We can help you live the life you dream of and deserve.
Mariluz (22)
Footballer and Student
Football plays a huge role in Mariluz’s life. A student studying Sports Business Management at The University of Stirling, she describes herself as ‘more athlete than student.’ Yet without Arctic Therapy, her footballing journey may have been on a slippery slope.
Mariluz said: “It was when I reached out to Arctic Therapy, that things got set in place and it was great having a programme that was clear and easy. Maria quickly understood what I needed and it made it really easy to work together.”
Life before Arctic Therapy
The dedicated 22-year-old plays twice a week with Stirling University Women’s Football Club (SULFC) in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 and BUCS Northern Premier League and the days she’s not playing she’s training – apart from a Saturday.
But, after sustaining an ankle injury two years ago, the Spanish student found her achilles became inflamed and the condition wasn’t improving. She tried no fewer than seven different physios, but felt she wasn’t getting strength and conditioning advice that would solve her ankle issues.
Not until she received a recommendation to contact Maria Omma at Arctic Therapy.
Getting ‘Fit for the Future’
Since February 2022, Marliuz has followed her Arctic Therapy, ‘Fit for your Future’ plan which includes a strength and conditioning programme, monthly massage and weekly access to compression sleeves. Now her ankle is strong and the midfielder is delighted and grateful to feel like herself again.
She explains: “It wasn’t just dealing with my injury; it was getting my head in the right place as well.
“Maria talks from her own experience and that makes it relatable, realising that injuries are normal in team sport. Taking information from someone whose been in your shoes before is very valuable.”
Mariluz feels that the guidance from Maria has helped her to stay healthy and made a massive difference to her footballing journey. “Without Arctic Therapy, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am right now.
“Maria knows what’s she’s doing and she does a great job.”
Strong prospects
For Mariluz, the dream is to play with Stirling for another season and then to head back to Europe to sign a professional contract.
Gillian (52)
Mother of the Groom & Finance Director
It’s easy to neglect your fitness regime when juggling a demanding work role with family life. When finance director, Gillian, realised she had been avoiding her own self nurture she turned to Maria Omma, director at Arctic Therapy, to coach and inspire her to a healthier life.
‘I make excuses for not exercising,’ Gillian says, ‘Maria keeps me on track.’
Now, not only does Gillian feel better about herself, but she looks forward to every Arctic Therapy coaching session, because ‘Maria makes it fun’.
Gillian says, ‘It’s hard work, but it’s easy’.
Life before Arctic Therapy
In her early 50s, Gillian found that the combination of a busy career and becoming peri-menopausal left her with little impetus to exercise. At school and university, the businesswoman swam competitively and had regularly attended fitness classes when she was younger. Recognising she had lost the sensation of feeling ‘strong’ she faced the situation head on.
Whilst not governed by the scales, the prospect of being ‘Mother of the Groom’ also helped to tip the balance.
She said: “I was the heaviest I have been probably and whilst I’m not motivated by weight, I didn’t feel good about myself.”
Getting ‘Fit for the Future’
A key factor in Gillian’s decision to commit to a programme with Arctic Therapy, was the confidence she had in Maria’s ability to help her become fitter in a nurturing and safe environment.
Gillian explains: “What makes Arctic Therapy different is Maria’s skill and experience. She has been involved in sports at a high level and is highly skilled and competent in all areas of fitness, so I trust her implicitly.
“I know she won’t have me doing anything that’s going to damage me.”
She also realised that strength and conditioning training would be beneficial for her perimenopausal symptoms but needed some confidence in the gym environment.
Gillian said: “When I was younger, I would go to classes, but I wouldn’t necessarily go to the gym because I didn’t know what the equipment was or what I was doing. Maria gives me the confidence to use equipment.”
For over a year, Gillian has been following a tailored programme to take her on a journey to a healthier physical and mental place.
Twice a week she’s in the gym enjoying a varied programme of strength and conditioning sessions designed to get her ‘Fit for the Future’, with a massage at the end of each 10-week block as a ‘treat’.
And when her journey took a knock, it was Maria who helped to keep her on track.
After a two-day long meeting, sitting awkwardly at a screen in an unsuitable chair, the businesswoman developed a pain in her rib cage, but when she went for her gym session, her coach was able to diagnose her problem and release her discomfort.
“I think that’s the beauty of Maria’s confidence and skill, if you have a problem, she will look at you there and then and that’s really unique.”
Strong prospects
Today Gillian is ‘feeling good’ and surprising herself trying new exercises and surpassing her goals.
With her son’s wedding around the corner, she just hopes that her calves are strong enough to keep her in high heels all day.
Stephen Gillanders (48)
Runner and Long-distance Lorry Driver
When lockdown curtailed Stephen’s passion for cycling, he decided to run a marathon and not just to finish but to complete it in under three hours. No easy feat for a seasoned runner never mind a novice.
In April 2023, at the TSC London Marathon, Stephen smashed his goal, clocking a time of 2:56:32.
However, without Arctic Therapy, the long-distance lorry driver is doubtful he would have even made the start line in London to achieve his dream.
Stephen said: “Maria [Director, Arctic Therapy] was always putting my mind at ease, giving encouragement and confidence, saying ‘you’ve put all the work in. It was all good and not to worry.’ It was great.
“It felt good to be part of something rather than doing it all by myself.”
Life before Arctic Therapy
In May 2022, Stephen had crossed the finish line in Edinburgh at his first marathon in three hours and 41 seconds. To say he was gutted was an understatement. He had ‘unfinished business’.
On discovering his Edinburgh Marathon time qualified for a Good for Age place in the London Marathon he jumped at the chance to better his performance. This time Stephen wanted a plan and Maria mapped out his journey to help him achieve his goal.
Getting ‘Fit for the Future’
The coach and therapist developed a programme with a combination of strength and conditioning training, detailed running programme and massage sessions, Stephen says, ‘I came out feeling like a professional’, although rather daunted about fitting it all in with the demands of his job. The athlete needn’t have worried.
‘Maria was 100% motivational,’ Stephen said. ‘She understood my circumstances and was pushing me but at the same time totally understanding if I had to miss a session because of work’.
Prior to working with Arctic, Stephen had never considered strength and conditioning training but once Maria had convinced him of the benefits, he was amazed at both the physical and mental results.
Stephen felt the strength building in his upper body, core and legs and was introduced to track sessions to improve his speed as part of a much more diverse running programme.
“But it was a big thing mentally too”, he said.
“The process made me more mindful about what I’m doing. To listen to myself more and to give myself a pat on the back rather than just being stuck in your own bubble and giving yourself a hard time.”
And when Stephen encountered a knee injury and achilles problem, Maria was on hand to provide treatment and adjust the programme to ensure he was on the start line in London.
Bright Prospects
All Stephen wanted was a marathon time with a two at the front of it. By embarking on his fitness journey with Arctic Therapy he achieved much more. Not only has he smashed both his marathon and half marathon times, following a structured plan with Maria’s support along the way has made the process a fantastic experience from start to finish, leaving him both mentally and physically strong.
Now he can’t wait to do it all again.