REVIEW OF “THRIVE IN 5” FROM MUDDY STILETTOS

Uncategorised | 21 July, 2021 by Lucinda Newman-Jones

We were thrilled to receive the following review in highly regarded local lifestyle site Muddy Stilettos…

“Review: Thrive in 5

If you fancy getting your fitness fix from your front room, you’ll love the online Thrive in 5 programme from Surrey fitness trainer Lucinda Newman-Jones. You’ll feel fitter, stronger and healthier – and a bit smug at working out 5 times a week!

Lucinda Newman-Jones, Surrey fitness trainer, Thrive in 5, Her Strength

THE LOWDOWN

Thrive in 5 is an online exercise programme run by Surrey-based personal trainer and fitness expert Lucinda Newman-Jones who owns and runs Her Strength. There are five classes a week for five weeks – all centred around strength training. Classes are in real time – so you follow along with Lucinda who coaches, cajoles, encourages and inspires as you go along. Don’t think you can manage one more squat? With Lucinda leading, you’ll find you probably can!

There are currently three Thrive in 5 programmes to choose from – Strength and Tone, Power and Sculpt, and Express – with an Ultra Express programme coming soon. Each course is designed to improve strength and fitness.

THE TRAINER

Lucinda Newman-Jones, Surrey fitness trainer, Thrive in 5, Her Strength

Lucinda has been a personal trainer for 12 years, and her ethos and beliefs are quite refreshing in an industry that is often dominated and led by a desire to lose weight and create a beautiful bod. Lucinda’s fitness motivations are to empower and educate women to be fitter, stronger, more mobile and more confident. It’s all about improving physical wellbeing, which in turn promotes mental and emotional wellbeing.

Lucinda is an absolute powerhouse, incredibly likeable, and hugely inspirational. She is the epitome of a fit, powerful woman – and you can’t fail to be inspired by her energy, motivation and zest for exercise. And while I’ve yet to meet a woman – Lucinda aside – who wouldn’t love to drop a kilo or two, it’s quite empowering and inspiring when when it’s not the primary focus of your workout programme.

THE EXPERIENCE

I chose the Power and Sculpt fitness course which is made up of five workouts a week. Lucinda has created the programme to focus on different parts of the body during each workout, and she sets out a suggested schedule, although the course is completely flexible, so you can swap your workout days to suit yourself.

I followed Lucinda’s schedule mostly to the T, which meant that Mondays were total lower body, Tuesdays total upper body, abs and core, Wednesday was a rest day, Thursday was lower body, Friday was upper body and on Saturday the focus was cardio, core and whole body strength.

It felt like a good mix, and targeting a different part of the body each day gave you time to recover. Mostly I got up a bit earlier to fit the workouts in, although the flexibility also meant there were some days I did a lunch-time workout.

Each workout is made up of mini-circuits in groups of two, three or four exercises that are repeated. Lucinda will also often give options for easier or more challenging movements.

Lucinda’s coaching style is gentle and encouraging – she’s no drill sergeant shouting commands and demanding more and more from you. She sets a steady, non-rushed rate, but encourages you to work at your own controlled pace. She’s doing the workout too, at the same time – coaching, giving tips and advice on how to position your body, which muscles you’re using, and the correct technique.

THE LOCATION

Home based exercise

The beauty of these workouts is that you can do them anywhere – your bedroom, living room, garden, even the local park if you fancied it. And if you’re going away on holiday, all you need to do is pack your trainers and a laptop or tablet, and you’re pretty much all set.

ANYTHING ELSE

Equipment wise, a set of dumbbells, mini loop resistance bands, a step and a pilates ball is all that’s needed. But you don’t have to rush out and buy them. I already have dumbbells, but bought some resistances bands, which cost under £10. I don’t own a step, so for the course I used a tool box which doubles as a step, and for the pilates ball I used a cushion which I folded in half. If you don’t own dumbbells, you could easily use filled water bottles or tin cans.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Busy people who are looking for a regular exercise programme that offers flexibility while also having great structure and support from a fitness expert.

Not for: You’re pretty much accountable to only yourself, which means you’ll need a bit of self-motivation. If you’re the type who prefers to workout in a group, you may find this isn’t for you.

The damage: The course costs £50 in a one-off payment, which gives you access to all 25 workouts for a six week period. There’s also a handy PDF guide with tips on how to make the most of your course…. you can sign up and start anytime

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Follow Lucinda on Instagram for workouts and tips.”

I have been using the Her Strength on-demand workout subscription for over a year now and it is honestly absolutely amazing. As a working mum of 3 kids it has helped me not only become physically stronger but has also helped me stay mentally strong too.

