DMH Fitness

07/06/2026

The Last 2 Years: Growth Beyond the Physical

Looking back over the last two years, it’s been far from a straight line.

I’ve faced a lot of personal challenges that affected me emotionally and mentally. Taking on a second job, managing life’s ups and downs, and trying to balance everything wasn’t always easy. There were times when training took a back seat, injuries slowed me down, and I watched muscle and progress I’d worked hard for slip away.

For a while, I felt off track—not just with training, but with nutrition, recovery, and the consistency that bodybuilding demands.

But growth isn’t always measured by the weights you lift or the physique you build.

It’s measured by how many times you choose to start again.

Today, I’m in a completely different place. My training is back on track, my nutrition is where it needs to be, my body is responding, and I’m seeing muscle growth again. More importantly, I’m enjoying the process.

I’m now entering a cut phase, focused on doing things properly and building momentum. While I have plans to step on stage again, there’s no immediate pressure. This year is about continuing to grow, improve, and build the best version of myself, with a goal of competing again in May 2027.

I’m also excited to be taking on a completely new challenge: aerial, pole, and silks. It’s something that pushes me outside my comfort zone, challenges me in a different way, and gives me a new skill set to develop alongside bodybuilding. I’ll be documenting the journey and sharing the progress—the successes, the struggles, and everything in between.

The biggest lesson these last two years have taught me is that setbacks don’t define you. What defines you is how you respond to them.

Here’s to growth, resilience, new challenges, and enjoying the journey.

✨ The comeback is always stronger when it’s built with patience.



StrongerThanYesterday

ProgressNotPerfection RoadToStage2027

19/05/2026

For a while, life became BUSY.

Taking on a new job whilst managing two careers meant that suddenly my own routine took a back seat. Training became inconsistent, nutrition slipped, stress levels were high and honestly… I felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with everything.

As someone with goals of stepping back on stage for bodybuilding, I struggled mentally with not seeing progress and I was incredibly hard on myself for it.

But one thing I’ve learned — and now remind my clients of constantly — is that sometimes the answer isn’t doing MORE. Sometimes it’s doing what is REALISTIC for your current season of life.

Instead of forcing myself into a routine I couldn’t sustain, I simplified things:
✔️ 3 gym sessions a week
✔️ Better recovery
✔️ Less pressure
✔️ More balance

And ironically… that’s when my body started responding again.

Physique changes started happening, strength improved and I genuinely started feeling better mentally and physically.

Stress impacts more than people realise. When we’re constantly overwhelmed, exhausted and running on pressure, our bodies often hold onto that stress too.

This journey reminded me that progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, adaptability and giving yourself grace when life changes.

So if you’re in a season where you can’t give 100% to the gym, please know this:
You do not need to be all or nothing.
You do not need to punish yourself.
And you are NOT failing.

Small consistent steps still create change 💫

As a coach, this has made me even more passionate about helping clients build routines that fit THEIR life — not just a “perfect” plan on paper.

18/05/2026

This morning I nearly talked myself out of training.
I was tired, sore, unmotivated, and honestly couldn’t even decide what body part to train because everything ached.

I almost skipped it.

But instead of overthinking it, I picked chest and just started. No pressure. No expectations. Just movement.

And somehow… it turned into one of my best sessions in a long time.
PBs on every single exercise. 🔥

A reminder that motivation doesn’t always come first. Action does.
Some of your strongest days will come when you least expect them — the days you nearly stay home, the days you feel “off,” the days you think you’ve got nothing left.

Show up anyway.
Even at 50%. Even when your mind is doubting you.

Because you never know when an ordinary session becomes a breakthrough moment. 💪

28/04/2026

If you’re thinking about starting a nutrition plan or transformation, let’s be real for a second:

It’s usually not the plan that’s the problem.

It’s the lack of structure. The inconsistency. The avoidance of the uncomfortable parts that actually drive results.

Because no plan will magically change your life on its own.

