I first met Murray after a long period of inactivity. Partially due to a broken humerus but mostly laziness. I had been told I may never gain full movement in my arm and I also had high blood pressure. Working with Murray over the past two years has been life changing. With his continued support I have regained full my arm movement and brought my blood pressure down to normal via diet and exercise. I now feel stronger than ever, I have lost allot of weight and generally take much better care of myself than I have ever done before. Murrays passion for overall wellness coupled with his medical background is the perfect combo for a world class personal trainer and I couldn’t recommend him enough.

-Angela

Murray is my go to guy whenever I need some health or fitness advice. It doesn’t matter if its something related to food or an exercise program, Murray always knows the best solution for what I need to hit my targets and he will back it up with high quality studies and allot of experience. Cannot recommend him enough. His knowledge on how the body works is amazing.

– Anders

I’ve worked with Murray for about 2 years now. He’s taken me from worryingly unhealthy to a place where I feel fit, strong and capable of things I thought were well behind me. I see several decent length triathlons in my future, and much of that is down to Murray’s quiet, persuasive and encouraging coaching. He’s got me on a much better path in terms of food and nutrition too. You’d be hard pressed to find a better PT and coach for wellbeing.

-Brian

Murrays note- Brian is an awesome dude!!!! He was also the man responsible for the website photos. His photography skills are exceptional. Please visit his site and have a look around – https://bareid.smugmug.com

Murray has been my PT for the past 2 years and its the best decision I’ve made. He has transformed my approach to fitness, nutrition and overall wellbeing and I couldn’t be happier with my results in my overall strength and fitness levels. His sessions are challenging with a mix of cardio and strength but also varied and fun. I always finish with a great sense of achievement looking forward to the next one. He is inspirational and a great motivator and now my approach and views on fitness and health has changed completely. I can’t thank him enough for the impact he has made to my life and confidence levels. I highly recommend him to all my friends who are trying go get back on track with their fitness. Thank you Murray

-Rosie

A better pt you could not wish for. I have been with Murray for 3 years now, we been through a lot together his encouragement and humour has seen me through a few mini triathlons and also helped me prepare for the moonwalk 26.2 miles last year in under 7 hours. I know feel in the best possible health and mind space walking 53 miles a week along with my pt sessions. I can’t thank him enough you would be very lucky to have Murray as your personal trainer.

-Cathy

I have had CFS/ME for over a decade. Although I worked with a PT before that, I was very wary about finding one that would understand my needs and actually truly listen to me and my body. I have worked with Murray now for over 18 months, and in that time have considerably improved my fitness and capacity for exercise. Initially, I was very doubtful that I would be able to work with him for an hour, but I was able to do that quite rapidly, and now have no problem doing a full session with him without any risk of any post exercise crashes or problems. When I started with Murray, I had various problems that required care from physios. Each time I had tried to carefully start exercising again by myself I would end up eventually injured. Murray’s careful observation of my needs and weaknesses has built up muscle around these spots and now I don’t have any of these problems. Earlier this year I managed to achieve running a (very slow!) 5k, something that I thought might not be possible ever again. I would have every confidence in recommending Murray to someone with CFS or chronic health problems. His skill levels and careful observation and adaptions mean you are in safe hands.

Helen C

Shot from my first trail run in 10 years

Fantastic!! The training plans are second to none and clearly tailored to suit each individual client and their requirements. The thing that sets Murray apart is the level of communication he gives you, he’s always on hand to answer any questions and give you plenty of encouragement along the way.

Dave

Although I haven’t worked with Murray for too long, I can tell you that he has completely changed my outlook and concept of exercise. As a person who literally dreaded the thought of exercise as I have an under active thyroid and has always struggled with my energy levels (tired is my middle name) increasing my fitness levels has dramatically changed my energy levels. I now feel capable of achieving things I couldn’t even think about in the past. For me to now wake up on the morning of my PT and look forward to my PT session is quite unbelievable! Murray has an inspirational outlook on health, exercise and life. His encouraging words to motivate you to improve yourself is simply a breath of fresh air, his approach is unique that you do not feel as though the exercise is forced upon you and I have noticed my fitness levels have increased rapidly over just a matter of months.

