“Choosing a personal trainer is not easy. You need to be able to respect them, trust them and enjoy spending time with them. John ticks all the boxes. He knows when to push you and when to ease off. He is always well prepared and you always feel he is focused on you. He is a star. Sorry he is leaving Scotland, but I am sure he will be a great asset to Perth”.

“I have never met another trainer like John. I am truly impressed by the knowledge, dedication and hard work that John focuses on his training sessions. They are challenging and tailored to meet my specific needs. I have always been sceptical of weight training, but have found it to benefit me greatly, because I now have a stronger core, I can run more efficiently, and work more effectively; it has decreased the lower back pain I was beginning to experience. The sessions are also physiologically uplifting. Many times I have gone to train feeling slightly deflated or with low energy, only to feel completely revitalised and uplifted. John is also very flexible with his training programme, often changing the entire routine to reflect any changes or restrictions I may be physically experiencing on the day.

Since training with John, I have been able to set my targets of achievement much higher than I previously would have thought possible. For example, I climbed Kilimanjaro last summer with only 6 weeks training to get me there, and have recently completed my first triathlon. Because of the continued sessions and support provided by John’s genius training sessions, I have maintained great health.If you’re looking for someone who can motivate, support, create challenges and help you achieve goals I would recommend John as the personal trainer for you.”

“January 2008
I approached John with a very clear goal in mind. I wanted to feel better and I didn't want to go to a gym to work out. My health was not in great shape and the stress of epilepsy, type 1 diabetes, ulcerative colitis, depression and coeliac disease were beginning to take their toll. Was it possible for anyone to understand the daily complications of blood glucose control and the mental highs and lows that result from poor health? I really wasn't sure.

I turned up to my first session in a less than stylish outfit (my six year olds stripey red and white pyjama bottoms, my husband's grey white t shirt and some very old tennis trainers). John sensitively took on board all my health issues with a promise that he would make a difference. He came up with a plan to exercise in the local park and on rainy days at home. He immediately took on the responsibility of learning more about my health issues and was soon able to come up with a personalised programme for me. It didn't take long for me to feel very safe in his care.

March 2008
Annual skiing trip. Having skied for nearly 20 years I was absolutely delighted at my huge improvement on the slopes. It may sound odd but as a regular skier I just didn't even consider this as a possible area of improvement.

June 2008
Friends are complimenting me on weight loss except I haven't lost any. I assumed they were just being kind until a friend was looking through my wardrobe trying to find a dress to borrow. Not having much luck we began to delve into an old cupboard of clothes. "Why don't you wear this dress anymore" she asked. I explained that last time I had worn it I had been 3/4 stone lighter and even then the torso was extremely tight and uncomfortable. She insisted that I prove this to her and to my amazement the dress fitted loosely. John's exercises have completely reshaped my body and I'm really pleased.

September 2008
The Ultimate test. Every six months I visit the Diabetic Doctor and he measures my average monthly blood sugar levels. Keeping these levels within given limitations is crucial for diabetics in order to avoid many further serious complications. I had been told diet and exercise were the key. My blood sugar levels were at 7.1 the best they have ever been. I was actually asked to take part in some research into the relationship between exercise and blood sugar control. I also avoided being put on statins (previously expected) for at least another 5 years. Had John helped me reach my goal? Beyond my wildest dreams.

John has been a true professional from day one. His commitment to his work is special. He is a fastidious time keeper understands the human psyche and uses this knowledge to get the best from his clients by constantly adapting sessions accordingly. Personal training's answer to sudoki, John's patter will keep your brain agile as well as your body. I really did think I was beyond help having wasted so much time and money previously on expensive gyms, but I was proven wrong. I cannot thank John enough for the contributions that he has made to my physical and mental health not just for now but for my future. He will be sorely missed in Edinburgh. Perth aren't you the lucky ones!”

