Reviews of Phil Munro Inspiring Fitness Personal Training. (Personal Trainer) in Colchester (Essex).

Phil Munro Inspiring Fitness Personal Training

60 Reviews

60 Comments

Personal Trainer

Personal trainer

Wickham Rd, Essex CO3 3EE, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Phil Munro Inspiring Fitness Personal Training, Personal Trainer in Colchester (Essex)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Phil Munro Inspiring Fitness Personal Training

Reviews of Phil Munro Inspiring Fitness Personal Training

R. H. B.

After unintentionally losing a significant amount of weightloss, I was experience a sense of disconnected fromy my body. My osteopath suggested finding a personal trainer to re-engage and heal the damage I was doing to both my upper lumbar and lower back. I met with Phil and I knew his methodology and approach would be amazing for this next stage of my journey. I am not an 'easy' client. I mean, I do the work and I want to be there but...what can I say? At any given moment, I have a hard time making the necessary time to dedicate to myself and what I need. But somehow, regardless of what is going on in my head or on the ground, my work with Phil - and I am talking almost Feldenkrais, seemingly childlike movement at times (because it is in the smallest adaption we often see the greatest change, right?). But Phil encourages me, pushes my body to better itself, and treats me with respect and compassion. I train with Phil for an hour a week most weeks and I carve out time during the week to incorporate techniques and exercises into my daily life. I have found incredible change in myself and my resilence. I don't always want to turn up for sessions but I neve regret that I do. I highly recommend him and his methodology.

M. B.

I have been working with Phil for the last 11 weeks. On our first meeting, I explained that I had never managed to reach any weightloss goals through lack of motivation and discipline. Since that time, Phil has shown great communication and encouragement, making me look forward to the each session. He arrives at my home weekly, checks in to see how the week has gone and then we get to it. During the sessions, we train hard (with a little moaning from myself) but also, I laugh and enjoy the exercise - that’s something I never thought I’d say! Phil makes exercising fun and each session is building on the last, helping to progress my weightloss and my own discipline towards the exercise I do and the foods that I’m eating. I and others around me are noticing the change, not only in my body and the clothes that I am wearing but in my attitude towards exercise too. I would absolutely recommend Phil to anyone that is looking for a personal trainer. He is such a down to earth guy that understands his clients and supports them 100%.

C. P.

In the past I have struggled to maintain a healthy weight. I have addressed this by joining weight management classes which would encourage exercise but whose main focus was weekly weigh-ins. Meeting goal weight was the driver with minimal discussion of maintenance. I achieved goal weight but within four years I was almost back to where I started. In December 2020, following a blood test, I was told that my levels of HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) had increased and put me into a category that was borderline diabetic. This was a wake-up call to make long-lasting change. I want to be fit and well, a healthy weight, be the best I can be and take away my risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. I recognised that rather than a general group setting I wanted to have personalised support that would see health and fitness as the aim rather than a singular focus on weight loss. I was recommended to contact Phil Munro and it has been a transformative experience. Before I met Phil, exercise was a daily walk and a weekly pilates or yoga class. Over ten weeks on, I now have a structured exercise regime that I do every day. Moving to exercise being part of my daily routine took a while, and now I miss it if I don’t do it. Phil is characterised by attention to detail. He takes time to explain each exercise, what it is doing to your muscles, what you are trying to achieve. He reviews your progress, brings you to see how you can improve, makes small changes that make a difference. We meet online by Zoom every week and it’s worked really well. I position the camera on the laptop so he can see exactly what I am doing and I can see on my laptop his demonstrations. In between he encourages me to send a video to check progress and accuracy with new movements. After the first couple of weeks, I got two new notebooks. I have labelled one, Phil Munro Inspiring Fitness, and the other is to record the exercises I do every day. In Phil’s book I make a note of things he says that I find make me think, keep me motivated. He also advises on varying your diet, keeping a healthy balance, gives examples of practical food combinations. Having a daily note of what I’m doing for exercises and any challenges means that when we have our weekly meeting, I can summarise progress and problems. Each week, Phil refines what I am doing, adding in simple changes that move me on enhancing strength and fitness. It is personalised support anchored in his professional knowledge and skills. After ten weeks, I can see and feel the difference. I am 18 pounds lighter, am much better balanced, walk taller and sit well. I am still learning and at the beginning of being physically fit. Phil has made an important contribution to helping me be healthier and inspires me to continually improve. It is a pleasure to recommend him.

k. m.

I have been training with Phil for few months now. I wanted to lose some weight and my brother recommended Phil to me. He is very professional, supportive and motivational. His advice on food and portions has helped me tremendously to improve my diet. His exercise routines are challenging but not exhausting. I am now able to balance my food interests and my portions have considerably reduced. His training has boosted my strength and fitness. He is a wonderful trainer and would highly recommend to anyone looking for a personal trainer.

