Forever-Strong - Bury

One Year T-Shirt😍

Congratulations Lois👏🏻

‘My Forever-Strong journey……wow a year already. The training concept of Forever-Strong is something I wish I’d signed up to years ago, all those years at the high street gyms going through periods of no motivation and paying not to go. There’s a great family feel and encouragement from fellow members here which is something I enjoy and absolutely love.

Although my physical results are not where I’d like them to be, it’s not through the coaches not trying, it’s been a very emotional year for me and my diet reflects that, plus I’ve had a hectic social and holiday calendar.

Let’s leave all that behind though now, I’m looking forward to my second year and I’m ready to achieve my goals. The results will come, don’t give up on me as I can’t wait’

This year has been a complete rollercoaster of a ride for Lois but she still manages to show up to every session and puts in the work💪🏼

Congratulations to the lovely Lucy on reviving her One Year T-Shirt🥳

Lucy’s says⬇️

‘I’ve lost 23lb I’ve got another 9lb to go. Weight loss was my main reason for joining, I wanted to loose my baby weight, which I did and now I’m onto the weight I gained after I got married/ lockdown hit! I feel physically fitter and have so much more energy! I joined to loose weight but i think now I need it more for the hour to switch off from life, it helps so much with stress.

Before I started I felt so intimidated by the thought of joining a gym but it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made!’

You’ve done amazing in this first year Lucy😍Keep up the good work and here is to a happier future and seeing great results🙌🏻

Yesterday we gave out yet another One Year T-Shirt to the lovely Joanne😍

Joanne says⬇️

‘It was a big decision to join the gym. I was completely overwhelmed and stressed at the thought of joining even though I new something needed to change. Now I get annoyed if a can't go! I enjoy going, the coaches and members are so nice and friendly and the programme works!

I've lost 13kg in weight since I've joined (I'm not sure on inches as I've not done that for a while).

I've had to buy new clothes, I've had clothes taken in as well as being able to get back into some clothes I've not been able to wear for years.

Even though I've still got a bit to go, I feel so much better in myself, I don't feel so out of shape, tired or uncomfortable with myself. My mind set has changed in the way a view things and I'm not so hard on myself. I still enjoy treats, take aways and meals out, and if things don't go according to plan it doesn't ruin my day/week anymore like it used to. I also don't drink alcohol nearly as much as I used to.

To think how worried and nervous I was about starting the programme/gym I can't imagine not going, it's now just a part of my routine😊’

Congratulations Joanne🥳

TASTY TUESDAY😍

Bacon & Pesto Mac ‘N’ Cheese🧀

How to make⬇️

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 220°C/ 200°C (fan)/ gas 7
Boil a full kettle

Peel and finely chop (or grate) the garlic

2️⃣Add the macaroni to a pot of boiled water with a drizzle of olive oil and bring to the boil over a high heat

Cook the macaroni for 7-8 min or until cooked with a slight bite

Once done, drain the cooked macaroni and set aside until later

3️⃣Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick) with 1 tbsp [2 tbsp] of vegetable oil over a medium heat

Once hot, add the chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 min until fragrant

Once fragrant, add 15g [30g] flour and stir with a wooden spoon for 1-2 min or until a sandy paste forms – this is your roux

4️⃣Gradually whisk 300ml [600ml] milk into the roux, a little at a time, and cook for 5-6 min or until a smooth, thick sauce remains – this is your béchamel sauce

5️⃣Meanwhile, grate the cheddar cheese

Combine 1/4 of the grated Italian hard cheese (save the rest for later!) with the panko breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil in a bowl – these are your cheesy breadcrumbs

6️⃣Wash, then add the spinach and drained macaroni to the pan with the béchamel sauce

Stir through the pesto, grated cheddar and remaining grated Italian hard cheese

Season with a generous grind of black pepper and give everything a good mix up until the cheese has melted and the spinach has wilted

7️⃣Transfer the mixture to an oven-proof dish

Top with the cheesy breadcrumbs followed by the bacon and put the dish in the oven for 20-25 min or until golden and bubbling and the bacon is crisp – this is your bacon & pesto mac 'n' cheese

Tip: Put the dish on the top shelf of the oven to help crisp up the bacon!

Wash the rocket, then pat it dry with kitchen paper

Dress the rocket with the balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil

Serve your bacon & pesto mac 'n' cheese with a generous grind of black pepper and the dressed rocket to the side

Enjoy!🤤

SERVES 2
TOTAL TIME: 40 MINUTES

Calories - 715
Fat - 35g
Carbs - 72g
Protein - 32g

Another One Year T-Shirt was given out last night to the amazing Jacqueline😍

Jackie says⬇️

‘Attending Forever-Strong has been amazing. I have felt so welcome by the coaches and all the other members. I can’t quite believe what I am now able to do. I have lost weight, inches and dropped 3 dress sizes😱I feel both physically & mentally better and so much more positive about myself. I just want to say huge THANK YOU!’

Congratulations Jackie🥳You look like a completely different woman to when you first stepped through the door 12 months ago😍

Last night we gave out another One Year T-Shirt to the lovely Katie Pratt😍

Katie says⬇️

‘I can’t believe that I have been here for a year😱
I’d been thinking about joining a gym for a few years but was always unsure as I lack confidence in this situation & felt like I wouldn’t fit it.

Joining Forever - Strong was was the best decision I made for myself🙌🏻It really isn’t like other commercial gyms! The coaches actually care about you just as much as the members do🥰

It’s the only gym I have actually maintained going to constantly and that is mainly to do with both Shannon, Callum & the rest of the team at Forever-Strong. I have never felt like I don’t belong here, the people are amazing & I have made great friends along the way!

I had never lifted a weight since joining here & now I am lifting weights I never thought I could💪🏼

Thanks for all your help’

I’d also like to add that Katie did her first ever set of Push Ups the other day for 6 reps🔥

Massive Congratulations Katie! You look amazing😍

TASTY TUESDAY😍

15 Minute Beef Chilli🌶

How to make⬇️

1️⃣ - Put the onion, garlic, butter and spices in a microwaveable container, stir, then heat in the
microwave on high for 30-40 seconds.

2️⃣ - Allow to stand for 1 min, then add the chopped tomatoes, beans, stock cube and chocolate

3️⃣- Cover with microwaveable cling film and pierce 3 times.

4️⃣ - Place some kitchen paper on your microwave turntable, put the container on top and cook for 2
mins on high.

5️⃣ - Stir well and leave to stand for a further minute. If your chilli starts to dry out, add some of the reserved tomato juice, but bear in mind that it won’t reduce as much in the microwave as it would
on the hob.

6️⃣ - Cover and cook on medium for a further 2 minutes.

7️⃣ - Give it a good stir and allow to stand for 1 minute before serving topped with soured cream and coriander or your favourite Mexican topping if desired👌🏼

SERVES 2
TOTAL TIME: 20 MINUTES

Happy Monday😍

Today we gave out another One Year T-Shirt to the lovely Emma Michaelson😍

Emma says⬇️

‘I joined FS after a year of lockdown, eating & drinking far too much. I had gained over a stone in weight and felt sluggish & tired. I dreaded choosing an outfit for a rare night out as felt flabby and generally rubbish in everything. My joints were always very painful in particular my knees and going up and downstairs and chasing after the kids was becoming increasingly more difficult & painful.

Following a diagnosis of MS and recently being told I 'should' go back onto disease modifying drugs (which made me feel awful) I knew I needed to do something proactive about it now to get fitter and look after my wellbeing!

It is one of the BEST decisions I ever made joining Forever - Strong💪🏼

I have lost over a stone in weight, several inches and most importantly feel fitter at 45 than I have for many many years. I have built up the muscles around my knees which has taken all the pressure away and I now have no pain going up and downstairs anymore.

Also it is so good for my mental health too, having a busy home and work life, this is something that is just for me. The people and coaches I've met through FS are the salt of the earth and so lovely. I love the atmosphere at the gym and how encouraging and supportive everyone has been. What a top bunch of people!

I'm so happy to be part of the FS family and I'm looking forward to continuing the journey😁’

Well Done Emma! You look FAB🔥