Kevin Madden was already keeping active with running, but as he reached his 40s, he realised there was something missing from his training.
He wasn’t doing any strength work and knew that, for his long-term health and fitness, it was time to mix things up.
The idea made sense — but like many people considering their first class, Kevin had a few concerns about what it would actually be like.
The Challenge
Running was helping Kevin stay active, but he wanted a more balanced approach to his fitness.
He knew he needed to introduce strength training rather than relying on running alone.
The biggest hurdle wasn’t motivation. It was wondering what the classes would be like.
Would they be too busy? Who else would be there? And perhaps most importantly, would people be watching him while he worked out?
These are common worries when walking into a new fitness environment for the first time.
Why He Nearly Didn't Start
Kevin wasn’t sure what to expect from a class environment.
He wondered whether it would feel crowded or intimidating and whether he might feel self-conscious exercising around other people.
Thankfully, those worries didn’t last long.
“The welcome to class is always warm and friendly. Everybody is focused on their own workout. Any of my concerns went in the first 5 mins of my first class!”
Within minutes, Kevin realised he could simply focus on his own training.
The Turning Point
That first warm and friendly welcome made all the difference.
Instead of feeling like everyone was watching what he was doing, Kevin quickly discovered that people were focused on their own workouts.
The atmosphere helped him feel comfortable from the beginning, and attending classes soon became something he genuinely looked forward to.
Rather than exercise feeling like another task on his weekly to-do list, it became an enjoyable part of his routine.
The Results
Since adding strength work and classes to his routine, Kevin has experienced some important changes:
Feels stronger
Feels healthier
Has more energy throughout the week
Enjoys attending classes
Has discovered a social side to training that keeps it enjoyable
Most importantly, getting himself to a class doesn’t feel like a chore.
“It is always a pleasure to attend a class and it never feels like a task to get up and go to one.”
What Kevin Loves About Training With Us
For Kevin, the workout itself is only one part of the experience.
The warm, friendly atmosphere and social side of the classes have become just as important.
“As much as the workout is important, the social aspect is a big part of it too!”
That combination of effective training and a welcoming environment has helped Kevin make strength work a regular and enjoyable part of his fitness routine.
What This Means for You
If you know you should be doing more for your strength and fitness but feel unsure about joining a class, Kevin’s experience might sound familiar.
You might wonder who will be there, whether you’ll be able to keep up or whether everyone will be watching you.
For Kevin, those worries disappeared within the first five minutes.
Now, he feels stronger and healthier, has more energy throughout the week and genuinely enjoys turning up to train.