Mind Matters

REDEFINING TRANSFORMATION

As we move through the summer this year, there will be, as ever, many people in search of a physical (and possibly mental) ‘transformation’, and this is likely to be exaggerated this year after the lockdowns we have endured. Realistically, I believe that the vast majority of these people will NOT achieve ‘a transformation’. Yes, it is greatly desired, and yes, people are willing to put in some effort, but the reality is that people just don’t really believe that they are possible. Many people will live for most of their lives with a body and a lifestyle that they do not feel they have control over. People become resigned to the belief that they are enslaved by their impulses, cravings and destructive behaviours. This is reflected globally, whereby almost 70% of the developed world are overweight or obese, and locally, by the sheer volume of people I work with for weight loss or addiction each week. Of course, some people are genuinely happy, active and healthy in a plus size, but there are a great many more who desire change but cannot achieve it. Part of the problem is the gimmick of transformational change perpetuated by the world of celebrity. Too often well known people lose a vast amount of weight very quickly, before almost immediately starting to talk about their ‘secrets of weight loss’ on social media. These very ‘special and secret’ exercise routines and/or diets which (may or may not have) resulted in their transformation will soon be made available for everyone purely out of the goodness of their heart, oh, and just £99. Some people will buy it… and fail. Others will become annoyed by it and self-destruct yet more. Either way, it is damaging. The truth is, anyone can lose weight very quickly if the promise is great enough, and whether it is healthy or sustainable doesn’t come into it. Sadly, selling thousands of £99 programmes is more than enough of a ‘promise’ for many celebrities to drop the pounds rapidly, but even more sadly, there is no such ‘promise’ for the end users of these programmes. Once the £99 is gone, the motivation soon follows as it becomes clear that rapid weight loss is only ever really possible by starving yourself and over training.

So, what can we do about the unhelpful way that body transformation is packaged up and sold to the public? We can redefine it… as this.

“Physical and mental transformation is achieved simply by making a few small manageable lifestyle changes and maintaining them consistently over a long period of time.”

I know, it’s hardly ‘click bait’, but I am just not interested in rapid transformation. Albeit crude, the ‘easy off, easy on’ analogy usually holds. If something has changed too rapidly it is generally less sustainable. In my career, I have overseen several high profile and celebrity transformations, most recently Colson Smith (or Craig Tinker from Coronation Street), and you will not find any of my clients selling a quick solution to emulating their results. This is because there is no quick fix secret. Every one of the people I have worked with has followed the above approach, stuck with it for a long time and enjoyed sustainable results. Colson tells his story in a short YouTube documentary of his journey, which is, you guessed it, selling nothing. It is just an honest and inspirational story that has helped more people than any £99 programme ever has.

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TOTLEY HOUSE TYPES RELEASED AT HEATHERLEY WOOD

Bellway has released three of its eagerly awaited three storey Totley house types at Heatherley Wood, with a starting price of £670,000.

Complementing the detached new build properties currently under construction at the fabulous new build residential development within Alderley Park, the four bedroom semidetached Totley is a thoroughly modern home offering a designer-inspired luxurious living space with a high end specification arranged over three floors. Early interest has been impressive and the Totley is tipped to be one of the development’s most requested house types. The ground floor offers a superb family area and socialising space; a fabulous open plan kitchen and dining area with stunning vaulted glass roof and bi-folding doors spans the rear of the property and opens out onto a paved outdoor space that maximises the overall living area of the ground floor and provides a wonderful space for gatherings on dry days. Truly unique, the first floor lounge is a magnificent space with a luxurious feel boasting a glass mezzanine-style balcony with views to the dining area below. For the ultimate in elevated modern living, the master bedroom is located on the first floor and boasts a private en suite and dressing area with fitted wardrobes. Three further spacious double bedrooms are located on the second floor along with a contemporary family bathroom and modern en suite to bedroom two. Sales director at Bellway Manchester, Hollie Reynolds, commented: “Developed especially for Heatherley Wood, the Totley is an exceptional home that will enable discerning young professionals and families to enjoy the ultimate in modern living in the fabulous parkland setting of Heatherley Wood. We have already received a great deal of interest in the properties and anticipate them to be popular on release so urge interested purchasers to contact Lin and Chantelle in the sales office to make their appointment now.” Offering some of the most exceptional new build homes currently available in Cheshire, Heatherley Wood is a magnificent development of high quality four, five and six bedroom properties nestled within the idyllic natural parkland setting of Alderley Park which is located close to the desirable Cheshire village of Alderley Edge. With its semi-rural location, close to the Cheshire countryside, yet within easy reach of Manchester city centre and Manchester Airport, and boasting its own gym and gastro pub, Alderley Park is providing popular with couples, young professionals and families looking to make a lifestyle choice to improve their work life balance and enjoy being closer to nature. For further information or to register your interest, please contact Chantelle or Lin on 01625 403566 or visit www.heatherleywood. co.uk or www.bellway.co.uk.

at Alderley Park SK10 4TD

THE TOTLEY-Now released for sale

This modern 4 bedroom home is designed to bring the natural surroundings into your living space.

Featuring a glass balcony to the living room, overlooking the open plan kitchen and dining area, with a unique glazed roof. Prices from £670,000.

Heatherley Wood, Alderley Park SK10 4TD www.heatherleywood.co.uk