Step into Life Cheltenham

I have been a member for a little over a year now. After having my second baby, I needed a personal trainer and group I could work out with that not only supported me but challenged me to reach my health and fitness potential in a safe and fun environment. Donna is an amazing trainer who has guided me and given me the opportunity to feel healthy again not only physically but mentally. I feel great! Never thought it would be possible but I was finally able to sport my skins again... after 5 years! Thank you Donna for believing in me and motivating me to reach my fitness goals.

After a very challenging time in my life Donna gave me the push to get back to being me. In 6 months I've gone from a size 16 to a 10 and have so much energy and passion in my life. Donna goes above and beyond being a personal trainer. She checks in to see how we are helps us set goals and holds us to it. I have maintained my weight loss and look forward to every session with vitality. I now ran and have completed 14.8 km's now onto the next chapter in my life. No turning back or stopping my time at step into life.
You can't put a price on the joy of life at step into life.

I joined 3 months ago and I have never had so much fun exercising. For over 10 years I went to the gym, but like so many others, lost motivation and interest.
However with step into life, I always look forward to my next training session. Donna is a fantastic instructor and always has new and innovative class ideas. The other members make these sessions so much fun and are they are always motivating each other.
Come and try it, and you will be hooked!

Sounds like a great place to gain support and health with losing weight, gaining health back and all the positive things that come with exercise. Donna sounds like a really professional and friendly person. Sadly I cannot afford the minimum $25.00 per week as currently looking for work. Be fantastic to volunteer in some capacity and be paid in classes and not money :)

Approximate cost: $100

I have never been a lover of exercise but after having a baby I looked up training for some ‘me time’ while settling into the my new role as a mum. Donna was amazing from the get go; so welcoming and supportive and pushed me when I needed it. I love attending her training, I am feeling happier, fitter and more motivated. I just completed the 16km run for the kids, a goal even my husband didn’t think I would be able to complete. This would never have been possible (or even something I would have considered) without Donna. If you’re looking for variety in your training, a trainer dedicated to making sure you stay motivated and engaged and a fun supportive atmosphere, I can’t recommend her classes highly enough.

I had a shattering experience when my surgeon introduced me to a lady on a walking stick to give me assurance that I would be able to walk again.
My physiotherapists were wonderful. At the of their work I was walking and driving. They recommended Step into Life. However, they were also fully aware of my disabilities and the care and attention I would need to participate in the program.
Fortunately one of my physiotherapists knew Donna and was confident that she could devise a program to help me manage my limitations.
Six years later I run, participate in most of the program and enjoy my twice-weekly exercises and the friendships I have developed.
Thank you Donna

Donna and Moran are fantastic. The sessions are tailored to suit all fitness levels, each session is abit different and they're always fun. My favourite is Powerflex on Sunday mornings, love it. I would never go back to gym training. Highly recommend SIL Cheltenham.

I have a very busy family life and in the past have found it difficult to create an exercise routine that I can stick with. Step Into Life is that routine! I have now been a member for over 10 years and can honestly say that exercise is no longer something that I make excuses about but something that I enjoy doing. Donna and the Step Into Life community she has created make exercising rewarding and fun. Thanks Donna!

It's only been a month but I knew instantly that ditching the gym was one of the best decisions I've made for my health and lifestyle. With an amazing, motivating and positive trainer, an encouraging and bubbly group you can't go wrong joining Step into Life Cheltenham.

I joined Step into Life, Cheltenham about 12 weeks ago after having my two children, with the goal of maintaining a regular fitness routine and therefore being fitter and healthier than I have ever been. I had tried running many times in the past but had never been able to stick with it. Guided by the expertise of my trainers Donna and Moran, and with plenty of encouragement, I have observed my strength and fitness increase quite rapidly over such a short period of time. My mood has lifted, I have more energy, and I look forward to meeting up with my Step into Life trainers and colleagues each week where I enjoy training, and am challenged in a fun, supportive and non-competitive environment. In addition, since joining Step into Life I have observed the way in which I have become a role model for my two young daughters who embrace me with hugs and kisses each day before I head out the door to training - I hope this inspires and motivates them to enjoy physical activity and the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle in their years to come. Many thanks to Donna and Moran and everyone at SiL for making me feel so welcome and helping me to achieve my goal!

Excellent trainer, friendly and encouraging group, do yourself a favour and get out of the stinky gym and into the park with an exercise regime you will actually stick to.

I still can't believe I've done it. If you were to tell me even 5 months ago that I would be running 1/2 marathon I would have told you "You are crazy!". Never say never! Just wanted to say 'THANK YOU' to everyone who supported me along the way and ESPECIALLY to Donna Douglas, Step into Life Cheltenham, who made me strong enough to do it!!!!!!!!! Totally overwhelmed today!!!!!

