ALAN

My MAV journey and how it is helping my physical and mental well-being

I first met Jonathan and Paul, the driving forces behind middle-aged vandals, at a men's health day in Liverpool. I had only ever done boxing exercise while in the military for PT, but I had found it a great workout.

Jonathan and Paul seemed friendly and professional, something that is very important to me with my Complex PTSD diagnosis, where being able to associate with new people and trust them can be exceptionally difficult.

Due to my mental health, I didn't reconnect with the guys for a couple of months, but when I did and got the motivation to attend my first taster session, I can confidently say it has been one of the best things I have done.

Paul is a brilliant coach and knows how to get the most out of anyone attending without pushing them too far, developing both physical health and skills that, along with the endorphin hit of the gym, leave me feeling tired but having accomplished something worthwhile, again something hard to come by with mental health issues.

Jonathan brings his motivation and entrepreneurial desire to improve the mental and physical health for those of us in our late 40’s to 60’s, who maybe would like to be fitter and, in a relaxed, non-judgmental safe space, talk to people, but are put off by the sometimes competitive and raucous nature of many gyms.

“I actively look forward to every session I attend, and when, due to other commitments and life cannot attend, I feel my energy lessens for that week, and my mood takes a dip. It is truly the best hour of exercise and then a talk I undertake each week, and I cannot recommend it strongly enough to others who would like to do something in a non-judgmental, supportive environment but can't find one or are too anxious to try.”