MEMBER OF THE MONTH

April '23.

Our April member of the month is...

Rachel Mazan!

Right, where to start? You'll mostly recognise Rachel from The Battle Circuit, Nexus360 or Bootcamp. She's been a member of Nexus Fitness since October last year and is now fast approaching her 50th session!!! (Well done!!) We love having Rachel in sessions at the studio! Why? She pushes hard and gives it her all... but what we love most about having her at the studio is her smiley face and her positive attitude. Rachel has been nominated as member of the month for April due to her physical transformation, her attitude and her confidence journey!

Rachel's Story...

"My inspiration to join Nexus was Kate Bourne, I saw how her body, fitness and mind changed dramatically and I wanted that. So I decided to take the plunge, in my birthday month too, (the month I get to eat as much cake as I like, I really love cake so figured it needed to happen then, so I’d at least be able to justify if/when I ate too much).

I’ve been part of a running club before and been to various fitness classes but always got bored very quickly so my fitness level before joining wasn’t great at all. When I started I couldn’t plank for more than 5 seconds and couldn’t do a sit up for toffee, my stomach muscles were shocking.. but now I surprise myself all the time. I honestly feel improvements in different areas in every single session."

"When I started I could plank more than 5 seconds and couldn't do sit up for toffee"

What's your favourite session?

"Every class I have taken part in at Nexus I have always loved (how can you not? They’re so fun, despite my moaning at times) But I do tend to do more circuit/boot camp sessions as I really enjoy the mix of the weights, core, strength and cardio.

I love to challenge myself but also lack confidence in all aspects of life, so the Nexus coaches are perfect for me because they push, encourage and boost you in a brilliant way. (Kate Bourne my inspiration is always a fantastic push for me too, she never lets me slack)"

"coaches are perfect for me because they push, encourage and boost you in a brilliant way"

"In the 6ish months that I’ve been part of this friendly community I have lost a great amount of weight and my body shape has changed so much, which was my first aim so I’m so over the moon, I’m starting to feel good in my skin for the first time in years, I still have a long way to go but I am confident in my process and with the help of Nexus.

The other overwhelming positive I’ve gained from this is my mental health, when I’m having a down day, (which have been a lot lately) a session at Nexus always makes me feel better, the banter and laughs we have whilst sweating out the stress (especially with my friends the slamballs) takes away the stress and worries, it really is the best mood booster you can get!!!! So mentally and physically Nexus has worked wonders for me and I can’t thank the whole team enough."

"mentally and physically Nexus has worked wonders for me"

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

"Looking into the future I want to continue with my original goals as well as being able to lift heavier and master my techniques, I’d also potentially, if life allows, like to start running with the group, as I have a half marathon coming up and I need all the help I can get to get round it. I also want to continue with the healthy eating habits (I don’t even eat as much cake anymore because I don’t want to undo all my hard work). My mind towards what I want to put in my body has changed dramatically and I am reaping the benefits of that and of course I will continue to use Nexus as an outlet for my mental health... if you have a healthy mind you have a happy life! X"

"Thank you all at Nexus 🧡"

You are doing so well Rachel! Thank you for bringing your smile to the studio.
With the attitude that you have we are excited to see where you get to next!

March '23.

Our March member of the month is...

Rob Croft!

Rob is one of the most supportive members we know! She is always helping others, always giving it her all and always with a smile on her face! Rob has been nominated as our March member of the month because, well... we love her positive approach and love having her in our sessions!

Rob's Story...

"My fitness journey started in 2016 when i joined a local gym/bootcamp back in Birmingham. I was in my early fifties, unfit and deep in menopause and I knew that I needed to change my routine and start challenging my body. It was very similar to Nexus and they were all very wonderful, helpful people. Gutted knowing I had to leave when we moved to Drayton in 2021.

I started at a local gym, because I couldn't find anything like "Thrive Training Club" I paid for a year and worked really hard but I just couldn't get on with training myself. I did some classes with the PT there and even some aqua with the very wonderful Lucy but it just wasn't what I wanted. Then in November last year I found you guys!! And oh what a fabulous find it was!!"

"Then... I found you guys!

And oh what a fabulous find it was!"

What's your favourite session?

"My favourite classes are always going to be weight based. Ive always been one to "hustle for the muscle" but I know how important cardio fitness is too so I will always give it my best shot!"

"I know what it's like to walk into a new gym and not have a clue what you're doing, so I am always happy to help if someone asks for it"

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

"My hopes for the future are to just keep going and pushing those weights! (Oh yes you need some 12kg dumbbells) I'm ready to give them a go!" Your wish is my command, Rob!!

"Always 'Stronger Together' "

Thank you for joining Nexus Fitness Rob!
Keep on that "hustle for the muscle", you're doing brilliantly!

February '23.

Our February member of the month is...

Jemma Reardon!

We love having Jemma in our classes! She is always smiling, always inquisitive and full of energy! You'll know Jemma if you've tried a class or two at the studio... she's attended most sessions and is brilliantly supportive of others!! She has been nominated as our February member of the month for her amazing levels of commitment, her positive attitude and the improvements in her all-round fitness levels!

Jemma's Story...

"In Sept 2021 I had major surgery which stopped me from doing any sort of exercise, as a result of this I gained weight and lost all motivation. I started to follow the progress of Nexus on Facebook. It was very exciting, seeing the new studio being built.

When the open day arrived I was nervous but excited. I kept thinking to myself Shall I go another day or shall I bother at all?"

"Shall I go another day or shall I bother at all?"

