TESTIMONIAL by Amanda Ritter 24th August 2011

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I agreed to give the Namaste PT's Fitness and Wellbeing Studio's (formerly the Boiler Room) fitness sessions a go at the end of a party. When the time actually came to go - as in 5.40am Monday morning - I regretted every drop I'd drunk before I made that promise to attend. however, taking in the gorgeous surrounds of gardens and the ocean view as I arrived at the imposing front gate made me feel better - if I was going to have to suffer at least there would be something stunning to look at.
Like many people, I hate running - mostly because I'm so bad at it - so I was hoping that there be no running, ever - but of course that was just wishful thinking. On arrival Donna welcomed me in and the small group got stuck into the first fitness class I had done in around ten years - I didn't expect to be able to perform all the exercises, and I couldn't - but that's a long time ago now. In the warmer months exercising outside was a great way to start the day and I really noticed a difference in how fresh and mentally alert I was by the start of my work day.
After six months of three mornings a week I can now step up to anything Donna asks of me, although I'll admit it's not always without a moan. Despite my occasional slack off in class, I'm still delighted with my progress. I'm clearly stronger, I consistently lose small amounts of weight every month and my stamina has improved. The groups have a maximum size of six participants so we get individual attention. Donna corrects our form, constantly encourages and motivates, and she spurs us on to finish the set targets of each routine.
Now and then I get a helpful email when Donna has done some extra research to assist me with an issue or query and she's always amenable to a chatty class or a more focused session - whatever I'm in the mood for. The stretch cool down is still the best part of the class for me, but I do feel proud to have made it out of bed, (sometimes in freezing weather), I feel pleased my much fitter body bends in new ways and is able to do things I couldn't before, and I feel proud to have made it through yet another session. I'm fitter than ever before in my life and I'm actually looking forward to beach weather so I can strip off in the sun. I still hate running - but at least now I can do it if I need to. Thanks Donna.