-Ashley

4 months ago I would be shattered after a run to the bins and back but now after trainings with Murray for nearly a year now everything has improved, I can run a 10k no issue, I can comfortably lift 100kg – that was before lockdown. He’s really improved my physical health as well as my mental health with constant goals to reach and helping me destroy them has really boosted my confidence. I’ve had issues with shoulder strength in the past but Murray has been amazing at fixing those issues and as well as that improving all my other areas to get rid of any future issues. I want a career in sport and Murray has encouraged me to be the best I can and strive to get fitter and reach that end goal

– David

I started training with Murray at the grand old age of 59 following an injury to my shoulder, whilst I cycled regularly I had found it difficult to maintain my motivation especially in the gym. My goals at the time were to build up the strength in my shoulder (in a safe way) while improving my overall level of fitness and to become more toned prior to my daughter’s wedding the following year.

Murray is a true professional , he has an extensive knowledge of sports medicine and a holistic and flexible approach that makes training fun. He seems genuinely interested in and cares about his clients. He has inspired me to become more focused about my nutrition as well as my training. He has a real knack of getting  the right balance between motivating you and supporting you to try new things and achieve your full potential.  I have dropped a dress size and people have commented on how well I look, I have more energy now and I am fitter than I was in my fifties! I feel I’ve had excellent results and would highly recommend him.

-Karen

3 months ago Murray gave me my health MOT that showed high blood pressure, high cholesterol (off the scale above 7.8) and that I was overweight. I accepted his offer to help me get fit and improve my health through a combination of diet and exercise. Having never done anything like a plant based diet I was intrigued what might be the outcome and so cautiously decided to give it a go. The weight came right off and my levels off fitness started to increase noticeably after three weeks. Now my blood pressure is at normal levels and my weight has dropped 10 kg (22Ibs) but the number I was particularly amazed at was my total cholesterol which has come down to 3.88!!! Given that Doctors had told me most people find it hard to reduce cholesterol via diet I was frankly stunned- and very happy. Just the other day I took another FTP test (fitness test) and was astonished to find my score had increased from 190-231! If you are wondering if a plant based diet and exercise could help you – commit for 3 months and see what happens.

-Kenny

What I like about training with Murray is that he isn’t your regular PT. He focuses on the whole picture of health, rather than just improving your fitness. He has helped me improve my sleep, my balance that I use a lot for sailing, fixed my shoulder, got me fit and educated me on what healthy foods are. As I am a huge advocate for environmental health I am very pleased that he also addresses this issue with his business. I strongly recommend him to everyone I know.

– Diane

After years of unsuccessful physiotherapy to address chronic back pain I was in need of a different approach. I started working with Murray just over two years ago. We have followed a holistic programme that focuses on strengthening my whole body supported by the right nutrition. Its delivered great results with my back pain being addressed and I have been able to return to running which has been really helpful during the current Covid challenge. I always look forward to my sessions with Murray which he keeps fresh and interesting.

– Stuart

I can’t even begin to imagine to explain how glad I was to meet Murray. It just happened to be, he was doing his PT thang in the local park where I walked my dog. He was instantly able to help me with body positivity and helped me to start to enjoy exercise again. Although it was only a short stint he made a massive difference and his positivity is completely infectious and you can actually enjoy doing something that’s so good for your body and mental health! Couldn’t recommend him enough!!!

Lauren

Murray is a fantastic trainer as he fuels you with confidence even when you feel that the task is impossible. When I first met him I was unfit and doubted my own ability. He has improved my fitness levels beyond my wildest dreams. He is a taskmaster but not a bully and I have achieved more than I ever thought was possible. I now regularly run 5 k’s despite being 52 and never been a runner. I have also lost weight, and generally feel a lot better and more happy.

