Real People: Real Stories

This is the page our site where real people tell real stories of how Hour of Power® has impacted their life. More than just testimonials about the effectiveness of the workout or how many inches a person has lost from their waistline, this is a place where you will hear just how and why the Hour of Power® class manages to reach people and communities in ways that most other fitness classes do not. Click on the latest post below, or check out the archive to read previous stories.

“The HOP® truly is the toughest training both physically and mentally that I have encountered. I have played premier club rugby in New Zealand, the training was intense and my level of fitness had to be what I thought was near peak for me to remain competitive. However, since I have been doing the HOP® on a regular basis, my physical condition has improved dramatically. After the first couple of sessions, the body can recover without feeling aches and pains which allows you to train more frequently. I recommend it to anyone who desires better physical condition, and can guarantee that…

Jack Hoskyn, Rugby Player

“I have tried Pilates, circuit training etc…but I can honestly say HOP® is by far the best exercise class I have ever been to. I rode horses as my job for 10 years and in all that time I never had any definition in my upper arms, in just a few weeks of HOP® I can already see my arms have toned it is an amazing class and is completely addictive.”

Carol Casey, Recruitment Coordinator, The British Racing School

“The Hour of Power class was a great asset to the Loughborough Athletic Union. Adding a new dimension to sport at Loughborough is always a tough challenge, and yet this is exactly what the HOP® class did for almost a decade. The class really made a big impact on the students and each year memberships sold out quickly, making it obvious that HOP® reaches an audience that perhaps other fitness classes do not.”

Rick Smith, Athletic Union President 2009/10, Loughborough university

I went to my first HOP® class about 18 months ago, having never used weights before, I used the lightest weights and still could barely walk the next day, but I loved it! The thing I love most about the class is how you feel stronger every time you do it, you can see the definition in your muscles develop as you build strength and use heavier weights and the feeling you get when you manage to stay in that darn isometric squat for two minutes, well there’s nothing like it! Debbie Bradley (attends HOP® Droitwich) I love the Hour…

Julie Liggins HOP® Class

My HOP® journey started a year ago and I had heard so many good things about this workout via FB that I knew I had to try it. For someone that doesn’t like exercise after my first class with Aimee I felt amazing! I knew then I was addicted to it…it is very rewarding and my body shape has changed so much along with my fitness levels! I find myself looking forward to every class now and I do extra squats and supermans when not at class!! I recommend HOP® to everyone I know and rave about it!!! Kathryn Watts My…

Aimee Featherstone’s HOP® Class

I love the Isleham HOP because not only does the instructor, Nick support you every step of the way and push you to achieve your goals but also it is a real team atmosphere and we all work together during and after the workout, The friendliest workout sessions I ve ever been to!!! Suzanna Burrows After you get over the first class aches and stiffness that follows, then every other class from there in becomes such an addiction!! A total body workout achieved in every class that brings fast results too! The high intensity music and the guidance from the…

Nick Le-Wechner’s HOP® Class

Last April I decided I wanted to make lifestyle changes to be fitter and change my diet. My self esteem had been low after going through the body changes of having my son. I had tried slimming world and some workout DVDs and had the motivation to get off the couch but I wanted something more and I always work better in a team. That’s when I decided I needed a fitness class. I started HOP® last summer. I love how the class challenges me every time by going up in weights and having the self belief from my trainer, Michelle and our encouraging…

Michelle Knight’s HOP® Class

As someone who hated gyms and has tried every exercise fad going, the only thing I have ever stuck with is Hour of Power® with Michelle knight. I’ve been attending classes for almost a year now and still get a good workout and a buzz from it. My strength and stamina has increased and as it has so the weights I lift have increased hence ensuring that I am still pushing myself to my own limits. The class is really welcoming. All ages and fitness levels are represented and you never feel judged. Everyone works to their own limits but…

Michelle Knight’s HOP® Class (2)

HOP Brighouse & Elland (BMW charity class)

“I’ve never been that interested in group exercise classes but I really enjoy HOP® because it’s great fun, the music and atmosphere is brilliant and it’s really improving my fitness and working every part of my body” Darren Boston, Well being advisor/nutritionalist “Who knew exercise could be so much fun and addictive – Love it!!!” Andrea Farrow, participant “I have been doing the Hour of Power for over 3 years now. It’s a brilliant class to challenge yourself and push to your limits! I have seen a big improvement in my fitness levels since joining and will always keep it…

Push to your limits

The first week I also struggled to complete all of the squats, I’m now able to keep up and am pushing myself to squat lower. No other exercise class has ever made me feel a difference in my body so quickly. There is also no time to get bored at the classes, there is just too much going on. I can never remember what is coming next, so always feels like a new class. I think Julie is an excellent teacher, she loves HOP® and that really brushes off on the class, the motivation she gives is brilliant..it really…

