Four weeks in with Aiden and I’m genuinely astonished. I’m stronger than I’ve felt in years, my trousers are a couple of belt notches looser, and I actually feel excited about carrying on. Getting out of a chair is no longer a dramatic performance, and I’m noticeably steadier and more energetic on my feet – dare I say it, a bit younger again.

His straightforward approach keeps me on track, and I love the weekly “hotboxes” and “cold boxes” he sorts out – proper meals, treats, and healthy snacks with simple instructions on how to prepare them at home. It’s opened my eyes to foods I didn’t even know existed, and it takes all the guesswork out of eating right.

The only “cons” are minor and probably good signs really. Aiden is very careful not to let me overdo it, though I do get the odd bit of soreness (which he says means we’ve pushed just hard enough – it passes in a day or two). I’m also hungrier than I used to be, but for once the extra food isn’t going straight to my belly. As Aiden puts it, “We’re giving your food a job to do – building muscle instead of just passing through!” (He’s got a way with words, that lad & has had quite an interesting life!)

Cost-wise, I’ll be honest – it gave me pause at first. But when you think about it, it includes absolutely everything: the private sessions, the tailored programme, the food boxes, and the fact he comes to my home. Plus there’s an app so I can message him any time with questions. It’s teaching me to train safely on my own too. All in all, it’s remarkable value because it’s improving my day-to-day life in ways I hadn’t expected.

I feel lucky to have stumbled across this little hidden gem in Stondon Massey. Aiden will probably groan when he reads this, but he’s almost too cheerful some mornings – though I always come away in a better mood than when I started.

Highly recommend if you’re around my age, value your privacy, and fancy feeling properly strong again without the hassle, intimidation, or publicity of the big gyms.