S. B.

I had 7 sessions with Phil and he made a massive impact on the way I saw exercise. I managed to lose inches and have changed my eating habits for the better. After having a session with Phil going through just food and figuring out different meals I can make for myself, I now have a selection of different foods I am more open to trying. Phil has been extremely supportive throughout my time with him and has also given me positive words when needed. He has pushed me to limits I didn't think I was capable of achieving, and now I feel as though I am a new person physically and mentally. He has remained professional throughout but is also good to have a laugh with, which is what I needed during my sessions to give me that extra push. I want to say thank you for the patience you have had with my stubbornness and thank you for always encouraging me to do better. I highly recommend Phil and hope other's have great experiences with Phil like I did.

E. M.

Phil has helped me to define and achive my health goals over the last four months. It is a pleasure working with Phil and I would absolutely recommend his coaching.

L. J.

I have been seeing Phil weekly for the last 8 months and I have no hesitation in providing my recommendation. I trust him and that is the highest praise I could give anyone. I have found Phil to be genuinely knowledgeable, thoughtful and dynamic in his approach toward my health and fitness. He maintains a high professional standard whilst still being personable and understanding. His goals for me have always been achievable based upon an informed and personalised assessment. He is able to adapt his strategy quickly depending on my mood and mental state which is important to me as my ability and willingness to engage can fluctuate from time to time. Through Phil’s constant reminders I am finally starting to realise that paying even the smallest amount of attention to my health and fitness is better than nothing at all. He does challenge my behaviour and actions (mostly a lack of), and establishes expectations however, he is also realistic and kind. I moan at him a lot, but he still hasn’t given up on me yet – which is exactly what I need.

A. G.

After working with Phil for three months I have noticed a visible change in my body. I feel stronger, have more energy and flexibility, I sleep better, and I feel happier about my physical health and body. I’ve struggled for years to make an exercise routine fit, and eventually would give up disappointed in my lack of will power. Phil’s approach however is holistic, and I feel my mental connection to the work and training is as important as the physical work itself. His approach embeds understanding of what the work is achieving, helping build my mental stamina, and I am more able to pace myself and slowly build a sustainable routine. He explains each movement in a variety of ways, and relates them back to previous sessions to give a sense of an integrated process. He also pushes me to work beyond where I think my limit is and challenges my assumptions about my physical capabilities. He’s an absolutely brilliant trainer, and I would recommend him to everyone, and especially to those people who have struggled to find a routine and approach that fits. I feel happier with my body and physical capability than I have for a long time.

E. P.

I have been working with Phil for 6 months now and would highly recommend him as a personal trainer. I started looking for a personal trainer after taking up running in my 50's and ending up with some injuries. Phil helped me with specific recovery issues, explaining the muscles, how to use them, the training methods and exercises clearly and tries a different way of describing something until I understand. I find it really helpful to understand why I’m doing certain exercises and Phil listens and tailors the sessions for my individual needs. I’ve found muscles I wasn’t even aware of before! He is very intuitive and seems to know when to push me hard and when to take things a bit slower. Phil is very patient and encouraging and is quick to let me know when I’m improving. I’m now running more like an athlete rather than like Phoebe from Friends! He is also a really nice person and easy to talk to. I’m looking forward to what the next six months of training brings!

E. H.

I have been seeing Phil for the last 7 months and during that time I have lost 2 and 1/2 stone. When I first contacted Phil I knew that I needed to make a change but I was too scared of failure to even admit that I wanted to lose weight, he has been so supportive and now I am in such a good place with my fitness routine and weight loss. I know that I still have a lot more that I want to achieve but I’m coming at it from a really positive place. Phil never stops teaching and educating me in our sessions about everything related to my goals from the correct form and posture for different exercises to nutrition. To add to that he is also a really nice friendly person who I felt comfortable working with straight away.

S. G.

Phil has been helping me to improve my strength, fitness and performance for the past year and I have been very impressed by his knowledge, passion and commitment. He feels very strongly about health and wellbeing, and I have definitely become a fitter and stronger individual since I have been training with him. My goal is to improve my performance whilst snowboarding and I have definitely noticed the difference, but through Phil's desire to help me reach my goals, I have also started running and cycling more regularly than before. I have been very impressed with Phil and I can wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who wants to develop their fitness and strength; he can help you if you want to lose weight or if you want to reach top-level performance, or even if you just want to improve your fitness and strength on a more casual level, like me. Personally, Phil is a really nice guy and we get on very well; I feel this is an important characteristic of a personal trainer. Phil has made training sessions very enjoyable, which certainly helps in order to push yourself to the next level.

L. M.

Phil is exceptionally understanding, funny, inspiring and good company. He is also determined to ensure everybody gets the most out of his sessions whatever their goal may be. I just wanted to get back into some form of training and shape and feel I have made great progress since starting with Phil six months ago. I have a busy life with unpredictably work hours and Phil is always willing to ensure we can work around that. I feel fitter and more up for exercise than I have in 25 years, and my aim is to complete a 5k run in six months time...not a massive task but one that should be achievable given the time I can give to it. Since coaching my husband to a half marathon in just six months, I have no doubt Phil will get me there in good time and good shape! I cannot recommend him enough whatever your goals may be.

K. S.

I've been training with Phil for a number of years now. I first started regularly training with Phil while trying to lose weight for my wedding & I couldn't be happier with the results we achieved. Not only did Phil help me to reach my target weight, we went beyond meaning I had to reorder my suit! Phil's training sessions are always fun, stimulating & ultimately rewarding plus his help on nutrition has completely changed the way I look at food, making keeping the weight off a much easier task. Whether your looking to improve your race time, trying to lose weight or simply want to get more active Phil will help you achieve your goals.

R. C.

When I started working with Phil my primary goal was to be more toned. I didn't expect the amount of health benefits I would get with working with him just once a week. My diet (which still resembled that of a student) has been improved thanks to his advice on food groups and portions and not only do I feel fitter and more toned I have a greater understanding of how and why to exercise as I do. I have a great laugh with Phil and always found him firm but fair when you need to work a little harder. Thanks to him I have also made huge improvements with my running, this year completing my first marathon in under 4 hours.

R. S.

VERY EFFECTIVE TRAINER I've been training with Phil an hour a week for the last 8 months and have made great progress. After several decades of deskwork & under exercise & having had a total knee replacement a couple of years ago, I'm not aiming to run a marathon but to get better mobility and flexibility. It's working. Phil is knowledgable and very observant. He quickly notices where you need to change your posture, movement, balance or awareness. Each session he comes up with some new exercises to add to previous ones, so the routine is always varied, interesting and enjoyable. Highly recommended.

K. R.

Phil is a highly professional personal trainer. Having quite a hectic lifestyle, with work and family commitments, it has always been a challenge to fit in exercise. Phil really motivated me to achieve my goals and taught me certain routines which I can fit very easily into my week. Phil worked on improving core strength but also looked closely at food and nutrition, providing a holistic training regime. I would highly recommend Phil.

M. E.

I'd been going to the gym and exercising regularly, but 6 months ago I hit a plateau with my fitness and strength goals. A chat with Phil led to me making some minor changes to my workouts and diet - small, easy and delicious changes that have led to big improvements in strength, energy and motivation. Phil is generous with his time and knowledge, and has helped me navigate shin splints, strange knees and a work schedule that leaves very little time for exercise. I would have no hesitation recommending him to anyone, whether you want to start getting fit, or just need a re-think to push you that little bit further.

S. F.

Phil is an excellent personal trainer, and I would not hesitate to recommend him. He is very knowledgable, but always explains things very clearly and helpfully. No question is too silly to ask, and he seems to be able to find the right balance between encouraging you yet still helping you to push yourself. I felt very comfortable with him from the outset. He has helped me enormously - finding exercises which I can fit in to a busy schedule and also giving me helpful tips on little things I can change in my diet that have made a big difference. Phil first started helping me about 3 months before I was due to run a half marathon for the first time. I had done close to zero exercise, was overweight and was in rather a panic about the whole thing. He calmed me down, and gave me the confidence to prepare properly for the race. I could not run 5km when I first met him. 3 months later - I was able to run (and enjoy) a half marathon in Copenhagen - completing the race in a time well under my original target time. That would never have been possible without his help, guidance and support.

P. B.

I'm a 27 year old student at the University of Essex and when I contacted Phil I weighed around 98 KG and did very little exercise. As a nursing student I knew the principles of healthy lifestyle and what was required of me to reach my targets, but despite making use of the gym I was achieving very little. Working with Phil completely transformed my lifestyle and his type of personal encouragement and instruction had an incredible effect helping me make permanent changes and managing to achieve results I never thought were possible! I had two goals which were to loose weight and improve my fitness and with Phil’s hard work achieved this easily, improving my fitness to a fantastic level and loosing over 9 KG of fat. The holistic approach Phil employs by assessing diet and lifestyle as well as the individualised training sessions – which can be hard work but are worth every second- really pays off and all contributed to my vastly improved fitness levels and much healthier weight. Phil was fantastic with arranging sessions around my own timetable and is unbelievable value for money. Even though I have moved away from the area he is still offers support and has convinced me to complete a half marathon, something I never felt possible. Phil’s extensive physiological knowledge and wealth of experience comes across in every session, I have learnt so much and am better, healthier, and a much much fitter person as a result! My time with Phil has involved ; training outside with a progressive personalised programme, continual support either by phone or email in-between sessions, diet plan, holistic support, expert training 2-3 times a week over a period less than 10 months and now I feel fantastic, look great and can run great! Thank You!!!!

