Real Members, Real Motivation

What does it really look like to make the most of your Colets membership? Meet Dan and Rich - for them it’s not about perfection - it’s about progress. From lifting weights to playing squash, diving into the pool to testing out Reformer Pilates, these two members show how variety, consistency, and a healthy bit of rivalry can help unlock your full potential - week by week.

How do you make the most of your membership each week to help unlock your full potential?

For both Dan and Rich, it’s all about consistency and variety. They aim to train 3–4 times a week, mixing up their routine across the gym, including BioStrength, HIIT, Cargo classes, squash, and swimming.

“There’s so much on offer here. I take advantage of all the facilities, playing squash one day, swimming the next, or both. It keeps it fresh and keeps me coming back.” Rich also makes the most of Colets’ flexibility as “being able to pop into Basil’s for work and then get straight into the gym is a real bonus. It helps me stay consistent even on busy days.”

Do you mix up your weekly routine or stick to the same thing each week?

Routine or Remix

Sticking to a strict weekly routine isn’t the priority, but strength training is. They each aim for at least three weight training sessions a week, ensuring they hit all major muscle groups while also incorporating cardio or conditioning sessions to maintain balance. Rich sums it up with a grin:

“You’ve got to spice up your life.”

Dan takes a similarly flexible approach:

“Some days it’s the gym, sometimes a circuits session, or even a swim and a run with my 9-year-old. It’s about variety and keeping it fun.”

Whether it’s structured blocks or spontaneous family workouts, both find that keeping things fresh is the real key to staying consistent.

How does variety keep you motivated?

Variety Fuels the Fire

Variety isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for staying motivated.

“If I did the same thing week in, week out, I’d lose interest fast”, says Dan. “I love trying new exercises or pushing myself to improve at something I’m not great at yet; that challenge keeps it fun.”

Rich agrees that mixing it up is the secret to staying engaged.

“A routine can get a bit boring, and that’s what stalls progress. Spicing things up and making use of all the facilities keeps it enjoyable and keeps you coming back.”

Whether it's shifting focus to new goals, testing limits, or just trying something different, variety is the driving force behind long-term progress and enjoyment.

Do you ever keep each other motivated?

A bit of friendly rivalry never hurts...

Training together adds another layer of motivation for Dan and Rich. Whether it's in the gym or signing up for events outside of it, there's always a competitive edge, and neither is shy about admitting it.

“It’s great to have someone there to push you or challenge you to lift a bit heavier”, says Dan. “I can’t allow him to win. I must beat his PB… even if it’s only by 7.5kg!” he jokes.

Rich admits the competition is real and effective.

“100%. Competition motivates me. We’ve probably both got our strengths and weaknesses, so being able to get one up on Dan is always good fun.”

How did you find Reformer Pilates?

From Curiosity to Commitment

Dan and Rich recently stepped outside their usual training routines to try something completely different, and it made a lasting impression.

“It was eye-opening!” says Dan. “A lot harder than I expected. Even though I felt ‘gym fit’ or ‘triathlon fit’, I was using muscles that probably hadn’t been worked properly before. It’s something I’d like to build into my training more, especially as I get a bit ‘older’.”

Rich agrees, especially when it comes to areas he tends to overlook:

“Yeah, it was good. Stretching is something I’m guilty of never doing, so for that alone, it was worth it.” Trying new things not only challenged them physically but also highlighted the importance of balance and looking after the body in different ways, especially with long-term goals in mind.

If you were to describe your ideal full club day, what would you do with the time?

The perfect Colets day? Rich has it all planned out.

“Coffee in Basil’s, then maybe a game of squash, followed by some strength work. Light lunch, then into the pool for some laps, sauna, and steam room. Finish the day off with a HIIT or Cargo class then some food back in Basil’s.”

Dan, never one to miss an opportunity, quickly adds:

“Sounds like you need to get a job.”

Whether it’s an action-packed day of training or just picking a few key sessions, both agree that having all of these facilities in one place makes it easy to build a routine that’s effective and enjoyable.

So, who introduced who to squash and how did that first ‘you should give it a go’ conversation go?

Squash: the surprise workout (and rivalry)

What started as a casual suggestion from Rich quickly turned into a sweaty, competitive session on the squash courts and a new addition to Dan’s training mix.

“Rich had been trying to get me on court for a while, but I kept dodging it,” Dan admits. “Then we decided we were doing a ‘sports week’ and, of course, he suggested squash mainly because it’s one of the few things he could beat me at.”

Rich, who played squash during his teenage years, saw his moment.

“I used to play a bit when I was younger. I’d go to the gym and watch my dad play, and I picked it up from there. I’ve played a few times since joining Colets, but not much since 2022 or so. I’d been trying to lure Dan into a game for a while; he finally ran out of excuses.”

Dan gave in and immediately realised what he’d signed up for.

“I don’t think I’ve ever sweated so much in my life. It was a brilliant workout. At first, I couldn’t even hit the ball, but now I’m scoring points… sometimes!”

“Although I’m pretty sure Rich made up the scoring system,” he laughs.

What’s it like playing with each other supportive or competitive?

Everything’s a race (even the school run)

Dan and Rich bring their love of sport and a good bit of friendly competition into everything they do, even when it’s not meant to be a race.

“I think we probably race each other walking without even realising it”, says Dan. “I’m pretty sure I’m trying to beat Rich from the car park to the gym entrance most days.”

Rich laughs in agreement.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a proper race, a ride, or just some little garden game with the family, there’s always a bit of a competitive edge. Even after a casual cycle, we’ll both be straight on Strava, seeing who hits the fastest segment or top speed.”

Their sporting spirit has even taken over family holidays.

“We’re going on holiday soon, but we’ve somehow turned it into a full-on sports weekend”, one of them jokes. “We’re jokingly ‘training’ for it at Colets, but it’s motivating the kids too, and it’s great to see them getting involved.”

From serious events to spontaneous school-run showdowns, the duo proves that sport doesn’t need a finish line to be fun and that a bit of playful rivalry can be the secret to keeping everyone active.

What part of your potential is still locked, and you’re working on or something you still need to try

Always improving - physically and mentally

For Rich, running is still his weak spot.

“It’s improved over the years, but I need to get quicker, mostly so Dan can’t catch me at the end of a race”, he laughs.

He’s also focusing on the mental side of endurance.

“At the end of a 70.3 or marathon, it’s all in your head. I’ve never DNF’d, but I want to learn to enjoy the wall, not just survive it.”

Dan’s challenge? The pool.

“Swimming’s always been my weakest area,” he admits. “I started lessons with Chris back in March, and I don’t look like I’m drowning anymore, which is a good start!”

Rich adds, ‘He's taken off his armbands now!’

Whether it’s technique, pace, or mindset, both are committed to pushing their limits and keeping each other on their toes.

Unlocking your potential at Colets with Rich & Dan: