Matthew Finds True Value of Fitness Beyond Numbers, Personal Records & Metrics: The Real Worth...

“I could proudly talk about how my trousers have gone from a 36” waist to 32” (a waist size last had when I was at school!) I could wax lyrical about my improved coordination, flexibility, core strength & stamina, or I could detail the number of running PBs I’ve achieved over the last few months.

But that would be missing the true value & real worth of being a member of “Team Tracy”.

A community that never judges but enables, encourages, & champions all those around.

More than increased strength?

When asked by Tracy to write about my experiences of her classes, I could very easily have written about how I’ve gone from struggling to lift two green weights (10Kg) to lift four blues & a couple of purples (45Kg) whilst wearing a 16Kg weighted vest!

More than getting my waistline back to my school days!?

I could proudly talk about how my trousers have gone from a 36” waist to 32” (a waist size last had when I was at school!) I could wax lyrical about my improved coordination, flexibility, core strength and stamina, or I could detail the number of running PBs I’ve achieved over the last few months.

I could, but that would be missing the true value and real worth of being a member of “Team Tracy”.

The true value is the community that she has built around “First Place Fitness”, a community that is supportive of everyone irrespective of the weights they lift, or the pace they run. A community that never judges but enables, encourages, & champions all those around.

Preparing to run

I joined Tracy’s classes when preparing to run my first marathon in 2023. 12-marathon’s later I’ve gone from doing the Wednesday Strength Training  session once a week to doing HIIT, Bootcamp, Step, Spin, Circuits & Fitball Pilates.

Combined class benefits

Each class has a different element that together has combined to significantly improve my wellbeing, health & fitness. At mile 21 of the recent Manchester Marathon, a child spilt a bowl of jelly babies into the road in front of me, thanks to Step, I dodged around the flying confectionery, maintained my balance & carried on racing!

The ability to endure hard stuff & overcome

In a recent 20-mile Lancaster race, every part of my body was hurting, I was dizzy, I was sprinting at a PB pace, & all I could think was, “trust the legs”, the work done in Spin & HIIT meant the legs were amazing, they powered on, and I crossed the line faster than ever before.

Marathons & Ultra Marathons are hard. They are not normal or natural things to do, but when the body & mind are at breaking point, before the euphoria of the finish kicks in, the words of positivity from Team Tracy ring loud in my ears. Tracy’s classes may make the body strong, but Tracy’s community makes the spirit strong.

‘Team Tracy’ fun runs for all

I have the added joy of organising our Tuesday “Team Tracy” runs around Kendal, 3-miles of wonderful conversations, learning random local history facts & putting the world to rights with a great group of friends. People who never thought of themselves as runners have now run 5ks & 10ks. We have explored the streets & yards of Kendal & love our annual Christmas lights runs where festive spirit always gives us an extra spring in our steps.

A safe space to grow at your own pace

I have never run purely for fitness, I run for headspace, mental wellbeing, balance & peace. The combination of science, experience, positivity, care & joy that Tracy brings to her sessions makes this achievable, she creates a safe space where people can grow at their own pace.

Towards better health & wellbeing…

Anyone thinking about starting a journey towards better health & wellbeing, do it. Step into First Place Fitness, try different classes, make new friends. 

Community really does matter

You will be joining an amazing community & I guarantee that those around will join you in celebrating each & every one of your achievements, no matter how big or small, you will cheered on every step of the way.

Matthew’s incredible achievements over the last 3 years

The photos are of my first & my most recent marathon, same person, same “HappyStride” shorts (look good, feel good, do good), but today, I’m fitter & healthier than ever before. With 5 more marathons & Ultra Marathons booked for this year & more adventures in the years ahead, I can’t wait to see where Tracy’s classes & guidance continue to take me. Wherever it is, I’m eternally grateful to have started this journey & to be travelling the path with so many amazing people & some truly fantastic friends.

Thank you so much Tracy, reflecting not just my physical progress but the impact the community you have built was a wonderful thing to do!

Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to share with others the impact you & the community you have created have had on me.

Matthew x

The world is a better place with Matthew in it!