B. W.

Phil is a first class personal trainer who is extremely knowledgeable. Each week there is a progression and something new to learn. He is very encouraging, motivating and a great teacher. I always feel that I work hard but not that I am risking injury as Phil focuses on correct movement rather than doing an exercise incorrectly multiple times to exhaustion. The training sessions with Phil have made a huge difference to my overall well being and I cannot reccomend him highly enough.

J. I.

I have only known Phil for 5 weeks now but I am very impressed, he has time to listen and to give out good advice. He is very approachable and friendly and suggests some good meal ideas on eating healthy which has really helped me. They are very filling and never hungry in between meals. Also he has also given a good exercise routine. Phil always giving me lots of encouragement and always there to give suggestions which has really been useful and he certainly knows what he is talking about. Since I have been starting the healthy eating and exercises with Phil, I have lost so far 1 stone and 1lb. I would recommend anyone wanting to lose weight and get some help and advice, is to see Phil, he will help you though it every step of the way. Thanks Phil, keep up the good work.

A. H.

I have never been confident in the gym and Phil has been brilliant. After 3 months I have lost nearly three quarters of stone and gone down a dress size already. I feel fitter and actually enjoy exercising. During these 3 months I have been challenged and pushed by Phil and he has taught me a great deal. I am impressed by his knowledge, he encourages and motivates and makes each workout challenging and more importantly fun. I have now got muscles where I never knew I had them. Thanks Phil – you are the best.

D. G.

I am a member of Colchester harriers, and also a Paratrooper, I have been working with Phil for the past 2 to 3 months and I would say he is the best personal trainer in the business.The training sessions we do are always hard, but fun, we always have a laugh, but at the same time he is always professional when it comes down to the work.I am no stranger to hard work, but Phil always makes sure you work hard. In the short time I have been working with Phil I have seen a big difference in my personal fitness. If you are looking for help with your diet or just want to get that bit fitter then Phil is your man.

N. M.

Phil offers a professional, well thought out and holistic service in his approach to personal training. It is clear that he is well qualified and understands the anatomy/physiology of the body including how to get the best out of it. He delivers a comprehensive consultation and is honest with his clients about what is achievable. He also provides weekly support and nutrition advice, where others may not. He is flexible and able to adapt to clients with challenging work schedules and manages to fit sessions around what is good for you. I found out I was expecting early into my training with Phil, and Phil embraced this; he adapted the exercises we could do and even sent me evidence based articles on exercising during pregnancy. He was a great support and encouragement and I was highly impressed with the professionalism with which he handled the situation. I would highly recommend Phil, he is friendly, professional and easy to get on with.

L. D.

GrahamC-71 Life changing experience. I was introduced to Phil through my wife's work colleague. I had put on a lot of weight and was very unfit.I was very apprehensive about having a personal trainer, however 3 months down the line I am one and a half stone lighter and my fitness level has improved. Phil has introduced me to new ways of eating so that I don't have to feel hungry. The food I now choose to eat is health and I can have treats so I don't feel like it a diet. I would not have been able to achieve this on my own, but Phil is both inspiring and supportive. Phil is always happy to make suggestions but will always consider my thoughts and feelings. He works to a plan which suits me. Phil has worked out an exercise plan which is fun and works for me, I can do as much or as little as I can fit in to my busy life. He is always approachable and encouraging and I would recommend him to anyone who needs help to achieve a healthier and fitter life. Graham Chapman.

J. H.

I have been training with Phil for a couple of years now and my whole attitude to training has evolved. He has encouraged me to take myself out of my comfort zone and to try new things. If anyone had told me that I would be regularly looking forward to running club sessions I would have said they were mad! Whether you need to lose weight, get motivated or to try and be the best you can be,contact Phil and he'll help you move forward.

T. D.

After having spent the summer in a rut and still feeling despondent, I decided to contact Phil in order to fall in love again with running, instead of seeing it as a necessary chore. Although I can see why Phil's service would be well served towards weight loss and fitness, I was really happy when he LISTENED and immediately responded to my needs: I do not want, nor will ever win races. I just want to enjoy running again. He has ever made me feel embarrassed by my awkwardness and has in fact really helped with my mobility, he has also resolved minor injuries and has injected some fun into my running by suggesting some experimentation with rhythm and body positioning. Phil is incredibly supportive and excels in positive reinforcement. I have enjoyed every one of my sessions with Phil - no two have ever been the same. So, if you are looking for professionalism, great results and have fun while getting fit, then I would wholeheartedly recommend Phil's services.

