Reviews

Almost six years ago, I met with Garth for an assessment/chat with a view to generally improving my fitness and overall health, haven never really taken to any particular form of fitness programme. We steadily built things up and I found myself actually enjoying exercise and the routines we did, which were always varied.  A few years ago, I underwent several surgeries and subsequent treatment for breast cancer. It took a lot to get back to training but following an assessment with Nicola and persistent, steady encouragement from Garth, I progressed to a stage where I felt I could give something back to the incredible people who had got me through my cancer journey. Garth and I completed our first Hyrox competition in Milan to see if I could actually manage the challenge, which I am pleased to say I did so then a few months later we completed the London Hyrox, raising money for MacMillan.   At the beginning of January 2025, I underwent a spinal fusion with rod implant. A horse riding accident in my 20s had finally caught up with me! My surgery had complications and basically I was bed ridden for the month struggling to stand and walk. Months of slow, steady training sessions with Garth greatly assisted my recovery. It has been extremely tough at times but being accountable and knowing to just turn up even on the days your mind and body are not feeling up for it really works.   We competed our third Hyrox in Oslo recently and it was a huge thrill for me to get over the finish line and realise that despite lifes challenges, with determination and the right support around you, everything is possible. 

As a runner who is (ahem) over 50, it is really important to think about resilience, especially when looking at ultra distance.  Participating in a weekly strength and conditioning class with NJD, under the guidance of Garth as a fully qualified MSc Strength and Conditioning coach, has given me the resilience and confidence to stretch my mileage to reach ultramarathon goals into my 50’s.  Strength training is a no brainer for all athletes of all abilities, but especially when you get older.

My recent completion of The Lap around Windermere in under 12 hours is – I believe – a direct result of the resilience and robustness built up over months of weekly strength and conditioning training.  I was able to push hard in  my tempo training runs and long runs and was even able to push towards the end of the race. It feels like I am investing now in my future too – I want to keep doing these adventures for as long as I can, and Strength and Conditioning training with NJD is the secret sauce to longevity in the sport.

I turned to Garth as a Tri coach earlier this year to give me some structure and focus on my Duathlon training. I came in with a reasonable amount of fitness but without a clear plan to optimise my training and achieve the goals I wanted. Garth gave me a mixed plan of cycling, running, plyometrics and strength work with twice weekly updates. He made me accountable for my own training for supporting me in this by creating a personalised training program around my shift work as an A&E consultant. Within a few weeks I noticed I look slimmer and felt stronger. After a couple of months I noticed significant changes in my physique, improved sleep and energy levels during the day. I achieved a massive PB in my 5K time knocking 30 seconds of my all-time fastest time, but also improving my 5K time by 90+ seconds compared to when I first started working with garth (18m38s). In June I competed at the age group multi-sport world Championships in Cross Duathlon. Garth was able to give me an effective plan in the run-up to the race, tips about nutrition and hydration when racing in the heat and his own insight into racing at that level from his own experience. I came first GB athlete in my age group and 10th overall in my category if you want to see progress and have a coach who will design a personal plan focused on your goals but realistic at the same time, then I couldn't recommend Garth more.

I would highly recommend Nicola and the NJD team after they helped me recover from a hip replacement. I am now back snowboarding and horse riding at 63. Nicola has helped me with pilates, reformer and rehabilitation programs to improve my strength, general fitness and mobility.  She has also used massage and acupuncture to fix ongoing aches and pains, along my journey of recovery. The weekly clinical pilates classes I attend are always interesting and tailored to my individual needs in a relax and fun way. She teaches in a positive, confidence building manner.

I was recommend to Chris by a friend 2 years ago for back and hip pain.  He is a dedicated practitioner with extraordinary attention to detail, explaining every step of treatment and how clients can help themselves to recover with exercise. He is professional and dedicated to his work in every aspect, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his clients.  Chris is friendly, caring and a pleasure to be around, I would highly recommend him.

If considering going to NJD for pregnancy or baby yoga/pilates - DO IT and you won’t forget it! I went to Nicola’s pregnancy class from 20 weeks - 37 weeks pregnant! I enjoyed it all the way through. It’s a perfect treat during pregnancy- both mentally and physically. I especially enjoyed when we used the reformers. I was able to apply the skills learnt class in for labour and into motherhood.

I made lots of friends at NJD who I now still see for baby play dates and coffee! I also now attend her baby class which I also LOVE!

I am 84 years old, and without Nicola’s support, I could not live my life the way I want to. I have a long-term back problem, but with the weekly pilates class and the occasional massage or acupuncture, I manage to do most things. After my traumatic fall, full knee replacement, and a 6-week hospital stay, I eventually got back and did one-to-one reformer pilates; with Nicola’s unfailing support and exercise routine, I can now look after myself, drive again, and walk around the village.

I have visited Nick (NJD Sports Injury Centre) twice now. The first time was for a Bikefit, and I cannot stress the importance of having one. Considering how much a bike costs, it’s a small price to pay.

I am delighted to provide a testimonial highlighting the benefits I have derived from NJD Sports Injury Clinic’s comprehensive Bikefit Package and Service. Nick is always very professional in his approach and inspires confidence by explaining why changes are being made. Throughout the process, I felt that I was involved in all the decisions being made and that my views were being considered and incorporated into the plan. I would highly recommend his services to anyone who cycles regularly and who wants to improve how they feel on a bike and boost their performance overnight". Is it all worth the effort? I spend 10 to 15 hours per week cycle training. Like many other cyclists, I have invested considerable amounts of money in bikes and accessories. However, the very modest time and money invested in Nick’s assessment (and the cycle coaching) is by far the best investment I have made to date