-Ro

It was great working with Murray- he fully understood the restrictions I have due to my RA, and designed a fitness programme specifically for me. Thanks to him I feel fitter, stronger and have a regular fitness routine that I really enjoy doing!

Fiona, 56

As a 56 year old type2 diabetic with a pacemaker I had never been to a gym before and was in poor shape – unable to ascend stairs or walk more than 100 . When I started working with Murray I embraced the wholefoods plant based diet easily and began his program of light exercise. Three months later and I could walk 5km and HB1AC levels was down from 78 to 53. I feel a lot healthier and my quality of life has significantly improved.

-Steve

I have T2 Diabetes, put on medication for it and associated high blood pressure. This gave me a kick up the backside into doing something about it. This is where Murray came into play and speaking to him I decided that he would be the right PT for me. Over the last 2 years I have gone from not being able to run for a bus to running 5 k and competing in 2 mini triathlons. In July 2020 I climbed Craiglockhart and Blackford hills in 3 hrs and walked 13 km. It was has not always been easy and many times I have wanted to give up. Murray supports me from knowing when to go hard (out of comfort zone) to knowing to go easy. He never shouts but can occasionally give me a subtle nudge when I need it. We are planning a series of challenges for next year which is a significant milestone for me.

-Jen

Through diet and exercise and Murray’s encouragement, I feel so much better, energetic, happier and more focused than I have in years. I decided to stop taking my medication a couple of months ago and to my relief my symptoms haven’t returned. It’s early days and I’m not saying what I have done will work for everyone and should only be considered in agreement with your doctor, medication plays an important role in managing RA pain and further damage to joints I can definitely feel the benefit diet and exercise has made to me.

-Jules

Overweight, unfit and type 2 diabetic – I felt hopeless. Having Murray as a personal trainer changed my life completely. With his support, I changed my diet, lost weight and reversed my diabetes. Under Murray’s instruction I began to exercise an am fitter than I have been for years. He is professional, kind, inspiring and supportive. I couldn’t have done this without him.

-Naan

One day I was in a store and I saw myself in the mirror and what I saw was shocking. I was overweight and needed to change. I had mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. I needed a change. I had heard that Murray was a PT who promoted the plant based diet so I asked him for some help. I signed up and he told me he had signed me up to a triathlon just after assessment! As I have had knee injuries, I was sceptical. But he worked all the muscles that was required for this and I finished not one but two triathlons with no pain at all! I lost 8 kg just doing that, the same weight I was when I was in my twenties. The plant based diet made me feel a lot more energetic and my mental health is a lot more stable than before. Big thanks to Murray for physically, emotionally, dietary helping me out. Today I love running long distances, something I couldn’t see happening a few years ago.

-Kotomi

Murray has genuinely worked wonders. I was petrified of going to a gym, hated the idea of working out in front of strangers, but knew I needed to improve fitness. Working with Murray over the past two years has not only transformed my relationship with exercise (hello ten mile runs, I love you now!) but he also had such a positive impact on my life. I had a baby last year and I’m convinced that his approach to fitness and health helped me have a great pregnancy and Recover brilliantly too. If you’re in any doubt about finding the right PT for you, you’ve got an awesome one in Murray.

-Stephanie

By following the plant based diet, I feel it has dramatically improved my energy levels, helped me lose weight (-16 kg). I feel Murray has helped me understand how the body works and how to follow the program. My fitness levels have never been higher. My cholesterol dropped from 4.26 to now unreadable on the monitor.

– Robyn

I used Murray as my personal trainer for a year until I was moving down to London. Since then I have used three other pt’s and still to this day I compare them to him as he set such a high standard. He is committed, always happy to give advice, never promotes unhealthy body building products like the vast majority of other pt’s and just makes training fun. I met Murray during the worst period of my life suffering from extreme anxiety and extra self conscious about what I could and couldn’t do. Now I actually look forward to the sessions. And I have achieved some really great results He’s helped me understand why its so important to look after yourself. I owe him a lot for helping to push me when I need it the most.

