BestLife, Grange

Inspiring Better Health

BestLife is a successful health promoting business that will completely change the way you think about food and exercise for good. This amazingly simple system is easy to understand; easy to stick to and most importantly it works! No starvation diets, no sessions that make you puke, no meal replacement shakes or bars, everything in moderation, nothing is banned and best of all, it's affordable and accessible for everyone.

I hope by telling my story that I may help and motivate someone to get out, get active and find the person they really are inside. Fifteen years ago, I was completely inactive, I wasn’t a healthy weight – I wasn’t a healthy person. Having grown up in a bed and breakfast, cooked breakfasts were the norm and I was reared with a “waste not, want not” attitude. Whatever I saw I ate and I avoided exercise at all costs because I wasn’t the sporty type. I rebelled and partied like there was no tomorrow. At 19 years of age, my sister brought me to my GP as I wasn’t sleeping and my mood was low, I was tearful all the time and I had no idea what was wrong. The doctor recommended I start walking so I huffed and puffed and eventually the walks got faster and longer. Walking progressed to running and the weight began to fall off. My mood lifted and I started to feel myself again. I hired a personal trainer and a nutritionist; as in the past, generic diets and exercise DVD’s never worked for me. Suddenly I was accountable to a professional and I started seeing real results – changes in my body, my mood, my fitness, I became more sociable; I was happy again.

In 2005, I returned to college and began training in health sciences. To date, I have continued up-skilling. First, a four year degree in exercise and health science, then a masters degree in weight management over in the UK, then an internship in a multinational corporation in the health promotion department. It hasn’t stopped. My passion for wellness has brought me to schools, workplaces, fitness centres, nutrition clinics, weight management centres and in to the wider community. To me, nothing is impossible if you work hard and deliver a quality service to the wider community. I have gained so much quality experience delivering lectures on childhood obesity to doctors in UCC, training personal trainers in business conduct, giving healthy eating talks in local schools and large companies, managing a large client base in Cork’s premiere weight management clinic and providing fitness classes and personal training to hundreds of clients whether at work, at home or in community halls. I offer the best service available, I offer health and in my opinion, a healthy and happy life is the best life you could ask for.

I brought my 11 year old daughter to see Katie after I heard her on the Neil Prenderville radio show. I didn’t know that there was anyone in Cork to help overweight children. It’s so hard as a parent to admit that your child has a problem but Katie never made Saoirse feel bad – she used words that Saoirse could understand and made it really applicable to a young girl (she didn’t use medical terms and wouldn’t even tell Saoirse about the numbers). All the focus was on behavior. She gave us a portion plate, a food diary, a weekly plan that had treats on it and helped us manage all the parties Saoirse goes to every week – she explained that kids have to be kids have fun. Her office doesn’t look like a weight loss facility or doctors surgery – nobody knows we go there, they don’t know what happens in there, it’s perfect as Saoirse wouldn’t want people knowing her business. We’ve been going to Katie now for almost a year, we started going three times a week, then cut back to two and now one. Saoirse has lost a stone and a half and is now within a healthy weight range or “in the green” as Katie explains whereas she used to be in the red. Yes, Christmas and summer holidays presented challenges but Katie was there to support us and honestly I can’t recommend her enough. There should be someone in every school like Katie that helps kids make healthy choices and have fun being active. Nancy, 42 Douglas

My sister had great success working with Katie so I decided to do a ten week program with her. I was at my wits end, always low in energy, underactive thyroid, reactions to eating foods that don’t suit me, missing a lot of work being sick. When Katie met me, she explained why I was feeling so bad. She made some changes to my diet mostly trying gluten free options, drinking more water and using almond milk instead of dairy. Within two weeks the stomach cramps had stopped, energy improved and I actually liked eating new foods. I started cooking for myself (I never cooked before!). I decided to stick with Katie and did another ten weeks and then fortnightly visits. Eight months after meeting Katie, I got pregnant with my first child. I thought I would never get pregnant after being so sick. The difference she has made to me and my family is huge. Forever grateful Jenna aged 39

Donal my 13 year old son has started eating fruit and vegetables since he went to visit Katie. He’s fit now and is more energetic throughout the day. He used to only eat chicken, bread and cereal. He didn’t eat a lot of food but he had a lot of puppy fat. Since he started eating more and focusing on healthier foods, drinking water and exercising with Katie, the weight has fallen off him. He doesn’t look like the same boy. I’m so proud of him, I didn’t think he would buy in to it but he has given it 110% since his first day in BestLife. Bridget, 49 Ballyphehane

