02/07/2025
I've attached a lovely testimonial that I received today, and which I am truly humbled by.
More importantly, and the reason I share it, is that it is an excellent insight into the journey towards regaining physical literacy from a client's perspective.
I am honoured to be part of these journeys, which are all as unique as the individuals travelling them.
Well done, Jacqui 👊
July 2, 2025
A Clients Experience
Before I started working with John Scriven of Move Well, I knew my body wasn’t moving the way it should. My knees were painful, with a lot of arthritic discomfort, and I couldn’t kneel at all – not just because of the joints, but because the muscles and fascia around them were so tight and stiff. At 63, I felt I was too young to ‘feel old’ and I was becoming increasingly frustrated. I’m a very outdoorsy person, but things that used to feel easy – like clambering over rocks on the beach – had become tiring and awkward. I also knew my proprioception wasn’t great; I could lose balance easily, and I felt dismayed that I couldn’t get up off the floor without using my hands or pulling on a chair.
I found John through an online search, and something about his description really struck me.
His love for natural movement and being outdoors shone through, and as someone who’s not a gym bunny, that appealed straight away. I did something I very rarely do: I picked up the phone to speak to him. We had a friendly, positive and up-beat conversation, and I decided to book a session on the back of that.
What stood out for me was John’s whole philosophy – about returning to how we’re meant to move, becoming stronger and fitter by using all parts of the body, not just isolated muscles. He stretches you but doesn’t rush things, taking time to notice what your body needs and guiding you to build strength steadily and safely. There’s patience and precision in what he does.
The changes have been remarkable. In my very first session with John, he asked me to walk along a soft, low-level beam – and I fell off straight away! Within two sessions I could walk forwards, backwards, sideways along it with ease. My balance has improved so much, and I’m noticeably stronger.
I can almost kneel back to my heels now, which felt impossible before – and I know that full range will come soon. I can get off the floor without using my hands. I can cross my legs again, which I haven’t been able to do for years! I’m even starting to rise from a low stool with my legs crossed – doing from the floor is my next goal!
There’s a constant sense of progress – each time I go back, I can do something I couldn’t do the week before. I’m learning new movements, like a Turkish get-up, and feeling my strength build. Most of all, I feel so much more confident in my body. My husband has noticed a big difference in how I move when we are on our coastal walks.
Working with John is a pleasure. He’s upbeat, encouraging, and incredibly knowledgeable. I feel completely safe and supported in his hands and look forward to our sessions.
I’ve tried yoga classes in the past, but because my tissues were so stiff, I never really enjoyed them. Now, thanks to John’s help, I reckon I might actually be able to – and enjoy them too.
The one-to-one sessions make a real difference. You get the attention you need, and he has a brilliant eye for spotting the small things that could be improved. He’ll help you adjust, make a subtle shift in your position, and suddenly the movement feels possible.
John also offers soft tissue work when needed, which really complements the movement side.
I’m 63 and I truly believe it’s our responsibility to approach older age as healthily as we can – to enjoy health as we age, not just accept its loss. For me, I also want to be able to keep up with our grandchildren and run along logs and climb trees with them.
There are benefits on every level: physical strength, better balance, improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, and a lighter load altogether on our body systems. And let’s not forget the profound mental health benefits that come from not only moving more but feeling capable and strong in your own body. If John ever ran group sessions, I’d probably join those too.
My friend signed me up for the ‘Insane Terrain’, an obstacle course challenge, in the UK next year: I was horrified and very doubtful that I could do this, even though she assured me it would be fun! Now, after a few weeks’ work with John, I’m confident I’ll be ready for the challenge.
To anyone who thinks they’re too old or too stiff, I’d say: just try it. You might be surprised by what small, consistent changes can do. It doesn’t take hours in the gym – just a few simple practices, a few times a week, and things begin to shift. It’s never too late to move better, feel stronger, and enjoy your body again!
From Jacqui Carrel