If you’re still:• Skipping your steps• Not hitting your water target• Picking and choosing when to follow the plan• Ignoring check-ins• Writing weekends off because “that’s just what you do”

…nothing is going to change.

There’s no magic switch. No secret shortcut.

If your weight isn’t dropping, you’re not in a calorie deficit.If your weight is going up, you’re eating too much, moving too little, or not following through.

And if you’re honest with yourself… you already know which one it is.

Most people do.

They just don’t own it.

But here’s the difference 👇

When you have structure, accountability, and someone actually holding you to the standard you say you want… things change.

That’s exactly what I provide with my coaching.

I’m taking on a small number of new clients right now who are ready to stop guessing and actually follow through.

If that’s you, message me “READY” and let’s get to work. 💪

28/04/2026

21/04/2026

🌟 Client Spotlight: Elaine! 🌟

Turning 60 this year and wanting to celebrate in style, Elaine decided to take control of her fitness journey — and the results are AMAZING! 💪💚

From her first check-in photo (yes, the frog one 🐸) to now:
✅ Stronger, more confident, and mastering her workouts
✅ Consistent with nutrition, sleep, and recovery
✅ Overcame challenges with resilience — no shortcuts, no “fat loss hacks”
✅ Inspired everyone around her with determination and positivity

💬 “At times it felt impossible, but I realised I can achieve anything.”

Age is just a number — Elaine proves it’s never too late to smash your goals! 🎉✨

TransformationTuesday

21/04/2026

From rehab to rebuild 💪

Mark came to me in January 2025 after years of training… but also years of ingrained habits that were holding him back.

We stripped it ALL back.
No ego. No heavy weights. Just movement, posture, and doing things properly.

With a history of Spinal Stenosis and surgery behind him, this wasn’t about chasing numbers — it was about rebuilding a body that works.

Fast forward ⏩
✔️ Movement restored
✔️ Technique locked in
✔️ Strength reintroduced the right way

On Feb 8th he weighed in at 102kg — and we stepped into a structured recomposition phase.

This is still a journey.
We’re still refining. Still improving. Still building.

But this right here is what coaching is about — trust, consistency, and doing things the RIGHT way.

Proud of this one 👊

SpinalHealth StrengthTraining MensFitness ConsistencyWins

21/04/2026

Coach Review – Mark Batty

Working with Mark has been one of the most fulfilling coaching experiences to date. We began our journey together in January 2025 after he had observed my coaching approach with other clients and felt it aligned with what he needed.

From the outset, it was clear that Mark would benefit from a complete reset. Years of training had led to ingrained habits that were no longer serving him—particularly in relation to posture, movement quality, and spinal health. Rather than building on top of dysfunction, we stripped everything back to basics.

The initial phase focused heavily on:

* Postural correction
* Mobility and flexibility
* Relearning fundamental movement patterns

Load was intentionally reduced to allow Mark to rebuild from a solid foundation, especially important given his history with Spinal Stenosis and ongoing spinal arthritis.

This process became a true rehabilitation journey. Once movement quality and technique were consistently demonstrated, we gradually reintroduced resistance training in a controlled and progressive manner.

Progress & Coaching Approach

Mark’s commitment to the process has been exceptional. He fully embraced the need to step back in order to move forward—something many clients struggle with. His consistency, openness to feedback, and willingness to refine even the smallest details have been key to his progress.

We continue to:

* Identify and address areas for improvement
* Progress strength safely and intelligently
* Prioritise longevity and movement quality over ego

This is very much an ongoing journey rather than a fixed end goal, and one that continues to evolve.

Impact Beyond Training

Beyond physical progress, this coaching relationship has grown into a strong personal connection. Over time, Mark has become not only a dedicated client but also a valued friend.

His belief in the process is reflected in the trust he’s placed in me—referring new clients, including his wife Joy, who now regularly attends both gym sessions and personal training.

Closing Statement

Mark’s journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved through patience, consistency, and a willingness to rebuild properly. It’s a process I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of—and one I look forward to continuing.