“Exercise and I are two words that do not go hand in hand, but having had 2 babies in close succession, and not being able to fit into any of my pre-pregnancy clothes forced me to take some drastic action. Charlene was recommended to me, and I gave her a time frame of 6 weeks to get me in shape before the much needed holiday in the sun. Her initial consultation gave me the focus required to monitor my diet and tweak it so that it did not become totally restricted, but instead became healthy with a few treats here and there, and was easy for me to stick to and totally tailored to my own requirements. Her exercise program was also just challenging enough, without being painful, and she pushed me to my limits so that after just a few sessions I really felt I was progressing. The program was also diverse, ranging from outdoor activities to weights and many pilates based exercises, and for someone who hated exercise I was pleasantly surprised that each session passed quickly. This was aided by her constant words of support and encouragement, and the knowledge that all the tasks were totally safe. Needless to say, after just 6 weeks, I felt much fitter, had got down to the target weight, but more importantly there was a remarkable difference between the initial physical measurements and the final ones…most important of all being I could fit back into those skinny jeans! I would recommend Charlene to anyone who wants to enjoy their exercise, achieve realistic results and feel totally secure in being in the hands of a true professional.” -Deborah E.

“I started working with Charlene when I found out I was just over 12 weeks pregnant. For me it was extremely important I kept my fitness and general well being at an all time high whilst I was pregnant. Working closely with Charlene gave me the confidence to keep my mind, body & spirit balanced in order for me to undergo one of the most life changing experiences I was destined for. Charlene helped prepare my body by helping me work on my posture and strength as well as keeping me fit and healthy. I also practiced Reflexology and Yoga whilst pregnant and I believe by combining these elements I had the most relaxed and wonderful birth of my baby girl. Charlene offered me advise and I would always enjoy our sessions together, she is now a great friend too!” -Mel E.

“After the initial euphoria of finding out I was pregnant came the shock realisation that my body was about to change, to expand in each and every way. Not just clearly massively externally, but internally and, quite frankly, I had no clue really what was going on. Or what was going to go on. Together with my ante-natal classes and my heavenly Paddington Hospital obstetrician, Mr Teoh, Charlene came to my rescue. Working in tandem with my two other sources of information I understood clearly what was happening inside me, and what I could do to help both myself and my unborn son. Nutritionally, the smile was wiped from my face early on. No eating for two, and no gorging on chocolate cake were two old wives tales put to bed within minutes. As if working telepathically, Mr Teoh and Charlene shattered my every pregnancy illusion. Putting the sweets to one side, Charlene not only suggested to me what I didn’t eat – as to what I should. There are so many people longing to impart with you their every nugget of advice, that hearing it from people who know, with no agenda and a completely objective viewpoint is, really, well, nothing short of heaven. As the weight piled on, I was relieved to hear that, following all the professional advice given, it was ok. Even as I fast approached 12 stone. But right from the start, even in the first early months, my fitness and general health was checked on at each of my bi-weekly sessions. The extraordinary realisation of pregnancy was just basically how shattering it was – I couldn’t do anything that I had done easily before. But Charlene regulated everything I did ensuring I did not damage myself, or push myself too hard. They, if not I, were fully aware of the demands a two inch baby takes on your body. I therefore “grew”, but only as necessary. And the best? I felt reassured the whole time, that although I was expanding, it was a good expansion – I was as fit as I could be, I would recover my fitness (and body) a whole lot quicker, and healthier as a result. And, incidentally, that was true – three and a half months after giving birth, I was in a bikini and pretty much back to normal. That really is thanks to Charlene – and determination. The two go hand in hand – without Charlene, and Mr Teoh’s gentle reminders, I would have probably had a gloriously sugar-loaded fat pregnancy, succumbing to temptation daily. But knowing I was going to see them, that they were monitoring my pregnancy kept, and that I knew what it would mean to me and my baby, kept me in check. Who knows, without them I would probably have been fine – blissfully unaware of every internal change, joyfully piling on the pounds and still delivering a delicious, heaven sent boy. But, and it is a big but – with them, it seemed to make more sense. I stopped badgering Mr Teoh with mindless questions, because I could badger Charlene; I ensured my health and my son’s health as much as I could. And, funnily enough, although it seems minimal now, at the time it was important to me that I was having an impact on what was happening – that my body was still mine. And every woman needs to feel that.” -Poppy T.