Iona Payne is a senior manager in children’s services from Great Barr, Birmingham. In her 50s, she came to Unique U looking to improve her strength and mobility after struggling with back problems and feeling limited in what she could do.
The Challenge
Before working with us, Iona had ongoing back issues and found certain movements difficult — squats, for example, felt out of reach.
She wanted to build her strength, move more freely, and feel healthier overall, but wasn’t sure where to start. Previous efforts hadn’t delivered the results she needed.
Why They Nearly Didn't Start
Like many of our clients, Iona wondered if this would really work for her.
She wasn’t sure if she’d see genuine results or if her back issues would hold her back from making real progress.
The Turning Point
Once she started training with us, Iona quickly noticed a difference.
With tailored coaching, encouragement, and a supportive community, she began moving better, feeling stronger, and building her confidence — discovering she could now do squats with ease.
The Results
In just 18 months, Iona achieved:
✅ Improved mobility and flexibility
✅ A stronger, healthier back
✅ Weight loss and improved muscle tone
✅ Better eating habits, energy, and sleep
✅ A new sense of community and friendship
Here’s what she had to say:
“My mobility has improved so much — I’m amazed I can do a squat now! My back has strengthened, I feel healthier, and I’ve got more energy. The coaches push you, challenge you, and make it fun at the same time.”
What This Means for You
If you’ve been where Iona was — unsure where to start, worried about limitations — you’re not alone.
We help real people get stronger, move better, and feel more confident without boring workouts or unrealistic diets.