Suzina Williamson: Personal Fitness Trainer, Chair Based Exercise Instructor. OTAGO Balance and stability Instructor. REPs level 3.

Having never worked with Stroke patients other than a few that attend my Chair Classes I knew I had a lot to learn. The exercises to get down to the floor and up again were really useful as were the ideas using the stick for people that are held in spasticity. It was good that the use of body-weight resistance training and strength work were highlighted so much. Having Tim attend, who still has a long road to recovery ahead of him was really valuable. To actually see these practises in use on a genuine Stroke survivor was so much better than us just pretending. It really helped to see the difficulties a person faces and highlighted just how slow things need to be taken. It was also really positive to hear that Tim used to be in a lot worse position than he currently is. It is also fantastic being taught by a Stroke survivor as it meant we could ask lots of questions and get a practical experience answer rather just a text book one.

Jason Levy: YMCA DIP ACSM HFI Reps Level 3.

With regards to the stroke course, I thought it was great. The course was very educational, very insightful and I found it also a very humbling experience. I also met some great people who I hope in time will become and remain good friends. It gave me the ability to be able to put myself into someone else's shoes who was less physically able than myself and highlighted the qualities that will be needed in terms of working with such a 'special population' where stroke survivors are concerned.
 
From being more patient, to programme design, to exercising more empathy, to working with other participants on the course who also have an interest in healing, was in all a great experience. As a person, I was a little anxious as to how I would feel working with survivors due to the level of awareness needed, but having attended the 2 day workshop and experiencing first hand, Tom's energy, enthusiasm and passion for his chosen area of expertise and field, I have now a greater sense of confidence within myself, that I too have been given the empowering tools to touch the lives of others and assist in helping stroke survivors lead a normal a life as possible, in which they themselves will begin to realise that anything is possible!
 
Sandrine Fournier: Premier Diploma in Personal Training, Premier Fitness Trainer Award, REPs Level 3

Having already taken part to the ARNI training with Tom through 2 groups seminars and 1 intensive training with a couple of people, I thought I knew most of it. But I was also hoping to learn more as I have been training 3 stroke survivors with different problems, some progressing more and faster than others. I was glad I revised the techniques I learnt before and very happy to take away new techniques to pass on to my clients. I bought a Neurogripper as I am trying to release the hand of 1 of my client who had a stroke a long time ago. It was nice to meet other instructors from different areas and different backgrounds and the atmosphere was really positive and motivating. I am looking forward to the next part of the training to learn more and more...

Steve Pell: Personal Fitness Trainer, OCR Sports Massage, Advanced Gym Instructor, YMCA Personal Trainer Level 3, GP Referral Programme Consultant, 5th Dan Karate Instructor.
 
Thank you so much for organising the Exercise After Stroke Course on Monday and Tuesday. It must have been a huge amount of work to undertake beforehand. I thought the way you conducted the 2 day course was very informative and enthusiastic. Before the course I knew very little about strokes and the different ways it can affect the body. I now feel confident that I could teach the basic necessities like getting to and from the floor. It was very helpful to have 2 stroke survivors present for us to observe and to make comparisons. I intend to contact Cynthia as soon as possible to make arrangements for me to shadow (if it is possible) someone from the neuro community. I think it would be quite beneficial to see stroke survivors at different stages of their rehabilitation. I would also like to attend any other ARNI or related courses before our theory days in March.
 
Bettina West: Sports Therapist, Specialising in back care, posture and self help exercises. Sarling Technique of Body Mechanics Therapy Affiliated to 'British Comp Medical Assoc'
 
The practical course over the two days was extremely informative. The excellent teaching skills on basic care and advice was great. We all had plenty of time to practice and perfect our new skills.  The teaching aids and equipment handed out were a thoughtful and useful pack to get us started! To meet stroke survivors and to have them attend the sessions where a great insight into what we may expect in the future.
Can’t wait to use my new skills and to make a difference.....

John Lingley, Personal fitness trainer REPs Level 3. Professional NLP coach practitioner level.

I would like to thank you for the recent course in training stroke survivors. I found the course to be very beneficial in expanding my knowledge in relation to how to train people that have had a stroke. Just seeing the difficulties that stroke victims have in going about their everyday tasks in life makes this type of rehabilitation work very rewarding and satisfying. Also putting yourself in their ‘world’ can make you appreciate how difficult life is for them.

I think the course content was excellent, mostly practical with some theory. It was good to learn the different techniques to teach to stroke survivors such as getting up and down from the floor and off of chairs on to the floor etc. Tom did an excellent job of teaching the techniques stage by stage and ensuring that we all got plenty of practise to groove the techniques. The handouts and the book supplied as part of the course material are very helpful with the theory side of things. I think he has done an amazing job at setting the trust up and the effort he has put in to ensuring that stroke survivors have the best chance of rehabilitating themselves after what must be a very difficult thing to have to deal with, most physically and mentally! Tom himself has done so much rehabilitation work on himself he looks much fitter and in far better condition than most healthy people do that haven’t had a stroke. He is a marvellous advert for what someone can do when faced with such adverse conditions.

Peter Moorhead: HSE Approved First Aid at Work Including CPR. L3 Exercise and Fitness Knowledge, Advanced Programming, Client Appraisal, Specialised Programming: Anti / Post Natal, Seniors, GP referral

 Thank you once again for an inspirational couple of days at Watford. It has been a privilege to meet a dedicated and passionate professional as you are and I know ARNI will go from strength to strength with your involvement. I found the Exercise after Stroke course to be informative and relevant for the continuation of care for stroke survivors returning to their community. The course content delivered by Dr Tom Balchin assisted by a patient, Tim, was a demonstration of practical application of real life experience and proven techniques developed by stroke survivors themselves and I found the experience both moving and inspiring. I look forward to continuing my course early next year and to working with the ARNI trust in my local community to help stroke survivors in any way I can.

Ricardo Cuandu (trainer details to follow)

I was surprised to learn that stroke can actually affect all ages I am saying this because I always thought that it was an old person's condition. I also enjoyed having a practical element to the course as an introduction so you can see how stroke does affect people's normal life physically and mentally. And lastly, I would like to point out that the delivering of the two practical sessions as being oustanding. Tom being a stroke survivor himself showed us some excellent techniques on how deal with the patient. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tom and his team for helping people like us take part on the course so hopefully we can return the favour to people in need. I'll be delighted to attend the two day theory course in March.

Rita Devi - L4 BACR Rehab Phase IV: L3 Advanced Personal Trainer. L3 Sports Specific. L3 Weight Management.
 
I enjoyed the two day course very much as it was an interesting experience for me.
Very educational and amazing course, just doing the practical side was pretty fun and working with the group was very helpful as well. The course shows you how you can actually help people, encourage them and give them confident again, that they can do stuff like before but will take a little time. I am very happy to be part of the course and Tom being the tutor as he is a very good teacher, his always happy to help.