CSS Fitness

Fantastic experience: It was a pleasure to work with Chris on my fitness, training and nutrition. I got in touch with him, initially, as I wanted to learn about strength training and improve as a beginner runner. It was clear from the initial meeting that Chris would be able to help with a lot more than this as he had experience and insight into all aspects of health and fitness. Chris is a great personal trainer. He is knowledgable and solution focussed so he was able to discuss different options and make a plan that fitted with my lifestyle. He was motivating, patient and flexible when life got in the way of training. I made great progress with his guidance and am much fitter and stronger as a result. I would recommend him to anyone looking to improve their fitness and health.

Fantastic experience: Chris is a fantastic personal trainer with a wealth of knowledge and offers constant support to help you achieve your goals. This year I wanted to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks and knew I would need someone with experience to help me train. Chris's previous experience with the peaks, his approach to training, and valuable resources that come along with the program made him stand out and the perfect choice in personal training. Over the twelve weeks of training for the peaks, Chris helped me plan walks to increase my endurance and prepare for the elevation of the three peaks challenge. In the gym, we worked on strength and resistance training to help my body on the demanding walks and with recovery. He also helped me to develop a nutrition plan for my walk so my energy would match my strength. Chris is incredibly motivating and supportive, which helped so much in the times when I wasn't sure I could reach my goal. After smashing the three peaks, I decided to stay on for another 12 weeks with Chris to work on fat loss and increasing my strength. I've lost 2 stone working with Chris and I'm stronger than I thought possible. Chris has helped make fitness a fun and important part of my life again and I cannot recommend him enough.

Fantastic experience: I’ve loved attending Headingley Harriers weekly run club. I really like the fact I can run with my dog (Gus) on a weekend and spend time socialising with others over a post-run coffee. The sense of belonging and community has been a powerful motivator for me. Chris & Mac who organise the weekly group runs are extremely welcoming and make you feel part of the group. The continued support you receive from everyone who attends is amazing and it’s really helped improve my self-confidence throughout the weeks I’ve attended. I’ve run lot’s of 5k’s now but not that many 10k’s. I’ve set my sights on joining Headingley Harriers for the Leeds 10k in June and know with their support and guidance I'll make it round and I'm looking forward to celebrating with everyone over a beer and burger afterwards!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been with the Headingley Harriers run club for about 8 months now and I really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. It’s the ideal club for me as everyone is super friendly and there’s no pressure for a certain pace so it feels welcoming for everyone. Chris and Mac are dedicated organisers and the socials in the cafe after are a nice way to catch up with everyone. It’s a shame it’s on at the same time at park run but I’ll always try and make it to Headingley Harriers if I can! Thanks Chris and Mac! Looking forward to joining Headingley Harriers for a beer and a burger post Leeds 10k!

Fantastic experience: I reached out to Chris as a complete beginner who had never been to the gym before, looking to gain confidence in the gym, establish a healthy routine, and learn everything I could in my 6 weeks. In our initial consultation, Chris took all of this on board and I felt assured that he had really understood what I was looking to gain. Now at the end, I can confidently say that Chris has helped me to achieve all of my goals and more, leaving me with knowledge and excitement to continue my journey. At the start of our programme, I was going through a rough patch, struggling with recovering from a particularly bad illness as well as low motivation in general. Chris accommodated and supported me so much that I never missed a session, and throughout the programme I only became more motivated. One of the things I appreciated the most about my time with Chris is that he made every session enjoyable. He brought enthusiasm, a smile, and definitely some interesting conversation. I knew that after every session, I would leave with a positive mindset and eagerness for the next session. Of course, this all came alongside considerable knowledge about all things fitness, nutrition, and movement, meaning I continually made progress and I was able to build a solid foundation to continue by myself. I would highly recommend you to reach out to CSS Fitness for an initial consultation. If I could continue my sessions, I certainly would. Thank you Chris!

Fantastic experience: If you’re in the Leeds area and fancy running with a friendly bunch of people and catching up over a coffee afterwards, look no further than Headingley Harriers running club in Leeds. Coached by Chris and Mac weekly, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a big runner or you’ve never run before, the group is suitable for all ages and abilities. Chris and Mac are extremely competent runners and running coaches too. Whether it’s getting fit for your first running event or even running a marathon, Headingley Harriers is the perfect environment for progressing your running fitness. I can’t recommend this running club in Leeds highly enough, the only downside for me is I can’t attend regularly anymore due to re-location. Sad times, but promise to be back at some point.

Fantastic experience: I attended my first Saturday morning group social run with Headingley Harriers and loved every minute. Everyone was very friendly and the little ice breaker they did before the run was a great idea which made you feel welcomed into the group. I haven’t been running much recently after having my baby and so was a little nervous as to whether I would be fit enough to complete the distance. After a short discussion with Chris, he was quick to re-assure me that I was more than capable of completing the run. We ran just under 4 miles and all went for a coffee after the run. I really enjoyed the run and meeting lot’s of new people was an added bonus. Looking forward to the next one!

Fantastic experience: I had been thinking about personal training for quite some time before finally committing to 10 weeks of training with CSS Fitness. For me, it was really important to find someone who was easy to get on with. Not only is Chris a laugh, but very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his work. I feel like I’ve learned more about strength and resistance training in the last 3 months than in the last 3 years going it alone. I now have a far better understanding of how to set movements up and perform them without fear of being injured. Chris helps you break down your goals and puts achievable steps in place so you feel like you are progressing on a weekly basis. This has certainly given me the confidence and momentum to push on and be more consistent with my training and nutrition. Nutrition was always something I struggled with until I met Chris. His nutritional guides and recipe books were an absolute game changer. Home cooking never used to exist in my house until I read through the CSS cooking skills guide. I’m looking forward to continuing my fitness journey with CSS and excited about the next big challenge. Thanks for everything so far Chris!

Fantastic experience: I reached out to CSS Fitness to help me with my running fitness. The running group at Headingley Harriers that Chris coaches is fantastic. Everyone is really friendly and supportive when it comes to your training experience, just a great environment overall to meet new people and become a better athlete. The training sessions are well organised and structured in a way that allows every individual to progress. I never once felt like I was out of place and every week was challenging but hugely rewarding for me personally. The additional support I received throughout my time working with Chris was second to none. He was always on hand at the other end of the phone to help me whenever I had questions regarding my training or nutrition. The accountability from Chris is exactly what I was looking for, this allowed me to stay on track in times where I would usually fall off plan and meant I was able to progress and reach my targets. I couldn’t recommend Chris highly enough to anyone who is serious about making significant changes to their fitness levels. Thank you Chris!

Fantastic experience: I came to Chris because I wanted to be able to run pain-free again and I wanted to know more about how to structure my time at the gym and see improvement. The sessions helped me to achieve this and much more. Chris was able to help me with a resistance training schedule in the gym as well as running workouts that I could follow and complete on my own. I learned the proper lifting techniques for compound exercises which helped me lift heavier than ever before with the bench press and the overhead press. Plus I was able to start adding extra weights to chin ups, which is not something I would have thought possible before this. I trained with Chris for 10 weeks but it has given me a lot of knowledge that I can use in the future to help plan and structure gym workouts for future training that I’m planning. The running workouts - as well as injury prevention exercises in the gym - helped me to run my fastest 5km in years and achieve a PB in the 10km. Right at the beginning of my training, Chris said that Leeds 10k would be a good event to take part in to test where my training had got me to and a lot of the work we did went towards achieving that. The improvements to my running have inspired me to try my first marathon next year. On top of the running and gym work I wanted to start to lose some body fat and tone up a bit. Chris helped me to spot areas of my diet that I could improve and gave me the information I needed to hit diet goals which has helped hugely with losing fat and learning heathy tips for the long term. The personal training is definitely one I would recommend to people. After a long time of feeling unmotivated about the gym and running; I now have got back to enjoying my workouts and planning future training goals. Plus he bought me a Guinness and a Nike gift voucher after my 10k PB

Fantastic experience: I’ve really enjoyed my time working with Chris. He’s someone who is super easy to get on with and is always really enthusiastic when it comes to progression in training. His attention to detail and knowledge around strength and resistance training is second to none. Something which was really helpful was his ability to break movements down and explain them in a simple way. This enabled me to feel confident in performing exercises and allowed me to progress at a much quicker rate. Chris is great when it comes to helping you understand your targets and sets realistic timeframes so you are not overwhelmed or disillusioned with your own expectations. I think it’s easy sometimes to get carried away with multiple objectives and lose sight of what the short term focus is. Chris made it clear that the easiest way is to enjoy the process and begin ticking those weekly to do tasks. Chris also asked me to be part of a recent CSS Fitness photoshoot. I was more than happy to take part and the clothing is of high quality. I really liked the training vest top and the hoodies were ideal for warming up in. Thanks again Chris!

Fantastic experience: I reached out to Chris to help me with my running fitness ahead of my American Football season. I really wanted a coach who had the knowledge, experience, and expertise in this area. Chris literally went the extra mile with me in our sessions! As much as I was cursing him at the time during our hill rep sessions, the benefits I experienced as a result was game changing for me. I've been training all my life, football, gaelic football, powerlifting, boxing, rugby, and American Football have been my areas of interest. So to be humbled on the hills with Chris was an eye opening experience. The plan, structure and weekly progression allowed me to fully understand how I was going to reach peak performance. The detail and rationale behind how we were going to achieve the end result was exactly what I was after. The workout details and pre-activity comments were straightforward and easy to understand, this really helped in terms of knowing exactly what was expected from the session. You can tell from minute one that you’re not just getting a generic running plan. Chris works with you on a daily/weekly basis. The feedback and weekly adjustments ensured I was doing the appropriate session based on how I was performing and recovering from training sessions. The season is underway and I’m feeling better than I ever have. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Chris to anyone who has an interest in running or personal training! Thanks again Chris!

Fantastic experience: Six months ago I contacted Chris to help cut down my 5k Park Run time and introduce me to strength & resistance training. Since then I have seen my PB reduce from 27 mins to 24 mins and I’m in the best shape of my life. I have also run my first half-marathon (Leeds) and I’m hoping to run York 10k nearly 10 mins faster than last year. Every training session has felt structured and purposeful thanks to Chris’ focus on my goals and his attention to detail. He is able to explain technical concepts in a simple way, which has helped me learn so much about technique and nutrition. Chris takes a great deal of interest in my running progress outside of our sessions. On the odd occasion where I’ve experienced fatigue or minor injury scares, Chris has understood my concern and quickly adapted our sessions to minimise risk. Looking ahead to the next six months, I am working with Chris to reduce my body fat % whilst maintaining the new muscle that I’ve built. I am also considering a full marathon which I previously never thought was possible. I would highly recommend Chris to anyone looking for personal training in Leeds.

Fantastic experience: I first met Chris in November 2023. Covid, the start of middle age, a desk job and minimal physical exercise had caught up with me. Shockingly, I realised that I was a stone heavier than I had been in the previous 24 months. I’d tried various diets, attempted to go to the gym myself but nothing seemed to work and things had to change. Thanks to Chris, I have lost that stone (and a bit more) and can now fit into all my old clothes. He has been with me since that first day, providing unlimited support and nutritional advice that has completely changed my view of food. It’s not been easy at times (I’ve needed serious will power on a weekend!) but I am absolutely over the moon with my results and my confidence has soared. It gives me the motivation to want to keep on going. Thank you Chris.

Fantastic experience: Returning to exercise post-pregnancy seemed like the perfect opportunity for a fresh start and a new challenge. I Reached out to CSS Fitness with the intention of regaining my fitness, improving my confidence, and building a stronger body. The support I have received throughout my time with Chris has been incredible. Although I was training with Chris 4x per week, you get so much more support than just the hourly PT session. He was there every step of the way throughout my 10 Week Body Transformation and made sure I was accountable on a weekly basis. I’ve never been much of a gym goer, until now of course. I feel like my eyes have been opened to a whole new way of training and living. My approach to exercise is completely different and I’m really excited about working towards the newly revised goals we’ve just set. Previously, I would have just gone through the motions and had no clear understanding or direction of how to achieve my objectives. Chris explained the importance of having a vision outlined from the beginning and other smaller targets to chase down along the way. This experience has been worth every penny and I’m looking forward to continuing my fitness journey with Chris. Thank you for all the help so far CSS!