“On the recommendations of several members of the gym which I attend, I decided to have a course with Personal Trainer, John Polley. Some weeks ago, I arrived at the gym in fear and trepidation for my first session. I really did not know what to expect on these 45 minute sessions but I had no need to worry. I have now learned how to do butt kicks, side steps, backward and forward steps and karaoka steps. Muscles have been used as never before, being able to do press-ups and balance on a huge ball. Additionally, dumbbells, bottom pushed out and using my core!!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my training sessions with John – his expertise and knowledge are second to none. We (all his clients) will miss him. I wish John and Anna lots of good luck; the Aussies are lucky to have them - their gain being our loss! Thank you John for your patience; I do feel much better and fitter since training with you.”

“The Worlds Greatest PT! I never really enjoyed exercise – EVER! I did it and I lost weight and felt good, but after 3 months I’d get bored and just stop. I’d come up with any excuse not to go. I knew I had to get rid of the weight I still had. I had tried so hard in the past to shift it, but I’d failed miserably.

I started work at a gym in Edinburgh and thought this was my best shot to lose weight. I had 3 programmes and nothing had worked. I asked John to be my PT and he agreed despite only having a few months before he left for Australia. I decided a short period of hard work was better than no work at all.Who’d have thought I’d laugh so much? John made it fun, interesting and showed me a whole new way of exercising.

After 2 months I had fantastic results, losing 6cms from my waist, and the same from my chest and hips, as well as 4cms from my thighs. I feel better than ever before and I’m fitter, stronger, more alert and much less stressed. I can’t thank John enough for his enthusiasm, smile, encouragement, knowledge, effort and laughter. I wish John all the success in the world and being an Aussie myself, I look forward to seeing him again.”

“I would never have believed that for my 40th birthday I would be running a 10km race or that less than 6 months later I would run 1hr 49mins for a half marathon!

When fate intervened and I chose to train with John, I would not have expected my journey to be so challenging and yet so much fun at the same time (even core work which I hate!). I have always been a reasonably motivated individual but John helped keep me on track and worked with me to identify and achieve my goals.

Having John in my corner help me keep running and training even when things got pretty tough. I firmly believe that keeping physically fit enabled me to stay mentally fit when all around me was going a bit pear shaped! For that (and all of the above), I want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU.

“Before I started personal training with John I was a bit nervous about trying new kinds of exercise and felt quite self conscious at the gym. It was not something I had ever really enjoyed before and thought that personal training could give me some confidence. Training with John has been fun because he has a great sense of humour and he can adapt each session to your mood. If I turn up at training and I am feeling low he will adapt the session so that I am working hard in a way that I don't feel like I am working hard, even though I am!

Other days I am full of energy and we will go out for a run or do some boxing training. All the way through his bad jokes keep me going!

When we started lifting weights I told John that I had always wanted to be able to do real press ups and he said so matter of factly, "that won't be a problem - we will have you doing press ups in a few weeks" and he was right!!

We are not training anymore but I have so much more confidence in myself that I don't feel like I need to see a trainer, when I do I will probably email John and ask his opinion as I am not sure I would trust anyone else now!!”

“I’d never had a personal trainer before but John came highly recommended and I really wanted to get myself back on track. I’d had a bad accident years ago and had been told by several consultants that I’d never be able to walk properly again, let alone continue with my active lifestyle – that hurt more than the injuries! After a lot of hard work and physiotherapy I was able to trek in Thailand, go mad on the dance floor and eventually play tennis for my local club’s second team. However, I’d overdone it and further problems meant I’d recently had little exercise, was feeling demoralised and scared to try again.

John created a fantastic exercise programme for me and I loved every session! During the initial consultation, he takes the time to actively listen to what you want to specifically achieve. He creates a fully bespoke training programme that takes into account your current condition, meets your specific health and fitness goals and focuses on what activities you really enjoy. Every session had the variety I’d said would be important for me to maintain my interest and motivation.