-Fraser

I joined Nuffield in October 2017 and it was my initial intention only to take Pilates classes to help relieve my aching joints and myalgia caused by an Auto-Immune condition called Sjogrens Syndrome. However, my physiotherapist suggested some Personal Training Sessions to strengthen my weak muscles following a tear to my rotator cuff and introduced me to Murray. I remember being impressed that he’d heard of my autoimmune condition.

Murray talked to me about the benefits of eating a plant based diet to reduce the inflammation in my body and I decided to give it a try.  Initially, I tried a few vegan recipes and stopped eating dairy but as Christmas grew nearer I knew it would be too difficult to continue in a house full of meat-eaters! So… I resumed my usual diet.

After a very sick January I decided that I was going to fully commit to the plant based diet for 6 weeks to see how I got on. To begin with I found the whole experience quite stressful. Lots of new recipes and ingredients which resulted in longer shopping trips and cooking/preparation of meals. But I soon settled in to the new diet combined with my personal training sessions and Pilates classes. During my new journey I’ve had a few disasters with recipes but mostly successes like the Chickpea, Tomato & Spinach Curry which I’m sharing. It is delicious. Sometimes when eating out I’ve opted for vegetarian options and on occasion I’ve even eaten meat.

However, the whole experience has been mind-opening and I’m still following mostly the plant based diet. Furthermore, since my first health MOT I’ve lost 6kg and my cholesterol has reduced from 6.1 to 5.4. But most importantly for me I feel more energised and fitter than I’ve been for years.

Thank-you Murray!

– Lorraine

Age: 51. Starting Weight: 91kg. Current Weight: 60.78kg. Weight Loss: 30.22kg
I have pretty much spent my entire adult life unhappy about my weight. I have always had a complicated relationship with food and as such a poor self-image. The more I indulged one the worse the other got. I ended up battling and losing the fight and both spiralled uncontrollably. My weight issues reached a peak after having two kids, as it was almost impossible to find the the time, energy or inclination to do anything about it.

However, on reaching 50, I decided enough was enough, and things had to change, so I joined a gym. I started working out, but was unsure of the types of exercises I should be doing to see the best results? I realised I needed more guidance and decided to “call in the big guns” and sign up with a personal trainer (that way I could not make excuses and would have to follow through). I chose a personal trainer with a medical background, as my years in denial lead to the inevitable health issues. In my case damaged knees and dangerously high blood pressure. The latter condition caused an epileptic seizure, and gave me a very loud and clear wake up call.

I started to see Murray once a week and rapidly saw a dramatic transformation, in both my fitness level and overall mental well-being. Murray tailored my training programme to my issues, which allowed me to see results. Prior to seeing a personal trainer, I always steered clear of most of the scary looking pieces of gym equipment as they mostly looked like instruments of torture! However, armed with the understanding of the types if exercises I should focus on and the pieces of equipment I should use, I became hooked on exercise, and was able to supplement my training sessions independently. I now try to incorporate some form of daily exercise in to my life, as I find it both improves my overall fitness level and mental well-being.

To be honest what I needed was someone to help support my journey. Someone to motivate me, believe in me, and more importantly make me believe in myself. Murray`s medical background ensured that my programme was tailored to my specific health needs. Somehow it turns out losing weight after all these years is not only possible but also actually enjoyable. What I had not bargained for was finding a personal trainer who could change my attitude to health and fitness. He recently said to me that he was sure I would not go back to the way I was, and I can honestly say without any doubt that I won’t. So somehow, as well as an overall body makeover I have undergone a total life altering attitude change. What I needed was a tailored to me approach to personal training, and that is exactly what I got.

I recently read the definition of a Holistic approach, and think it accurately describes my personal training experience. Holistic (refers to addressing the whole person, including their physical, mental, and emotional health, empowering the person to take charge of their own health). There is therefore obviously a big difference between joining a gym, and having a personal trainer share their expertise and empower you to change your life. I can only say I am glad I chose the latter.

– Yvette