This is a blog post by one of our members Boris Borislav. It’s very powerful when someone takes the time to write about and celebrate a journey you have helped be a part of. Great people do great things, and as a coach and a coaching company is it extremely rewarding to be part of that journey and to feel you have helped. The journey and result really always comes down to the person and who they are. Shout out in particular here to coaches Jenny and Rauraidh who worked closely with Boris.
Co-Founder at G2G Coaching
Let me start by saying this has been in the making for a very long time. I figured something wasn’t right back in early 2019. This comes about 2 years after we moved to a new house, which meant less commuting to work by foot and more driving. Over that 2 year period I had put on 6kg (13.2lbs) and my average daily step count was around 4k steps.
I knew something had to be done. I knew this was a lifestyle I had to change. At the time I didn’t know any better, so I went back to what had worked in the past for me, albeit only temporarily, food + exercise! Eat less, exercise more and voila! Results! That of course is true, but unless you make long term lifestyle changes you very quickly go back to your old behaviour.
Fast forward to one summer day, after leaving my dentist I accidentally came across a sign for a gym. It was close to my office at the time, it was small i.e. no ego gym goers, and I thought to myself lets check it out! After a brief look around I decided to get in touch with the team, explain my situation, and get booked in for the initial Movement assessment!
Working with G2G Coaching
I somewhat remember going for my assessment. I remember being nervous and unsure of myself. I was in a very alien environment to me and basically far outside of my comfort zone!
“As we all know this is where all the true learnings come. From being outside of your comfort zone!”
I remember Ollie talking about G2Gs values, what they stand for and believe in, the type of people they work with, and how important is the community (G2G members) to the overall success of everyone. Think whatever you want, but until you actually experience it you wouldn’t believe it!
On the 1st of August 2019 I attended my first session. I was so nervous – don’t ask me why! I remember that after the warm up I was ready to call it a day! I almost blacked out. I was extremely unfit! I must highlight that the entire G2G team and the members have always been extremely supportive.
The DOMS that followed were an absolute beast! The day after my first few sessions I felt like the given part of my body was hit by a train f.e. after a lower body or upper body day. I can recall walking around the office in pain!
Support through injuries
During the course of my journey I faced several injuries, an operation (my appendix burst), and trauma as a result of my previous lifestyle. This is where the experience and knowledge of the G2G team came in super handy! They knew not only how to help me, but most importantly how to teach me, so I understand and can better protect myself in the future.
Exercise, learn, and have fun
Having fun during the in-person and online sessions has been truly an amazing experience! The team and all members make everyone feel at home, welcomed, and looked after! It is basically a gym family!
On the 1st of August I celebrated my 3rd year with G2G! It has been an incredible journey for me. As a matter of fact still is! Let me tell you why! Unlike many other PTs, gym classes, etc who focus on one aspect of your life ie movement, the g2g team takes into account everything that goes around you and helps you make long term sustainable changes to help you get where you want to be.
Progress is all about lifestyle changes
A key ingredient to long term success is lifestyle changes. Why?! Well, you can put all the effort in the world, get all the results you desire, but the moment you stop and go back to your previous lifestyle. I am not talking about do/not eat certain foods, or have a calorie deficit or whatever. No, I am talking about everything combined.
“A key ingredient to long term success is lifestyle changes.”
Results in numbers
This is what it actually looks like on paper:
| Measure | Before | After | Change |
| Weight | 137.4kg | 114.7kg | -20kg |
| Dumbbell Floor Press (kg) | 10kg | 36kg | +26kg |
| Single Arm Row (kg) | 10kg | 29kg | +19kg |
| Walking BPM | 124 | 104 | -20 |
A lower walking heart rate is a sign the heart is working more efficiently. Boris’s dropped by 20 bpm.
What’s next?
In my mind I have to continue to make small atomic changes until I reach my next goal. This includes, how I approach nutrition, how I incorporate exercise as part of my day, and setting overall realistic achievable targets.
From the G2G Coaching Team
We’re G2G Coaching, a private gym in Edinburgh built around personalised strength and conditioning.
Whether you’re getting fit after years away from it, recovering from an injury, managing a condition, or training for a sport you love, you get a programme built around you, coaches on the floor whenever you need them, and a community that actually knows your name.
If Boris’s story sounds like the kind of change you’re after, the first step is a free strength and conditioning assessment. It’s not a sales call or a pitch. Just an honest chat with a qualified coach about where you want to get to.