What really makes John a truly exceptional personal trainer is his ‘whole person’ approach. He knew that I was wary of over-doing things and we started off slowly so that I could gradually build up my confidence. His intuition and perception give him an innate understanding of what will work best for you. Within a couple of weeks I’d regained most of my flexibility and significantly reduced the pain, which was a huge boost. You can trust John to know when to push you harder and when you need that extra dose of encouragement and motivation. He leads by example, ‘walking his talk’, fully engaging you in each exercise with his commitment and enthusiasm. You absolutely know that he wants the best for you and he wholeheartedly believes in your potential to succeed.

After three months, he’s made a massive difference to my confidence, flexibility, motivation and overall fitness levels. I am thrilled with the progress and results! John has really helped me to love exercise again, regain my freedom and my quality of life. I’m going to miss not just our sessions together, but John himself. It’s been great fun and he’s a really nice guy. Edinburgh’s loss is Perth’s gain!”

“I’ve never had a personal trainer before and was a bit nervous about the whole thing, but John was brilliant. He put together a plan that was really practical and suited my lifestyle, so I had a fighting chance of sticking to it. He was just so encouraging too. I really appreciated the laughs we had along the way and the fact that he made training FUN! He’s taught me a lot that I can carry on using beyond the programme he put together for me. Best thing I ever did.”

“My name is Jessie and I am 59 years of age. I have known John for almost 2 years now and he has been my Personal Trainer for just over 1 year. At the outset I wasn’t keen to have a PT, basically due to the fact of my age. I felt that I would be expected to undertake the same regime of exercise as everyone else, and I knew that physically I would not be able to compete with those persons 20-30 years younger. Having said that I watched John whilst he was training others and decided that I would give it a try.

John took time to explain everything to me, enquiring as to what exactly I wanted to gain from a training regime and went into my medical history. Lo and behold I wasn’t as stiff as I thought I was! I have thoroughly enjoyed having John as my trainer. Over the last 6 months I have been undergoing surgery and chemotherapy and John altered my programme to suit my specific needs on any specific day.

What I have taken from my experience with John is that exercise can be fun (and I assure you he made it fun – just try chasing balloons round a squash court and see how breathless you become!!), weight loss can be achieved and fitness levels raised.

John also taught a Boxercise class which I attended over the last 18-20 months. These classes have been a lot of fun and was one of the more successful group exercise classes at the gym. If you get the chance to join in, then you really must give it a go.

John is one of the nicest people I have met and will be a great loss to all at Barcelos. As they say “One man’s loss is another man’s gain”. I would have no hesitation in recommending John as a Personal Trainer to any one of any age, irrespective of what shape, size of physical ability they are.

Finally not only was John my PT but he became a very good friend of both my husband and myself and we shall miss both him and Anna but wish them both well in their new life.”

When I'm 64. Testimonial from Wacky Pensioner.

“Training with John is like nothing else. Forget those painful sessions when (conscious of every bulge) you toil on the treadmill while your bored trainer stands uselessly by. Forget the monotony of same-old same-old no improvement routine.

Welcome to the world of Fitness that's Fun and Effective. I have had quite a few trainers and reached a reasonable level of fitness; all taught me something. But John's approach was of a different quality. He treats you as a person not a bunch of reflexes. Training is challenging but varied and fun, because John keeps thinking up new ideas and because he uses interactive games (Ok, using balloons and footballs, you're allowed to laugh).

John told me stuff that changed my whole approach; eg that not all muscle fibres switch on straight away; pause and your second round of pressups will be twice as effective because the other muscle fibres have switched on.

I changed shape; friends kept commenting on my weight loss, greater vitality, flexibility and strength. John has also got me to try things that used to be impossible, and he did it with just the right amount of encouragement and cajolery.

His interest in all aspects of training and fitness - science, humour, personality, psychology, fresh air, nutrition, motivation - make him an exceptional guy. When our original fitness club closed, all John's numerous clients moved with him to the same new club. Many of us have become friends. And will stay friends. Thank you so much Mr Polley”

“I was recommended John Polley by an existing client of his who was thriving on her exercise programme which John had devised for her. I was carrying an injury that was preventing me from running as much as I would like and, whilst I was resting my injured achilles tendon, I thought it would be a good time to build up some core strength.