R. D.

If you are looking for a personal trainer to take you to the next level, offer advice and give you confidence in your own ability then Phil Munro is the trainer for you. I have always been reasonably fit and active, I have run a couple of marathons in the past and worked with other personal trainers (who were also good) but I had a target to run a sub 3.30hrs marathon against my previous PB of 3.45hrs. When I started working with Phil at the end of 2011 he took an interest in what I had done before and tried to identify what I needed to change to achieve my goal. Very quickly he changed some of my training and produced a specific training schedule that would improve my speed and fitness. We agreed to have a training session every 2/3 weeks (due to my work commitments) and he was always interested to hear how the training was going and offer advice. Whilst most of the training took place in the gym he was happy to come out on training runs with me. The training sessions were always varied and challenging. I achieved my target by running 3hrs 27mins at the Edinburgh Marathon in May 2012 which I put down to all the support I have received from Phil. I will certainly be continuing to work with Phil to achieve my next target of a sub 3.15hrs marathon.

W. S. V.

Phil has really made a difference to my body shape and fitness. I am very busy and, despite running a restaurant (walking miles every day), I was tired and unfit. Working with Phil, I have got more energy and strength and am getting lots of compliments over my appearance, which is quite nice! I have even found that my blood pressure is back down to healthy levels. Phil explains and encourages, he adjusts to how I feel, but always just pushes me on. He really thinks about how to help me to be healthier and fitter. That thinking really works. Thank you Phi!

C. M.

I am not a natural "athlete". I have spent a lifetime avoiding exercise but having finally seen the error of my ways, I sought someone who can support and motivate me. That someone is definitely Phil. In the short time I've been working with him, I have lost weight, improved my fitness and that's had an impact on my well being too. Phil is patient, non-judgmental and very knowledgeable. Most importantly, he makes exercise fun! I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone.

A. L.

I decided to hire a personal trainer at the end of last year as I wanted to strengthen my back to aid a previous injury and to generally improve my fitness. I didn't want to lose weight or be a certain size, just get stronger for my health. Phil was wonderful friendly and professional, meeting me for an induction to start with to find out my history and goals. Our weekly training sessions have varied from my home gym to the nearby park and I have really benefitted with my back and core feeling stronger. A few months ago, I fell pregnant - part of the plan so another reason to increase the strength in my back - and Phil has been very supportive, using his knowledge to amend my training plan to ensure I am comfortable and understanding the exercises we are doing. I would wholeheartedly recommend Phil if you want a supportive, friendly, professional trainer who looks out for you and works with you to achieve your goals.

L. T.

After having turned 50 I felt that I needed the help of a Personal Trainer, that’s when I found Phil, upon a recommendation. During our initial consultation he listened carefully about what I wanted from our sessions. He taught me about nutrition and used lots of interesting tools and techniques to create sessions that have been impactful yet fun. Ultimately I wanted to feel more comfortable in my body, and I feel that we have gone above and beyond that. Cheers Phil 🙏

D. M.

I'd highly recommend Phil as a personal coach if you are looking to lose some weight. Phil helped me to reach my target weight loss within the timescales I wanted to do it in. He is very friendly and patiently explains every exercise routine and makes sure I understood it fully. He makes training quite an enjoyable experience. He is a fantastic coach and trainer to have by your side to reach your weight loss goals.

J. M.

My hubby found Phil for me on Google as I was looking for someone near to our new home, having moved to Colchester and was not familiar at that time with Gyms. Phil came and di ad intro meeting with hubby and I and he made me feel very much at ease. Having previously had PT's who were gym based I found Phil's approach like a breath of fresh air. Having Hypermobility in my family I had always found that the previous PT's had not taken this into account, therefore I was over stretching, which in turn was not helping me achieve the correct posture when exercising. Phil was also very compassionate when I suffered with vertigo which could come on overnight. His approach is very professional and understanding and you will get as much out of your sessions as to that which you put in. HIs rates are the average I would expect for someone of his abilities and would certainly have him back should my circumstances change in the future. A great guy, with great understanding of how all woman tick in different ways and uses that knowledge to adjust your training regime to suit you. Great all round food advice and very supportive Highly recommended

M. P.

I have had sessions with Phil once per week for about 7 months now. If your goal is weight loss, as mine is, then he is very good as he helps with diet and exercise. He doesn’t suggest sweeping changes that are difficult to achieve and maintain. He works with your current lifestyle and choices, so that you can start to see where you can fit in exercise, and make changes to your diet that are sustainable without making you feel miserable. The exercise he does (at my stage anyway) is around building core strength and then moving up from there. He explains each exercise and is focused on making sure you get the technique right from the start so you get more out of each session, and you can then go off and do it yourself through the week. I began to feel stronger very quickly, and started to build in exercise at a rate I’d never done it before. He is friendly, very easy to get on with, and keeps you motivated. I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone looking to break their old cycle of weight loss and weight gain, and looking to start to make sustainable changes to improve their health and fitness.

j. w.

