Client Testimonials

I am a mature lady in my mid 70s and Colleen was recommended to me by my daughter. I was feeling the affects of my age due to breaking my wrist and decided to do something about it!

I had never been to a gym before but have been active all my life with outdoor pursuits. It was a big decision to go into a gym for the first time but Colleen made me relaxed and welcome. She was sensitive to my apprehension and slowly my confidence increased. With her help my core strength and endurance has greatly improved and I have had fun in the process. In fact I can't believe some of the exercises and routines I am now capable of doing!

I have been going to Colleen for over a year and am looking forward to many more!

Avril Masson 

I got in contact with Colleen in January this year as I was getting married in June. I explained what my goals were and she more than helped me to achieve them - basically tone up! After going weekly, there is absolutely no way that I could give up, even after my wedding. I look forward to my sessions, as each one is different and pushes me to the max. Great chat definitely helps the hour pass and I now enjoy going to the gym myself, knowing that what I am doing is suitable for me and working towards my goals!

Stephanie Rattray 

I have been training with Colleen for over two years since March 2009. I met with Colleen once a week and gradually picked up my fitness levels. I have lost more than 2st in weight, 5" round my waist and this enabled me to run my first marathon in May 2011. Colleen kept my enthusiasm for running up and helped me gain the strength needed for long distance running.

For too long I was eating too much, exercising too little and thought I was enjoying myself too often. Eventually I typed "personal trainer Aberdeen" into Google and Colleen's site turned up, sent the email and met with Colleen shortly after; since then I have learned to enjoy keeping fit and now can't wait until my next run or work out! I am now training for my second marathon and my personal guided sessions help target weaknesses and strengths!

Colleen keeps track of the weights I am lifting (she never miscounts!) and chooses exercises which will aid me in avoiding injury and increasing endurance in my running.

Without the weekly sessions I would have lost motivation long ago. I can't thank Colleen enough for the support she has shown!

Galen Will 

I had resisted any form of physical training for 54 years, until finally a heady mix of guilt and shortage of breath propelled me in to see Colleen - and, several months later, I am still there, and, given how little I enjoy what she does to me, that speaks volumes for her. Colleen is highly professional in all she does, and always incredibly positive and enthusiastic, no matter the fitness level of her victims, and I am very pleased that I have found her - even though I may not always show it after each session!!

Hugh Little 

I started training with Colleen to get inspiration and a change in direction with my training regimes; and have now been going for over a year. Every time you think there can't be anymore she can show you ...you are wrong! From the training I have toned up a lot and have accomplished almost all of my original goals set on day one and aiming towards the last one, a 10k run. Colleen works very hard to assist all of her clients, a great trainer with a wealth of knowledge. Look forward to the next year's surprises!!!

Shirley-Anne Beddie 

Oh, I really don't know where to begin...my praise for Colleen could not be more enthusiastic! Others have said it all in terms of how good Colleen is to work with--how she is a fun, upbeat, focused, and talented personal trainer. But Colleen is also an expert in nutrition, sports injury --the entire healthy life-style package!

Two years ago I made the big decision and was finally prepared to spend time getting fit again. I did not in my wildest dreams imagine I would return to the same fitness I had experienced 40 years earlier! But small steps at a time and Colleen coached me through my first half marathon just last month! She is nothing less than a brilliant personal trainer & coach! I highly recommend Colleen to everyone willing to put in the effort--she will definitely help you get fit, run a race, recover from injury, lose inches, whatever you specifically want to achieve--and she will expertly support & guide you through the process in a fun & enjoyable way.

Becky Adams 

In August, 2010, I decided I would go skiing with my son and wife, but due to age (62yrs), I decided I would get fit. My son suggested I see a personal trainer, but in my advanced years of stubbornness, I insisted I could do this myself. Mistake - as in previous years, injury happened very early on in the three runs per week schedule. (I did not complete the first week!) Previously this had been a calf injury, this time it was Achilles heel strain. By November, I had made it worse and took up the "challenge" of my son and his wife and visited Colleen.

I regret not having done this sooner. I could not believe the improvement in fitness over a period of 5 months, despite the heel injury. All the while Colleen was aware of the injury and the exercises, weights and cardio work did not make the injury worse, in fact by subtle changes in the routine, the Achilles was challenged and tested, and as a result the injury improved. The skiing went better than ever, and believe it or not, the golf has improved, a very desirable side effect! I am now tentatively running again, with great care.

I cannot recommend Colleen enough who I think enjoyed the challenge of an old boy wanting to relive his youth, and her sessions have encouraged me to continue with this fitness regimen. It is so enjoyable, every session is different, the banter is good and yes it can be hard work, and the time passes so quickly (but don't be caught looking at your watch!).