What impressed me about John in the sessions that I had with him before he left for Australia was that he was able to assess my strength and fitness level and devise a programme that suited my needs perfectly without being overly-demanding which might have become demotivating for me. My programme is fairly basic but I like the fact that John didn’t impose preconceived ideas and exercises on me, but seemed to be thinking on his feet when assessing what would suit me best and came up with solutions as we went along.

At the second session John made the exercises slightly tougher and adapted them according to my feedback and to give me variety. I really enjoy the benefits of the programme and feel the regime will stand me in good stead for when I return to running in the near future. As an added bonus I have already found that I can drive the golf ball further with my new core strength and coordination so I am planning on shocking my fellow players next summer.

Nothing is too much trouble for John and he has subsequently found me specific exercises to strengthen my "mid-trap" of my right shoulder which is not as strong as my more dominant side (left) and has been aching after exercise.

John is very personable and extremely professional about his work. I am sure he will continue to be successful in Australia and he will be missed in Edinburgh.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed having a trainer and enjoyed working with you so much. I’ll miss you more than you’ll know. The fact that I have been working with you has kept me coming to the gym even when I’ve felt that I didn’t have the motivation or the energy simply because I didn’t want to let you down. I really felt that you had invested your time in me and that what we were doing together was a joint venture.

I feel much fitter and healthier and more motivated for the new year ahead. I also have enjoyed your words of wisdom and am very proud to call you my friend, you have given me strength in so many ways. We have laughed together and I’ve cried a lot but I know that you understand the emotion that goes with the challenges that people face and that makes things easier.

Our training together has varied and I especially enjoyed finding my love for weight training again and also boxing. I definitely feel more toned. The balloon chasing and ball work (ooh err Mrs) was hugely enjoyable and it really took a lot out of me at times.

I thoroughly enjoyed the gym challenge and really felt a sense of achievement, my only regret is not mastering some kind of running, however badly, before you leave, but medical issues took a big chunk out of my 10 months with you as my trainer. I can’t begin to think what my training will like in the new year without you but I know that you will leave me with a good sound training plan and that you will most definitely keep in touch.

I wish you and Anna nothing but blue skies and plain sailing all the way in this new beginning and hope that your new clients in Australia feel themselves as lucky as I do to have met you.”

“Prior to beginning training with John I had undertaken a weight loss programme and succeeded in losing 17kg. I was looking to compete in the City to Surf 12km event only for the second time in my life at 44 years of age. I believed I was fit enough already and would just need some minor adjustments to my training regime. I was wrong!!

John identified core strength as a key component of me being able to become a stronger runner. He introduced a solid regime of core strength exercises, along with a controlled and tailored aerobic programme. This programme, together with Johns' ability to provide an enjoyable training atmosphere contributed greatly in slashing 13 minutes of my previous City to Surf result. My result of 1 hour 2min and 19 seconds was above and beyond my expectations.

I might add that during this training I suffered a fractured rib. John was able to adjust my programme to allow me to continue training right through this injury period... something I thought impossible!! My next goal is to return to 1st grade cricket ranks and become the oldest player in Australia to be competing at this level. As a fast bowler tremendous strength and endurance is required to participate at this level. 2 rounds into the season I am a serious contender to return to 1st grade after 2 solid performances in 2nd grade.

I have absolutely no doubt that this would not have been achievable if not for Johns' once again targetted programme specifically designed to strengthen the required areas of my body.

“I am 28 years old and have recently moved to Perth. I have suffered from High Blood Pressure since the age of 19.

As I have had several Personal Trainers in the past, I like to do my research on Personal Trainers before investing my time and money. So many times during my enquiries I was asked by trainers to book a “free” session and they can tell me all about it!

I made my enquiry to John over the phone. He was so thorough and everything he said was relevant and specific to my needs. My main enquiry was Hypertension and overall fitness and well being. It was obvious to me John was the Personal Trainer I had always been looking for. One thing John said that really stood out was “yes, we should be able to get you off your blood pressure medication with correct diet and exercise.” This was music to my ears!