The Hour of Pleasure

Julie’s HOP® classes are fab as she is supportive and encouraging! Through the focus of HOP® in just a few weeks I can now achieve things i didn’t think I would ever be able to do and I enjoy it! On top of that I’ve noticed a massive change in my shape already! Can’t wait for the next class! Sarah Jew HOP® is brilliant! The hour just flies by as you’re having so much fun. It can be hard work but the support you get of Julie and the rest of the group gives you the push you need to…

The hour just flies by

“I met Ian Howell at a local running club last year, as well as helping with my running (run/walking at first) he told me about the Hour of Power classes he had attended in Dubai and how much fun it was, so when Ian started up his own class last month I was very keen to try it out. I have tried Pilates, circuit training etc…but I can honestly say Hour of Power is by far the best exercise class I have ever been to, it’s more like going out to meet friends than going to a class! I just…

I actually look forward to doing exercise

“I am so happy I discovered Lindsey Allen’s Hour of Power class. From the first session I attended I was hooked by her amazing enthusiasm and positive and inspiring character. Attending the class has made a huge difference to my confidence and fitness and I have met some lovely people. Thanks Lindsey, you are awesome!” (Sarah Louise Baram) “I was first introduced to HOP® by Lindsey Allen after mentioning that I was looking for a workout that used weights, she recommended I try it… I have been addicted to it ever since to the point that I have done the…

I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of HOP®!

HOP® Ryland Centre, Bromsgrove Class Participants

“Lindsey Allen HOP® class is my saving grace. I hadn’t done any exercise for a couple of years and thought I’d never find a class but more importantly an instructor I would want to keep going to . I love Lindsey’s passion and motivation and the class is such a good workout I don’t know what I’d do if she hadn’t come to Bromsgrove to teach it .” (Sarah Hember) “I started doing Hour of Power back in January with Lindsey Allen and became hooked instantly! After 4 months I feel stronger and have also not given up which has…

Attending HOP® Class has given me the fitness bug!

When I attended my first Hour of Power class, I was sceptical and wanted to see how it would compliment with yoga, running, weight training and basketball, all of which I do regularly. What caught my attention and made me feel comfortable in an instant was when the instructor’s opening statement was “Hour of Power is in the breathing”. Being in sports since a very young age, breathing correctly has been my key focal point. I have been practicing yoga since quiet a number of years but am also very passionate about weights. It took me sometime to understand how both can…

Power of Life and for Life

I didn’t know what to expect from my first HOP® class, I found it daunting starting a new class but I love it! A few thoughts entered my head for example what if I’m not fit enough for that class. All those thoughts went clean out the window as soon as it started. You start on weights that are comfortable for you, get the routine and once you are happy to move up on weights. I started on 1.5 kg and now I am on 2 kg but I am doing this comfortably, time for a change I think. You…

Most original and enjoyable exercise class

“What a class, you leave knowing you have worked really hard, and feeling awesome. And at last I have arms that look good in tight fitting tops. I leave every class looking forward to the next one.” Mercy Fenton “Hour of Power is exactly what I look for in a work out. It is the perfect combination of cardio and strength training which leaves me sweaty, energised and looking forward to the next class. I love that my workout is not dependent on others and I can challenge myself by increasing weights. With hour of power you get the best…

Perfect combination of cardio and strength training

Jay Ramji (on the left), Gavin Turner (on the right), Adela Gregory (in the middle) with Luca Neroni

Having never been to a gym before in my life, I was persuaded by my friends to give the class a go. I went for it and never looked back. I was initially nervous about the whole thing, thinking that the regulars would laugh at me but it wasn’t like that at all. I immediately felt at home and knew that everyone else was with me. The first class really showed me the level I needed to work at. I felt every muscle in my body for the first time, many of which I didn’t even know I had! I’m improving my technique, strength and endurance…

Top class, top instructor

Read more about HOP® Featured Class: Active4Less Uxbridge (UK)

Halloween HOP® fun

Jay Ramji (on the left), Gavin Turner (on the right), Adela Gregory (in the middle) and Sandra Jawara (kneeling)

Me – an overweight middle aged woman who lacked confidence; and who if given the choice of weights or a cardio workout, I would choose weights every time with one exception the HOP® class. I have been doing the HOP® class for 3 years. Although several people in the weights area of our local gym had recommended it, I wasn’t convinced that someone my size and age would be able to do the HOP® class. I was introduced to Luca who made me feel welcome, after a run through of the exercises involved and advice given on the correct weight…