Phil is brilliant. I have always struggled with my posture and core strength. Since I have had my PT sessions with Phil it has changed my body shape. I now hold myself better and have learnt exercises to build muscles in my shoulders and stomach. Each PT session has been extremely informative and interesting – Phil takes the time to explain how the body works and goes into detail the reason behind the exercises he sets. The change has been gradual but permanent. With Phil’s help I have also learnt to eat healthy – as a result I have lost weight and toned. He is very patient and always encourages me – even when sometimes I haven’t had the best week. I highly recommend him as a Personal trainer. Thanks Phil! - Jenny wilson

R. E.

As I was rapidly approaching the ripe, old age of 50 I decided it was time to take action! Having had a summer of all inclusive holidays (lots of eating and drinking!) it was time to call in a specialist! Phil has been great! He has encouraged me every step of the way on my journey back to some kind of fitness. He has encouraged both myself and my daughter to make changes in our diet that has helped us maintain a healthy weight loss over the last 3 months. I have also lost 4 inches overall and my daughter 6 inches! Phils training sessions are fun but he pushes us when we need that little bit of extra encouragement. I have gone from doing no exercise at all to running twice a week, boxfit and an exercise class each week! If you are looking for someone to give you that push to motivate yourself Phil is your man! A genuinely nice guy who goes out of his way to keep in touch between sessions with words of encouragement and motivation.

L. H.

If you want to get fit and lose weight, then Phil’s your man. I decided that 2013 was the year I needed to get fit and lose weight I enlisted the help of Phil Munro, we had a detailed discussion on what I wanted to achieve, Phil then went into great detail about my diet, what I needed to cut back on and what I should be eating more of. After discussing my diet with me, Phil asked me to keep a weekly food diary so he could see what I was eating and if I was going wrong, keeping a diary made me more aware of what I was eating and not to eat certain things! He took time to understand the challenges facing me and what I wanted to achieve. Phil wrote an exercise plan for when I went to the gym and he made sure it was interesting and had a variety of exercises so I wouldn’t get bored. When I had a training session with him, we did something completely different, sometimes it would be HIIT (high intensity interval training), the bleep test (really tough), other sessions would be weights, either free weights or resistance machines and always challenging me and telling me I could do, even when I thought I couldn’t. With the bleep test he tested me a couple of weeks later so that we both could see that I’d improved. Phil is always very encouraging and likes to challenge me, he ensures that you are doing the exercises correctly and that your posture is correct. He makes exercising fun and it’s something that I look forward to doing now. He is very good at passing on ideas in respect of food and passing on recipes to ensure that I’m still eating the correct foods. After three months, I have lost 12 kgs and dropped three dress sizes.

P. T.

I have a love hate relationship with exercise, I hate doing it and waiting to find the love!! However, I have had a personal trainer before, Phil is different. He does not believe in a short term fix, he believes in a holistic approach. Phil is passionate in his training and this shows in his knowledge of technique and diet. He is approachable and very professional with his timekeeping, appointments and communication. He appreciates the effort I put in and encourages which is motivating. He also understands when you have a lapse - however long it is, whether it is training or diet. Thank you Phil and keep nagging me.

S. M.

Phil is the thinking (wo)man's gym kit! He has trained my wife for some months, with really great results and she wanted me to try him out. I am ex-army so used to just beasting through pain, which is what I have done with previous trainers. Phil works to find the bad habits that inhibit performance and makes you think about how to improve them, giving you exercises and tips to trigger correct action. He clearly doesn't have a set routine, but adjusts to the person and the day. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

D. P.

I did not believe that as a 40 something overweight and "not very fit at all" person that I could change my shape, fitness and health so quickly. Phil took me slowly through progressively more challenging routines (I asked frequently are you sure????) and just 3 months later I am 10kg's lighter, 3 dress sizes smaller and the fittest and healthiest I think I have been in my life - and the great thing is Phil has made me believe that I can be even fitter, stronger and healthier. Phil is patient but persistent - not to try is not an option! He never makes me feel silly or inadequate and has taught me to appreciate just what my body (and my mind) is capable of. And the great thing is I know I can achieve more if this is how much I can achieve in just 3 months! I cannot recommend Phil as a personal trainer highly enough. A really nice guy knowledgeable and passionate about what he does, and what he believes you can do too.

