I was a founder member of Martin's circuit training course, and now more than 15 years on, I am still attending the Tuesday night class! My original reason for going was to get fit following ill health and I found Martin very supportive, knowledgeable and professional. He worked with me to ensure that I was not over doing it initially and then as confidence and fitness improved he increased my fitness by pushing me along and getting me to do more. He does this with all the class members, which vary in age from 17 years to over 60! All the time, however, there is an element of fun and he will regularly change the circuit to ensure we are kept on our feet! In all my years of going to circuit, I have never had an injury or aching muscles as he ensures we all warm up and down correctly at the start and end of the class.

Although I still attend circuit classes, my wife and I asked Martin last year to become our personal trainer, which we are finding very beneficial as he has worked out a personal programme for us both to follow. Our fitness levels have improved and our weight and % body fat has gradually come down. We also enjoy a once/ month massage from Martin to keep the muscles relaxed, however, he again differentiates himself by using a variety of oils, which suit you. The massage can either be for relaxation or to help cure a particular complaint i.e. a strained thigh.

Jill
age 40 (Lincoln)

For many years I have suffered from pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), the main symptoms being mood swings, irritability, loss of energy, breast tenderness and bloatedness.

I have been having regular monthly manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and aromatherapy massage sessions with Mandarin Therapies since November 2001.

The manual lymphatic drainage works more specifically on the physical symptoms of PMS. However, the very subtle and gentle movements of MLD seem to work at deeper levels.

Each MLD and aromatherapy massage is tailored to my specific symptoms at that time. Martin will choose a particular blend of oils to work on these individual symptoms.

Since I have been having the aromatherapy massage & MLD my symptoms of PMS have decreased significantly whereas previously I could have up to 10-14 days of (disabilitating) symptoms - now the average is 2-3 days. I feel that the value of both of these treatments is that they are not just working on the purely physical level but also on emotional levels in addressing the 'whole' person. Martin will also give advice on nutritional, dietary and exercise needs, reflecting this holistic approach.

I work in quite a stressful job and as well as addressing the symptoms of PMS, the MLD massage treatment represents a dedicated space for me to relax and unwind - the individually chosen background music and the massage enhancing my general wellbeing and ability to relax in today's stressful lifestyle.

I was totally devastated when my Mum had a stroke, which affected her both mentally and physically. The biggest physical problem was that the stroke damaged the muscles in Mum's shoulder and this was quite debilitating for her. When I tried to move her arms and shoulders to dress her she wept with pain which in turn was extremely distressing for me.

A friend, whose mother had been in a similar position, told me about Martin and explained how he had helped her mother not only physically but also in her general wellbeing. I contacted martin and he kindly came to assess the situation with Mum. He began aromatherapy massage for her, choosing appropriate oils according to Mum's needs. Within a short time Mum was able to put both arms above her head without pain. She was always smiling and content.

Sadly, a couple of years later she developed breast cancer which she fought bravely, again with Martin's help.

Towards the end of her life I was under great strain caring for Mum. Not only was Mum clearly deteriorating but I was organising our daughter's wedding for May, my heart broke when my beautiful dog died in June and then my beloved Mum died in July.

Martin and I talked and he told me that sometimes the carer needs help just as much as the one you are caring for and he introduced me to aromatherapy massage. It made me feel so much better again, relaxing me and relieving the stress. I truly believe martin's massages kept me sane during that distressing period of my life. Martin is so professional I never once felt nervous or embarrassed. My husband, John, who had an operation on his spine some years ago and constantly suffered with back pain, saw how Martin's aromatherapy massage had improved my life that he too had massages from Martin. In the past two years that he has been treated John has not suffered with any back pain.

No-one could be more grateful that me to have been introduced to Martin.

I started one to one personal training with Martin almost 9 months ago. I am hypothyroid and have many varying symptoms all which raise their head every so often. Since working with Martin the improvement has been amazing, slow but amazing! I have my off days physically and mentally all of which is taken into account, but the overall effect on my life is where the difference is. I am fitter and healthier and I have more confidence in myself so I can cope with my condition so much better than before. Martin is an incredible trainer; with his experience he seems to understand what you can do and how far you can go, and how much "gentle" persuasion to use to get the best out of you.

With the hypothyroidism comes a lot of muscle and joint pain, so to complement the personal training I occasionally use the MLD and aromatherapy massage, which helps me relax. The massage is indeed very relaxing and expertly applied by Martin, he is very aware of how self conscious us women can be and everything is very discreet, with modesty intact. It is a wonderful experience.