Functional Fitness

Fantastic experience: Jo is amazing. Identifying where I am weak and working with me to strength these areas and how to work on them at home.

Negative experience: I wanted to find a holistic fitness programme that incorporated an understanding of the biochemical processes in the body concerning trauma that causes tension and pain and whilst it was explained to me some time ago now in a friendly way that sounded like the person I spoke to was educated to a high degree of knowledge it was concerning to me that there was a significant lack of knowledge regarding the endocrine (hormonal) aspect impacting emotions, beliefs and the build up and subsequent release of trauma and the associated tension having more to do with the biochemical process than a manual physical release of tension in the body. Having contacted several wellness and fitness businesses, I see this isn't unusual so have to wonder what kind of training is being offered and why, if not, isn't it inclusive of the biochemical processes of tension and trauma. Stretching body tissue without the natural release of chemicals required in the process of release once the constriction for fight, flight or freeze to be acted on is fulfilled will cause tearing and scar tissue, as is also created when building muscles in weight training programmes which is harder and stiffer than natural tissue and likely to lead to further problems later on. There was ironically or perhaps not surprisingly a palpable tension when listening to the individual explaining what the service offers and I didn't feel much empathic understanding of what I was experiencing and seeking but instead, I was given an expert opinion as one would perhaps expect from someone advanced in the profession of health care although at that level it would remain necessary to work with each individual's life's story as well as the mind, body and brain as interconnected as they are and as each is as unique as it is a collective story of emotional oppression and the resulting trauma, which to me seemed contradictory to what I was being told the service is there to achieve. Without emotional understanding and connection, there will always be tension to some degree in the body and until this is widely taught or learned where such education is lacking but research and published accounts are readily available, such programmes offering solutions to tension and trauma in the body is in the long run if not sooner going to perpetuate tension and trauma. Paying for emotionally suppressed and tense individuals to help me release trauma from my body whilst claiming it will make me relaxed, happy and confident would be counterproductive methinks. The pursuit of happiness is not a road that leads to sanity nor does it maintain homeostasis as the unrealistic expectation of happiness and easiness in life will always set one up for failure, and confidence comes from within when emotionally connected and therefore in tune with instincts as opposed to strong emotions as is more often the case when emotions are suppressed. If dependent on external factors for either happiness or confidence then the ground will at some point give way like castles built on sand. This I say having found it necessary to face such realities myself in the course of both my personal and professional development. Life has an incredible way of letting us know when we are heading in the wrong direction but also that it is frequently necessary to head in the wrong direction to know why we do this if only our minds are open enough to learn. Our instincts work in protective ways but when it's not understood how instincts work what we do can seem counter to our survival but in reality we do what we need as an opportunity to move from the stuckness of energy in our bodies that keeps us stuck in a fight, flight or freeze response that can and does lead to quite mind blowing beliefs and behaviours. When in tune all becomes clear and we know we were heading in the right direction all along! My journey has led me to steer away from such fitness programmes as this and to wish you an incredible journey where ever it may lead!!

Fantastic experience: Keeping you active.

Fantastic experience: I contacted Jo back in June as I was looking for a new routine to increase my strength and support my running. At the time, I was struggling with pain in my hips and lower back after every run. Jo has taught me the importance of myofascial release, and provided me with exercises and techniques to help me support my body. I also attend suspension classes weekly which I really enjoy, and I feel that my strength, flexibility and balance have improved massively. My running technique has also improved, and I’m now able to run faster and for longer. Most importantly, I don’t get those aches and pains which I was suffering with regularly before. If I do get a niggle, I now have the techniques to be able to correct it before it becomes a bigger issue. It also helps that she’s super lovely and encouraging! I would highly recommend Jo to support your fitness journey.

Fantastic experience: What can I say I walked in with a walking stick and 3 weeks later I'm back on my feet I haven't got the word's apart of a huge thank you and will continue visiting.

Fantastic experience: My teenage son has recently had a few 121s with Jo to help improve his posture and get stronger for the various sports that he does. She engaged him and encouraged him that he actually listen to her to do his "homework" from her, which for a 13yr old says alot! He attended his first class this week and loved it and is now trying to encourage and inspire his friends to join too. This is a such a great way for him to get stronger safely at an age where they think they are invincible and need to learn about injury prevention. So glad to have this on our doorstep.

Fantastic experience: I started working with Jo at F2 two years after fracturing five vertebrae in my upper back and next, as well as having damage to nerves in my shoulder. I was always uncomfortable and in pain a lot of the time. Jo helped me to get my body moving properly again. First she helped me regain my flexibility and got my brain reconnected to my muscles. We worked together to reduce the pain in my neck and back and get me confident in my body again. After that, we worked on a strengthening programme to rebuild my muscles and getting me to a point where I could work safely and comfortably in the gym on my own. Jo gave me back my body and my confidence to work with it. Jo allowed me get active again and live my life pain free and I can't thank her enough for it.

