MADE and Me

Welcome to my first in a series of posts about my fitness journey at MADE wellness centre in Staffordshire.

I was first introduced to MADE back in March when I joined them for a whole day of wellness and fitness. It is such a gorgeous addition to Moddershall Oaks complex. It was a day I’ll never forget and not just because it ended in a hot tub with the most stunning view and a glass of fizz! It was a truly inspiring day. You can read all about my First Impressions of MADE here. This was the day my eyes were opened to a new way of approaching my training. In an environment that felt more like me.

I was looking for something different and after just one week I know I’ve found it. I feel inspired. Invigorated. I want to train harder. I want to be a better version of me. For more than five years I have spent my time weight training, taking part in circuits, I found a love for spinning but something was missing. I know now that it was the environment. The equipment and variety in classes. MADE has all this to offer and so much more. Once you go MADE you don’t go back. Cheesy but its true.

As I write this post it’s been a full week of training for me and already I feel so much better for being back to it. I have more energy. I’m sleeping better. Easing myself back into a routine after a few weeks off training hasn’t been easy but it’s been enjoyable. And with the support of the MADE team I’ve managed four classes in my first week. I’m still getting to know the setup at MADE, finding my way around the classes and understanding how each instructor works. I still have a couple of instructors to meet but on the whole I feel like I know my way round. I love how you hear the instructors welcoming those training in by their name, making conversation – they genuinely are interested to hear how you are getting on. Within just one week I’m starting to feel welcome to MADE.

 

What do I love about MADE?

The environment

Warm and welcoming. Bright and inspiring. The equipment screams quality. And the variety and quantity too. No-one is ever short of a kettle bell or barbell. The views from the studio as I train on a morning are incredible. So motivating. The sun shining through the windows, even the rain bouncing off the roof is refreshing. A huge change from the dirt and dust. From rain falling through the cracks in the roof. It’s hard to think about ever going back to training in a dirty warehouse. Who wouldn’t want to train here? It truly is worth the investment in both your time and money. I never realised how training in a more professional environment would make such a difference. Welcome to MADE.

 

 

The classes and instructors

The instructors are a breath of fresh air. Their focus isn’t just on weight training or 6 week boot camps and weighing out your food. They are passionate about education, your well being, creating a positive space for you to train in, as well as making the classes engaging and fun. With the best music. Ultimately it’s about you and they are there to support you in your endeavours. That said they’ll also push you to your maximum. I’ve definitely felt muscles hurting that I didn’t know I had. Oh my glutes from taking the Booty Werk classes.

The classes are so varied, with more than one instructor taking the same type of class. This is something I am really enjoying. That the instructors are able to put their own personality into each class. So far I have taken booty werk and cycle funk classes. With different instructors taking each class – all completely unique in their approach. One thing that seems to really stand out is the standard of equipment, the high tech look and feel of the cycle bikes, how I can grab a sweat towel and fill my water bottle up with ice cold water. It is both the big and small things that really make a difference.

 

 

The MADE app

Such a great idea. Unlike most fitness centre apps there is so much more to it than just booking a class. There is a community. A dedicated section which allows you to chat to members, instructors, share updates and see any class amendments. The MADE team are very active in here and regularly share new initiatives or upcoming events. I love that the app promotes a sense of community. You can find all kinds of information on the app including workouts for when you use the gym or train at home and so much more.

 

 

Since first meeting the team in March I have been welcomed to the team as an ambassador of MADE and I cannot wait to share my journey with you. I hope to inspire you. To help you. To share my love of training with you. In each post I write, where I share my fitness journey with MADE I plan to add in a Top Tip. One that will help you to enjoy your time at MADE. And so this week’s top tip is…

 

Top Tip: Try as many classes as you can. I loved how the same class was taught so differently by each Instructor

 

In my next post I’ll be sharing some more details on the classes I have been taking, the importance of an FTP test as well as eating in the MADE cafe. If you want to keep track of my journey then do follow me over on Instagram – where I share a photo each week with a little update as well as Instagram Stories from my training sessions.

If you’d like to follow the MADE team and get a feel for the centre yourself then you can follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook here.