change –  (cheynj)
verb (used with object)
1. To make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone

news – (nooz, nyooz)
noun (usually used with a singular verb)
1. a report of a recent event; intelligence; information:

Hello again readers As promised 2 weeks ago today’s blog is going to be about change. In last week’s post I wrote “So what’s changing? Well lots, including the content of this post apparently, but not quite in the way I was expecting” and that’s also true of this week’s post Initially I had a more rambling philosophical piece in mind and now I have some fairly major news for you all so I’m going to spare you my philosophical ramblings and jump straight in

Most of you will know me or know of me from my work as a personal trainer and probably – because who knows what else could happen? – the biggest, and most irritating, change is coming in this area. As the majority of you will already be aware of by now, Factory Gyms, where I’ve been working happily with my clients for the past two years, is closing

Tom Robertson (FG Fitness Director) posted this announcement on FB last Wednesday -

“FACTORY GYMS IS CLOSING. Globo Gym (in the form of the Gym Group) is opening a giant gym next door. They are much cheaper & nastier than us and have tons of money – we simply can’t compete. I’m sure we’d win at dodgeball, but they’re not up for that so Factory Gyms is regrettably closing on the 30th December. Sorry folks! It’s been awesome training with you!”

Factory has been a really harmonious and friendly gym and it’s made for a unique and wonderful working environment. Owners Tom and Chloe have been fantastic to work with and my fellow PT’s Kyle, Robbie and Jo have been a constant source of inspiration and amusement to me I’ve loved nattering with the reception staff – Craig, Angela, Margaret, Mike and Katie – who were all handpicked for their Factory friendly qualities and Tony has amazed us all, not least by managing to experience less work while on his work experience placement than anyone thought possible And while she’s not technically a member of the Factory team, I have to mention the irrepressible Fiona who works as Security on the front desk. It’s been a wonderful two years guys

So for us all it’s on to pastures new. Fortunately for me as a personal trainer Edinburgh has no shortage of gyms to choose from. I’m definitely going to be at Rab Thompsons in Leith but as that’s not ideal location wise for everyone I’m going to be working at another location too. I’ve a few places to investigate and if they’re exciting enough (or I can cunningly make it sound more exciting than it actually was) I might even recount my adventures here

Change is still blowing throughout the rest of my life too Things are moving forward on the Physique and Performance project. There’s still no site for you all to look at but given my workload recently I’m not worrying too much about this I’m 14lbs heavier than when I started training again 7 weeks ago and I’m writing this on Monday morning on my sofa instead of last Thursday on reception More excitingly Princes Street has been transformed into a splendid Xmas market which I urge you all to go and visit

Some areas are proving more stubbornly resistant to change, despite my best, relaxed ;o) efforts. Last night I was the most relaxed I can remember in a long time I had a bath, laid out on the sofa and after happily wandering around Constantinople for a while – I’m playing Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, remember – I wandered off to bed at 11.30pm As I’ve been battling, successfully thus far, the tremors of illness this last week (a hangover from last week’s exhaustion I think) I didn’t even set my alarm and snuggled down to a good night’s sleep I awoke, tired but not sleepy – aaaagggghhh!!! – at 5am. Buggar My iPhone still isn’t set up yet either Looking on the bright side as ever though, it’s still only 10.30am and with this rattled off I’ve got time for a cheeky wee nap before my first client

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