Tough Cookie Fitness

Fantastic experience: Great wee gym, really well stocked with various equipment including barbells (with the good quick release clamps!), good cages, air runner, rowers, dumbbells etc. Friendly folk and able to accommodate me for v.early morning workouts when staying over in Fort William for a week.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic gym and community. Johnathan and the instructors really care about the clients and take time to focus on all aspects of wellbeing not just fitness and strength. Training is available for all body types and fitness levels and there is a large supportive community of clients. The gym is well equipped for all aspects of training. It is also very spacious so there is never a problem finding space and equipment to carry out the workout you have planned. The team have managed to help people within the community change their lives. A must for anyone starting out or years into their fitness journey.

Negative experience: Too much hassle for me and not compatible with my lifestyle. Initially I was looking for a coach or a personal trainer to help me with gym workouts very simply because I had not been to the gym for a very long time and I wanted to lose the pounds that I had put on in the past 8 years. That is all I wanted. I had already started my weight loss journey with a health professional when I contacted tough cookie fitness. The coach decided that I would be an online client with the usual package which involves sharing daily data (calories, weight, steps). I did not find MyFitnessPal useful (a software recommended by the coach) because I cook from scratch, therefore I ended up spending 10-15 minutes per meal weighing and counting calories. In the end, I realised that I was spending more time sorting out the daily data than completing workouts A and B. I knew that it would not be sustainable long term with my busy schedule and I made it clear that I would not be renewing the experience. A few other things did bother me as well. But overall, the online approach turned out to be too complicated for me. I was not happy with it and I did get a refund. I am no longer with Tough Cookie Fitness, but I am still on that weight loss journey. I am no longer overwhelmed with weighing food and counting calories. I use a portion plate instead. My main focus is moving: working out at the leisure centre, and walking. My goal is to do something every day. Online coaching does work for some people, but it was definitely not my cup of tea. I do not want to put anyone off this approach. My point is that it does not work for everyone.