Lee Patmore Personal Trainer
Lee Patmore is an inspirational personal trainer living with two chronic illnesses: Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME). He has beaten the odds to become a Level 3 qualified Personal Trainer and passes his passion and determination onto his clients.
Please tell us about any sporting events you have taken part in or have coming up.
In October 2016, I completed a 24-hour static Hand-cycle (Resistance Building Rollers). This was my first attempt at this and I managed to complete 100 miles.
In May 2017 I will be completing a 1,400 mile Hand-cycle that will consist of me and two other veterans (on road bikes) also climb over 63,000ft. It’s not the typical John O’Groats to Land’s End route, as that is normally a 900/950-mile journey. The challenge is to raise funds for Help for Heroes as well as three other charities and will see me visiting every Help for Heroes centre.
The challenge isn’t just about fitness, it’s about combating my chronic illnesses of ME and Fibromyalgia along with fighting a battle of mental health during this challenge.
I’m also a Disability and Sport ambassador for Active Essex All Together. I plan to not only keep training people, but also help them to enjoy physical activity and reach their full potential. Physical activity can prevent many physical and mental health issues, and being active enables a better lifestyle and the chance to be healthier and to enjoy what life has to offer.
Tell us about your journey to fitness? Where did it all start?
My fitness journey started with archery. I joined the InstructAbility scheme which qualified me as a Level 2 Gym Instructor with a Level 3 in Exercise and Disability. Help for Heroes was able to offer me further funded training with InstructAbility to become a level 3 Personal Trainer with a number of other training courses.
I am also a Level 1 Archery Instructor as well as a Level 1 British Cycling Cycle Coach
What are your training goals now?
My training goals are currently based on my epic challenge in May. I am also focusing on furthering my cycling qualifications and experience whilst looking to further my Archery qualifications as well as my Personal Training experience.
Tell us one unusual fact we wouldn’t know about you:
I live with two chronic illness and I refuse to let them beat me. Living with Fibromyalgia means I am in chronic pain. I also have ME which can leave me tired at times. I also served in the Royal Navy.
What would future you, tell yourself when you were starting out?
Believe in yourself. Set clear goals that you want to achieve and they will become more achievable than you ever realised.
Do you follow a specific nutrition plan? If so, what/when do you eat?
I have an advanced knowledge in nutrition from being a Level 3 Personal Trainer so I eat as clean as possible, but I’m not strict with my diet. I try to reduce sugars and saturated and trans fats, whilst keeping a high protein level to help build leaner mass. I also use a meal replacement when I’m very busy and find it hard to fit in a proper meal. Meal replacements aren’t as good as a proper meal, but it is better than not eating at all.
What do you do to keep your clients motivated? Do you have any top tips to keep motivated?
Keep things fun and enjoyable. If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, why do it? Enjoyable can also include a tough session where you are completely knackered after training, as well as a more relaxed session that still achieves goals. Everyone is different, but we all need to enjoy or get enjoyment from what we do.
Talk us through your training regime.
A typical training regime for me is to go out on my Handcycle. I also use a gym-based handcycle, but it’s not the same as being out on the road with my own one. I also do weights in the gym, which is an upper body workout being a wheelchair user.
How do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?
With courses, seminars, and events as well as working alongside other coaches and professionals to share information and techniques.
What are your top 3 trainer tips?
- Prepare – State of mind, supplements, clothing, and training aids (including music)
- You only get out of a session what you put into it. If you train light you’ll get small gains. If you push yourself, you’ll get better results.
- Despite how well you feel, stick to rest days and don’t over train!
If you could only do one workout for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Cycling
What are your training goals?
To improve my overall cycling fitness and to keep enjoying pushing myself and seeing my personal gains.
Why work with Sundried?
It’s more than just activewear, it’s also a lifestyle choice. Great attention to detail with each item and with quality that can survive any adventure. It’s not a fashion choice, it’s a functional and comfort choice that helps keep you comfortable while training.
Favourite fitness quote:
“All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: Freedom, Justice, Honour, Duty, Mercy, Hope.
- Winston Churchill”