"What’s the quickest way for me to lose weight?" This varies from client to client and there tend to be very few ‘quick fixes’ that are healthy and sustainable. To understand the best way for any client to lose weight I need to find out lots of information. It’s important that I understand what you're currently doing in terms of exercise and what you've done in the past. I need to look at your current diet and understand how you think about your body, exercise and food. Once I know a bit more about you, we can work together to develop a plan that will help you lose weight and also create balance in your training through improving your fitness, strength and core stability. "What should I look for in a trainer?" Always ensure that they are qualified, experienced, reliable, approachable and insured. If you're in any doubt, ask to see the relevant documentation. Check that they come with recommendations, you are totally within your rights to ask for proof. Any good trainer will have testimonials and should have clients who you can talk to. Most importantly make sure that you are comfortable together, ask if they are happy to meet before you commit to spending any money. "Does personal training help with depression?" There's lots of evidence that proves exercise can help with depression. The higher intensity exercises like jogging, running, rowing or kettlebells can help your body to release feel-good hormones, while lower intensity exercises like Pilates can help you relax and connect with your body. Depression can also be improved with the right nutritional plan. "My wedding is in three months and I need to fit into my dress, what’s the best option for me?" I'd suggest that you take advantage of my free consultation, at this point we can chat through your goals in detail. It might be a good option to consider a four-week fitness blitz. We'll meet three times a week and work on exercise, mindset and nutrition, with weekly goals to keep you on track. "You encourage balance through training, but what if I just want to lose weight?" I always encourage my clients to think outside the box in terms of weight loss. Being healthy, fit and happy is not just about losing weight. I know this because I've seen it so often with past and current clients. I promote balance in training through a combination of exercise, changing the way you think, nutrition and realistic planning. This approach will give you so much more in the long term than just ‘losing weight’. "I had a trainer at my gym who was aggressive in his style, he pushed me really hard and in the end it felt like hard work and I didn't want to go. How are you different?" My clients tell me that I'm friendly and approachable, which is a good start. I work on the basis that encouragement is better than intimidation. I also treat each client individually and take time to understand their likes/dislikes at the start of our relationship. For some an aggressive style and being pushed will work well, while others may respond better to a slower pace through a more gentle style of coaching. What’s important is that you get the right plan for you, which can only be achieved with a flexible trainer. "I work full time and have children, how can I fit personal training into my life?" Firstly I would encourage you to speak to those close to you to see if anyone can help you for an hour or two a week. You also need to think about how well you are using the time you have. Are you as effective as you could be at planning? Could you save ten minutes here and there to give you an hour two or three times a week? Also ensure you choose a trainer who offers flexible training times, for example I offer weekday sessions as early as 7am and as late as 8pm, I also offer Saturday sessions. "I like the idea of balance in my training. I understand that you use a combination of exercises to improve fitness, strength and core stability. What can I expect?" Expect your coaching to vary week on week. As you grow and develop, so will your coaching. I will challenge your body by integrating cardio, strength and core training. During cardio vascular fitness training we'll focus on improving your fitness by developing your body’s energy transport system. This will result in a more efficient, healthy body with the added benefit of weight loss should this be your goal. Expect a mix of interval training, treadmill, outdoor running, Concept 2 rowing and boxing/kickboxing. Your strength and conditioning training will work towards improving your overall strength, mobility and flexibility as well as coaching form and technique. Expect to use a combination of TRX, vibration training, kettlebells, Olympic lifting and circuits. Core stability work will develop good posture, flexibility, alignment and balance. Expect a mix of Pilates, TRX, kettlebells, Olympic lifts and stability ball work. "I struggle with motivation and have very little budget. What can I do?" You might like to consider training with a friend or family member. Training together will save you money and if you choose the right partner this programme can help with motivation and results. |