When Guy first came to Amovida Studio in Surrey, it wasn’t with a spring in his step. He had just undergone significant knee surgery to realign his patella and was facing a long road back to strength.
Starting Slowly, Moving Steadily:
Guy’s programme began gently, with our trainers guiding him every step of the way. The focus wasn’t on pushing hard, but on building confidence and stability.
“The sessions were tailored exactly to my needs. I never felt overwhelmed. I felt looked after.”
Recovery after surgery is rarely a straight line, and Guy’s knee still needed ongoing care. Eventually, a partial knee replacement was likely to follow, but the work he had already put in was far from wasted.
“I may need more surgery, but I know I’m going into it stronger, better prepared, because of this work. I wouldn’t be where I am now without it.”
“I was pretty weak and wobbly,” he says plainly. “I wasn’t a gym person. I’ve always been someone who played sports, tennis, squash, golf, but never really liked the gym environment.”
Now in his sixties and retired from corporate life, Guy was nudged in our direction by a friend. At first, he hesitated.
“I had this image of PT as something quite full on, quite intense. I thought it wouldn’t suit me at all. But I decided to give it a try. And I’m really glad I did.”
Progress You Don’t Always See Yourself:
For Guy, progress wasn’t a single lightbulb moment. It was gradual.
“For me, it was gradual. Other people noticed before I did. My physio, who’s someone you work closely
An Unexpected Enjoyment:
with, she saw big improvements in my strength and flexibility that I wasn’t fully aware of. That kind of external reflection was quite encouraging.”
This reflects what we believe at Amovida: movement is not about quick fixes, it is about consistency, patience and the steady rewards that build over time.
The biggest surprise for Guy was how much he now looks forward to training.
“I thought I’d dread them, to be honest. But I actually enjoy coming in. You’ve created a very human space here. It doesn’t feel clinical or intimidating. It feels like I’m working with a friend, someone who gets it.”
While Guy doesn’t join group classes because of his specific needs, he has still felt the ripple of community.
“There’s a warmth here, a sense of people looking out for each other. The Christmas gathering was lovely, it reminded me that I’m not doing this alone.”
Advice for Anyone Unsure About Starting:
His message to others who may be hesitant is simple.
“Just try. Especially if you’re not a ‘gym person.’ I’m living proof that this can work for people like us, those who are post surgery, pre surgery, or simply not drawn to traditional fitness. What you’ll find here is something quite different: careful, personalised guidance, and a space where you can feel safe getting stronger.”
Guy walked into Amovida wary and uncertain. A year later, he walks out steadier, not just in his knee, but in himself. That is the heart of our Movement for Life philosophy: strength that is quiet, earned, and lasting, the kind that helps you keep doing the things you love for years to come.
He also wants to reassure other men who might be reluctant to take that first step.
“We’re not great at acting on the stuff we know we need to do. But this isn’t some hyper masculine space. You won’t be the only bloke here. And you certainly won’t be judged. It’s just real people, doing what they need to do to feel better. So just take that first step.”
And as Guy knows, that first step can be the beginning of something quietly life changing.
Our Movement for Life Philosophy:
At Amovida, every story is different, but the thread that runs through them all is our belief in Movement for Life. It is not about chasing trends or short-term fixes. It is about building confidence, resilience and joy through movement that lasts. Whether you are recovering from surgery, returning to activity after a setback, or simply wanting to feel stronger day to day, we are here to support you. The goal is always the same: helping you move well now, so you can keep doing the things you love for years to come.