This is one of those things which is completely obvious to me as a service provider, and I know that the process of getting started at the gym and finding a trainer to work with can be full of anxiety (because I’ve been there and done it!). So I thought I’d answer some frequently asked questions to show you how it works…
How do I choose a personal trainer?
This is something I’ve blogged on before, and it bears repeating: clients have a range of options when it comes to personal trainers, which is great, because getting the right one for you is critical.
If you already train in a gym, observe the PTs at work, and see what you think of their style. Are they coaching in a way that you’d like to be coached?
If you’re completely new and don’t have coaches to observe, do still shop around. Look at their social media pages (though remember it’s a highlight reel) and websites, check out reviews (you can see mine here!), and arrange to meet with them for a chat. If they don’t have time to meet you, aren’t willing to, or will charge for it, you’ve found some red flags straight away.
Remember that if you start working with someone and you aren’t happy, you can walk away, or talk to them about it to see if anything can be changed – it’s a relationship, not a marriage (though obviously those can end too if necessary… different blog topic)!
What am I signing up for when I book in for personal training?
Every trainer is different (and so is every client – the clue’s in the job title and function!), so I can only speak for myself here. My face to face clients get…
- Full consultation prior to our first session – this allows us to get to know each other, and for me to cover some important safety-related paperwork. It also informs my choices as to where we start with your training. This is free of charge
- A personalised session, tailored to your ability and desired outcomes
- Full coaching on movements, how to set up equipment, and anything else you need to complete your session – whether you intend to or not, I ensure that all clients are prepared to train without me if they want to
- Someone who’s gone from couch to personal trainer, and knows what it’s like to feel anxious in a gym. Someone who knows what it’s like to rehab an injury, and overcome health conditions. Someone who focuses on the client in front of them, rather than their phone. Someone who’s interested in who you are as a person, and what you want to get out of your time in the gym
- Follow up email post-session to confirm the programme set and answer any questions
- The best cheerleader and confidence giver you could hope for!
How much does personal training cost?
Sessions in-person with me at Dual Strength + Fitness in Horsham, West Sussex, are £42.00 each. Each session is one hour long. In certain circumstances, I can come to your home to train you by agreement – this can be particularly relevant for some of my clients who are on or anticipating cancer treatment. Online training works differently, and prices are calculated at a bespoke rate based on the length of term that we’ll work together – please contact me for a quote
What if I’m not fit enough for personal training sessions?
Unless you’ve been advised by a medical professional not to exercise, you are “fit enough” for personal training. This is a common concern: you see people in the gym doing things that to you seem really challenging, and it leads you to believe that you’re not good enough or worthy of training sessions. Everyone starts training for different reasons, and from different fitness levels. Personal trainers are qualified to work with people at all abilities, and should tailor your session and workload to your needs. That means that if you need to do less than their client earlier in the day, that’s fine – we’re all different, and we’re all welcome.
Our job is to help you get fitter and stronger, not wait for you to do it by yourself and then have you show up. We have seen it all, and we’re ready to help.
Can we talk more about personal training?
Absolutely! If you still have questions, please contact me and I’ll gladly set up time for us to chat