My weekly sessions at The Training Room have become an essential part of my fitness routine. I’ve been coming to Mel for the last 5 years, back then the ‘room’ was Brora beach and been with her as she worked towards the well equipped cabin we use today.
Mel has worked with me around various running, cycling and triathlon events. At age 55 I’m still improving and gaining PB’s which are most definitely underpinned by the strength training we do. I also put the good recovery from strenuous races down to the regular weights workouts building resilience and ‘bounce-back-ability’.
Mel is very knowledgeable and is particularly good at managing progress while being very aware of the challenges around menopause issues and the female body in later life, she keeps us challenged whilst also keeping us safe and healthy.

Fiona (55)

Mel has provided an exercise programme to suit my husband and I. She is the first personal trainer I have encountered that has embraced the challenge of my disability. Mel has actively sought out aids/ adaptions so that I can fully participate.  She provides an encouraging and friendly environment to ensure we progress each week .

Karen (63)

I started with Mel 3 years ago due to knee issues keeping me from my long walks, to staying with her as I continue to learn in my strength training, she taught me age nor injury is a barrier to strength and fitness.

I’m stronger, leaner and can now walk for long distances with no pain.

I’m more focussed on my fitness due to her support and knowledge, Mel is an asset to our community. 

Lorna (67)

I began training with Mel after a fellow runner suggest it.  I had had a niggle in my knee for some time and couldn’t get on top of it, even after trying exercises given to me by the physio.  Mel immediately noticed that it could be my trainers which were the problem and after some investigation and trying new shoes my knee started to improve. 

I am in awe of the work Mel does as she has such a great variety of clients and is able to communicate so brilliantly with all of them. I know she spends a lot of her own time researching different illnesses and injuries to help clients and then puts her learning into practise through the individual training plans she provides us all.  Being such a rural community means we are very limited in the support we can seek with regards to health and injury and Mel really does her utmost to bridge that gap where she can.  We are very lucky indeed.

Jeanne (66)

I have been going to see Mel for nearly a year now and it’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made. I started going because I found myself in a very inactive job and I needed a kick in the bum, for just a few months, to get me moving again. I didn’t know the kick in the bum would change my life. The other activities I do, hill walking, paddle boarding, swimming have all suddenly become much easier and much less painful. The pain in my knees and hips coming down hills has gone. I have been able to paddle 4 miles along the coast no bother (I couldn’t do that last summer, I just stayed in the bay, playing). In daily life I find I can lift and move things easier, The groan of getting up off the floor has stopped happening, my flexibility has greatly increased (I can cut my toenails properly again, for the first time in years). I have also gained confidence in going to the Gym on my own, and now I use the weights (not just the running machine as I knew how to work it). I am only 48 and if this is the difference at this age I know I’ll be fitter and have good mobility in my older age.

Isla (48)