Interview with Exclusively Magazine"Time to get Yummi Scrummi"
With summer looming, Louise O’Loughlin talks to personal trainer Philly Clark about how to get into shape
With summer just around the corner, it’s
time to shape up. Every time I join a gym
my membership seems only to last a couple of
weeks. I easily get bored and I’m not keen at
being ogled at. So the idea of someone coming
to my home, to take me through a work out in
my own time, seemed the perfect thought. First
step - find a personal trainer.
With so many personal trainers around it was
a task to find one that suited me. There is
nothing better than a positive recommendation
so after a friend told me about Yummi Scrummi
I was keen to see what it could offer me that
others couldn't.
Yummi Scrummi, founded and run by Philly
Clark, specialises in weight loss, toning, shaping,
general fitness, massage and nutrition. It soon
became clear that Philly is in tune with how I'm
feeling and, although she works with couples,
she focuses on women.
All the boxes are ticked.
It was time to adjust the Lycra, suck in the abs
and bring in Philly. The venue would be either
my home, her home or the park. I concluded my
Lycra should remain within my four walls!
Philly's initial visit was a free consultation
which is offered to all potential clients. This visit
consisted of a questionnaire about my health,
nutrition and lifestyle to enable Philly to put
together a programme specifically tailored to
my requirements.
Philly's professionalism, warmth and
approachability allowed me to open up to her
and tell her things even my closest friends aren't
privy to - including my weight. I am assured all
the details given are confidential.
Philly took my blood pressure, measured my
resting heart rate and measured my fat mass
with the option of measuring tape or callipers. I
am serious about reaching my goals so was
happy to oblige. We talked about me for at least
an hour after which Philly had a clear idea of the
problem areas, what I liked and disliked about
my current lifestyle and, most important, what I
wanted to achieve.
It was educational and her enthusiasm
inspired me, as did her toned and shapely figure
devoid of the horrors of orange peel. So without
wasting time I arranged for my first session.
Philly, who had previously held a high-flying
position in global marketing, always had a
passion for fitness. She decided to break away
from a successful career and set up Yummi
Scrummi. She realised women find it difficult to
make the first move to fitness and knew
this was an area in which she could use
her expertise.
Philly, who is highly trained and is fully
qualified as a personal trainer and also a
specialist in nutritional advice and sports
massage, said:
“Gyms can often be intimidating
and threatening if you are new to exercise. I give
you the opportunity to work out in the comfort
of your own home at a time that suits you."
“When people go to gyms or classes they can
hide and lie to themselves about how hard they
are working. More seriously, they can injure
themselves because they have not been taught
the correct techniques, or if they have, they may
have forgotten them
"
“With motivation and encouragement, we
will work together to progress your fitness to the
next level and meet your goals.”
A few days later, Philly arrived armed with
step box, weights, stability ball and a radiant
smile. We began our warm up. This was my idea
of fun. A stroll!
I was fitted with a heart rate monitor which
showed that my heart rate had sped up when
she had stepped up the pace. I hadn't even
realised as we had been merrily chatting.
I was feeling really good about myself.
I realised I was having some ‘me time’,
although I never thought ‘me time’ would
involve working out.
Back home ready for the next phase, we
covered all body areas starting with my arms,
shoulders and chest, moving down to my hips,
bum and tum. I soon realised I had muscles I
never knew existed.
Through every stage Philly explained what
muscles we were targeting, and why, guiding
me through each exercise.
Philly pushed me but none of the session was
unmanageable. It was actually a pleasure. I felt
amazing afterwards and my endorphins well
and truly boosted. I really did feel a revived
sense of energy and felt ready to deal with the
rest of the day.
So what sets Yummi Scrummi apart?
“Whatever your age, fitness or ability, I give you
the chance to get some ‘me time’ whilst having
a fun time,” said Philly