T. K.

I've known Phil for over 8 years and I can attest to his commitment and genuine concern for every one of his clients. If you are looking for someone you can trust and who will have your well-being at the forefront of his mind, you can't do better than to put yourself into his capable hands! To Phil, every client is an important individual with his/her strengths, weaknesses, goals and circumstances. Whatever your situation, Phil will help you work around them and achieve your goals in a fun way. Some might like the type the screaming, 'beasting' military type approach ... but I know that for me, the best way to exercise, is to work at it together with my trainer, and so have a long term benefit. Phil will get you results for sure!

J. E.

I have tried different ways to get fit and become more active. Whilst I have always managed to gain something from previous attempts it has tended to tail off, and only impacted one part of my life. My sister and I decided to invest in a personal trainer, we're not into gyms and not confident about exercise. Working with Phil has been great, his coaching style suits us down to the ground. We have both improved and sustained our diets and exercise levels. We make more conscious decisions about the choices we make, feel better and healthier. We are looking forward to continued improvement!

H.

I have been working with Phil since February and he has really helped me with my weight loss and fitness. Phil is highly professional and really encouraging. I could not recommend him enough and will continue to work with him to reach my goals.

A. M.

I've always loved doing exercise, but have really had a great deal of coaching and certainly have never used a personal trainer. As with all sports, having someone to check over your technique and training regimes almost always pays dividends and Phil has been no exception! I started using Phil a couple of months ago with the aim of toning up, shifting a little bit of mid life fat and improving my running. Phil comes round to my house once a week and without fail has some new exercises to try which keeps things fresh and fun. He understands the physiology side of the body extremely well and can convey the logic behind certain exercises and how it is helping the body and also how it applies to running and therefore how it will improve my technique. He is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate about what he does without being overbearing or agressive. Having a slightly dodgy back, he selects exercises which will help strengthen it without putting pressure on it and he always gauges well which exercises are appropriate and when I have done enough of them. Through the exercises, (combined with encouragement about healthy eating) I have lost loads of weight (and now need to look at putting more on, which is a nice situation to be in!) and have toned up very quickly. It's not just the exercises once a week which achieve this, but having someone to bounce ideas off who knows what works and what doesn't is invaulable. Working with Phil has been great, and what's more it has been great fun too.

N. D.

Phil's sessions are really fun but you do put the hard work in, and most importantly you do get results. He gives great advice on different exercises you can do outside of his sessions and his knowledge about diet and nutrition is an added bonus that really helps you get the results you want. I have lost weight and toned up and just feel so much more positive.

G. N.

After spending a year sitting at a desk up to 14 hours a day, I realised I need to take control back. I new I didn’t have the conviction to go to the gym or to exercise by myself, so I reached out to Phil. After a call and a face to face, we have been meeting twice a week for 9 months. I now have stamina and in a healthier frame of mind then ever before. Each session is different, and engaging. Phil is extremely knowledgable and offers advise on nutrition to ensure you get the most out of the sessions. Well worth the money in my opinion. Thanks Phil Gill

C. H.

Phil is a highly motivated and inspirational athlete who wants to pass on his own enthusiasm for running and keeping fit. I would not hesitate in recommending him as a Personal Trainer to anyone looking to improve their health and fitness or anybody who needs qualified advice on how best to train for a running event.

A. K.

I have been training with Phil for a couple of years now and always find his training sessions to be fun and hard work !!!, With his knowledge of running and his enthusiasm he has helped me with my training for running events from 10k to marathons and as a result I have achieved PB's at 10k, 10 mile and marathon running events, he has also passed on tips and advice on pre and post race stretching and warming up to enable me to have a better race and recover faster after the event. I would recommend Phil to anyone who asked me if I knew a good personal trainer without any hesitation at all

