T estimonials
I work with lots of different clients, all with a wide range of individual goals and needs. Because of this, everything we do is individualised to each person and no two sessions will be the same. Please feel free to read through these stories of my clients' experiences to gain a better idea of how our sessions work.
PERSONAL TRAINING WITH A DIFFERENCE
I had my doubts. “How could a virtual encounter of a youthful personal trainer with a septuagenarian chap like me with Parkinson’s ever work?” That was about two years ago. I need not have asked that question - the difference in age proved an advantage rather than a distraction. A half an hour session with Jon each week proved to be the most beneficial practice I could have undertaken for my condition.
Jon has an easy yet attentive manner. The minutes fly by whilst he takes you on a course of intriguing exercises that are specially chosen and researched for your particular symptoms. His manner is sociable - yet behind it all he is thinking of what is best for you. He keeps a useful record of where you are both physically and in spirit - and he takes as much criticism as he gives!
Have a try- there is no harm and if things don’t work out, there is no compulsion to continue.
He’ll give you as much as you want. I for one enjoy every minute (apart from those exercises which knock the ———t out of me!)
Geoff
Jonathan was referred to me by a friend who, like me, has Parkinson’s. My friend had been using Jonathan’s services for a few years and recommended him when I expressed interest.
Jonathan has been a great online trainer. He reminds me that working my muscles and mind regularly can help to maintain and hopefully improve range of motion and strength in muscles affected by my Parkinson’s. He’s patient and attentive. He always makes notes and adjusts his training sessions according to verbal and visual feedback. He seems to have the ability to understand my abilities on the day, which is greatly appreciated, sometimes telling me to push harder and sometimes encouraging me to do gentler exercises.
I would highly recommend Jonathan for anyone but especially for those who have Parkinson’s Disease. If you can get him in person, so much the better, however his online sessions are brilliant!
Dave
I have been training with Jon for about 6 months and in that time he has encouraged and helped me to build up my strength and fitness whilst making the sessions fun. I feel I’m being challenged week on week and am surprised just how far I’ve come in a relatively short space of time. Jon has completely customised my training sessions to help me achieve my goals and regularly monitors my progress. His calm but firm approach makes sure I get the most out of each session.
Debra
I was recommended to Jon by a fellow Parkinson’s sufferer about three years ago when I was informed of the importance of regular exercise. Jon has been excellent in sorting out good and interesting programs of exercise, and has always been exceptionally loyal and straight forward to deal with.
Michael
I started working with Jon soon after I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, more than 10 years ago. I have been deeply impressed by how hard he has always worked to understand my fluctuating and very individual training needs, and I’m certain our sessions have played a key part in slowing down the progression of my condition so that I can still cycle, participate in Park Run and lead a pretty normal life.
His friendly easy-going nature makes it possible for us to chat while he takes me through our exercises, making it far more enjoyable than I expected. He is also sensitive to the fact that on some days my performance will be below par - perhaps because I have had a bad night – and will quickly adapt my programme appropriately.
He is punctual, well-organised, mature and very knowledgeable. I recommend Jon without hesitation to anyone who wants to work with a personal trainer.
David
Jonathan has made me, as one who naturally avoids the gym, into someone who embraces exercise. His warmth, humour and persistence makes him an excellent personal trainer.
Naomi
I was recommended to Jon through a local Parkinson’s group and heard Jon give a speech about exercise and Parkinson’s. I see Jon for one to one online training sessions twice a week. I’m in no doubt that this has made a huge difference to my movement and general physical health. He is a perfectionist who designs each session to focus on the toll that life takes between sessions. Every targeted stretch hits the spot and I credit Jon with marking a very important contribution to my health and life.
Harvey
Jon came highly recommended via a trusted friend. Knowing Jon had expertise working with elite athletes, I was reluctant to make contact.. If, like me, you lack confidence and exercise is ‘not your thing’, I would encourage you to take a leap of faith. Two years on, I feel I can say you won't be disappointed.