I love the fact there is such a wide range of workouts to choose from and you can always find something to fit in with the time you have/ the style of workout you want to do. Sometimes I follow the structured Thrive in 5 courses which are included in the subscription and are so helpful as you can follow a clear plan and it takes the need for planning/ thinking what workout to choose away. Whilst other times, such as the school holidays when life is in less of a routine, i tend to just pick ad hoc workouts to fit the time I have. I have even used the no equipment workouts whilst on holiday.

The actual workouts themselves are so clear and easy to follow – it is like having a proper PT session with Lucy with great cues to make sure you are getting the exercises right.

I think the other really important thing that using Lucy’s on-demand workout subscription has really helped me with is learning is that I can actually fit workouts into my week amidst the juggle of being a mum/ work/ life – it doesn’t need to take a huge amount of time or require leaving the house to go to the gym/ class and I can still get a really effective workout (and the important endorphin high afterwards!).

Lizzie Armstrong

I just wanted to reach out to you and say how truly grateful I am that I stumbled across your page.

I can’t tell you how much your workouts have enhanced my life. I’m stronger, happier in myself, it’s improved my relationship with my husband! I just absolutely love every second of your sessions.

I’m a very busy mum of 2 with 2 businesses and the platform just suits my lifestyle to a T! I know I’ve always got 10 minutes at least to do one of your 10 minute blitz sessions, even if my day is crazy busy!!

So ‘thank you’ Lucinda for being the best instructor I have EVER had (and I’ve seen a few over the years!) but seriously, your constant coaching, explaining, motivation is just 100% bang on! You get in my head!

Michelle Blanche

I can highly recommend Lucy’s Her Strength fitness platform. I’d been using another fitness platform for some time, so it took me a little while to decide to switch: I haven’t looked back! There are a huge number of workouts to choose from and they’re continually added to. Plus, Lucy’s encouragement and tips to make the particular exercises as effective as possible are exactly what you need when working out at home.

Personally, I particularly like the structured courses. I love that I don’t have to think about which workout to do that day and whether I’ve covered all the right muscle groups throughout the week. I tend to do a course during term time, but then I know I have a variety of workouts that I can dip into during the busier holidays when I don’t necessarily have as much time. I’ve even managed to do some of the 10 min blitz/no equipment workouts while away!

I can definitely feel a difference to my strength levels and I feel more confident as a result. My physio has also commented on how she can see a change in the strength in my back (which in turn has helped with neck pain). If this wasn’t enough, I was diagnosed with osteopenia over ten years ago. My recent bone density scan came back as normal for the first time since my diagnosis. The only lifestyle change that I have introduced in that time is to move from a more cardio-based workout to Lucy’s more strength-based workouts.

Karen Sangiorgio

Being a busy mum of four, the Her Strength on demand platform has been fantastic in being able to get some quality workouts completed at home within short time frames. The platform has such an array of workouts which can be chosen by workout duration or if you want to work specific muscles or choosing a specific programme. There is so much content which Lucy updates on a regular basis keeping me interested in trying new workouts. Lucy gives so much encouragement and essential tips to make me feel confident in increasing the weights I use. I can see the progression I have made since signing up to the platform and would highly recommend!

Jeannette Stevenson

I have been training with Lucy since April last year. It has been a fantastic experience. I feel so much fitter and stronger now. She pushes me in every workout and I feel I can work to my potential. I can’t recommend Her Strength enough.

Radhika Allan

Lucy is an amazing online trainer, who knows how to inspire you to achieve your best. I really enjoy training with her and achieved brilliant results. Her classes are always full of variety, despite the breathless hard work. Highly recommended.

Sree Lakshmi Payyala

I have been training online with Lucy since 2020. I have really noticed how my fitness levels and strength have improved significantly. The classes are fun but hard work and Lucy is very good at encouraging me to work to our full potential. Would definitely recommend Her Strength.

Kirsty Smith

I have been training with Lucy for about three years. I’ve encouraged my adult daughters to sign up too. The workout sessions are hard work but they are fun and can be tailored to different fitness levels (my daughters may be somewhat fitter than me, but gets tots from the workouts too!). Lucy is extremely encouraging and is always so enthusiastic, so I’m always keen to try my best. My strength, stamina, balance and overall fitness have improved considerably. Thank you, Lucy.

Penny Payne

I have been training with Lucy for over a year. Over the years I have joined several gyms and always ended up paying money and never attending. Having a regular schedule every week encourages me to keep going. She makes exercise about as fun as it can be (!) and I get the sense she genuinely cares about how I am doing. Over the last twelve months, I have become fitter, more flexible, lost weight and become much more active. Thank you, Lucy!

Rachel Hotson

I’ve been following the workouts for the past three years. Lucinda is brilliant at motivating me when I am feeling sluggish and pushing me when I’m feeling strong.