Fantastic experience: An amazing space with amazing personal trainers. Suspension training (and other classes) is a great form of exercise, with the trainers make the experience with their experience and in-depth knowledge.

Fantastic experience: Jo and Dave are the best fitness duo you could ever come across. Year’s of experience combined to perfect your body in ways you could never imagine. They are the next big thing mark my words, so go take a look and see for yourself while you can see them in person because they will fly high soon!!!

Fantastic experience: My husband and I have been doing suspension training with F2 for over 2 years now - both offline and online, started as a way of sorting out some of the injuries and eventually became an integral part of our training routine. We’ve also started having regular personal training sessions with Jo which we find particularly beneficial as she helps us target areas we need to pay more attention to. As we are not local to Portishead, online classes have been a great way to keep up with our training and keep us sane throughout all the covid lockdowns will definitively keep using this gym and it’s online classes

Fantastic experience: I am now running again, all thanks to the thorough and accurate way Jo quickly saw what the issue was . Undoubtedly her sport’s professionalism, experience and bio mechanical knowledge all contribute to a superior package ! If you want to improve your training , be injury free and learn how to connect properly then suspension training has also been excellent for me, so thanks to both Emily and Jo for that . I am now continuing to move forward with Jos help, and feel that good progress has been and is being made. I cannot recommend this enough or highly enough.

Fantastic experience: Suspension training is the best - I go online 2 x a week following a double hip replacement in February - it has made such a difference in the last 6 weeks - thanks to Jo and the team - there is nothing else like this locally.

Fantastic experience: I have been seeing Jo for P/T since 2015. I am definitely not a ‘gym girl’ and at times it’s been a real struggle. I initially went to her because I had painful knees and wanted to become fit enough to trek to see the mountain gorillas in Uganda, which I achieved, with a lot of encouragement from Jo. Until Covid I was generally seeing her once a week and doing a suspension class weekly, but as I holidayed a lot, I missed many weeks. For the last few months I have had the consistency of 3 P/T sessions a week and what a difference this has made to my fitness, my strength and the dramatic reduction to the pain in my knees. I’m even almost enjoying being a gym girl! I still do 2 of the sessions by Skype but for the other I now go to the wonderful new gym. And, for the future, when I go away I can still be ‘driven’ by Jo, working remotely. Something good to come out of Covid! Many thanks Jo. What I really like about you is that you focus on the individual and their needs and don’t just have a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Ann C

Fantastic experience: Been doing rehab training with Jo at Functional Fitness since last October. Jo’s knowledge & understanding is outstanding, works with you to build strength & improve ability & fitness, no matter what your ability is, in 1:1 sessions or really friendly classes. All through lockdown classes & support was still there on line & now the new gym is open it’s done in a really lovely safe & comfortable environment. Feel very much part of the functional fitness family

Fantastic experience: Today was my first Suspension Training since the beginning of lock down. The new gym is pristine and the Covid-19 precautions so thorough that I could not have felt safer in the building. From entering to leaving I felt confident that there was no risk of infection and it was a real joy to be exercising again under Jo's eagle eye.

Fantastic experience: I originally started having Suspension Training with Jo at WG after having 2 hip replacements and I felt like I wasn’t progressing with strength and fitness after my physiotherapy .Jo changed my life and has made me so much stronger than i ever thought. I’m still doing ST on Friday and on times have had classes with Emily and Wayne who great too. They are very knowledgeable in their sports and have complete understanding where your weaknesses lay. I was so impressed with Wayne that I encouraged my hubby to have some classes with him. Jo, Emily and Wayne are lovely and make you feel so comfortable and welcoming but also push and encourage you at the same time. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Note from the hubby. I started having suspension training almost 2 years ago. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it but it was great. It has really helped my core strength. I have recently signed up as a member for 2 sessions a week including a pad fit session on Saturday morning with Wayne. It is tough but brilliant. I strongly recommend this gym. Update on my review.: I want to thank Jo and Emily for keeping myself and the hubby going through lockdown with our weekly Skype classes they help with a bit of normality once a week and we got to see our fellow gym buddies. We have both been back at the gym for the last couple of weeks. They make you feel safe once there you get your temp check, sanitiser at the door for when you come in and leave and the gym itself is bright, fresh and airy it very comfortable. well done guys.

Fantastic experience: I have been a member at functional fitness for almost a year and I have to say it’s the most effective and friendliest way to exercise. I have also used all the coaches, of which there are three, Jo Emily and Wayne all slightly different all with the same aim.I have found the weight training as good as any I have had and no matter what age this is the way forward

Positive experience: Ok