Rebecca didn’t expect to be selected for the longest, toughest horse race in the world, but she was. At that point, she recognised the need for some professional personal training.
During her visits to Oxford Circus Physiotherapy, Rebecca Pumphrey, who works for a talent agency in Fitzrovia, had noticed neighbouring PerformancePro. She reckoned there was nothing to lose with the free consultation so popped in to see us. Up until this point, Rebecca had never been to a gym before or considered professional personal training.
The Mongol Derby 1000 Kilometres
The previous autumn, Rebecca had applied for The Mongol Derby, the longest, toughest horse race in the world. This incredible challenge and spectacle covers 1000 kilometres over 8-10 days, with up to 50 international competitors riding semi-wild horses 12-14 hours a day. In between long days in the saddle, there are cold nights sleeping rough on the Mongolian Steppe.
Rebecca didn’t anticipate being selected,
‘I love hanging out with horses but hadn’t ridden for 10 years and then it was only for an hour or so at a time. But my application to race The Mongol Derby was successful. It was at that point, I recognised I needed some professional personal training input!’
Initially, Rebecca felt pretty intimidated by the idea of training in a gym. She had no idea what to do or what any of the equipment was for. Even now she freely admits she doesn’t really know what a dumbbell is!
Professional personal training to build strength and stamina
Rebecca trains with PerformancePro director, Anthony Purcell. The main focus at first was to build strength especially in the glutes and quads. It was essential to build this core strength to help Rebecca hold her body in the right position for long periods of time in the saddle.
According to Rebecca (and Anthony), her cardio was ‘non-existent’ so some serious stamina also needed building.
PerformancePro’s approach combining professional personal training, sports massage and working in partnership with our friends at Oxford Circus Physiotherapy was ideal for Rebecca,
‘I love the way the three not only work together but talk to each other in a 100% client-focused way to create the most effective regime. They look after me throughout. Along the way, I also enjoy learning how my body works.’
For Rebecca, everything was a surprise,
‘At PerformancePro, it’s a professional but friendly set up and it’s unexpectedly good fun. They achieve the right balance between the serious stuff whilst having a real laugh too! It’s a very positive environment which was ideal for me as a total amateur aiming for something I felt may well be beyond my reach.
‘I love the vibe and the variety of people all doing different things, all with different goals. Everyone has their own focus so it’s not competitive or intimidating. I also loved how quickly I could see and feel progress from one week to the next. It’s a real confidence booster and rewarding experience.’
And the down side?
‘Pulling anything is hard work, especially the big tyre!’
The greatest achievement
Rebecca’s main goal was just to try to finish The Mongol Derby in August. Not only did she do that, she won the first leg and finished the race on day eight within the top 15 riders. She was also the first Brit to cross the line.
What makes Rebecca’s achievement even more heroic is that she was disadvantaged throughout. Her kit was lost en route, so she had to ride the whole 1000 kilometres in ill-fitting, borrowed kit and has the scars to prove it.
New found capacity for change
Not surprisingly, Rebecca isn’t sure what the next challenge will be, having exceeded her own expectations to such a huge extent. But she is sure that through PerformancePro she has discovered the most effective approach to self-maintenance. Rebecca is very clear and honest about her motivation and the investment she makes in professional personal training,
‘For me it’s a mean to an end. I’ve never really liked sport and I’m not actually that competitive. Nor am I motivated by looking good, so this was never a vanity choice. I just really enjoy feeling this new found capacity for change within myself. Initially, professional personal training may be considered quite expensive. Actually it is good value for money because of the positive impact it has on everything you do which goes way beyond the hour’s worth of time and money spent in the gym.’
Everyone’s motivation to consider professional personal training is different. Whichever path you take, we’re with you every step of the way.
Take your first step and book your free consultation with PerformancePro today >>