Outstanding master of her craft Katie O’Shea is a truly excellent trainer. She is the perfect combination of tough and warm, and she works with the whole person — mentally, emotionally and physically. Because of her efforts, I am stronger and more flexible, I have better balance and most importantly, working out has become fun. Katie embodies change. Through consistent and positive feedback and encouragement, she retrained my attitude while I retrained my body. In a short time, I gained the confidence to walk into any fitness center and lift weights…facing the mirror. Katie instilled that confidence. She quietly discovered the athlete in me that I never knew existed. Completed Cork City Marathon in 2012 as a result of confidence building. Recommended without reservation. Lydia, Apple Computers, Cork

I have lost over three stone to date eating normal foods that I buy in Tesco and Aldi, there’s no gimmicks, no bars and she never makes me feel bad about myself. She cheers me on and shows me how easy change can be. I’m never hungry, in fact I eat more than ever. My wife and kids say I’m the happiest they have ever seen me. John, Watergrasshill age 57

When I met Katie three years ago, I wouldn’t walk to the shops. I now have two marathons and four triathlons under my belt Gary, EMC, Cork

I have done all the programs out there – you name it, I tried it. But Katie takes a different approach. She’s caring and understanding. She never lectures me or tells me what I can’t do. She simply guides me in the right direction, giving me recipes for foods that I like. I still have a glass of wine on the weekends and I meet my friends for coffee which I wasn’t allowed do in previous programs. I hate green vegetables and everywhere I went before, they forced me to eat them. Katie thinks outside the box and works around the obstacles. Hers is the best program I have ever done as this is the first time I’m being honest and upfront about what I do behind closed doors; I have never trusted anyone enough to tell them what I tell Katie. Thank you for being such a huge support. Breda, AIB, Cork.

I was addicted to bread and butter; now I’m loving foods I never thought I would eat. My family loves the healthy pizzas and I now batch cook casseroles, soups and stews on a Sunday. My wife loves that I have taken such an active role in the home. Geoff, Pfizer, Cork.

Katie gave a lunchtime talk to a class of childcare students here in Farranferris. Her advice was very practical and easily applicable. We learned about the importance of childrens nutrition, how to work with fussy eaters and about implementing a healthy lunchbox policy. The advice we received was great for at home and at work. What I liked most was that I could relate to her, she was very friendly and approachable. Kay, Farrenferris College, Cork.

Katie is an excellent personal trainer and fitness specialist. What you get with Katie is someone who is an expert in the field and has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of fitness…not just personal training. Katie helps with all pieces of wellness and that is that is why she is successful in helping me reach my goals. Personal training is just one piece of wellness, but Katie watches and monitors all of the pieces which include diet, life-style, food management, attitude, health and mental awareness. I’ve worked with personal trainers for 25 years and Katie is one of the best. One of the things that Katie does well is work with each client to develop a specific program for their fitness level and life style. It doesn’t help you if your personal trainer recommends outdoor exercise…if you do NOT like being outdoors. Katie develops workouts, fitness plans and health programs designed around who you are and your lifestyle – so it is not difficult to adopt her training strategies because they are all about YOU. Katie’s expertise and knowledge, plus your fitness aspirations and way of living are a great combination. Because of Katie’s individualized approach, I found it easier to stick with her program and I never quit in the two years that she was my personal trainer. Get fit, get healthy, get moving…but FIRST…get Katie! Dina, Apple Computers, age 51

Nutrition is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Without proper nutrition, you don’t have enough energy to make it through the day. Also, your health can decline without proper nutrition, making you more susceptible to illness and disease. It is a known fact that a lot of diseases today are caused by an unhealthy diet. Whether it is because the quantity of fat and calories leads to obesity, the lack of nutrients needed for a strong and healthy immune system, or the amount of chemicals and trans fats that are included in processed foods, unhealthy eating can lead to major health problems.

Eating foods rich in nutrition doesn’t mean eating lettuce and cottage cheese for the rest of your life! Salmon, chicken breasts, natural peanut butter, eggs, whole grain pasta, brown rice, and of course, all kinds of fruits and vegetables – these are all wonderful sources of great nutrition and they are all super delicious!

Nutritional counseling aims to get to the root cause of health concerns, rather than just tackling the symptoms. Once you get it all figured out with the help of a counselor, you will look and feel better, your energy level will increase, you will be able to control your weight, and you will no longer feel the need to try the latest fad diet. In addition, your mood will be elevated due to your increased energy level, and you will have improved your concentration and memory. One more thing – you will find that you get fewer colds and infections!