Anyone thinking of getting fitter than they currently are, for health reasons or sport reasons, despite age or injury, you cannot do any better than giving Colleen a call, you will not be disappointed by her professional, great humoured approach which is sure to satisfy, no, surpass your requirements.

Ian Will 

Having piled on the weight through too much fun and not enough exercise I found it difficult to start back in the gym and get on the fitness regime again. I gave Colleen a try and she was brilliant and getting me started and giving me the motivation to continue.

I now feel guilty about missing the gym or not eating healthy and its all down to Colleen's attitude and demeanour in the gym. I like and look forward to Colleens work outs as I always come away feeling like I have worked hard and achieved something.

I shall certainly be continuing with the sessions with her for a while yet.

Garry Martin 

I decided this would be the year to get fit and lose weight, but I have ZERO motivation and not one for exercising. I started to look for someone to really push me as far as I can go and show me what to do, as I have no idea, after looking around and reading testimonials from other people, I thought Colleen sounded like the person I needed to help me. Once I found out she was in Altens, it was perfect, I could go after work before going home and vegging out in front of the TV.

When I first met her, she was soo bubbly she got me really excited to start training. Every session is different, and because Colleen is soo bubbly she makes the hour fly by. Before you know it, you're heading home. She has really pushed me, she knows how to make you keep working hard, without being to forceful. I started to see results within a few weeks and I feel much better for it. And it's all because of Colleen I wouldn't have kept going this long if it wasn't for her.

Chloe MacKay 

I am a mature Mum of 3 teenagers and my kind children pointed out to me that my 'bingo wings' and other parts were getting out of control! So straight to Google and found Colleen, or as I now fondly call her 'my friendly terrorist'...I'm sure she was one in a previous life!

In the short time I have been training with Colleen I have really enjoyed each session...except for the ones with the frizbees....I am really impressed by how much my strength and flexibility have improved and how toned the parts of my body I wanted toned are now becoming. I always felt quite intimidated going to the gym now she has given me the confidence to do the exercises she has shown me by myself and without worrying if I'm doing it correctly. Colleen has a very positive and encouraging approach to the way she teaches and I find her very friendly and easy to get along with. On days where I really don't feel I'm doing very well and want to pack it all in she manages to make me feel great about my training and I push myself with her support, as I don't want to let her down.

Gill Buyers 

Colleen was recommended to me as I was a "gym rookie" and had no idea where to start with all the scary equipment. She made a careful assessment of what I wanted to get out of the training, my current level of fitness and motivation before devising a programme for me. We started carefully, making sure that I was doing the exercises correctly and with the right posture to avoid injury, before progressing (surprisingly) quickly with a variety of equipment and exercises that kept the sessions interesting and challenging.

With Colleen's encouragement and humour I find I can achieve things that I would not have considered a few months ago. She has the knack of pushing your performance to higher levels but without leaving you aching the following day - considerate but challenging - really makes you feel you have achieved something.

Alan Murray 

Fitness has always been something that I have been interested in, however I had come to a point that I felt that I wasn't getting any benefit out of my gym sessions, this was when I started my personal training sessions with Colleen. Every session is completely different and Colleen always manages to push you pass the point where you normally would just give up! I have noticed a real improvement in my fitness plus have found myself progressing in areas I never thought I would have been able to.

Colleen makes working out fun and every training session I have with her is never dull and I just look forward to what she is going to have in store for me the next time!

Stacey Scragg 

After having knee replacement surgeries in 2009, my health and fitness were at low ebb and I had become very familiar with my sofa! Not being a very self-motivating person, I thought I would seek out a personal trainer, hence Colleen. My sessions with Colleen are exhausting, challenging, never boring, not to mention the wicked banter. I am beginning to regain my strength and fitness and my zest for life. Who could fail to be inspired by Colleen, a very professional and highly motivated young woman.

Patty Simmons 

We are a couple of (well) over 21's who believe in staying active in retirement. We originally came to Colleen to improve our fitness before a skiing holiday. We are still training with her 6 months after the holiday. On our own, we would never discipline ourselves to maintain an effective fitness programme. However, Colleen's bubbly personality, sense of humour and professional attitude ensure that we keep coming back. I don't think we could honestly say that we enjoy the exercises, but we feel a whole lot better afterwards! Somehow she manages to motivate us through the pain barrier with her encouragement and praise.

Colleen is well aware of our fitness goals and limitations. In particular, she understands Phil's (minor) heart condition and knows when to ease back. We are reassured by her first aid qualifications and defibrillation training. She keeps a detailed record of our progress and knows when to move on to the next level. To keep us on our toes (and to introduce variety), no two sessions are exactly the same. Colleen's facility in Altens is extremely well equipped. In our experience, sessions are always held in private and she therefore gives her undivided attention. She is also prepared to come out to our home near Banchory.

