Get to Know… Hogarth Member Di: Famous for Pull Ups
Meet Diana, better known as “Di” around The Hogarth Club, who has been a dedicated member for the past 12 years. Di does her monthly PT sessions with Personal Trainer, Milos, who specialises in Calisthenics, a form of training that uses body weight for resistance.
We caught up with Di and Milos to talk about setting goals, the positive impact of exercise on Di’s day to day life, and how important training is to support all aspects of wellbeing.
FROM NOT BEING ABLE TO HOLD THE BAR TO 10 PULL UPS IN A ROW!
Di’s journey started with a surprising realisation—when trying to demonstrate a climbing frame to her grandchild, she struggled to even hold the bar! It was a wake-up call for her, “I thought, this is ridiculous.” Even though she’d always exercised, she knew there was something more she needed to do with improving her strength.
Di booked her monthly included Personal Training session with Milos, who introduced her to Calisthenics. From that point on, everything clicked into place. She found a type of training she loves, that gets her stronger, makes her feel amazing, and most importantly, keeps her consistent, “this is it. I’ve found it. I’ve found it at last”. Fast forward to today, and she can knock out 10 pull-ups in a row - something she once thought was impossible!
HOGARTH CLUB FAMOUS FOR THE PULL UPS
Di’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Her pull-up game is impressive, and she’s an inspiration to many other members who are looking for motivation.
“So often it happens to me where someone asks, ‘Milos, I saw this lady in the gym this morning,’ and before they can even finish, I say, ‘Yep, that’s Diana doing the pull-ups.’”
Di laughs it off with a grin, saying, “Well, at least I’m famous for something!”.
SPORTS RUNS IN DI’S FAMILY
There’s a hereditary mindset that helps with Di’s motivation - while she may not have pursued competitive sports herself, she comes from a family of athletes. Her father was a two-time Olympian, her cousin is a footballer, her brother played rugby, and another family member was an Olympic rower! Despite this, the competitive world didn’t appeal to her—but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t got that athletic spirit in her blood. It’s just shown up in her own way, right here at The Hogarth Club!
THE PERSONAL TRAINER/CLIENT RELATIONSHIP: MUTUAL INSPIRATION!
The bond between Di and Milos is built on mutual respect and inspiration. Milos says, “It’s been an incredible journey. And I always tell you, and I know you say you don’t believe me, but even for me when I’m training you, it’s just so inspirational!”
But Di isn’t one to take all the credit. “It’s the opposite, Milos. It’s your motivation to me that’s made me do it,”.
Milos adds, “I might give you the guidance on what to do, but it’s you coming in and doing the stuff, which is why you’re as strong as you are!”.
Di’s hard work speaks for itself, and her positive energy is contagious. Milos often sees her chatting with other members in the morning, and her smile brightens up the gym.
DI’S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF THE HOGARTH CLUB
For Di, The Hogarth Club is more than just a gym—it’s a home away from home. “I think everybody knows each other, it’s like one big happy family,” she says. The cosy, friendly atmosphere is part of what keeps her coming back, and it’s this welcoming vibe that makes the club a place where everyone feels at ease, no matter their fitness level. Milos agrees with Di “it’s how welcoming it is for everyone, you don’t get a sort of feeling of being worried or intimidated.”
DI’S FITNESS PHILOSOPHY - MENTAL AND PHYSICAL STRENGTH
“As you get older, it’s the muscle you need more than cardio. Not just the physicality of it, but the mental attitude too.” For her, staying strong isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, and bringing that to others around her.
She’s a firm believer that staying active keeps you mentally sharp and socially connected. “It’s good to get out, meet other people, and do something,” Di explains, adding that fitness has a lot more to offer than just physical benefits. It’s about building connections, boosting your mood, and living life to the fullest.
PERSONAL TRAINING AT THE HOGARTH CLUB
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