Joining Step Into Life has been once of the best things I've done. Over the last 7 months I have seen so much change in my fitness. Donna and Joel are great trainers and they definitely keep it challenging as no two sessions are ever the same.
With the help of Step Into Life I've been able to complete Tough Mudder and my first fun run this year something I never thought I'd be able to do.
I highly recommend Step Into Life to everyone.

7 months ago, I could hardly exercise for 10 minutes without feeling exhausted. On the weekend, I completed my first fun run which was 8km. This achievement is attributed to Donna & Joel at Step Into Life Cheltenham. I have come to appreciate that health and fitness is paramount to leading a happy & balanced life, and Step Into Life Cheltenham combines fitness with a fun & enthusiastic environment!! Donna & Joel are fantastic trainers, and the program is different for every session, keeping us interested and motivated to attend. There is nothing like training in the great outdoors, and I would highly recommend Step Into Life Cheltenham to anyone and everyone!!

I first checked out Step into Life on this website and I was initially sceptical about all these glowing reviews. I didn't quite believe that everyone was really enjoying it that much or that a personal trainer could be that amazing. But after three months of sessions, I can tell you that Donna is a truly fantastic, supportive and inspiring trainer and - even more incredibly - I am enjoying exercising, having not done anything on a regular basis for around 20 years! As well as being very unfit, I have also got some old injuries, that have affected my day to day life. But thanks to Donna and Joel's advice and encouragement, my mobility and stability have improved and I am doing things that I simply was not able to do 12 weeks ago. So believe all these great reviews, it really is THAT good!

I have just clocked up five years with Step Into Life (SIL)Cheltenham. Why did I start? I was overweight, lethargic and I am a type 2 Diabetic. My Diabetes medication was ramping up without any improvement in blood sugar control and my Doctor had read me the riot act. Now, I am 15 kilos lighter, my blood sugar is totally under control on a third of the medication and I feel fitter and younger than I did twenty years ago. Back then I knew I had to do something, so I bought a cross trainer machine and started to go jogging. Great intentions but despite the motivation, there always seemed to be a reason not to exercise. Meanwhile, my wife had joined SIL a few years earlier and was still going and feeling better and best of all had remained motivated. She convinced me to give it a try and along I went, feeling macho and confident but also very self conscious, I went in a bit too hard in my first toning session and the next day could barely feed myself; such was the muscle soreness. OK, the first few weeks were tough but I soon realised that it was not a contest and I was surrounded by wonderful people who were just pleased to see me have a go at improving my life. Why does SIL work? For me it is because of the extremely supportive but still motivating environment that Donna has consistently maintained. We have met and made great friends, it is never boring and I always finish with a great blast of "feel good" endorphins. Yes, it can be as tough as you want to make it, but Donna manages to cleverly tailor the sessions so that we all benefit regardless of our current fitness level.
No fitness plan will ever work if you do not attend and continue to attend. The bottom line is that the SIL environment keeps me motivated.

I have been a member for 4 years now, 2-3 sessions a week. I still really enjoy the atmosphere and comararadere of the team. Donna introduced me to running again and now with her help and training I have completed over 10 half marathons and last year did my first marathon!! Just when I thought I had reached my peak, this week I ran my fastest 10 km time ever and did personal bests on much of my fitness evaluations. I am a very happy member and suggest you come and give the team a try!

I cannot recommend Donna Douglas and Step Into Life Cheltenham highly enough. A year and a half ago I was not sleeping, struggling with 2 young kids, overweight unfit and unhappy. I've met new friends, I've discovered I can wake up at 5.30 and exercise 3 days a week and I can depend on a 'friendly' SMS if I don't show without a good excuse. Because of the group camaraderie and the variety in the outdoor exercise, this is the only training plan that's worked for me in 20 years. If you are thinking of coming along, do it, the groups are all shapes and sizes, male and female, good natured and welcoming. You won't regret it - what's the worst that can happen?

I've been training with Donna for nearly a year now, and for 9 months of that I was pregnant! Donna was supportive and encouraging of me continuing my training right through until two days before I gave birth.

She modified my training program so that it complemented my pregnancy and I honestly believe it contributed to me having such a healthy pregnancy and birth. My baby is now 6 weeks old and my recovery has been quick and easy. If I hadn't kept up my training I think my pregnancy experience would have been completely different - they say that giving birth is like running a marathon, and Donna definitely helped me feel fit and healthy!

Donna is the perfect trainer - she is lovely and friendly, but firm enough that you are held accountable for training to your best ability. You don't mind getting up for a 6am class!