I want to be able to ski when I'm 100. Who knows: with Colleen's help I might make it!

Phil and Jean Allen 

My fitness goal when I first started training with Colleen was to run a 10k comfortably. I specifically had in mind Inverness 10K having watched the race last year wishing I could run 1K never mind 10K! I achieved my goal and am enjoying my new found fitness - Colleen has become an essential part of my 'working' week - I know I feel better, stress levels way down and I really like the new me.

Colleen is a great motivator. She makes you work hard and by challenging in easy steps allows you to achieve your own health and fitness goals.

Dorothy Sim 

I started sessions with Colleen in July 09 after seeing how she managed to motivate my fiancé to start running and lose some weight.
I had just finished training for the Edinburgh marathon and was looking to improve on my speed. I wanted to include a weekly weights session to complement my running program. Colleen’s regime focuses on different muscle groups each week. What I like is that every session is different, it's not the same exercises week after week, so it's kept interesting!

It's only been 3 months and already my half marathon time is down!!!!! Here's looking at a sub-4hr marathon in 2010!!

Imogen Newton 

In November 2008, I underwent major surgery on my left knee. Previously I had been going to Colleen with the aim to get a good level of fitness for the operation. I have since returned to training with Colleen with the purpose of knee rehabilitation and improving my fitness level.

I usually train with Colleen twice a week. In the short time I have returned to training since my operation the difference in the strength of my knee is remarkable. I also particularly like the upper body workouts and the strength it gives you. It always amazes me how every session is different. This makes it interesting and keeps you on your toes. For years I used to go the gym on my own but in my opinion it takes longer to get results and you sometimes lose your way and your motivation. Going to a personal trainer is the quickest way to achieving your personal fitness goal.

Colleen is just that Personal Trainer, a truly motivational person, a real professional at what she does, good fun to be with and would thoroughly recommend her work to anybody.

Liz Reid 

I began training with Colleen in 2008 as I was in a bit of a fitness rut and bored of my own routine. I wanted to improve my upper body and core strength, as well as general all round fitness. Fast forward three years and I am lifting weights I would never have imagined possible, I have core strength I didn't even know could be possible, and I ran my first half marathon earlier this year! I feel stronger, toned and good about myself. Colleen is very knowledgeable, positive and fun; she always makes me laugh, when really I should be crying as I am pushing myself so hard! I see Colleen once a week and each session is a new surprise and challenge, and I always look forward to the next one!

Kim Beveridge 

I started personal training with Colleen in Q2 2007, as I wanted to improve my fitness levels. Although I did quite a bit of sport e.g. jogging, squash, circuits, I felt I was not progressing my fitness. In addition I had put on weight, as my job demanded that I had to regularly travel in Europe. The lack of exercise during those weeks of travel and the excellent food and drink was taking its toll!

I find the one to one sessions hugely beneficial. They are tailored to my personal objectives and I have found it to be an efficient way of exercising which show results quickly. We all have limited time to exercise given work and family commitments and therefore it was important for me to spend my time wisely.

Colleen has given me a new understanding of how to exercise and to eat healthily. Each session she plans is unique, no two sessions are the same, and this helps keep me motivated and enjoying the workouts. I usually have a one to one session once every two weeks and receive a plan that I can follow on my own in the interim. I am now more toned then I have ever been and I lost some weight (without dieting - I probably eat more!). I now enjoy weight training and she makes the sessions “fun”(!) while pushing me to continually improve.

I keep signing up for another 8 sessions, what more can I say, it works for me!

Heather McCabe 

In Feb 07 I had a tumor removed from my throat and under went a course of radiotherapy.

This radical treatment was extremely debilitating and affected both my physical and psychological health, but, through Colleen’s professional and friendly training programme’s, which allowed me the opportunity to progress at a pace which best suited my fluctuating health condition, I am now ready to return to my work some 4 months earlier than was predicted.

Alan Paterson 

Hi my name is Mike McGarrie, I've worked offshore for the past 2 years and had to lose weight to get there. So I went to see Colleen and I used her to start my weight loss programmes. I like sport and used to be active, but still weighed 123.5 kg. AAArgh……… Anyway since May 2007 I have been put onto training programmes that suit for my own personal ability and motivation, I try and train every day but sometimes every 2 days then I have days off for my body to recover. I see Colleen every week for a 1-hour session and she provides me with programmes for the other days and for when I am offshore. I have been active in running, badminton, cross trainer, bike, light weights and also spin classes 3 times a week. I have to date lost 21.5kilo's and lost 7.5 inches off my waist and 4 inches off my chest.

Michael McGarrie