Member stories

"I love that I can feel the difference in my body"

I have been attending At Your Peak for nearly six months now, which is the longest I have ever stuck to any sort of exercise. It works perfectly for me, having small group sessions with a really friendly vibe which also challenge me to go beyond what I think I am capable of.

I would recommend At Your Peak to anyone, but especially those who are struggling to find a place they feel relaxed enough to exercise in. I have definitely grown in confidence in my abilities and I love that I can feel the difference in my body.

"I feel physically and mentally energised"

Like many people over the past two years, I put on weight and spent a lot of time sitting at a desk at home. Having become the biggest and heaviest I have ever been, the thought of heading into a gym and starting again filled me with dread. I knew I did not want to face future health problems, and turning 50 last year was a great motivator to get fit and healthy again.

I happened to come across At Your Peak online. Cathrin and her team have provided a safe, inspiring and encouraging place to begin again, whether in the gym or at home. I feel physically and mentally energised after each session and look forward to the next one. I may only be at the start of this journey, yet I cannot wait to see where it leads me.

I cannot thank you enough for lighting that fire in me again and making me fall in love with exercise again.

"The most supportive, friendly and fun gym ever"

Fabulous like-minded women who encourage and push you to be your best, whatever your fitness level. Cathrin is an amazing trainer who genuinely cares about each and every one of us. She makes each class different and fun whilst still being challenging, which makes us all want to come back for more. I could not recommend it enough, and that is from a 57-year-old who thought her gym days were over.

"The best gym I've ever been part of"

After many years of working out inconsistently, At Your Peak has been the best gym I've ever been part of. From the moment you join, it's clear this is more than just a place to work out.

Cathrin and the team have created an atmosphere where you feel genuinely comfortable, and the other members are incredibly welcoming. It's a space where you feel safe at any stage of your fitness journey, while still being encouraged to challenge yourself in a completely non-judgmental environment. Not once have I dreaded going to a workout since joining.

In addition to the strong sense of community, what really sets the gym apart is how Cathrin helps you make space for your goals in a way that fits your lifestyle, making consistency feel realistic and sustainable. I've also learned a lot about nutrition, making small, manageable changes without restriction that have genuinely improved my relationship with food.

I first joined in 2024 to build strength at a time when I was already active, and later rejoined after a difficult pregnancy when I was starting again from zero. With Cathrin's support, I've been able to steadily rebuild my strength and even surpass what I once thought my body was capable of.

At two very different stages of my life, the support and guidance from Cathrin, the team, and the other members have been unwavering, and that's what truly makes this place special.

"This women's gym is ideal"

This women's gym is ideal — it's affordable while still offering a personalised feel, with small groups of up to eight people and a trainer always present to guide, support, and tailor recommendations to your needs. The sessions are varied and full-body, and they definitely make you work up a sweat.

What really stands out, though, is the community. I've met some genuinely lovely people, and there's a constant sense of encouragement and support from everyone involved. And the training sessions are always full of laughs!

Joining has had a genuinely positive impact on my life. With ongoing support, I've made meaningful changes, my overall mood has improved, and I'm starting to see real results.

"Safe to say I've found my place!"

I started with AYP about 10 months ago after numerous false starts of getting back into fitness after having my son and losing myself a bit. I just couldn't find anything I felt worked or I could stick to longer than a couple of weeks.

Safe to say I've found my place! It's been the best decision I've made of late, my mental health has improved hugely, not just from doing more but from being part of a community and surrounded by strong, supportive women. The class times are varied enough to fit around childcare, work and husband's shifts, which is something I've struggled with elsewhere.

All of the trainers are so helpful, knowledgeable and supportive. They'll push you just enough — 10 months in and I'm consistently smashing PBs, stronger than ever both physically and mentally. Thank you Cathrin and the team! Not sure where I'd be without this fab gym! Highly recommend!

"Incredibly approachable, warm and encouraging"

I wanted to take a moment to provide feedback on my experience with At Your Peak, and especially with Cathrin. As a working woman who had never engaged in gym activities, I was quite apprehensive about starting strength training. However, from the very first session, Cathrin and of course the other coaches have been incredibly approachable, warm and encouraging, which put me at ease and made it easier for me to commit to my fitness journey.

In particular, I appreciate the tailored training programmes to suit each individual's specific needs and fitness level. This ensured that I progressed at a comfortable pace without feeling overwhelmed, while still constantly challenging myself.

I am glad I made the choice of joining At Your Peak, and quite thankful to the team for supporting me in my fitness journey!

"I started with the six-week Kickstarter programme and am now a monthly member!"

Having joined Cathrin and the group at At Your Peak earlier in the summer I haven't looked back! I started with the six week Kickstarter programme and am now a monthly member! The ethos and whole approach of the gym is one of inclusion, support and meaningful changes to your lifestyle so you can be the happiest and healthiest version of yourself!

The nutritional support and guidance from Cathrin has helped me make more mindful choices and be more aware of the food I'm consuming, to break the stigma of "good" and "bad" foods and focus instead on the best nutrition. The classes are small, which allows great support from the trainers so you can get the most out of each workout and also progress within each class. As for the other members — a fantastic group of women who have a laugh and a chat whilst we are there! I couldn't recommend it more!

"Thank you for being you, thank you for existing, and for creating a space that is safe, non-judgemental, welcoming, and most importantly fun"

Cathrin, I think you need to know this. You are the only person who could make me want to wake up at 05:55am to attend a 06:15am class on a working day — no one else would I do that for, not even my son. That's a huge credit to the atmosphere and environment you have created within this gym, these classes, this community.

For someone who has had an innumerable number of knocks with illnesses and injuries over the past year, you are the only one who can make me want to come back to your gym, your class. Usually I walk away at the first sign of a hurdle and give up. I haven't, because of who you are, and the space you've created — one that is safe, non-judgemental, welcoming, and most importantly fun.

You've done a great job converting a person who loathes gyms, had zero discipline and had commitment issues into someone who just turns up. Thank you for being you, for being so committed to every client. You care, and it shows. It's changing our mindsets — and that, Cathrin, is such a gift.

"Since then, I have been pain-free and no longer suffer from any back issues"

I started strength training with Cathrin two years ago after a back injury, and my main goal was to build strength safely. Since then, I have been pain-free and no longer suffer from any back issues. She created the perfect training programme for me, which I could easily fit around my everyday life.

During my pregnancy, Cathrin supported me brilliantly and adapted my training so I always felt safe and confident. After giving birth, my goal was to get back into shape, and she continuously adjusted my training plan, always taking the time to talk things through with me.

You truly feel in the best hands with Cathrin. She is incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and motivating. The gym itself is also a wonderful place, full of amazing women and a really positive, welcoming atmosphere where you instantly feel comfortable.

"I am stronger and fitter. More than that, it's given me confidence"

Since joining At Your Peak in September 2024, I can honestly say it's the best thing I have done for myself. As a busy mum in my 40s, and having relocated to Reading, I found myself in a position of not knowing anyone and not having a huge amount of time for myself. From the very first email to Cathrin, I knew that At Your Peak was so much more than just another gym. It's a community of women who empower, support and encourage. I had never done any strength training and I was made to feel welcome and included from the very beginning.

Fifteen months on, and I have made friends and far exceeded any expectations that I could lift weights. I am stronger and fitter. More than that, it's given me confidence and support inside and outside of the gym, and I am so grateful for that.