I have been using Harry Parkes as a personal trainer for over 5 years. Harry is, in my opinion, the best personal trainer I have used (I have used a number of gym based personal trainers at Cannons and the Broadgate Club). Harry is enthusiastic and an excellent motivator and has the ability to structure the sessions to ensure you achieve your goals. For example Harry has structured a variety of programmes for me to acheive different goals whether that was running a 1Ok, playing rugby or just weight loss etc.
Harry is always punctual and honest. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
For further comments please call on my mobile O7818O97OO4.
Jon Saunders
In 2001, over-tired, over-stressed and over-weight, I finally realised that the time had come to take action - or to descend into an early middle-age. I had all the excuses, long working hours, busy social life, lots of travel but it was now or never. Enter Harry Parkes!
I had no idea on starting training, just how much Harry would change my life and health for the better after 10 years of physical inactivity.Harry started me off on a twice-weekly programme of gentle exercises with clear progress steps marked-out. Whilst initially finding it tough, after five or six weeks, I began to feel the stirring of muscles which were last seen when I was at school. Never having been a fan of gyms, the best thing about Harry's personal training was being able to do it in the comfort and privacy of my own home and in the knowledge that Harry was never going to embarrass me or make me feel awkward in any way.
After 18 months of steady progress, I had to take part in a 5k running event through work. Harry quickly adapted my training to build up a strong running base, gently pushing me along when I least felt like it. If only Harry had known what a monster he released. I soon found a love for running coupled with the benefits of dramatic weight loss. 10k's, half-marathons and finally the London and New York marathons followed and I am now a life-long convert to exercise. What I hadn't realised was how your own enthusiasm positively influences others and drives them into action. The biggest living proof of this being my own husband, a life-long sports 'refusnik' who of his own volition has started going to the gym.
Perhaps what I most appreciate about Harry is how he has constantly stretched me and adapted my training to suit my goals which has kept our sessions fresh and interesting. Whatever question I come up with, he looks for an answer whether it relates to nutrition, injury or training and he is always keen to build his own knowledge base. My training with Harry is a partnership and it has brought great enjoyment to my life.
Sarah Carroll
I have been trained by Harry for the last 5 years. His training is vital for me to maintain the energy and fitness level I believe is necessary to be productive and stay healthy in a demanding job.
We discuss fitness targets and he adapts the training to your fitness level and what you would like to achieve. His programmes are varied and fun and he is not afraid to push you to get the best out of you.
Harry also trained me back to fitness after giving birth. He designed a programme to gradually and safely strengthen my abdominals post ceasarian section and contributed to my 4 stone weigh loss post pregnancy.
Marriane Okland
Harry improved my health and general being at a time when I was very depressed. Harry is very gentle and has a very relaxed but professional attitude. His skills are very diverse. He is very adaptable and sensitive to a client's needs.
Louise Whitmore-Pack
Harry Parkes has been my personal trainer for over three years. I initially booked him twice a week for just ten sessions to kick start me back to shape after my second baby but I found that I just couldn't give him up.... He is now part of my life. He is a great motivator and pushes me to just the right level every session. Each session is different. He assesses my mood, he takes into account any physical fatigue or injuries and is extremely knowledgable about all health, fitness and diet related matters and will give good advice when needed. I have reached my goals of regaining my figure. I am back to my pre-baby weight and am much fitter.
I would recommend him to anyone of any age.
Trish Pead
I started training with Harry twice a week at home working on core fitness and strength. After a few months I was persauded by friends to train for the New York Marathon. Harry adapted the schedule to be a combination of core work and running fitness and wrote my training programme for the marathon. He also advised me on nutrition. I did the marathon and then went on to enter some triathlons as a new fitness challenge. I moved away from London so stopped training with Harry but would say that the discipline of having a personal trainer turn up each week plus the structure of his sessions really made a difference to my fitness.
Julia Howe