Another side to the training is the social side, and I just love going to class - I've made some great friends and have really missed them and the training in this time off. I'm really looking forward to getting back into it! Thanks Donna, you know I couldn't have done it without you! xx

I started with Donna on the Step into Life program a year and a half ago knowing that I had to seriously do something about my health and fitness but not confident with knowing what to do. I spoke with Donna about my health condition (having been diagnosed with a pain condition), feeling very hesitant about returning to exercise after 8 years. Donna was very assuring and encouraged me to give it a go. She has been incredibly patient and accommodating as I've worked out what exercises I could manage and as time has gone on, with Donna overseeing my progress, I've managed to reduce my pain levels almost completely, I'm now 90% stronger and more flexible and quite a few kilos lighter than I was when I started Step. I feel fantastic after each session! Training outdoors is the most healthy and invigorating place to exercise! I could never go back to a gym even when I think of the hot summer and cold winter temperatures - there's something magical about doing it outdoors! Thanks Donna for getting me back on track to a healthier, fitter and lighter me :-)!!!

I was seeking some exersize because of a bad doctors report
and was recomended to Donna at Step ,I was most impressed with her Amazing caring supervision during my traning ,Donna truly is skilled in personal training ,her charges are reasonable and the bonus is we do it outdoors
I would not hesitate to recomend Step into life cheltenham

Joined six years ago to trim down the waist line.. at the first lesson i struggled to run 800 meters. In 2012 i ran 3 marathons and many other "fun" run. Step in Life has enabled me to live a much happier and fuller life than before. Thank you

I am an 8 year veteran of SIL Cheltenham.. I know I would never have stuck at going to a gym for this length of time.. and a gym would never ring and ask why your not utilizing your membership but Donna my traininer does making sure I always book a make up lesson..Donna motivates me to put me first..

I was hesitant at first about joining Step Into Life, but after a couple of trial sessions decided to give it a go. My trainer Donna, is one of the very best I've ever had, enough encouragement to push me along, but without being overbearing. One thing that did surprise me that after nearly after a year of attending, each class tends to be different so there is no chance of being bored and I now look forward to going and actually miss it when I'm not able to attened. Donna is friendly, considerate, accommodating, supportive and helps me a lot with my motivation. More importantly, whilst I'm benefiting from the health benefits, the sessions are fun and I've met lots of lovely people through the group, there is a real sense of community. It's one of the best value classes around, affordable, fun, challenging and rewarding. Doing it outdoors certainly works for me!

Its not just about the exercise I get from Step Into Life, its the community, the fun, the variety, and most importantly the respect from my trainer Donna. Donna has the fantastic ability to always make me feel special, welcome and important at the same time creating such a warm team atmosphere. Not only have I lost weight, increased my vitamin D levesl, gained real fitness that the "gym" wasn't giving me, but I have found a friend, a community of friends and its now been 1.5 years of training and I have no intention of ever stopping -unlike the gym where I would stop, start, stop, start and no-one would even notice (but me of course!). Step Into Life is for life, its so refreshing to have found somewhere that is actually enjoyable and worthwhile to train! Thanks Donna!

Almost three years ago I joined to get fit and make new friends in the area (I had recently moved)...I've certainly improved my fitness and now got a great circle of friends, but I had not counted on the unexpected result on my health. I've got a heart condition that involves medication; I was due for my check up (and in fact hadn't been for 8 years...it was due 3 years ago!). I visited my cardiologist and was astounded with the prognosis! his comment to me was "you've got the heart of a 45 year old and in fact you are in better nick' than when you were 43!" This was an awesome remark - I've just celebrated my 55th birthday. So, I reckon the $42 a week (plus two or three coffees I have with my new friends)..is worth every cent.

Approximate cost: $42 per week

I have been attending classes for the past 5 years or so and not once has any class been structured the same. I love the variety of activities, the friendly environment that Donna has created and the people I've made friends with.

If not for Donna and the Step into Life system I would have remained an overweight couch potato. It is truly non competitive. The support is there to produce the gradual improvement and you are not made to feel fat slow or unfit. The difference is that you stick at it because of Donna's encouragement and, best of all from the new friends that you make. I have lost 15 kg, feel great and can now run 10km.

I don't say this lightly, but Donna is a truly inspirational trainer. She knows her client's limitations but at the same time she tries to push us as close to those limits as she can. The classes are great fun, varied and everyone encourages each other when things get a little tough. From a personal perspective, I don't think I have ever been fitter. From someone who would have struggled to run 100 metres before I joined 'Step' I just completed my first 10km fun run (Sandy Point) which I was very proud of. I trained hard for the 10km, but without Donna's guidance and encouragement I wouldn't have been able to complete it. As a Father of two young Bhoys I hope to train with Donna well into the future and ensure I stay fit and healthy for both of them.

My level of fitness has been life-changing and I feel great. Donna's enthusiasm and motivation, plus the excellent social group atmosphere has been such that I keep going, unlike other fitness regimes I have tried.