F. P.

I had, for a very long time been aware that I needed to get fit and eat properly – particularly as I was officially approaching ‘middle-age’ and have 4 children who rely on me. I considered a nutritionist, but opted for a personal trainer. I met Phil 6 weeks ago – my diet was terrible; I was missing breakfast and sometimes not eating lunch until late due to my hectic work schedule. I was erratically attempting to run, but finding that I was running out of energy and often feeling quite ill during and after any exercise (sometimes as bad as almost passing out). This put me off and so I tended to do less and less exercise with more excuses of just ‘being too busy’, but looking back now, I think it was more about the disappointment of never being able to achieve what I wanted to – and becoming frustrated, so naturally, I used excuses to avoid running. Phil put me on a nutritional plan which seemed quite scary at the time as it meant I had to get organised with planning what to eat at the weekend. I also realised I ate hardly anything which any nutritional value; no fruit and hardly any vegetables. Really quite embarrassing when I looked properly at what I ate. We started working on core body strength. Initially, I found it difficult to understand how this would help – surely I needed Phil to run with me to help me get better at running? Was that not the plan? After 2 weeks of absolutely committing to the eating plan and following it to the letter, I started to feel ‘different’. I could stay up in the evenings longer without feeling ‘washed out’. I wouldn't fall asleep in the car if we went on a long journey, I wouldn't fall asleep on the sofa at weekends, I could run to catch my train without feeling weak and light headed and I didn't get the sugar rushes I got previously; I didn't even fancy a bar of chocolate! The core body exercises helped too. I can definitely see a difference in my body, arms and legs and I just ‘feel’ stronger. It’s difficult to describe, but the differences are phenomenal. I actually feel like I have so much more energy and want to do things at the weekend, rather than spending all weekend recovering from a busy week. I do more things with the children, we visit more people and socialise more. I just feel fantastic! And actually, I didn't need Phil to go running with me. By doing the training with him, my running has been pleasurable– something I have never experienced before! Phil really takes a genuine interest in your well being. I have had some times when I have felt down and we have chatted them through. He’s a good listener (for a man!) and I value his opinion. I hope this gives you a bit of an insight into my experience. I see Phil as an essential outlay now – my husband and I were only talking recently and saying we consider Phil to be one of the best investments we have made. As for the Master plan? To run a 10k in 1 hour. Watch this space.... Faye Macnaught

d. c.

,Well I am a member at Top Notch Colchester I have been training with Phil over the last 12 months In this time Phil has been able to drive me forward with good practical help and Advice. He can work round all types of pains and injures that I have from time to time. I always feel Phil has just pushed me more than I would have been able to do myself, but at the same time not to the point that I feel never again just the right combination of diffident types of workout to feel good at the end not exhausted. Best of all he can come to you This saves lots of money because you don't need to join a gym to start with Especially if you are not fit to start with No embarrassing moments Please give him a try as he is worth it Danny Carter

M.

Phil is an extremely knowledgeable and great guy to work with. I needed some sessions to get me started on my fitness journey after a period of doing very little, and Phil was motivating and informative. Trusted him totally. Can't recommend Phil highly enough.

A. D.

I signed up for a 6week course with Phil seeing him twice per week in prep for a hen kiddy and to feel a bit stronger , by the end of it I had lost 9lbs and 4 3/4 inches all over as well as eliminating my back pain and feeling healthier. His patience and encouragement kept me going, as someone who tends to struggle to maintain a exercise regime his encouragement and positivity kept me focused! My regime was totally tailored for me, He even gave me tips on my diet and helped me set realistic goals. I have signed up for another 10 weeks to get me through the summer and continue with my success! Can't recommend him enough! Thanks Phil!

D. R.

I have had 1 off sessions with Phil when he has visited London. His knowledge and care is outstanding, I learn so much in each session and always look and feel much better. He really cares and goes above and beyond fitness.

A. D.

I was dreading my sessions with my PT but Phil is very supportive building activities subtly until you are performing exercises you never dreamed. I have lost weight(1.5 stone) And a total of 18 cm. My best friend didn't recognise me walking down the street. Not because of the physical change but because of the way I now walk...my confidence has returned.

J. T.

I've been working with Phil remotely during the Covid-19 lockdown - he strikes the perfect tone of being encouraging whilst understanding that this is a difficult time, and that motivation (for me at least!) can be very up and down! His advice is entirely manageable and appropriate for my circumstances, and is framed in a way that puts me back in control and leaves me feeling empowered rather than overwhelmed. I'm also really enjoying his insightful YouTube tutorials, which offer more thoughtful ideas that adapt to individual circumstances, such as variations on certain popular moves like burpees, or quick exercises to do at your desk as a 'better than nothing'. I look forward to continuing working with him remotely as an accountability-buddy!

M. M.

Working alongside Phil for a couple of years now I have found him to be a fantastic professional. I am also a Personal Trainer and would trust Phil with my own clients and have no hesitation in recommending him as I find him to a fantastic guy who is truly committed to providing personal training to the highest standard.

J. J.

Don't look no further, if you want the best personal trainer, very patient, and understanding, since I have been working out with Phil, my fitness level has improved, I am know running 5k with ease, and have lost 5lbs though eating better, a massive thank you to Phil Munro 😍😍😍

J. R.

Had some excellent help when I pulled my hamstring, then great advice on getting back into running. Phil's a top bloke and fantastic personal trainer.

A. D.

100% FIRST CLASS TRAINER THAT GETS RESULTS Well done Phil - a superb year - thanks for all your work.

Contact

Photos