Steve’s Transformation: Breaking Barriers and Building Strength

When Steve came to me, he was at a crossroads. Years of dealing with a shoulder injury and fluctuating fitness levels had left him feeling like he was constantly starting over. He had tried various fitness programs in the past, but the same cycle of initial progress followed by frustration kept repeating itself. Steve was determined to break that cycle, but he needed more than just another program—he needed a new approach that would work for him, for the long term.

From the outset, it was clear that Steve’s biggest challenge wasn’t just physical—it was the mental battle of staying consistent without getting discouraged. He had the drive, but the pain in his shoulder and the fear of re-injury held him back. Our work together began with identifying the root of those limitations. We didn’t just focus on the injury itself; we focused on building Steve’s confidence in what his body could achieve, even with his shoulder issues.

We crafted a tailored fitness plan that emphasized slow, steady progress. No quick fixes, no unrealistic expectations—just a clear path forward that Steve could trust. It wasn’t easy. There were days when his shoulder flared up, and moments when he questioned whether he’d ever get back to feeling strong and capable. But with each session, Steve began to realize that setbacks didn’t mean failure—they were simply part of the journey.

As the months went on, Steve’s resilience became his greatest strength. He learned to push past the discomfort, adapt his workouts when needed, and celebrate the small wins along the way. His shoulder improved, but more importantly, so did his mindset. Steve was no longer defined by what he couldn’t do—he started to focus on what he could achieve, and that mindset shift made all the difference.

Fast forward to today, and Steve’s transformation speaks for itself. He’s stronger, fitter, and more confident than ever before. He’s tackled fitness goals he once thought were out of reach, and his shoulder no longer holds him back. Steve’s journey proves that real, lasting change doesn’t happen overnight—it happens when you commit to a process that’s sustainable, adaptable, and built to fit your life.

If you’ve ever felt limited by injury or discouraged by past failures, Steve’s story is a reminder that with the right plan and support, you can overcome those barriers. It’s about finding a path that works for you and staying the course, even when things get tough.

Stats

  • Age - 44

  • Occupation - Software Implementation Manager  

  • Training with Mark - 1 year

  • Service used - Group personal training and online nutrition coaching

  • Favourite movie - Ghostbusters

  • Random fact - I am part of the Wedgwood family (fine crockery)and an air to the fortune should all the other people in line crock it

Personal Challenges

  • Being very sedentry and working in an office job

  • Being several stone overweight

  • Not knowing where to start or what to do

  • Overcoming health issues

  • Knee problems

Strategies used to overcome challenges

  • Small habit based changes to his diet through nutrition coaching

  • Designing a programme that increases his muscle mass and burns lots of calories

  • Constant guidance and support to keep him motivated

  • Regular changes to his programme to maintian interest

Memorable moments

  • Deadlifting nealry 185kg (thats more than his trainer

  • Squatting 170kg

  • Due to losing all the weight Steve has lost his doctor isn't recommending a gastric band

  • Being able to perform press-ups and pull-up for the first time ever

  • Improving his confidence in and out of the gym

FAQ’s answered by Steve

How did you feel about yourself/weight/person etc. before working with Mark? What sort person were you?

I knew that I was in danger of facing severe health issues and my confidence had been lost along with my self esteem after going on Holiday to Florida and having difficulties trying to get on the rides

What did you try in the past to solve that problem before using Mark?

I tried dieting through various methods like Slimming World. For exercise i tried lots of cardio as i thought that was the best method

Why did you choose Mark to help you achieve your health and fitness goals?

Because his ethos appeared to fit in with what I wanted to achieve

How is/was working with Mark different from what you had previously tried?

Firstly it's fun, But also I have learnt a huge amount regarding fitness and nutrition since working with Mark that i wouldn't have if I had continued trying to self teach

What problems have you overcome since working with Mark? Could be nutritional, injuries, habits, confidence, weight loss etc.

All of the above. I have lost weight, increased strength but ultimately I have an idea of what the future holds and the potential i have, now I've been training with Mark

After working with Mark how do you feel now? Do you feel different? Describe the person you are now.

More confident and happier with myself