: I look good. Not “that’s a bad angle.” I achieved my goal of knowing I looked the best I possibly could on one of the most important days of my life.
“Iain wasn’t just a personal trainer — he gave me the belief, guidance and habits to become a better version of myself.”
And the best part? After the wedding, my husband signed up too.
This is Julie’s 5 stone transformation
“What have you done with the old Julie?”
I’m an accountant. I sit down all day. I hadn’t been well and had piled on weight. I was really unhappy but didn’t know what to do. I’d been lost in diet clubs and crazy “fixes” for years — none of which worked.
Then I saw a friend who had lost 5 stone. She gave me Iain’s number.
I told him I wanted to lose 5 stone. He was the only person who didn’t mock me or tell me I was being ridiculous. He believed me. He outlined a plan — running and changing my eating habits — and we started the day after I got back from holiday in July 2017.
At the beginning, I couldn’t run to the end of the street. My first parkrun took 44 minutes of run-walking and I could barely walk upstairs afterwards.
Eight months later, I was down to 37 minutes for 5k and had completed the Silverstone 10k.
When I came back from holiday that first year, I begged a friend to remove a photo of me from Facebook — I hated how I looked. A year later, I posted a full-length photo myself. I no longer hate how I look.
I’m now almost 5 stone down. I can run 10k. I’ve got a half marathon ahead. My resting heart rate has dropped from the 70s to 58 BPM.
Mentally and physically, I’m in a much healthier place. Running is like a holiday for my mind. I enjoy exercise. I wear smaller clothes. I feel happier.
“Succinctly, I’m an improved — and much, much happier — version of myself.”
This is Richard and Sarah’s weight loss adventure….
“Neither of us were keen on stomping away in a gym — and living on salad wasn’t appealing either.”
We’d both become overweight and unfit. I’d moved into a more office-based career, and Sarah had gone through a double hip replacement which limited her mobility while recovering. We knew we needed to do something — but we wanted something realistic.
In 12 weeks, I went from 16st 9lb to 14st 10lb.
Sarah lost a remarkable 2 stone.
The best part? We only slightly changed our diet. We kept our favourite meals and snacks — and even found some new ones. No extremes. No misery.
Instead of forcing ourselves into a gym routine we’d hate, we were encouraged to try things just outside our comfort zone. For us, that meant badminton — and getting back into cycling. We found new hobbies that kept us fit and helped relieve stress.
Catching up each week to talk through progress became something we genuinely enjoyed. Even the weeks where the scales didn’t shift much were handled with good advice and encouragement.
“The main point is that we’ve kept it up. No yo-yo weight loss for us.”
It’s simple, sustainable and has genuinely improved our quality of life — we’ve even made new friends along the way.
“Thank you to Iain and Hit My Goal… you rock!”
“I thought cycling was the exercise. I’d never thought about exercising to cycle.”
This is Paul’s cycling success story…
When I first met Iain, I’d been cycling for over two years. I’d increased my average speed from under 12mph to over 14mph, lost 2.5 stone and completed a 300-mile charity ride. I was fitter than I’d been in 25 years.
But I wanted more. I wanted to improve my speed, get better on hills and feel confident heading into my next 150-mile charity ride.
I joined the 12-week Cycling ESP (Endurance, Speed & Power) programme.
I arrived at the gym with a sense of fear — I loathe gyms. But I was quickly put at ease and introduced to structured training properly. FTP testing. Power tracking. Cadence work. Strength training.
The next 12 weeks were a revelation.
Weekly gym sessions combined with short, focused home sessions using just a kettlebell. I increased my cadence from 70rpm to a comfortable 90rpm. I strengthened my quads, calves and core. I set myself a 100-mile per week goal.
The results?
I now ride comfortably at 16mph.
Hills are a pleasure rather than a pain.
40-mile rides feel normal.
My endurance has improved beyond recognition.
I lost another 7lbs and now weigh 12 stone.
“The results are outstanding. I now enjoy cycling more than ever.”
I’ve already signed up for the winter programme.