AD – This is a collaborative post.
This week’s My Tunbridge Wells Meets interview is with Personal Trainer and Health Coach, Henry Adekoya. Ahead of Henry’s specialised ‘Revive’ Day at Ashdown Park Hotel on Saturday 25th September, we asked Henry all about what inspired him to organise the event as well as the changes he has seen in the industry over the last 25 years, Davina McCall’s recent documentary, the impact of lockdown on our wellbeing and more!
♥ What inspired you to organise the Specialised Revive Day?
I love learning. I love to teach and I love fitness.
I’ve trained professional athletes, represented England, kept whole families moving through lockdown, and helped client after client get back on track with their health and feel great about themselves.
I’ve spent over 25 years amassing a wealth of information about how to move and feel better. And when you know that some simple nutritional changes and types of exercise can make a transformational difference to people’s lives, well then you are passionate about spreading the word and reaching as many people as possible. So that is my focus now. Alongside my Personal Training Programme, I now offer a full days suite of activities with the Revive Day Retreats. it’s the perfect way for me to pass on my knowledge and for you to empower yourselves by learning about the changes in your body and how you can impact them.
♥ I have always wanted to visit Ashdown Park Hotel. Can you tell us more about what it is like?
Only the best on Revive retreats. When putting together the specialised Revive Health Fitness Retreats I knew the destination had to be something special. Somewhere where you could truly take time away from the every day and finally focus on yourself and your needs.
The Ashdown Park Hotel ticks all the boxes: Quiet – Luxurious – Verdant – Sumptuous
This elegant country house hotel is situated in East Sussex and boasts over 186 acres of woodlands to explore, deer roaming through the grounds, and a couple of carp-filled lakes.
The result is a magical day out, for a transformative program that feels like a retreat. It really is the perfect venue.
♥ Who is the day aimed at?
The ‘Revive’ course is aimed at ladies who are interested in taking care of themselves and are keen to learn sustainable ways to achieve optimal health. Whether they want to balance their hormones, manage their weight or simply look after their mental health my specialised ‘Revitalisation’ Day will help.
♥ Is it something friends would sign up for to go to together or better to go along?
I would say it’s definitely something friends would enjoy together but equally considering the social nature of the course it would be a great opportunity for an individual to connect with other women.
♥ Did you watch Davina McCall’s documentary about menopause? If so, what did you think of it?
Yes I did watch Davina’s documentary. I found it very informative. Menopause is a natural process of life and my course will help women to further understand menopause and the importance of hormone balance through discussion, consolidated with a handy comprehensive wellbeing pack for reference. “small changes can make a big difference” My aim is to connect other women, educate, allowing them to empower themselves.
♥ What three tips would you give to someone striving to achieve a better sense of wellbeing?
Good Nutrition – Regular Exercise – Plenty of Rest
♥ What impact do you think lockdown has had on our wellbeing?
Lockdown a had a HUGE impact on the wellbeing of the nation in particular mental health. We are social animals needing to engage and being confined has deprived us of such simplicities and has taken its tole on so many. The good news is that we as a nation will be more conscious about our physical health post pandemic and mental health will be a priority.
♥ You have worked as a personal trainer for over 25 years now. What changes have you seen in the industry since you started out?
The fundamentals of fitness will always be the same, its the way exercise is delivered that has changed. When I started in ’95 health clubs were on the rise. These were great places for all the family to have fun and get active. Personal training became popular as busy health conscious professionals with little time preferred fitness sessions at home.
Group training became popular in the mid-naughties with local parks becoming fitness venues as participants wanted to exercise outside. From the Parkside HIIT was introduced. High Intensity Interval Training – explosive exercise that requires high levels of energy would offer fast results.
Wellbeing is now the focus especially now! There has been a rise in mindful practices such a yoga and meditation over the past 7 years and new mental health teaching practices will be born post pandemic. As office life looks different on the horizon, with working days at home as well as in the office, a more holistic approach will be encouraged for optimal health as we try to slow things down, reflect on the last 20 months and reconnect with ourselves.
♥ What part of the ‘Revive Day’ schedule are you most looking forward to?
The whole day will be exciting! Meeting new people, teaching some classes, having a bit of a natter on the Nordic walk, educating the guests with our discussions and generally delivering an enjoyable day.
To find out more about Henry’s specialised ‘Revive’ Day at Ashdown Park Hotel on 25th September, click on the box below: