When Rhian first joined The Lab Liverpool, she didn’t feel like the “typical gym person.” What began as a simple goal to feel better by Christmas turned into a life-changing transformation, physically, mentally, and professionally.
Why She Joined
“I joined because of general self-esteem. I just wanted to feel good by Christmas Day.”
Rhian came to The Lab with a few goals in mind, some serious, some playful:
- Feel better in herself by a certain date
-
Get stronger and reduce pain from years of sedentary work
-
Do a pull-up (partly to beat her twin brother)
She wasn’t chasing perfection, just progress.
The Turning Point
What started as a short-term goal became a shift in mindset.
“I’m now pain-free. I carry my suitcase up the stairs without feeling fragile. I’ve never felt this healthy in 10 years.”
“Mental resilience and fortitude have been the biggest changes. I’ve spent so much of my life chasing career progression, I forgot to invest in myself.”
“This has healed a little part of me that’s been broken for a long time.”
Strength & Confidence
Rhian began lifting weights for the first time and quickly saw the impact:
-
Posture improved
-
Back pain reduced
-
Strength gains she never thought possible
“I’m nearly doing a pull-up, from barely hanging for 7 seconds to almost pulling my body weight.”
“Seeing my progress in the mirror, that’s a pretty incredible feeling.”
Working With Her Coach
Rhian trained through 1-to-1 Personal Training at The Lab, which gave her focused support, technical guidance, and a clear path from nervous beginner to confident lifter.
“Chelsea has completely re-educated me. She’s intelligent, moral, and an incredible coach.”
“I’ve saved a fortune on counselling, honestly. Talking through health and life with someone like her, combined with the endorphins, it’s changed me.”
“I used to think lifting made women look masculine. Now I’m obsessed with Olympic lifting, I saw Snoop Dogg do a split jerk and thought: ‘Yeah, I want to do that.’”
The Lab Environment
“I’m shy. But no one ever judged me. I was accepted, no matter my level.”
“They’ve built a space where you can be as social or anonymous as you want.”
“The coaches aren’t just strong, they’re kind. No egos, no arrogance. Just really good humans doing work that matters.”
She also praised the environment and culture:
“They’re winners in the gym, just like I’m surrounded by winners at work. It pushes me to be better.”
Advice to Others
“It’s not a soulless business. It's an independent excellence in the heart of Liverpool.”
“The PT sessions are the highlight of my week.”
“Just go for it. Who knows what it could do for you?”
Your Story Starts Here
Whether you’ve never stepped into a gym or you’ve been putting off taking the next step, we’ve got space for you.
You don’t have to be fit, confident, or experienced. You just have to begin.
Ready to start your story?
We’ll meet you where you are, and help you move forward from there.
Related Articles You Might Like
What Personal Training Costs in Liverpool - And What You’re Really Paying For
Claire’s Story - From Burnout to Strength at The Lab Liverpool
Why You Don’t Need to Be Fit to Start