Fantastic experience: I recently had the pleasure of working with Chris Sutcliffe on a photoshoot at Graft Haus in Leeds, and I must say, it was an experience beyond my expectations. Chris is the epitome of professionalism and creativity, a rare find in the industry. From the onset, Chris was a beacon of positivity, making the entire crew feel at ease with his approachable demeanour. His communication skills are unparalleled, ensuring everyone was on the same page, which made the workflow seamless and efficient. The creative insights Chris brought to the table were nothing short of remarkable. He possesses an innate ability to envision the end result, guiding the shoot with a confident yet collaborative spirit. His suggestions were always on point, blending perfectly with our creative direction. Moreover, Chris's understanding of the technical aspects of photography greatly enhanced the quality of our work. He effortlessly navigated through different lighting setups and compositions, contributing significantly to the artistic flair of the shoot. What truly sets Chris apart is his genuine passion and enthusiasm for his craft. It's evident in every discussion, decision, and shot he takes. This passion, coupled with his exceptional interpersonal skills, creates an atmosphere where creativity thrives. In conclusion, working with Chris Sutcliffe was an absolute delight. His professionalism, creativity, and positive energy significantly elevated our project at Graft Haus. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a top-tier collaborator in photography. Chris is not just a client; he's a visionary whose influence leaves a lasting impression on every project he touches.

Fantastic experience: I have always found gyms quite intimidating and so haven't been to one in over five years. Chris instantly made me feel at ease and was so patient bringing it back to basics. He's professional, knowledgable and encouraged me to push myself, but also made it fun! Never thought I'd enjoy going to a gym but I have Chris to thank for that. Couldn't recommend him more!

Fantastic experience: I contacted Chris in September 2022, to help me improve my general strength and conditioning for running and cycling, and to help me get rid of some little niggles and reoccurring injuries. Chris quickly arranged a phone call to discuss the specifics of what I wanted to achieve and then invited me to come into the gym to look around and chat more about possible training plans. This was all done with no pressure to sign up, which I really appreciated. After agreeing to a 12-week plan of two sessions per week, we quickly started training full body movements and I quickly noticed the improvements in my general strength and muscle tone, as well as the improvements to my running fitness and ability. Each time a new movement was introduced, Chris took the time to explain it step-by-step and correct any mistakes I made in a kind and professional manner. Chris always managed to push me in an encouraging manner, to make sure I got the most out of my training, but also made sure I knew when to take breaks and rest. After the initial 12 weeks, I was enjoying the sessions so much, that I signed up to another round and we used that time to work on more complex movements and to make sure I understood what I needed to know to go forward to undertake my own training sessions. Chris' knowledge of training and movement is excellent and he was always able to adapt the training to take account of any injuries I might have at a particular time. Especially, giving me some great stretching and strengthening advice to get my injured ankle back in working order. Thanks Chris for getting this "outside" person to understand the merits and methods behind training in the gym!

Fantastic experience: I was based in Leeds for a short period of time for work and needed a personal trainer to help me with my fitness goals. Chris showed a high level of professionalism from day one. I was really impressed with his level of knowledge and the attention to detail I received throughout the course of my training sessions. His recipe books are amazing! So much variation in terms of recipe ideas and covers breakfast, mains, sides and desserts. I was blown away with all the additional resources that were included within the package. The welcome pack which had so much useful information on training and nutrition. The guides for calories, eating out and cooking skills helped me out massively when it came to creating better nutritional habits. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my training experience with CSS Fitness. The only disappointment was that I didn’t have longer to train with Chris due to re-locating again. Would highly recommend to anyone who is thinking about taking their training to a new level. Thanks CSS!

Fantastic experience: I’ve always trained but recently hit a wall and have hated the gym for a while. Chris has completely changed my mindset and taken me from hating the gym to loving it again. My programme is so easy to follow and I’m seeing results in such a short amount of time. I’m back out of my comfort zone, confident and more importantly I enjoy it again! Chris is hands down the best pt ever, such a laid back, relaxed, funny guy. Even though he cracks out the odd dodgy dance move. He more than knows his stuff and can adapt the way he plans your sessions to your individual goals and needs. Every session is different, energetic, fun, enjoyable, the hour feels like no time at all. Chris is always encouraging progression with weight, reps or change in tempo. Thank you Chris, would 100% recommend to anyone!!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been working with Chris for a few months now as he has helped me expand my skills and knowledge as a personal trainer through mentoring. We have had weekly calls where we have either worked on the business side of self employment or education to help me deliver a quality service to clients. The biggest take away for me is how my confidence has grown through the process and how Chris has actually supported me along the way by going above and beyond answering as many questions as possible. We have also had bi-weekly meetings in person to go through things such as equipment in the gym, exercise execution and programming. Chris has made the mentoring process a really fun and engaging experience as he has brought humor, energy and enthusiasm along the way! Would highly recommend Chris’s mentoring to any personal trainer looking to learn more or level up their service!

Fantastic experience: I signed up for a 6 week course with Chris because I did not have much gym experience and wanted to improve my fitness and weight. Being over 6ft and on the slim side at 67kg I always found it difficult to increase my weight and put on some muscle. I didn't expect any significant results over just 6 weeks but the support and work Chris has done with me relating to diet and also exercise has resulted in me gaining around 5kg in this short amount of time which I am delighted with. He has shown me which exercises are best for me specifically and how to do these correctly so I can use his advice going forwards. He's also really easy to get along with and accommodating for when to book in sessions. Would recommend to anyone

Fantastic experience: From the moment I contacted Chris I knew I was in safe hands. I have had multiple personal trainers before but Chris is different! From the initial consultation call it was clear that Chris was extremely experienced, dedicated to his work and understanding. The sessions with Chris are extremely structured and because of this you can really see your progress, especially when it comes to lifting weights or weighted machines. He also takes the time to complete a log book each session so you can look back and see how far you’ve come. I find this extremely motivating. He takes the time to explain each exercise to you and is extremely patient. It is clear that Chris is very knowledgeable when it comes to strength training and building stamina. Throughout my time training with Chris I’ve had injuries (entirely my own fault and non gym related) and he has always managed to tailor our sessions and accommodate; this is great because it means no time out the gym!! I cannot recommend Chris enough to anyone who is considering a personal trainer. He brings so much energy and character to every session it makes working out something to look forward to! My confidence in the gym is at an all time high and I plan to train with Chris for the

