Skip to main content

Building a 'better you' at Zest Fitness Studio Muff

 

I’d been attending Zest here in Muff for almost a year when I saw Gerard’s post about the forthcoming ‘6-Week New Year, New You Programme’ starting early January. I was initially hesitant but decided to commit and give it a go. It was about getting more in control of my physical health as I had a few stumbling blocks healthwise during 2025 (Cholesterol mainly!!), so my mind was set on trying to work on the fitness to support other areas of my health.

This programme at Zest aimed at:

“Building consistency

Getting stronger and more confident

Improving your nutrition without dieting

Feeling better and improve your energy

No extremes. No fads. Just simple, sustainable coaching that works.”

And so, I paid the fee and started a series of ‘strength classes’ that first week of this new year. I wasn’t trying to find or create a ‘new me’ I was simply trying to improve the existing ‘me’.

The six weeks now complete and looking back over the time I can honestly say this was a learning experience, an adventure, and a very enjoyable time from beginning to end.

I found the ‘strength’ sessions a time I really enjoyed; tough yes, but really encouraged me to push myself outside boundaries and find an inner strength I didn’t realise I had. The weeks saw me build physical strength I never envisaged. I proved this in recent days in carrying a heavy package from a shop which a year ago, I’d never have attempted to even try lifting.

I met people along the way who continually encouraged me and made the whole experience fun. I had weekly texts from Gerard (in our group chat) encouraging, motivating but never feeling pressure. His guidance was simply that of an expert.

The nutritional education in these weeks

was such that I feel I’ve learned a lifelong lesson around food. Always a relatively healthy eater, I found myself learning weekly about what to eat and how/when to eat. Simple basic things I never realised the importance of. Knowing when and how to eat carbs and protein was something I had NO idea about prior to these six weeks. I really feel that endless important nutritional knowledge was learned and will stay with me going forward.

Having never dieted and knowing I never  could (I love my food), I found this programme at Zest was exactly what it set out to be around the nutrition aspect – ‘improving your nutrition without dieting’ – this has certainly been a time of improving my nutrition and not dieting, and never feeling that I had to sacrifice anything. I just learned the importance of making better choices when it comes to food.

Already a relatively confident individual I also saw my confidence grow even more following these weeks. Confident in attempting situations and opportunities I previously shied away from. And more importantly I found I have a new belief in myself and what I can do physically and mentally.

I asked one of the other participants on the programme how she found it. Her response having also completed the six weeks was: “It was one of the best decisions I’ve made. From the very start, the coach created a focused, supportive, and motivating environment, where everyone felt comfortable and encouraged, no matter their fitness level.” She continued, “Each session was challenging but achievable, and having one dedicated coach meant consistent guidance, attention to detail, and proper support throughout. Over the six weeks, I’ve seen real physical changes, but more importantly, I’ve gained confidence, strength, and a stronger mindset.”


Although Gerard Robb is at the helm of the programme, Amy Diver also delivers some of the classes and I have attended sessions under herself too. A young lady who is clearly influenced by Gerard she is calm, competent and passionate about fitness. Her classes were most enjoyable, and I look forward to more of them in the coming weeks.

Gerard Robb is a fitness and nutrition expert, and he will help you become a confident, competent, better version of you in just 6 weeks. You just need to put your trust in this journey and if you are even contemplating doing such a journey, get in touch with Gerard at Zest today. You really won’t be disappointed. I wasn’t!

Check out more about Zest at https://www.zest-fitness.com/


GMcC

 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Mura gets ready for retirement!

  In just over one weeks’ time, our village will have another retiree. A retiree who has given so much to Muff. He moved to Muff from neighbouring Fahan in 1989. Although working in the village prior to this, Mura McLaughlin has long since established himself as a permanent fixture, community member and one of the hardest working members of Muff village. Mura was a Customs Man from 1981 through to 1992. He then proceeded on a career with Irish Life. In the early 90’s Mura began volunteering in the village and was always there to lend a hand at the preparation and delivery of festivals and more. And of course you could find him on the dramatic stage too. In 2007 Mura began working with what is now Muff Community Development. And in 2011 he became manager there. Mura has a team of committee members behind him and a team of workers alongside him, but he himself has been instrumental in much of the development that has taken place in our community in the past 25 years. The fabulo...

Christmas Dance at Muff Community Hall with Shunie Crampsey

 There really is something magical watching people dancing. From contemporary songs to the very traditional 'Shoe the Donkey', it was all things dancing this Sunday night. The people of Muff and far beyond showcased true magic on the dancefloor tonight at St. Mary's Hall here in the village.  Shunie Crampsey has been providing the music and song here in the community hall monthly for the past 18+ months. Tonight was the Christmas dance and it showcased the importance of music and dance for the soul. People coming together to sit and listen, to get up and dance, to just talk. And a fabulous supper was enjoyed by all, catered by The Cabin.  Events like this show what community is all about. And the community within the village hall tonight felt very strong and very festive. People came from all over Inishowen and Derry to enjoy the dance. And no doubt will return in the future to do likewise. Huge thanks must go to all the members of Muff hall who work hard behind the scene...

KNEECAP sends video to young Muff bakers

 On Sunday last The Great Muff Bake-Off took place as part of the annual Muff Féile here in the village. The Bake-Off is in memory of a young local chef who sadly passed away, James Rehill. Every year it draws much attention and none more so than this year. One of the organisers remarked on Sunday that it was one of the 'biggest' Bake-Offs to date. There was a children's U10's and U 12's and then Adults. One of the children's entries was a creation by Jenny Rose McLaughlin and friend Alex Marner. There's was a 'Kneecap' cake. Micky Doherty and the judges all agreed it tasted as good as it looked and it proudly took 3rd place. Earlier today KNEECAP saw the video and DJ Provai sent a video message to Jenny Rose. We think he was rather impressed with the cake indeed. Maybe he'll come himself next year and enter the next Bake-Off, or even give us a performance.        You just never know where The Muff Féile will reach.  GMcC