"I was greeted by all four coaches, balloons, and a beautiful studio. I know Katy, Lucy and Sarah from the hangar, when I used to do sessions there over 2 years ago. They made me feel welcome and I also had a free taster session on the open day. I explained about my surgery and that my core muscles were very weak. They built exercises that worked for me, if I couldn't do something they'd adapt it for me so I wouldn't pull myself.

I listened to their advice and I'm where I am now because of their kindness and support"

"I'm now a gold member which means I try and fit in 10 sessions every 2 weeks. I work shift patterns and work the gym around that so I don't miss a session. I'm 100% dedicated. The app is also fab because you can book your sessions through this and change your membership if you wish to do so."

What's your favourite session?

My favourite session has to be bootcamp, Katy makes if fun and challenging. I also love Spin x Circuit, Core and Weights. I really enjoy HIIT X with Lucy and spinning with Sarah and Joy."

"I like to help new members and make them feel comfortable as I know how uncomfortable I felt when I started"

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

"In the future my aim is to start running with support from coach Katy and Sarah. I will be going out of my comfort zone but with their support I believe I can do it. I would like to do more work on my deadlifts and push ups. I'm looking forward to the team nexus benchmarking, it's such a great idea to see how far I've come and what I can improve on also.

I don't weigh myself every week I'm not driven by how much weight I've lost I'm driven by how well and healthy I feel. I would highly recommend Nexus because it's fun, enthusiastic and gives you the drive to reach your goals.

Hopefully by the end of March I would have hit over 100 sessions!!!!"

"I'm driven by how well and healthy I feel"

Huge well done on everything that you have achieved over the last 6 month, Jemma. Your commitment is inspiring and your enthusiasm is infectious!!

January '23.

Our second January member of the month is...

Rachel Filtness!

You'll definitely know Rachel if you attend our Pedal and Power sessions or took part in our very first Introduction to Spinning Course back in August 22! Rachel has been nominated as our second member of the month for January due to transforming in so many ways - her commitment, her fitness, her physical transformation... and we think she's gained so much confidence too! We love having Rachel in our sessions!

"I have never been one for a gym, to be honest the idea of exercising generally fills me dread"

"This person [see photo below] struggled walking up stairs and pulled her back out putting on socks!
So I went and had a gastric sleeve operation. This was the kick start I needed to get a healthier lifestyle."

"After recovery I needed to find an exercise I enjoyed and it needed to be something class led to hold me to account. I have never been one for a gym, to be honest the idea of exercising generally fills me dread. I found Nexus after googling about spin classes, an exercise recommended by a friend. What could be more perfect a new gym starting out, with beginner spin classes! I was so nervous walking through the doors but I didn’t need to worry, I think Sarah could see the look of utter panic on my face and spent the time to talk to me and make me feel comfortable."

What's your favourite session?

"4/5 months later Pedal and Power is my favourite session only missing sessions due to work or flying off to the sun."

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

"As for the future that seems a long way off. 6 months ago I wouldn’t be lifting weights, avoiding burpees and certainly not doing back to back classes. So for now it’s more of the same.

2022 was a massive wake up call for me with lots of change. One that needed plenty of support from friends, and the Nexus team have certainly been part of that. Pushing when needed, noticing the achievements no matter how small. "

"6 months ago I wouldn't be lifting weights, avoiding burpees and certainly not doing back to back classes"

Keep doing what you're doing Rachel, you've come so far already...
what do you think the next 6 months will hold!!?

Our first January member of the month is...

Sarah Jobbins!

You might recognise Sarah from our BOOTCAMP and WEIGHTS sessions, or you might have had the pleasure of running with her during our Introduction to Running course and now Run Club sessions! Sarah has been nominated as member of the month for January due to her commitment levels, her support for others and her always smiley face!

"Before Nexus I had spent literally years worrying about not doing enough exercise! I walked, but that's all. I didn't even have any trainers... exercise was something I hadn't done for so long".

What first attracted you to Nexus Fitness?

"After following Nexus on Facebook, I kept seeing posts about how Nexus is different and suitable for everyone, even people who don't feel comfortable in traditional gym environments. I saw pictures of happy looking people who looked a bit like me. Over time I started to think... maybe I could try this... but part of me was still apprehensive ... then one day there was a post about a 'beginners pack' and I thought, there really is no excuse - just do it!"

What's your favourite session?

"I have been doing WEIGHTS and BOOTCAMP sessions and I can't pick a favourite because they are both good. Sessions are varied and expertly planned. The coaches are very knowledgeable and explain things well (and more than once if you need!) Sessions are interesting because of the different exercises and equipment used - and no two sessions have ever been the same. There is great camaraderie, everyone is friendly and if I don't know what to do someone will either point me in the right direction or be working hard which inspires me to push myself a bit more. It is inspiring to see the same people turn up and work out week after week."

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

"My goal for the future is just to keep going. I would love to be able to do cardio with less effort... but I am not sure that's how it works! I'd like to run a bit faster too.

I have been at Nexus for about 4 months and still consider myself a complete beginner. I just take it a session at a time but have already noticed some toning up! Having said that, I was really nervous the first time I came to the gym, so I have got over that fear and have a more diverse gym wardrobe now!"

Above are some photographs of Sarah participating in a Market Drayton Fun Run in the 80s. Comparing this with 2022's photograph of Sarah completing the Red Lion Turkey Trott... just after successfully finishing her Introduction to Running 8 week programme at Nexus Fitness!

"At that time I ran at school... and felt great! Memories of how running felt at that time make me want to improve now... I loved bounding along!!"

Keep 'bounding' Sarah, you're doing so well! We love having you in sessions at the studio! Well done for how far you've come... we look forward to seeing what the future holds for you!