Jon is skilled in identifying the right level of challenge to take you to the next level, whatever your starting point. He is encouraging and understanding, but do expect to be worked and then feel the benefits! Jon is skilled in collaborative goal-setting and recognising when a step up, or change is necessary.
Jon has an impressive ability to explain insights into physiology and describe or demonstrate exercises (of which he has an extensive repertoire), including those prescribed by NHS physiotherapists. In my own profession, I would describe Jon as ‘person-centered’. He seems as happy working with young elite swimmers as he does with his let’s say ‘more mature clientele’!
Sally
I am an older person with all sorts of niggles. My knee hurt a lot (lateral meniscus tear), and driving and stairs were difficult for years, but I was reluctant to have a procedure. I was very nervous to meet an online trainer. What would it be like? Would it be too intense? How would he make sure I was doing the right things? My friend persuaded me to at least have a call. I have never looked back. We had a chat and then did a trial session. Jon had no problem gauging my level and what was appropriate for me. I particularly liked his holistic approach. Focussed, personalised regular exercise under the careful eye and cheerful disposition of Jon delivered a pain free leg. Minor miracle! I simply wouldn’t have done it without him.
It is really important that I have somebody who understands me and who is very knowledgeable about ageing and different conditions. Jon seems to be unusual in that he understands this client group well. I can complain. I can moan but the exercises Jon makes (suggests!) I do have made me fitter,stronger and more mobile than I ever thought I could be. And it is so enjoyable- who would have thought!!!
Cheryl
Jon was recommended to me by a friend, approximately 8 months after I fractured my knee badly, which resulted in an operation.
I thought I was healing well, but following a worrying dexa scan result the same year, I knew I needed to strengthen my body a lot more!
From day one, Jon understood what I was capable of physically and I think too, sussed out my character! I want to improve, and do work hard, but exercise is not the first thing on my mind on most days!
His gentle encouragement and easy going manner actually gets so much out of you, pushing you forward, without you ever feeling it’s something you’re not able to do! I also really appreciate his professional knowledge, not only in explaining any issues, but also changing the exercise according to what works best at the time.
His work with me not only improved my abilities and strength, far more than my expectations, but I’ve always felt supremely comfortable with what I could or couldn’t achieve at any one point.
I don’t think this would have worked in the same way with another practitioner, and it’s a testament to him that I, and his other clients, are still with him after many years!
I’m very satisfied with my improvement over our time working together, and I continue to look forward to our sessions.
Sharon
I am 82 years old with Parkinson’s and have been exercising, through on-line communication, under the supervision of Jonathan Letts for two and a half years. We have one session per week of one hour, which I then supplement by shorter sessions five days a week based on Jon’s tuition. The objective being to maintain strength, fitness, balance and mobility to counteract the progress of Parkinson’s.
Jon is an excellent teacher who keeps detailed notes on what has been covered and to monitor progress. The major benefit to receiving one to one instruction is the ability to tailor the programme to individual needs. Some of the exercises are quite demanding but achievable. For me an added benefit is the ability to receive my class wherever I happen to be. It also saves me time and expense in travelling to a gym.
On line tuition was new to me when I started with Jon, now it’s part of my lifestyle. I know from my own experience how motivating and beneficial it can be to have regular meetings with an instructor. I continue to enjoy these classes and would recommend them to others.
Harry
I was recommended to Jon in the first year of lockdown and over the past three years he has made a huge contribution to my physical fitness in terms of keeping me on track with a range of exercises to complement/supplement my existing regime of cycling and walking which is heavily restricted to better weather. I am in my mid-60s and so I am aware of the need to retain as much fitness as possible as I inevitably decline over time, and so having him acting as a reality pilot is crucial to my combined health and fitness, and my perception of it over time.
He has a wonderful attitude, a good sense of humour and a great understanding of people. Nothing is too much for him, and he has an easy way of explaining what is happening to the body when for example doing a particular stretch.
Finally, his wonderful generosity of spirit makes our sessions a great pleasure and something to look forward to – making the challenge of some of the exercises something that is really within my grasp!
Philip