Fantastic experience: I contacted Chris in September 2022, to help me improve my general strength and conditioning for running and cycling, and to help me get rid of some little niggles and reoccurring injuries. Chris quickly arranged a phone call to discuss the specifics of what I wanted to achieve and then invited me to come into the gym to look around and chat more about possible training plans. This was all done with no pressure to sign up, which I really appreciated. After agreeing to a 12-week plan of two sessions per week, we quickly started training full body movements and I quickly noticed the improvements in my general strength and muscle tone, as well as the improvements to my running fitness and ability. Each time a new movement was introduced, Chris took the time to explain it step-by-step and correct any mistakes I made in a kind and professional manner. Chris always managed to push me in an encouraging manner, to make sure I got the most out of my training, but also made sure I knew when to take breaks and rest. After the initial 12 weeks, I was enjoying the sessions so much, that I signed up to another round and we used that time to work on more complex movements and to make sure I understood what I needed to know to go forward to undertake my own training sessions. Chris' knowledge of training and movement is excellent and he was always able to adapt the training to take account of any injuries I might have at a particular time. Especially, giving me some great stretching and strengthening advice to get my injured ankle back in working order. Thanks Chris for getting this "outside" person to understand the merits and methods behind training in the gym!

Fantastic experience: I signed up on a 12 week programme in preparation for my wedding next year. Without a doubt it has been one of the best things I've ever done for myself. After 12 weeks I'm in the best shape of my life and so much more confident. I thought the workouts would be really challenging and I'd have to severely restrict my diet but the workouts are surprisingly doable and enjoyable and I've actually increased my calories. I'm really looking forward to starting my second 12 week programme and can't wait to see what kind of shape I'll be in by the time my wedding comes around!

Fantastic experience: Before I started training I was cautious to find someone right for me and a gym I felt welcomed in. I was a beginner 12 weeks ago not knowing my limits, knowledge about muscles, nutrition or the gym. Training sessions were booked in 4 times a week for 12 weeks. My starting weight was 103.4KG and my final weigh in was 92.2kg. I was so happy with this result as I wanted to drop some weight as well as build muscle. The training process was great and every session was challenging in many ways such as, weight, reps and controlled movement. I feel much stronger in the gym and more aware of the foods I consume on a daily basis. I’m really happy with the results and I didn’t expect to be in the position I am now. This experience has helped me not only physically but mentally too. It’s given me a routine and I’ve really found something I love doing now.

Fantastic experience: My first ever triathlon was back in 2012 when I competed in the Ilkley triathlon. Back then I was working as a lifeguard at Bingley pool and I came across a flyer that had some information on about the event. At the time I was cycling and running to work and it seemed like an interesting challenge, especially after seeing ironman on TV. Chris has been a massive influence on me ever since I started competing in sport. I was never the sporty type originally when I was younger. When it comes to following a structured program I work closely with Chris all year round. I personally wouldn’t work with any other coach as he knows my strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else. The program I follow is never set in stone and if anything, it’s more of a template. This is why it’s important to work closely with Chris so he can make the necessary adjustments to ensure I progress within my training. Anyone can write a program, but knowing how to periodise and optimise a program in order to make the correct adjustments to ensure progression, that’s where Chris comes in. If you know Chris, you will know that one of his biggest strengths is running. This is probably out of all three disciplines in the triathlon my biggest weakness. Under Chris’s guidance, my 10k time has improved by a massive 8 minutes since I began competing. He really knows his stuff and I’m grateful for all the expert advice he has given me over the last few years. Thank you for all your support Chris.

Fantastic experience: When I met Chris on our first training session, I had little to no previous experience, let alone any kind of confidence within a gym environment. Almost instantly he made me feel at ease as he is not only super friendly, patient and understanding, he can also back it up with years of gym, nutritional and PT experience. Every session, Chris’ enthusiasm and energy encouraged me to achieve the best of my ability, which over time not only allowed my gym and self confidence to flourish, it also significantly improved my mental health from day one. I always felt Chris listened to my concerns and anxiety around learning unfamiliar movements. Over time, Chris reassured and encouraged me to push myself as I gained more confidence. I’d highly recommend Chris to anyone who’s thinking about personal training.

Fantastic experience: I’ve just finished a 3 month PT programme with Chris and I’ve been highly impressed. My goals were to build size and feel great, CSS has helped me achieve this. Chris has helped me achieve more in 3 months than I have done in years pottering around in the gym on my own. He shows an enthusiastic passion for health and fitness and really pushed me on my programme; finding those extra reps I didn’t know I had. I’ve really noticed my strength improve over the journey and would fully recommend CSS. You won’t be disappointed, get yourself booked in! Thank you

Fantastic experience: Working with chris has been a joy. He’s helped me improve in the gym and allowed me to look at training from a different perspective. He’s always fun and encouraging but serious when he needs to be. Chris has given me a lot of guidance by breaking down the deadlift technique making it easier for me to follow, explaining it time after time even if I keep doing it wrong. His attention to detail has helped me excel in not only the technique of my deadlifts but the weights I am lifting. I have learned different variations to improve my deadlift. Adding pause deadlifts for example has massively levelled up my technique and improve on the weaknesses I had. I am already pushing the weights up. And whenever I feel defeated with lifts, Chris is always there with some wise words of encouragement. I have always been one to struggle with programming and organising session for myself as it doesn’t come easy to me. He has given me numerous amount of plans to follow and they’ve worked really well for me. Chris has always been one for positive quotes and boosting mindset when it’s most needed. When helping me to attempt a new 1RM, he was there to hype me up and calm my nerves. Chris provided the added motivation by giving me £100 worth of Protein Works products if I achieved this goal. Couldn’t be happier working with chris, he has helped me improve both physically with my deadlift technique as well as mentally within the gym. Couldn’t thank him enough!

