Success Story

Shaun Wilkes

I helped Shaun improve strength, mobility, and fitness with a tailored program, improving his deadlift and front squat.

Shaun’s Story of Rebuilding Fitness and Motivation with Expert Coaching

When Shaun First Got in Touch

Shaun is 46, a Jiu-Jitsu hobbyist, and someone who has always enjoyed training in the gym. Before we started working together, he’d tried a bit of everything—programmes like 5x5 and whatever he could find on YouTube.

The problem? Nothing was structured. Progress was slow, and it all felt a bit “bitty,” as he described it. He wanted more than guesswork—he wanted a proper plan that worked for his goals and his lifestyle.

Shaun reached out to Plan-A Performance Coaching about eight weeks ago because he wanted a programme that focused on strength, mobility, and a little bit of aesthetics. He also needed flexibility around his busy schedule.

Building a Plan That Works

The first thing we did was sit down for a detailed consultation. I always take time to understand exactly what someone wants to achieve, their training experience, and their capacity to train. For Shaun, mobility was a big focus, especially at 46, alongside getting stronger and improving technique on key lifts like the deadlift and front squat.

One thing he really appreciated was that the plan wasn’t “set in stone.” If something didn’t feel right, we adjusted it. This is what makes the process personal—it’s about building a plan that works for you, not forcing you into a rigid template.

The Progress So Far

Even though Shaun had been lifting for a while, the improvements came quickly once his training was structured. His mobility is much better, which was one of his main goals, and his strength has gone through the roof:

Deadlift: from 120kg to around 160kg
Front squat: significantly improved technique and numbers

He told me that having someone monitor his progress and give feedback helped keep him motivated.

‍“I’ve always enjoyed training, but I enjoy it even more now. Maybe it’s because I know someone’s watching, and that makes me work harder.”

Why Online Coaching Works for Shaun

Shaun didn’t have time for one-to-one sessions, so we used the Plan-A online coaching app. Everything he needs is in one place—his sessions, explainer videos, and a simple way to log progress.

“I’m not the greatest with technology,” he said, “but it’s so easy. You open the app, start your session, record what you’ve done, and that’s it.”

Whenever his training frequency drops, I can spot it and give him the nudge he needs to stay on track. That accountability has made a huge difference.

Was It Worth It?

Shaun thinks so.

‍“You get what you pay for. I’m sure there are more expensive PTs out there, but this is worth every penny. If you want a serious coach who really gives you value for money and listens to you, go for Plan-A.”