FActs and questions

Your questions about personal training, answered.

  • Some people are happy to follow their own programme in their own time and place; for those who lack the time, or the motivation, or the energy to train effectively on their own, a Personal Trainer can be the answer. The support, advice and encouragement comes with safe exercise technique to help you avoid injuries.

  • When you are overweight, when you are underweight, when you are unfit, when you want to get fitter, when you have just had a baby, when you are in training, when you are bored with training, when the kids have left home, when the jeans don't fit, when you are too busy to keep fit, when you are going skiing, when Christmas has happened, when summer is about to happen, when aerobics has got boring, when you can't avoid the mirror, when you always avoid the scales, when you want to!

  • Three times each week should be sufficient for you to start feeling and seeing results. Although, like anything, you will get more out of it if you put more in. Whether you work out with your Trainer every time is up to you, and how motivated you are, how often you can afford to train, what you schedule is like every week.on text goes here

  • There is no 'should' - you can achieve results working out in a gym, in the park, online or at home. It is more a matter of availability and of convenience for you, particularly if you have special rehabilitative needs, which may require special equipment.

  • I am fully aware that in order to change an unhealthy lifestyle you have to work within it. I can give you nutritional and lifestyle advice - whether you take it is up to you. We are only with you a few hours a week, but the fitter you become, the better you will treat your body as a natural consequence.

  • Housewives, stockbrokers, rock stars, company directors, nannies, coffee-shop managers, bankers, doctors, dressmakers, accountants, firemen, receptionists, PR executives, hoteliers, waiters, newsagents, DJs, journalists, producers, secretaries, actors, sportsmen and women, electricians, anyone who wants one!

  • You are the client and so should be able to train when you want. However, do remember that I will have existing clients and so your first choice may not be available so it's best to be flexible. If you're changing your training time, always give at least 24 hours notice - otherwise you'll be charged.

  • This will depend on where you've agreed your sessions will be. I may come to your home or office online or you may use the local park, or be out on a bike or you can come ang train with me in my gym.

  • A personal training session will normally last for one hour. This will follow along the lines of a brief warm-up followed by your main training programme where you will focus on your goals using cardiovascular, strength or flexibility exercises. Finally, there will be a cool down or relaxation period. Any programme may vary from one session to the next according to my clients' needs and progress.

  • The nature of personal training is such that it incorporates your needs, goals and preferences. I will need to ask some initial questions during the consultation, which probe the demands that are placed on you from your job or lifestyle. Typically, the first session will include questions about :

    Basic personal details

    Medical background

    Fitness background

    Lifestyle factors (e.g. smoking or drinking)

    Nutritional habits (you may be asked to keep a diary)

    Personal goals and objectives in relation to fitness.

    So as you can see a trainer looks at more than just the fitness or exercise component of your life. Any professional trainer should be able to provide information and advice about nutrition, stress management, motivational techniques and then be able to refer you on to others where the need may arise (Chiropractics or Massage say.)

  • Depending on your recent fitness and exercise programmes (or lack of) I may ask you for a certificate if believe that medical conditions and/or past injuries will affect your participation in a training session. If you are under the care of a doctor for any reason or if you are over 40, and starting exercise for the first time, you will be asked to see your doctor to obtain their clearance first.

Common questions

Choosing the right personal Trainer

  • Getting clarity can be the first goal you can work on with a trainer. When you get clear on what you wish to achieve and what would be important to you and look for that in a PT.

  • There’s a coach for everybody out there. Business coaches, holistic, new age, kick ass, relaxation, literary, career, bald-headed, bearded and grey-suited or healer and kaftan and crystal coaches. What would suit you and your style? I train with humour, insight and intuitively get to the core issue quickly and effectively; skills honed after training for years with clients. I challenge and I go gently too but my agenda is to get you what you want on from your fitness.

  • All PT is an investment in you. You also have to be prepared to invest in emotional equity and give it time and patience too.

  • I don’t use A-Z programmes. My training sessions are totally customised to suit your needs, your goals and your personality. I have a fluid approach that deceptively belies a steely intention to fast track you to your fitness goal. You will feel understood (at last!), supported and reassured you are in really safe hands while you do the work in changing your health.

  • Do look at the testimonials and if need be ask to speak to a satisfied client. On my website you will see many testimonials from all types of people and different stages in their lives. Let their stories guide you.

  • One of the great things about being a trainer is that you have to walk your talk. Here are my personal achievement and progress over the year. You can view my about page to read my story.

  • This is essential. You have to like and trust your PT or the process won’t work. If you feel it’s a mismatch of personality or you don’t trust them try another PT. Equally, the PT may say that they don’t see the relationship being a good fit and may recommend another PT.

  • Yes. Always in my case. When I first started in the industry, I hired the best coaches I could afford in order to learn from the masters. I still have a coach to help pull me up to greater levels and keep me at my best.

  • You should feel optimistic, thrilled, excited and really engaged with the idea of working with this PT. You should feel truly joyous to be working with the PT of your choice.

How does Personal Training work

  • Most session takes 30-60 minute. You book regularly and we take it from there.

  • That depends on what you wish to achieve. I ask that clients commit to three months PT in order to see real sustainable change.

  • I work with the client’s needs. Usually clients like two - three sessions a week initially to kick-start their development and then fewer and fewer as they reach their goal.

  • What does the PT do?

    It’s my job to help you clarify your goal and then come up with doable strategies that will effortlessly get you to where you want to be.

    As your PT I will be:

    100% committed to your success

    Available in between sessions for free email coaching to keep you continually supported

    Constantly inspiring and motivating you along the way

    Giving you a completely confidential service

    A hand to hold or rocket fuel if you need it

    Offering unconditional support throughout the coaching process

    Always providing creative ways of helping you

    Believing in you even when you don’t

  • Right away! if you’ve managed to make it this far through the FAQ’s then you must be really interested. Book a consultation now.