Fantastic experience: I had stumbled off the wagon on my fitness journey and knew I needed to do something drastic if I was going to get in shape for my wedding in May 2022. I was Googling personal training in Leeds and stumbled along Chris’s website in December 2021. I signed up to the 12 week Body Transformation Programme with 3 sessions a week. I wanted to become leaner, stronger and build knowledge around weight training. I was getting married in Spain in a villa around family and friends. Ultimately, I wanted to be comfortable around the pool in my swimwear. In our first meeting I was blown away by Chris’s depth of knowledge around all things fitness. Before our first session, Chris had sent me over a nutrition plan that included a variety of meal options. After the first week of sessions I could not believe how much Chris knew. His enthusiasm about fitness and the plan of how to get me where he wanted me to be. Fast forward 12 weeks and I’d achieved what we set out to do. I was stronger than I have ever been, looked in the best shape ever and knew a lot more about weight training. I loved it so much I booked on for another 12 weeks. I even had biceps, which I had not seen for the last 15 years! My wife was very impressed! I would highly recommend anyone who needs direction and structure. Sessions were hard but engaging, all recorded and everything was being done to a plan. Stumbling across CSS was the best thing ever to happen for my fitness. Stop thinking about it if you are reading this and just sign up, you won’t regret it!

Fantastic experience: I have always wanted to improve my fitness and lose weight in the process. I was recommended CSS Fitness by a colleague who had been working with Chris for a number of years. Although I felt out of my comfort zone when I began the training, it didn't take long to feel at ease, due to Chris's ability to connect with me and add a sense of humour into our training time. I have seen my results steadily improving and this has supported my ability to return to running, seeing a big improvement in my times and distance. The support I have received about my nutrition has also been a game changer, and understanding my macros & micro nutrients has helped me stay fuller for longer and aid my muscle repair. I have just signed up for my second 36 sessions and look forward to seeing my improvements continuing.

Fantastic experience: It’s been great having PT sessions with Chris. Having gained a lot of extra weight over lockdown and not been a member of a gym for a long time, the sessions with Chris helped me lose 8.2kg over the 12 weeks of sessions. Having 1 to 1 support was great as it helped me focus on my goals. Losing weight/inches and not having the headache of figuring out what weights/routines to do as Chris had it all in hand. I was able to just turn up and focus on the exercises itself rather than any of the gym prep/set up. I would wholly recommend the sessions. Chris is a great trainer, very professional and enthusiastic while not letting you slack off even when you may want to. Having completed my 12 weeks of sessions I now have the confidence to go back to the gym by myself and carry on losing more weight. I’m already excited for the next chapter and keen to see what else I can achieve.

Fantastic experience: As a runner, cyclist, and footballer, I’ve always been quite lean and not very muscular. But with my 30th birthday and wedding on the horizon, I decided it was time for that to change. After reading about Chris’ background in running and cycling, I felt he would be the best person to help kick start my own journey into strength training. So I signed myself up for his 12 week body transformation program with the goal to get stronger, add muscle mass, and trim some body fat. Chris is a great trainer, and thanks to him, I feel healthier and stronger than ever. I started the program with very little experience and a slight fear of going to the gym, but now I look forward to every session. He’s taught me proper lifting technique and helped me understand the importance of nutrition when it comes to building muscle. All of which are priceless for someone new to weightlifting! I’m very happy with my results so far and I’m excited to see what I can achieve in the next few months with Chris’ help.

Fantastic experience: After suffering a bad ankle sprain and having lost much of my previous fitness I came to Chris to help me lose some weight, build muscle, and improve my overall health. From day one Chris was friendly, supportive and easy to get on with. As somewhat of a novice when using gym equipment, I didn’t tend to try machines or exercises I wasn’t comfortable with and would rarely see motionless improvement. Chris was great at teaching new exercises, explaining how different muscle groups worked and making me feel more confident on the gym floor. He even helped me pick out new running trainers. Over the duration of the programme I saw my technique, form and strength improve dramatically under the personalised plan Chris created for me and I’m excited to continue losing weight and building muscle using his excellent programme as a foundation. All this and we had a great laugh while we were training as well. I couldn’t recommend him enough.

Fantastic experience: I got in touch with Chris as I’m getting married in May and wanted to improve my fitness. It’s fair to say I was a complete beginner, having never really lifted weights before. From the first session, it was clear Chris is an expert, and passionate about what he does. He is a great teacher, always helping me improve my technique, and has provided valuable support on nutrition as well. Chris has tailored a program to help me achieve my goals. The sessions are varied and fun. His enthusiasm is infectious and he always pushes me to achieve more. I’m really pleased with the progress I’ve made so far. I’m feeling fitter and stronger than I’ve ever been, and I’m more confident inside and outside of the gym. Most importantly, Chris has made training fun! I really look forward to going to the gym, and I’m excited about continuing my fitness journey with CSS!

Fantastic experience: Training with CSS has been just what I needed to kickstart my post lockdown life. It has been the best decision for my physical and mental health. Chris has been really patient, knowledgable and supportive throughout my 12 week journey. I’ve just signed up to another 12 weeks so I can continue my progress and keep seeing results.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a regular gym goer for years but kept to the safety of the cardio machines as never felt confident to properly workout in the weights area. During the first lockdown I was struggling to keep focus on going running and doing basic home workouts so started with Chris when gyms reopened. It’s not easy working out with Chris because you never settle into a slow pace, always pushing you to do more and progress with each session. There are times I really didn’t want to go training because I was tired or busy at work, but I knew that each one would push me and I’d feel amazing afterwards. You get out what you put in, I’ve done an extra session here or there to add to the 3 a week but each session you go with the mindset of improvement, not dwelling on the starting point. The 12 week programme kick started me to get back to pre lockdown shape and now I’m on the next block to take it further.

Fantastic experience: Training with CSS has been really fun and challenging. Every session was designed with a detailed plan in terms of the best excercises for me. I was pushed to my absolute max, and throughout the programme was able to make great progression with my lifts- surprising myself with how much they increased! Along with this, I was able to improve my cardiovascular fitness greatly- with interval and circuit training designed to help improve my running speed as well as enabling me to improve my fitness for 5 a side football.

