"After hitting my early thirties I found that training was getting harder on my body, I was tired all the time and felt like I was training everyday but putting on weight. I was really frustrated. After seeing Abby and starting on a plan in three months I saw a complete turnaround in my body. I became leaner, fitter and stronger. Abby addressed lots of underlying issues which were preventing me making the most out of my training and affecting my general well being. Now both me and my husband have completely changed our eating habits, eat loads more fantastic food, have loads more energy and psyche and are climbing the hardest climbs we have ever done. I now understand what my body needs if I am going to push it to its limits and the least I can do for it is provide it with the right balanced nutrition."

Posted By: Lucinda Whittaker (formerly Hughes) – E8 & F8b Climber
www.climbingworks.com

"Working with Abby as a sports person has been very useful. I have learnt a lot more along the way about myself through tests and nutritional advice and how I function mentally has a massive impact on my body leading ultimately to burn out, as several systems are affected such as the adrenal glands and the healthy bacteria in the digestive system.

Thank you so much Abby for a much better understanding of myself!"

Posted By: Lynn Hamel -2010 Women’s National Hill Climb Champ

"The core of my professional climbing career has been nutrition.

Without the correct diet I’d not have the recovery rate required to train up to eight hours a day, six days a week. I’d not have the energy to work, climb and enjoy life. I’d not have the strength or power to compete at a world class level. I’d not have the emotional balance to cope with injuries, early mornings or life’s other trials.

I’ve read books about it, I’ve talked to experts, I’ve discussed it with friends and other climbers and after I’ve found out the more I learnt about nutrition the more there was to learn.  At one point I thought I understood, I needed to up my protein, down my carbs and cut out the fat completely…..So this is what I did for several years…Until I had my first meeting with Abby.

That first meeting was a dietary revelation.

Abby cut through the confusion and gave me a clear picture of my dietary requirements. It was simple. Because Abby knew what I needed to do.  I left the first meeting inspired and enlightened, I went away and put Abby’s instructions and my new found knowledge to the test, for me, the results were nearly immediate.

My following sessions with Abby refined my diet and nutrition knowledge even further. She managed to help me peak for an international competition in Rome with none of the usual dramas.  By eating the correct foods in the correct amounts, I became leaner than I’ve ever been, with a lower body fat level than I’d ever attained before. And this happened without feeling hungry, irritable, low on energy or run-down.

Thanks to Abby, I feel better than ever and my climbing is on the up!"

Posted By: Drew Haigh (Champ Climber)
www.chalk-bags.com

"I had heard excellent reviews of Ailsa's coaching skills from friends and colleagues. Training is expensive and time consuming - i wanted the best and so followed their advice. I was also impressed with the range of facilities and styles of working that Ailsa could offer, and she had a sense of humour!

I was pretty nervous before turning up - what would it be like? would i really suffer? would Ailsa live up to expectations? was there any hope of achieving my dream with such a significant injury to recover from.

Ailsa was terrific, she slowed me down and retrained me step by step. We celebrated every small success and i steadily progressed over two years to the point where i could climb. Having now completed my ambition without any shoulder problems i feel elated! The shoulder is better than it was before, and the fitness i gained overall made the experience so much more enjoyable. My life has changed as exercise is now an enjoyable, fulfilling and necessary part of my life - I'm even considering a triathalon...( a short one!!).

There are several aspects that are excellent. 1. Individuality - Ailsa tailors everything to your needs and is expert at working out what rehab will work for your injury 2. Variety - training never got boring as there were endless training (torture?) tools to use at different points, incrementally raising the challenge at each session and keeping me engaged. 3. Fun - Ailsa is warm and caring and has an fantastic (irreverant?) sense of humour that had me in stitches most of the time.

My shoulder is fully functional, and stronger then ever. Additionally i have get better at a range of other sports in the process and toned up overall. My cardiovascular fitness and core strength have improved and i am now considering a shot triathalon.

From my experience of working with Ailsa I can say don't ignore the needs of your body when it breaks - don't stop when physio stops, go and get expert rehabilitation training to ensure that you recover without further injury in a holistic way that ensures sporting success."

Posted By: Kaz Stuart