I started with Helena when I wanted to “lose some weight”. As a fat kid through much of late childhood I wasn’t very confident in the fitness disciplines and this is all I knew to do. I had “lost weight” before and consequently was no stranger to running or the traditional PT session. However, this is worlds apart from what Helena gave me. Helena introduced me to bodyweight training and a truly sustainable fitness lifestyle that included advice on recovery and nutrition.

Under her supervision I have grown in 6 months from one sloppy pull-up to 10 strict controlled ones, from 12 kg goblet squats to 120 kg back squats, I am comfortable on the gymnastic rings and very close to achieving my first strict muscle-up.

Helena didn’t just write me plans. She also spent the time discussing them with me (with many emails, texts and videos) to make sure I knew exactly what I was doing and why. As I am naturally very curious and investigative, I asked endless questions (about everything, not just the programme) and she always took the time to send me in depth, detailed answers. Although she is a fountain of knowledge she is also very honest - a trait I have not seen in other trainers - and is willing to tell you when she’s not the best teacher for something. I see Helena as more than just a trainer now, her advice is essential and I trust her to always point me in the right direction.

Seeing her also teaching to other people, I can tell that she is able to give progressions to everyone at any level, without making you feel that you are working any less. I have never said that of any other fitness activity I have ever done, but I am really looking forward to each session with her. In fact, even if I know that it is going to be hard, she will make sure that I progress and I learn something new so that I finish the lesson with a sense of accomplishment. Also, she gets more excited than I do when she sees improvements on certain skills and I love that, because it shows genuine care for you. Last, but not least, I particularly like her focus, attention to form so that you don't get injured, and discipline as a teacher.

I have been training with Pesca for around 7-8 months now since April/May 2021. I first met Pesca attending group GST classes she taught and liked how targeted and direct the training was, with everyone having individual progressions even in a group class environment.

I approached Pesca about online coaching during the lockdown which necessitated training by myself and I was also dealing with a long term shoulder injury I had to have surgery on in Jan 2021. My own rehab had taken me to the point where I could actually start strength training again properly. Prior to the surgery, I was - and still am - a beginner but I did have e.g. multiple muscle ups, full back lever, straddle bent arm plance and basic ring routines just for context.

I've been starting from ground zero again and Pesca has given me clever, structured training programs to start helping me get back to where I was at and beyond. The initial assessments were detailed and she has very quickly targeted weak areas so the training is always efficient and effective. I always get thoughtful feedback and my own comments are always listened to and considered. I am really pleased with the progress, feeling stronger and more confident but in a controlled and sustainable manner.

I should point out that this is only on 3 sessions a week. The training fits round my job, other commitments etc and that's where the attention to detail in the programming helps. Pesca is very good at targeting the things you need the most in your training at any given time, which makes the absolute most of the time you do have to train.

It's also worth pointing out that I have done three other stints of online coaching with other coaches in the past so I feel have a good basis for comparison. I can honestly say that for me Pesca is the best of the bunch. In comparison, her offering has given me way more interaction, a better and more detailed quality of feedback and as said quality, clever and considered programming - no cookie cutters! - which in my opinion is exceptionally good value for money when compared to other offerings. Overall couldn't recommend it more highly.

Nick Bacon @bacs1

Online coaching with Pesca (Helena) has been a very positive experience for me. Previously I was exercising regularly, but with minimal structure. Since starting coaching with Pesca I have made significant improvements in handstands, flexibility, and overall strength. The key for me has been having someone with her experience and knowledge to program sessions that are always challenging but achievable. Whenever I have struggled with a particular goal she has been able to provide helpful feedback, and adjusted future sessions with alternative exercises that help maintain progression towards the ultimate goal. This has resulted in much more overall progress and consistency for me over the long-term. Additionally, the breadth of my own knowledge has increased as I have been exposed to many exercises that were completely new to me, and had helpful feedback to ensure I achieve the correct form and technique.

Mark Cookson, Software Developer, age 40+