Learning about and practicing good nutrition can also help improve such conditions as tiredness and fatigue, mood swings, weight problems, skin conditions, digestion problems, arthritis, menopause, high blood pressure, and migraines and headaches. Weight management is a long-term approach to a healthy lifestyle. It includes a balance of healthy eating and physical exercise to equate energy expenditure and energy intake. Developing healthy eating habits while using tips that will keep us fuller longer can be useful tools in weight management. Knowing what your body needs is important to weight management and can control overconsumption and underconsumption of food. Weight management does not include fad diets that promote quick, temporary weight loss. It focuses on the long-term results that are achieved through slow weight loss, followed by retention of an ideal body weight for age, sex and height. BestLife focuses on body composition as opposed to just body weight – assessing levels of body fat as an indicator of health. That way the focus is on health rather than stones and pounds. Girth measurements, skinfolds and waist hip ratio are also tracked.

This involves thorough screening of current lifestyle choices, anthropometric measures are taken, goal setting, personalized meal plan and exercise program. Healthy easy-to-cook recipes are provided.

Weekly visits to assess progress, make changes to plan and ensure you are getting the results that you deserve. This program is for people with deeply rooted habits that need much support.

An intensive one month program designed to make you feel good. This program is ideal for motivated individuals seeking structure and guidance from a qualified health professional.

A presentation on various aspects of healthy eating is delivered to small groups. Topics covered include portion size, rethinking your drinking, reading food labels, the importance of water, food for mood, healthy lunches at school and work etc.

I also offer additional services that can be delivered in the community or in your home such as fridge/cupboard audits, healthy shopping tours in your local store and family interventions in the home for the treatment of excessive weight in children. These prices are available to those travelling to my office in Douglas. Prices may vary for call out visits and programs delivered in workplaces and schools depending on location and numbers. Please call for a quote today. Note: Referrals and repeat clients do receive discounts – please call to discuss.

Each session lasts 45 - 60 minutes. The aim of these sessions is to make exercise fun, safe and effective. You set your goal (whether it’s toning, strength gains, bulk up, fat loss, increased flexibility or stress relief) and I help you get RESULTS! Personal training is ideal for those who don’t fancy the gym environment, want to save on joining fees and expensive fitness facilities or those who care for their children at home.

Call-out-trainers keep you accountable so you’re guaranteed to reach your goals. If you can’t travel to me, I’ll come to you. Remember you can split the costs if you involve a neighbour or friend, working out with a buddy increases adherence rates. You don’t need much space and I bring any equipment you may need.

BestLife offers many services to the corporate sector and to schools. The benefits of a healthy workforce are well documented and presentations for various topics can be delivered depending on the company’s need, such as:

On the second day, the group participate in one hour group personal training session focusing on whole body exercises specifically designed to help you get fit, tone up, gain strength, improve flexibility, lose body fat and feel fantastic.

Week 1 – Participants will be measured and weighed and individual health goals will be set for each person. Learn how to Balance blood sugars and fuel your body effectively and find out which vitamins & minerals will help you lose weight.

For the last five years I have been delivering nutrition, weight management and fitness services to children and adolescents. Nutritional deficiencies, physical inactivity and childhood obesity rates have been rising steadily for years. Parents often feel they are not equipped to discuss such sensitive issues with their own children. Whatever a child’s age, it is never too late to start them on the road to health by feeding them a fresh, wholesome and varied diet to last them a lifetime.

With a private personal training studio I can combine nutrition and physical activity interventions to achieve maximum results for your child. Many youths are not confident exercising in their community, are not allowed attend gyms and fear looking silly because they don’t see themselves as the sporty type. BestLife takes a fun approach to exercise ensuring all activities are safe and effective for different age groups. Onsite I use medicine balls, jump ropes and body weight exercise so all exercises can be practiced at home between visits.

If you’re unsure, why not try a 100% FREE consultation? I’m more than happy to sit down with you and answer any questions you may have, address queries or concerns and explain how BestLife can help you reach your health goals. I want to hear why your efforts may have not worked in the past to ensure we can different approach – one that suits you and your current lifestyle. This is not a “one size fits all” program, let’s agree to compromise and create long-term change one step at a time. I have the knowledge and experience to help you change your life but more importantly I have the empathy to understand that change doesn’t happen overnight and support is vital. Register your interest below and I will contact you to set up a 100% free no obligation consultation.