Fantastic experience: I have always been into fitness, but always cardio based fitness. I had wanted to experiment in strength training for some time, but never had the confidence to experiment in a gym. I found Chris online just after lockdown 2 and had a telephone consultation. We started with 3 sessions per week over a 12 Week Programme. I immediately fell in love with exercise again. Chris is a great personal trainer and you walk away after each session feeling massively motivated. From learning a new exercise, to understanding how each movement benefits the muscle group being trained. The difference in body composition I’ve achieved over a 12 week period plus in the middle of a pandemic and working around gym closures is something I didn't think would be possible. I'll definitely be back to continue training with Chris and look forward to progressing my fitness journey even further.

Fantastic experience: Having been an off-and-on gym user since university, I reached a point where I was only making minimal progress, if any progress at all. Also, being someone who is naturally slim, I found it difficult to put on weight and maintain it. However, with a wedding around the corner, I decided to take the step of finding a personal trainer who would be able to break the deadlock and take me to the next level. After looking around online, I found CSS Fitness. I discussed my goals with Chris and he was able to give me the reassurance that he would be able to help me achieve them (even exceed them!). As soon as we got started Chris helped refine my technique so that I was able to complete the exercises well and safely. The sessions were, and continue to be, challenging but very rewarding and enjoyable. Chris keeps me on track, both on form but also on my diet, explaining in detail how they fit together and providing advice, where necessary. Diet has been particularly important for me as I have never been someone, until now, who pays much attention to what they eat which undoubtedly hampered my progress in the past, but now I am being held accountable for it I have noticed a huge difference in my size and shape, and my energy levels while training. Now, 15 or so weeks down the line, I am the strongest I have ever been in my life! I also enjoy going to the gym more than ever before partly because the Graft Haus gym is fantastic with great equipment and a friendly crowd, but also because I am seeing terrific results from my personal training in terms of strength and body shape. I am confident that I will hit my goals, regardless of the coronavirus!

Fantastic experience: I have generally been very active throughout my life mainly playing sports. But I found as I got older I had less time for myself (like most other people) because of my businesses and home life. I wasn’t really eating properly and was finding that I was becoming intolerant to quite a few foods. I had also found that in the past few years I was getting injured a lot more and I was spending more time recovering then playing. I decided I wanted to make a change in my life so I could enjoy playing football again without injuries, so I thought the best way to do this was to join the gym and work on my weaknesses. I scanned the internet for personal trainers in the Leeds area close to my work, so I had little excuse not to go. There were LOADS out there all promising amazing results!!! I spoke to several over the phone and as my goal wasn’t really to add huge muscle mass, most didn’t appeal to me. Then I came across CSS who seemed to have a much more tailored approach to each individual client. I booked a consultation with Chris and he really took the time to understand my goals and we discussed how WE could achieve them rather than just TELLING me the gym plan to have the perfect body. My goals were definitely multifaceted in that I wanted to be fitter and less prone to injury, improve my diet so I could consume more food and identify the foods I could no longer eat, but I also wanted to improve my aesthetic appearance. The journey has been absolutely amazing!!! I have loved my sessions with Chris, really enjoyed the buzz of the gym. We are now on lockdown due to COVID-19 and my workload is like it was when I started out with my business 13 years ago. When I reflect on the past few months, I can honestly say that, as cliche as it may sound, it has been a life changing experience!!! I can’t wait to get back to the gym for the hard work and the laughs.

Fantastic experience: Worked with Chris for 3 months. He's a great guy, very caring and is an awesome personal trainer. 10/10 would recommend.

Fantastic experience: Fitness has always been a huge part of my life. However, over the past three years my workout routines had become extremely monotonous, and I had really lost focus on my nutrition. Even though I was lifting weights in the gym 2-3 times per week, I found I was never able to increase my strength or change my physique. And the frequent eating out, lack of planned meals, and nightly treats from Tesco certainly were not helping. In January, CSS approached me with a 8-10 week transformation program that sought to accomplish 3 specific goals: #1) Improve overall strength #2) Put on 10 KG of muscle mass #3) Educate myself on the nutrition I was putting in my body For me, this 8-10 week program was all about taking my fitness to the next level. Yes, I understood basic lifts and exercises, but had no idea what I was doing with more complicated exercises (deadlifts, squats, overhead presses, etc.). From day one, CSS not only pushed me harder than thought I could go, but made sure every movement I made was controlled and focused. After 6 weeks of dynamic upper and lower body workouts 4-5 times per week, and diet focused on lean meats and healthy carbohydrates, I’ve added 7.3KG of lean muscle to my frame. I feel stronger, more aware of the foods I consume, and overall more confident. The best part about the program, is that I’ve learned to enjoy and look forward to my time spent in the gym. CSS makes each workout unique and challenging, so that I am never doing the same old routine. This is very important for me, for someone that is always looking for the next challenge. So far I am thrilled with the results, and am looking forward to pushing towards my final goal over these final 4 weeks. To be continued...

Fantastic experience: What do you do when you are feeling miserable, when your clothes don’t fit the way they used to, when you are struggling to be as active as you would like to be and as a consequence, everything seems so much more of an effort, more oppressive and challenging? This was me at the beginning of 2018, despite a history of using gyms independently and in classes, running and being reasonably active. I had reached the stage of believing that I had morphed into LaLa, my favourite Teletubby. So it began… I signed up for what may have seemed like a lifetime for Chris, but was in reality about a year of on and off training for me. Chris regularly changed things up to prevent me and my muscles from stalling, keeping a log of my progress (and occasional regression) as the weeks passed. Spring came, then summer, autumn and winter. I continued to work with Chris, roughly four times a week, on upper and lower body routines that included dead lifts, squats, body weight dips and… well, the usual gamut of fun called ‘working out with a personal trainer.’ And that’s the other part of this experience. Chris really did put the ‘personal’ into the training. I do not want to embarrass him (well, I do, but not too much), but Chris really was lovely if ever I brought anything other than training related issues into the gym. He was brilliant to talk to, he gave really strong advice, he listened, he encouraged, he allowed me to just stop what I was doing and catch my breath. I am sure he could write books on what he is told in the gym, but only because he has the kind of listening & support skills more frequently associated with those whose job is focused on thinking and feeling rather than doing. I learned about eating better, about tracking my food intake, about not just counting calories but balancing macros. I learned that being consistent leads to results and that so often, it is mind over matter that makes the difference. I also discovered that Chris is a really, really lovely man – and as a personal trainer it would be hard to work with somebody better. He pushed me when I needed to be pushed, and allowed me to rest when the tank was empty. I would have no hesitation recommending Chris as a personal trainer. Chris can certainly drive you to your limits! But if you want to work with somebody who is able to tune in to where you are at, and has a highly individualised, personal way of working with you, then Chris is the man. He clearly loves his work, and works hard to be good at what he does, so that you, as the client, achieve your goals. CSS Fitness. Get booking. Now. That is all.