All ages and sizes are welcome

I have been a participant of Holmfirth’s hour of power for several months now, and I always feel as though it’s an amazing workout! Due to the popularity of this workout, there’s a great atmosphere within the studio. I am currently 15, and find this particular workout is definitely fit for all ages, with there people taking part who are from all ages and genders. Amy Green My mum and I go to Tracy Payne’s hour of power every week, she works us really hard. We feel great when we leave, doing the hour of power keeps us fit and…

HOP® Holmfirth testimonials

The Hour of Power for us is a class that is good for all ages. We are ladies of a certain age and find the workout enjoyable and really beneficial. We both have had injuries to rehab, including hip replacement and extensive injuries after a riding accident. The Hour of Power has been a blessing to keep us fit, healthy and strong. We look forward to our class and the time flies and although it is a challenging hour the time goes quick and we feel great at the end. Long may we HOP®!!!! Lorna Noonan and Brenda Davies Read more about HOP®…

Fitness class for all ages

From my first session of The Hour of Power, I knew it would be something I would carry on with every week. I play a lot of Rugby and the training works well to up my fitness level and up my game. The atmosphere is great and I am buzzing by the end of the session, with a real feeling of achievement. I have progressed very rapidly and increased my weights last week. It’s good because you can see and feel your progress which is a lot quicker than other classes. I am hoping to get more of the Rugby…

Buzzing by the end of the session

I have never been a regular visitor to the gym, unless your idea of regular is once every other year. I am a ski instructor and kiteboard to a reasonable level, and believe that the best way to achieve functional fitness is to just do your sport. However, I am currently trying to get back in shape for the forthcoming ski season and have been attending Gill’s HOP® classes. I am really impressed and try not to miss any classes. It is an efficient, and effective, hour of training, which is good for me cos I wouldn’t want to be…

Not a minute wasted with HOP®

“Hour of power is amazing, Gill is an ace motivator. My friends and I look forward to every class. I am a fully fledged HOP® addict.” Abi Swanick “My first Hour of Power class today. I could really feel the work and my muscles. It was really enjoyable with a great teacher.” Catherine O’Hagan “After only a few weeks of doing the Hour of Power classes, I have notices a massive difference in my fitness levels and my body is toning up quickly. I love the class and I look forward to coming everytime.” Kate Veridn-Walsh Read more about HOP® Featured Class:…

HOP® Hoylake class testimonials

I tried Hour Of Power for the first time around 18 months ago. I was already doing Bodypump which was the class that started straight after the Hour Of Power. What intrigued me about it was the amount of people I would see packed into the class each week as I was waiting around for it to finish. I decided to see for myself why it was so popular and gave it a try. Ever since then I haven’t looked back. I’ve integrated it into my weekly routine and I can honestly say I’ve never felt so fit, both in…

Best on so many levels

Hour of power is quite simply an amazing working. It’s a full body workout and makes you leave the gym feeling shattered but like you’ve done an amazing workout. It’s not the easiest class by far. I’ve been doing the class on and off for about 2 and 1/2 years but quite recently have been hitting it hard twice a week. I will never forget the first time I ever tried the class, and did the typical manly thing and went for some heavy weights to try and impress or look the part……BIG MISTAKE, as i found out to my…

Most challenging and rewarding class I have attended

I went to my first Hour of Power class at Club Kensington six months ago. Having worked out at and been an avid aerobics fitness fan for a number of years, I had been looking for that class that fed my impatient appetite for diversity. Repetition and the ‘same old’ bored me. I remember walking out of my first class feeling elated on an emotional as well as physical level. In the first instance, the trainers, Angelika, Jordana and Vince, immediately made me feel welcome, focusing on my every move as a newcomer. The workout itself made me come away…

Surge of excitement at every class

This amazing workout means the world to me – the second the music starts it does something to me and everyone in the class. I feel relaxed, committed to the workout and find energy that I thought I didn’t have a minute earlier. I remember my first teaching experience: It wasn’t great, but that was back in June 2011. Since then, our regular participants have watched me grow as a person, leader and instructor. It is an amazing feeling to be able to share the same experience with over 20-30 people and watch them improve their technique and breathing pattern,…

Teaching where it all started

I have been a participant in the Club Kensington Hour of Power Class for five years and an instructor for two. My original motivation to train as an instructor was as emergency backup for Rajko, but as time progressed, he became busy growing the class throughout the UK and I now have a regular slot. It is really interesting to see the difference in people and behaviour over my five-years. Angelika, Jordana and I now have a steady group that is averaging 25, up from around 15, but with a couple of recent classes at studio capacity of 35. Apart…