Linda Thorne - Personal Trainer in Shirehampton

Linda Thorne - Personal Trainer in Shirehampton

About me

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About me.

How did I become a Personal Trainer at the age of 57?

During my childhood I was very active, especially since my father was a keen sportsman, playing cricket and golf and taking my brother to rugby matches. I had no issue with food since I was so active. I did gymnastics, athletics and dancing at school. However, like many teenagers, it all changed during my teenage years. I stopped all forms or exercise in favour of nights out in the pub and nightclubs with friends, which was often followed by a stop off for a burger or kebab. I was unaware at the time but slowly the weight piled on until, at the age of 21 I weighed in at around 18 stone.

I remember feeling uncomfortable and unattractive and decided that enough was enough and went on a bit of a drastic diet, cutting out the alcohol and eating very little. The weight fell off which pleased me greatly. At first people congratulated me and said how much better I was looking but this gradually turned into concern since I was continuing to lose the pounds. I eventually got down to 9.5 stone which was too light for someone of my height and build.

I got married and had children. Years went by and again, I gradually gained weight through lack of exercise. Bringing up children and working full time left little time for anything else. I felt unable to walk into a gym for fear of being stared at or making myself look stupid. It took time and eventually I plucked up the courage to join a gym and found myself a personal trainer who put me through my paces – something I would not have done on my own. I also joined the local ladies rugby team. At the same time, I was training to run my first Bristol half marathon – I have since run several half marathons, including the Bath half and the Great North Run. I still wasn’t eating correctly or getting the results I wanted. I was undoubtedly stronger and fitter but something was missing.

Then, purely by accident, I found kettlebells and I haven’t looked back. I lost 2 stone in the first year of training, lost body fat and gained muscle, improved my posture and my self-esteem. I began to realise that my body was capable of a lot more than I had ever given it credit for. The heavier the weight I managed to swing, press, snatch and squat, the better I felt.

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Whilst this is my fitness history, the vast majority of my working life has been spent in offices both as a clerk and a manager. I was fed up with the humdrum of office life and, after being made redundant several times I decided that the time was right for me to change my career and obtain a Personal Trainer qualification. I have since become a StrongFirst kettlebell instructor and a Certified 3rd age Woman Instructor and I have a Precision Nutrition Level 1 certification which makes me a specialist wellness coach for perimenopausal and beyond females.

I love my new life. Helping people of all ages, shapes and sizes to feel fitter and more confident makes me feel like I am making a difference.

My classes are suitable for all fitness levels and all ages.

I currently run kettlebell classes at Cotswold Community Centre, Shirehampton on:

Monday at 5.15pm – 6.15pm and 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday at 5.15pm – 6.15pm
Thursday at 5.15pm – 6.15pm and 6.30pm – 7.30pm

Cost: £10 per session (pay as you go) or £50 for 6 sessions.

There is an initial £10 kettlebell technique session before attending class. This is deductible from the first month’s membership.

Membership is £40 per month which covers both kettlebell classes and sunrise bootcamps.

I run sunrise bootcamps at Lamplighters Marsh, Shirehampton on:

Monday at 6.15am – 7am
Wednesday at 6.15am – 7am

Cost: £5 per session (pay as you go).

Membership is £40 per month which covers both bootcamps and kettlebell classes.

If you want a personalised 1-2-1 session, that can be arranged. Just e-mail me at [email protected].

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Not sure where to start? Need extra help getting off the couch?

Get in touch and I’ll guide you towards the best way for you to work with me.