Fantastic experience: Chris has put together some very detailed and specific sessions for me over the last few weeks to aid my football performance. He’s designed a programme around the concept of improving my speed and agility whilst having my CV in mind and I can see the difference on and off the pitch. I’ve worked with Chris on and off for well over a year now and he’s always able to keep the sessions nice and fresh which I enjoy!

Fantastic experience: I decided to take up personal training to help me with my training for the London marathon and to increase my overall body strength. I had run half marathons before so when I got my place to run the London Marathon I realised the need to train properly. Since my first consultation with Chris where we sat down to discuss what I wanted to achieve, Chris has always been there every step of the way. It was an added bonus that Chris is a runner himself so could offer advice first hand from his own experience. Chris wrote my full 14 week training plan which was realistic given my busy work and social life, slowly increasing my mileage each week whilst also making sure I was still doing weekly strength and conditioning sessions to compliment my runs. I didn’t realise the importance of doing this and how much it made a difference to my running especially when you were getting to the longer distances of 18-20 miles. I was extremely lucky and came through the 14 weeks injury free with only minor niggles which I doubt would have happened without the training plan I was following. As it was my first marathon I just wanted to finish but Chris encouraged me to aim for a time and to push myself. If someone had said to me in January I could run it under 4 hours 30 I wouldn’t have believed them but with the discipline of the training and gym sessions I smashed that. I would highly recommend using CSS fitness if you have any goal or target in mind, Chris was always there to encourage you and knew when to push you harder. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do half of the sessions without Chris’s support. Chris made each session fun and varied and you came away from each session having felt you have achieved something with a smile on your face. I enjoyed it that much that I am continuing my training with Chris and have now signed up for my next marathon….thank you CSS Fitness!

Fantastic experience: I wanted to find a great trainer to give me more confidence within the gym and push/hold me accountable, all whilst building a good rapport with them. It's safe to say that I have found that within Chris. I came to Chris with the above as a brief and very quickly we started setting goals and targets to achieve. My main goal over the 12 week programme was to hit 80kg (in a lean way), given I was starting at 73kg - it was going to be a good challenge! Within 6 weeks I had seen some great aesthetic, confidence and mental progress, with me tipping the scales at 77kg - this exceeded my expectations but Chris has kept my feet on the ground (and working hard!) During the process, Chris has demonstrated an undeniable energy to lift me on the tough days, in depth knowledge on movements, to not only tell me what to do but to educate me, and a good sense of individualisation with him tailing his approach/diet and exercise plan to meet my needs. I'm super excited to see what the next 6 weeks bring and would recommend Chris to anyone wanting a proven and credible trainer!

Fantastic experience: Great experience, great value, definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: Just finished the 4 week blitz as work brought me to Leeds for a month. Chris understood my needs/wants/aims quickly and had a good work plan established quickly. The gym facilities are one of the highest I've seen - especially in terms of resistance training. I really enjoyed every session, even if my face looked otherwise by the end! I will definitely be booking more sessions whenever I am back in Leeds.

Fantastic experience: Like most people at the start of every new year my intentions were to get fit and healthy. This year I actually took the plunge and joined the gym in the beginning of January. The last time I’d seen a gym was in my late teen ( I won’t mention how old I am now ) and I knew I need some extra support and guidance for a number of reasons, most of all to get optimum results and to avoid getting injured. I came across CSS fitness online , I had an initial consultation which resulted in most of my questions being answered and even questions I didn’t think to ask. I decided to enrol for the 12 week programme which included 4 sessions per week. I started to notice significant results within 6 weeks and my colleagues and friends also noticed a change in my physique. During my first 3 months I had gained 15kg ( mainly muscle!) My sessions each week were becoming more challenging with notable increase in weight in certain exercises. For example when I initially started bench press, I was benching around 40kg and towards the end of the programme was benching nearly 80kg! Having completed my 12 week programme I had no doubt I wanted to continue training with Chris. Over the next 12 weeks the focus and programme has changed slightly but I’m certain I will continue to make progress in my training. I just wanted to share my experiences over recent weeks and also wanted to give an incentive to those who are thinking to join the gym , especially with summer around the corner!!☀️☀️☀️

Fantastic experience: Chris is an excellent trainer. On day 1 Chris sat down with me to discuss my aims and lifestyle to ensure the programme he was creating would fit in and be realistic and manageable alongside my hectic job and social life. Once the detailed programme was created, Chris set about educating me on how to eat to fuel to ensure I would have the energy to see me through the more demanding weeks of training. Finally, Chris was excellent at adapting my plan to my needs when I became injured to ensure I could continue to train and not miss out on essential runs. As well as doing all of this, Chris managed to keep me motivated by mixing up my sessions and ensuring I remained focused on the end goal. I would have no hesitation in recommending CSS Fitness for anyone who has a goal in mind and who requires some professional support and advice to help achieve it.

Fantastic experience: Chris is an excellent trainer. He motivates and encourages you. He's friendly and chatty which make the training sessions enjoyable. I would highly recommend Chris as a personal trainer.

Fantastic experience: Great PT; helped me reach my goal of a 200kg deadlift as well as increasing numbers in all of my other lifts. Really hard working and sticks with you through every programme and session. Top quality professional who I would recommend to anyone.

Fantastic experience: Chris has been a great help in looking after the team at Luxury Flooring, we highly recommend his services as he has made everyone feel much healthier and better about themselves. Thanks

Fantastic experience: I have just done a 6 week program and I have got to say he's a great trainer. He knows what he's talking about and I have seen results from the program physically and mentally

Fantastic experience: Best PT in Leeds!! Friendly and wil help you to achieve any fitness goal!

