Willie Hunter, Solicitor, Hunters Residential
Age: 55
At the start of the year I was asked to have a few photographs taken that could be used in some publicity shots for the business. There must have been something wrong with the camera because each and every photograph seemed to make me look overweight! At about the same time a friend asked me if I might be interested in walking the West Highland Way. When he explained that would involve five consecutive days of walking around 20 miles a day over rough terrain I realised that I would have to get myself into some sort of shape.
Add to that the fact that since my rugby playing days I have had constant lower back problems culminating in surgery on two discs and I was probably a prime candidate for something like Power Plate.
For several years I had been a member of a gym but I found it difficult to get into any sort of regular routine. I would go at it flat out for two or three weeks until something would cause me to miss a couple of sessions and before I knew it the enthusiasm had gone and I would find all sorts of excuses for not going.
I had read about Power Plate® and that there was a studio just round the corner from the office. One of my partners in the office agreed to come along with me for a trial session and we both enjoyed it so much that we signed up for a three month term.
There are lots of positives as far as I am concerned. Firstly, I can turn up for a session at 8.30am and be behind my desk feeling refreshed and ready for the day around 35 minutes later. It is over so quickly that it is easy to keep pushing yourself for the full session.
The staff have been great and there is always plenty friendly backchat and humour which helps to keep your mind of the pain!! Because there is always someone there taking you through the session there is no time wasted and every minute of the workout is filled. It certainly beats wandering about a gym waiting for equipment to become free.
The effect after only three months was very evident when I took on the West Highland Way. My legs coped no problem and I was able to take on the steep climbs without any real difficulty. I even took time out at the top of Conic Hill to send a text to Helen and Ian saying how good I felt.
I have had no back problems since I started and that must be down to the improved core strength. The only down side is that I have had to get rid of every suit that I had in the wardrobe as I have gone from a 38” waist to somewhere 36” and even 34“ for some of my casual trousers.
I would recommend it to anyone. There is no doubt that I have more energy and generally feel better and it is the first form of exercise that I have seriously stuck with.
