Great in 8, A Gradual Better You

Fantastic experience: I started with Thrive with their 6 week programme. I knew what I wanted to achieve but was unconfident about the reality. My pre start consultation with Barrie whetted my curiosity, could I really do this? The support and encouragement has been phenomenal. Every session fuels my confidence to carry on. Thrive is tailored to helping adults at a pivotal age future proof their health through exercise & nutrition. Obviously the aesthetic results speak for themselves but the physical effect on body and mind are immeasurable as I’ve never felt so good! I can’t thank you enough Barrie, Kim, Sonja, Amanda, Helen and the Thrive family. I’m excited to carry on achieving with you.

Fantastic experience: Today marks my 1 year anniversary since I made the decision to come for my trial at Great in 8. To say I never stick to new ideas for more than 4 weeks is an understatement, these exercise sessions have kept me hooked for a whole year! I was never big into exercise prior to joining, I'd joined various gyms over the years but the novelty wore off pretty quick! I realised I needed to be motivated and this lovely group of people have kept me going. As someone who has always suffered with chronic back pain (I had spinal fusion in 2012) I was always nervous about exercise but Barrie and the other coaches have supported and given me alternative exercises. I've also had a bad relationship with food (binge eating) but since seeing the changes in my mental health it's enabled me to focus on eating better and prioritising protein. I've lost an additional stone in the last 4 months. I'm stronger mentally and physically and that's all down to the support from Barrie Johnston Sonja Parry , Kim Hember Helen Brown and the other amazing ladies.

Fantastic experience: Really friendly. If you are a slightly lardy, fairly unfit middle aged woman like me, it’s ideal!!

Fantastic experience: Eleven months ago I joined this amazing fitness group … my first session was daunting and my anxiety was off the scale BUT within one minute of starting my first class I felt I’d come home … everyone was so friendly and supportive. I’ve learnt so much and my fitness level is better than when I was in my twenties! I’ve met some great people and made life long friends… unfortunately this year I was seriously ill and had emergency surgery … I recovered very quickly and the medical team advised this was due to my fitness … during my recovery lots of the group checked in on me and even sent me a good well video. Yes there are mornings when I struggle to attend the class .. but took each step at a time to get there and the feeling afterwards is so good and the team seem to know you’re struggling and give you extra support! I’ve danced during classes… sworn a lot however the results in the last 11 months despite being poorly have been far and beyond what I imagined I would have achieved … best fitness group ever and I get to see the most amazing sun rises .. I cannot recommend this group enough give it a go I promise you won’t look back! Thank you Great in 8

Fantastic experience: Life changing- I’m fitter and stronger than I’ve been for years. But it’s the impact on my mental health that’s so incredible. Thank you Barrie, Sonja and Kim!

Fantastic experience: I cannot emphasise how much I love Great in 8! Rewind to 2023 and I was fairly active by running/plodding a couple of times a week, that was it and I had never lifted a weight. I came along to Great in 8 for a trial and very quickly became hooked. Everyone I have met is so kind and I have formed real friendships. I look forward to seeing everyone and even being outside in all weathers. I can definitely say my physical and mental health has improved hugely and even on the days when I'm tired I always feel better for attending. The support from all the coaches, the encouragement and the sense of belonging is fantastic. Come and join us in the park you'll be so glad ! x

Fantastic experience: Started with Great in 8 last Sept 2023, receiving a very warm welcome. It has been the first exercise routine that I have stuck with - ever! It’s sometimes hard to recognise progress. I have been regularly attending an annual year 5 residential (yet another teacher ☺️)! This year, all of the outdoor activities, particularly the all day walk over dunes / soft sand seemed so much easier! Thanks to Barrie and the Great in 8 team for effectively combining fitness, fun and friendship! Xx

Fantastic experience: I was really worried because I was so unfit that I wouldn’t be able to keep up. I needn’t have worried. Everybody is so friendly and so encouraging. I absolutely love it. It’s the best start to my day.

Fantastic experience: I joined almost a year ago at the start of the summer holidays. Having tried gyms and running solo I needed the motivation that a group class would bring. Wow, it turned out to be that and much more! A community of coaches and other members who have been encouraging and challenging! The outcomes have been huge. I’m fitter and stronger and it certainly helps with the stresses of being a parent and full time teacher. The early classes give me the opportunity to exercise before work and sets me up brilliantly for the day. Thank you to Barrie, Sonja, Kim, Helen and Jo!

Fantastic experience: Such a positive and friendly community, I have been a regular member for the past 10 years. I’ve met so many friends, I’m fitter and stronger than I have ever been and have finely found a way of keeping fit which I enjoy. It is also so great for my mental health, starting my day being outside with the nicest of people. And as if this isn’t enough, the retreats and socials are the best… especially bacon rolls in the summer

Fantastic experience: I've been going to Bootcamp for over two years and it is the longest I've committed to exercise as an adult. Gyms and classes didn't work for me. And I have seen results as a consequence of showing up consistently, including better mental health and trust in my physical and mental ability as well as getting stronger. As someone who's always been small and needed help for physical things, it's so empowering. There is a unique community that feels inclusive not clicky. As a neurodivergent person what really helps me is the humour, natural surroundings, music, routine, the physical pressure of lifting weights, as well as being coached and pushed with my specific needs and goals in mind. And being shown and achieving new techniques makes me feel safe and proud.

Fantastic experience: I can’t recommend this enough! I was really feeling the effects of perimenopause and decided something had to change. I saw the advert and thought why not? I’ve tried the gym several times and find it both intimidating and boring and never really know what I’m doing. So I joined Barrie and the team just over a year ago and I love it!! I’ve never been this fit and healthy in my life. Plus I’ve met some really lovely like minded ladies who were welcoming and encouraging from day 1 so if you’re looking for a friendly and dare I say it fun way to exercise this is it! I’m so glad I took the leap.