Fantastic experience: I started training with Chris on the 1st of February this year after deciding I really needed to give myself a chance to change my body and my eating habits. I’ve always been very active and saw myself as quite fit and healthy but for some reason I just couldn’t budge the weight! I approached Chris and explained what I wanted and chose to train with him 3 times a week for 4 weeks at a time as well as doing extra sessions myself. First of all we started with nutrition and I came to realise I was under eating. This made no sense to me as I wasn’t under weight at all, but I learned that I had been depriving myself of giving my metabolism a chance to build up and that I wasn’t fuelling my body well enough. This meant that it was just storing everything I ate even with me exercising. Chris looked at my diet and gave me a really easy nutrition plan to see how my body reacted. We then edited this throughout after seeing what worked and what didn’t work. Overall, we found that high protein, good fats and carb cycling worked best for me. In regards to training I’ve always felt really comfortable with Chris which I think was really important for me. As a trainer he’s really relaxed but has a really good method of teaching. Each session he was always trying new movements and pushing me when he could see I could lift heavier; even when I thought I couldn’t, he proved that I could which really boosted my confidence. I didn’t realise how much lifting weights made a difference, as I’ve always been scared of getting too strong. I ended up training for just over 4 months with a holiday in June as my goal. At each month we modified my diet and tried new training systems to keep my body reacting to the new diet and training. It was hard and exhausting at times and some days I did really struggle, but Chris was always on hand outside the gym if I needed any help or advice or even sending me links to new diet ideas to help my knowledge grow. I can’t recommend Chris enough as a personal trainer. He has helped me so much and I can’t wait to carry on training. I’ve learned so much about my body, eating habits, nutrition and overall exercise that actually work for me. It’s the best decision I made this year and I’m finally so happy with my body. Thanks Chris you’re the best!

Fantastic experience: Couldn't recommend him any more. He's incredibly good at what he does. We had a good chat about my goals and my lifestyle, before he put together a very personalised routine and schedule in place to fit around my injury/rugby needs. Within weeks of suffering an injury he had me back to the fittest and strongest I had felt in years. I noticed the change in my Rugby within the first two weeks and just as quickly noticed the drop off, once I stopped training. Would happily to recommend to anyone.

Fantastic experience: I started training with Chris after having been travelling, and therefore away from the gym for months. Chris has helped me increase my fitness and build up strength, as well as regaining my motivation for the gym. Chris is dedicated and extremely encouraging, and has helped me challenge myself. He is a great PT and would recommend to anyone!

Fantastic experience: Chris has always been a complete professional in the years I have known him. I had the pleasure of tutoring him through his fitness qualifications. His attention to detail and passion for health and fitness made my job very easy! Chris has gone on to develop his knowledge further and it's no surprise to me he has built a successful personal training career. Highly recommended

Fantastic experience: I'm 49 years old and have been training for many years. I had lost my way a bit. So I started training with Chris and got into running! With his coaching skills he has helped me gain focus in my training and motivated me so much that ten years on from my first 10k I ended up running the Dewsbury 10k and ran it in 46.32 minutes beating my previous time by more than 2minutes. Since then I have improved on my fitness under Chris's guidance and run an even faster time of 45.35 in the Keighley 10k. Chris works you hard in his training sessions but makes them fun too! I can highly recommend Chris . He is an instructor that always goes the extra mile to help you achieve your goals!

Fantastic experience: So impressed with my experience with Chris! He's Professional and personal, kept faith in me even when I felt like giving up! He knows when to push and also when to hold you back if you get carried away with yourself. I'm Still on my fitness journey with chris but definitely enjoying the trip. I'm seeing some great muscle gains and weight loss which is what I asked Chris to help me with. Lots more goals and PB's to come and I know with Chris's help I will achieve them. He's knowledgable in both fitness and nutrition and if your considering a PT, you need to just have a brief chat with Chris first and you'll soon know you've come to the right place. See you at the squat rack Chris!

Fantastic experience: I've been training with Chris on and off for a year and I've seen a lot of improvements - more mental than physical. Whilst I have seen fat reduce and muscle increase, Chris has stimulated a change in my attitude towards using the gym. Previously I saw the gym as a task and an effort which meant that I went very irregularly. Now I see exercise as a lifestyle choice and look forward to going to the gym. 70% diet, 30% exercise but if you mix in a bit of Chris, then you have a recipe for real change.

Fantastic experience: I have to say I’m truly shocked by the changes I have seen in a short space of time training with Chris. Myself and Matthew are both into sports and training, but never really trained together and had both put a little extra fat on over the past year. With our holiday 10 weeks away, Chris agreed to put us on his couples programme so we could lose some weight and tone up for our trip to Vegas. From day 1 right to the end, Chris was attentive, empathetic and driving us to succeed which spurred us on and motivated us when we had distractions or troubles which made sticking to the plan more challenging. He knows his stuff, he shared knowledge on nutrition and health so we could make the lifestyle changes we needed to transform. He gave me confidence to try the heavy lifts I would not dared to before and it is so true that heavy compound lifts change your body in a short space of time. The trap bar deadlift was my particular favourite! It is amazing I have progressed to 80kg from starting at 50kg! There is no magic bullet except consistency, determination and a trainer like him to kick your ass when you think you can’t do it! I think both Matthew and I have made changes we can keep and the results photos speak for themselves: we have made a great change in a relatively short space of time. Chris we are really thankful for your support and think this is the start of something great!

Fantastic experience: I started training with Chris in January 2015 until the summer of the same year. He is an extremely knowledgable and passionate personal trainer and over the course of the months I trained with him I noticed immense progress with reaching my personal goals, whilst my overall fitness improved dramatically as well. I followed a customized nutrition plan and program design made just for me which simultaneously worked with my exercise regime. This helped to enhance my goals and progress. Sessions were always fun and innovative keeping things exciting. Chris always got me to work hard and reach my limits every session and was extremely patient and encouraging. After taking a year out travelling, I am back training with Chris and continuing to enjoy training and progressing towards my goals.