Each week the workouts are different and I feel I’ve learnt new skills and exercises which keeps it interesting and works the muscles in new ways.

I would highly recommend Her Strength to everyone, she is also great at suggesting exercise adaptations so you can get the most from the workout whatever your age and ability.

Each week I feel so satisfied with what I’ve achieved.

Jeannette Stevenson

I started working out by following Lucy’s workouts shortly after the birth of my 3rd child. The idea of getting fit whilst juggling three children under the age of 5 was such a daunting task to take on alone. Luckily for me, there is nothing Lucy doesn’t know about getting post-natal Mummies back into shape. She understands the whole picture: getting fit and strong both physically and mentally. She is also a fantastic role-model for how to keep all the plates spinning and not let those excuses get in the way of achieving your fitness goals.

Toree Bethell

After I had my daughter I was desperately lacking in energy and felt physically wrecked! I knew I needed to do something positive to be able to keep up with her boundless energy and also begin to feel better about myself. My friend encouraged my to sign up to Lucy’s workouts to help me both get fitter and stronger. I managed to fit sessions around work and toddlers (even occasionally using them within sessions!), and Lucy provided us with much-needed motivation.

Exercise has never come naturally to me, so it has been brilliant to stick to something long-term and see real changes in my fitness.

I really can’t recommend Her Strength highly enough!

Samantha Powick

I really can’t thank Lucinda enough for her workouts. I feel encouraged and supported throughout the workouts, even as an unfit exhausted Mum. She has a unique mix of steely grit and a sense of humour! As inches have fallen off and my energy levels have increased, I have been able to keep adapting and progressing the workouts to suit my improving fitness level. They are always a challenge and keep me on my toes – be it in the garden or within the four walls of a living room (complete with toddlers climbing all over us!)

I really can’t recommend Her Strength enough, especially for any new Mum out there wanting to take some much needed time for yourself. 100% the best investment I’ve made in a long time!

Olivia Cryer

I turned to Lucinda at Her Strength because I felt I was not achieving my ultimate goals with my previous fitness regime….in short after my second child my tummy never returned back to how it once was and I got to the stage where I was regularly telling myself – is it possible to ever get back your 6 pack back?!! I am in my mid-30’s and competed in heptathlon back in Poland. I train 6 days per week, combining gym with my passion for running and regular Insanity classes but I got to the point when I thought “nothing will work, no matter how much effort I put into it”. Postnatal fitness was something I never thought would work and I needed someone to show me the way. I want to thank Lucinda for showing me a different approach. With Lucinda’s workouts I was able to work hard and I absolutely loved every workout and will be back for more. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Ewelina Gatehouse

I love all my workouts with Lucy, she has now got me hooked on including weights in my weekly workouts and I’ve never felt fitter or stronger both in mind and body. It’s amazing and inspiring to see and feel such changes from relatively small adjustments.

Buffy Hinson

I started with Her Strength because I was in dire need of getting fit. I have two children and work three days a week and fitting in the exercise was not easy. Lucinda has now helped me massively to see exercise as part of my routine and how I can fit it in whilst juggling everything! It’s also great that Lucinda really appreciates those juggles with family life and exercise. Thank you so much!!

Kelly Tallis

I absolutely love my workouts with Lucinda. I get so much out of them both physically and mentally. The variety of exercises during the sessions is great and I really enjoy constantly learning new things and being pushed further than I would push myself. Lucinda is a great motivator and it’s great to see the changes in my fitness and physique. I have been into my fitness for years but, thanks to Her Strength, I am stronger and fitter than I have ever been.

Hayley Harrison

I’ve done 6 weeks with Her Strength so far and couldn’t recommend it more highly! Every time I do a workout, Lucinda makes it fun and different. She is incredibly motivating and makes every minute count. I feel fitter and stronger and happier and have used muscles I never knew I had! If you’re looking for a fresh approach to fitness and exercise that produces real results, then Her Strength is for you.

Gemma Stovold

I can honestly say it was one of the best investments I’ve ever made! After having a baby several months ago I felt extremely tired, unfit and seriously lacking in energy. Lucinda’s workouts were challenging and she encourages you to work hard. She answered any fitness questions I had in depth and was happy to be contacted for advice – even sending me a video demonstration when I needed help with a particular exercise move. Would highly recommend!!

Cordelia Van Resnburg

I signed up with Lucinda 12 weeks before my wedding. Amongst all the wedding planning I wasn’t making time to eat right or exercise, and just feeling a bit rubbish. The workouts were challenging but fun, and no week of workouts is ever the same. I felt great in my wedding dress and even better on our honeymoon!

Amy Simpson

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