It’s time to bust some myths about personal training!
Myth 1: You have to be at a certain standard to have personal training sessions
Busted: I hear this a lot but… nope! People seem to think that they have to already be at a certain level of fitness to qualify for PT, or be “ready” for it. Here’s the thing – where you’re at is your starting point and that’s the entire premise right there. We work with you starting at YOUR beginning, not ours or someone else’s. With me, there’s no test to pass or grade to meet. We start where you are
Myth 2: It’s expensive
Busted: OK, perception is involved here. As with any service, PT comes with a fee. The service varies from trainer to trainer, but when you train with me, here’s what you get included in the price…
- One-to-one attention – during our session, whether it’s face to face or online, you have my entire focus. I’m not warming you up whilst cooling someone else down. I’m not chatting with my friends whilst you lift. I’m not dashing off to spot someone else whilst you rest. It’s you and me. Which does mean you have to put up with my chat…
- Personalised programming – I write every single session with each individual client and their goals in mind. They’re not set workouts I use with everyone. They’re not the sessions I use to train myself. They’re not ones I’ve seen someone else running with their client. They are yours, incorporating exercises I know that you’ll like, are capable of, and will move you closer to your goal
- A collaborative relationship – the goals are your idea, assisted by me if necessary. You want it, I’ll help you get it. And I’ll also listen. You know your body better than I do. I’ll ask you about your medical history, and have you fill in blanks as well as doing my own research (I love a good bit of medical knowledge – I’ve had to learn a few different things for my own benefit too, so I’m used to it). I’ll change my instructions to help you understand. If you can’t bear an exercise, I’ll think of a different one. And I’ll teach you how to fly solo; one of the perks of PT is someone to set everything up for you and put things away, but I know how important it is to know how and why to adjust a machine or piece of kit for yourself, so we’ll talk about that too (told you there’d be chat)
- Follow up – it doesn’t end when I wave you off. I’ll send you the programme we’ve agreed, plus feedback and personalised notes. If there’s anything you’re not sure about, you can drop me a line and ask. Need a spot next time you’re in? If I’m free (see point one), I’ll gladly help. Want to message me your holiday photos? Cool, just expect me to ask for a location pin so that I can go and enjoy the same view one day
Myth 3: The sessions will be hard, and involve lots of sweating and shouting
Busted: well… if that’s what you like… you’ll need to find another coach, because it’s not my style. I can’t promise there won’t be sweating. I also won’t promise there will be no shouting, because I love a good whoop of joy when someone does themselves proud. And, if you want them to be, at least some of the sessions will be hard. Because progress involves what we call overload – you can’t improve if you don’t push at least a little. But, to me, that doesn’t mean that you have to be on the floor shaking and crying and feeling like you’re going to throw up. I’d really rather you didn’t do that, and I’m sure you feel the same way. Whilst I’m not here to fuck spiders, I’m also not here to hurt you. I want you to enjoy your sessions. For most people, that means not getting shouted at, so I won’t be doing it
Those are the most common things I hear people being concerned about or deeply believing. Have I missed any of yours? I’m always happy to bust some myths!