John and I have been training for only 4 weeks and I’m already off my Blood Pressure medication! After a health assessment with my GP he advised if I continue along John’s plan my normal readings should be consistent and so far this has proved true. What an amazing achievement in one month! It just goes to show it doesn’t take long to make progress.

The results and the training with John have been a huge motivation. I’m excited to find out what we can achieve this month!! I have finally realised how important my health is and this training has been a great investment.

UPDATE: Now two months into training, I have lost 6% bodyfat, 8cm from my waist and lowered my exercise heart rate by 20 beats per minute. This is all down to following John’s exercise plans and nutritional guidelines. I’m now considering a new wardrobe as I have lost two clothes sizes!”

“Before I met John Polley, I was committed to running the New York marathon and had been training pretty hard. 12 weeks from the marathon I injured my calf and was told by my physio that I could train as long as it did not involve running. Giving up is not an option for me, I battled on for a few weeks on my own trying to work out alternative methods of training – it was difficult and soon I started to lose fitness and hope.

I told John about my woes and before I knew it with 9 weeks to go I was training harder and longer than ever before under the guidance of John. Within a short time my cardio fitness had improved massively through circuit training and my stamina was great through rowing and X training. A week or so before the race I started to run again and could not believe how easy it was to run fast.

My goal of completing the marathon was achieved all thanks to John. Now that I am pregnant my training needs have changed completely but John has tailored a programme to help me have a healthy pregnancy.”

“Over the years I have started many fitness regimes and all have ended fairly quickly thereafter, with limited results. I always thought that personal training was something that could only be afforded (both time and money) by celebrities. I heard about John through a friend and decided I had nothing to lose in trying out a personal trainer.

Working with John provided the motivation I needed to keep going with my fitness regime after the initial enthusiasm wore off. The workouts John devised were different and easy to fit into my very busy schedule. They got results fast, which in turn kept my motivation up. But the most important thing is that they were fun! John will be hard to replace!”

“John, I just want to let you know how well I pull up after training. I can feel my body is so much stronger now and my muscles feel like they are all engaging when they should, completely in sync. It's an awesome feeling and I am the fittest I have ever been, and injury free during the process. Just want to say a big THANKYOU!! For all your knowledge, passion and motivation! I really appreciate the time you put in and I know this is only the beginning!!
Keep up the good work, from your number one fan!”

“When I first started working with John, back pain had forced me to give up running on the road.  I missed the quick, portable workout road running provides and was stuck in an exercise rut.  I approached my initial assessment with a great deal of skepticism, but John’s exercises, along with the magic of trigger point massage right there and then, started to improve my back from the very first session.  

John’s advice made good sense.  He was able to expertly pinpoint the likely causes of my back pain and our sessions were fun, enlightening and invigorating.  He respected my personal goals and preferences at all times, without trying to impose his own.  I now have an excellent conditioning program which can be modified to suit the home, gym (or wherever!), I am able to quickly and easily relieve tension and/or discomfort in my back and, best of all, I’m back running on the road pain-free.  With only a handful of formal sessions, 10 weeks of following John’s training program, and lots of encouragement and laughter, I’ve won back the joy of exercising.  I feel like I’ve lost something too:  a few years.  What a bonus!”

“John, I'm so excited by this new discovery of the massage to release the tension in the myofascial meridians! Do you know I get out of bed in the morning with no, I mean zero, stiffness. My overall mobility felt enhanced. I can't remember the last time my body felt like it was working hard but with so much ease. You know, this is a miracle cure for mobility. I thought feeling stiff was part of aging, and working your body, and I was ready to accept that. But now I know you can fix it. I can't stop raving about it and I can see how this will definitely, 100%, be able to help people with poor mobility. I can just see the myofascial release massage helping so many people. You've got the power to help people move, feel strong and feel young in the body! I am just in awe! I never imagined these sort of results from one massage - wow! Thank you again for all your expert knowledge. I won't be shouting your name from a soap box anymore...I'll be shouting it from a mountain!"