FAQ's

Before you arrive I will carefully plan your training session as part of a longer term programme designed with you and your goals in mind. Each session will typically involve several parts -

First we'll get your cardiovascular system, muscles and joints primed and ready to exercise by doing some dynamic stretching and mobilisation exercises.

Next we'll usually do some strength work first of all. This isn't about trying to look like a bodybuilder - but laying a solid fitness foundation, since strong muscles and joints are key to moving well and staying pain free as we age. This might mean working on one or two resistance exercises like squats, deadlifts, press ups or rows, using weights or just your own bodyweight. New movements can take time to master so we'll start where you're at and I'll teach you everything you need to know to progress one step at a time.

Depending on your particular fitness goals we may then work at applying this strength at a higher intensity, by combining several exercises in a way that builds and strengthens your cardiovascular fitness.

We'll cool down by stretching the main muscle groups worked to ensure you leave the session feeling great.

Before we finish we'll usually do some work together on the bigger picture - planning how you are going to optimise your nutrition, sleep, and other lifestyle factors to see the changes you want. I'll likely give you some homework to work on before I see you next.

Sessions usually last an hour.

If you have experienced an injury very recently I'd ask you to first get the all clear from the medical professional you have been under before we start.

Most older injuries can be accommodated - it may just mean we avoid certain movements or stresses - in my experience everyone with old niggling injuries feels much better once they get stronger.

There's no such thing as too unfit to start exercising or to start working with me! Whatever your current fitness level - together we'll find an approach that works for you, and move forward one step at a time. The important thing is to make a start!

Everyone is different and responds differently to the stimulus of exercise and changes to their diet. Also everyone has different pressures and schedules, all of which has a big effect on weight loss.

That said - it is generally agreed that with the right conditions it is realistic for most people to lose 1-2lbs of body fat per week.

In my experience, 3-5 workout sessions per week is optimal. You may decide you'd like to do 2 sessions per week with me, and 1 or 2 on your own, which I can help you to plan. Or if you know it's going to be difficult to get those workouts done on your own, you may decide to do more sessions with me.

Many people say to me "Well I'm currently not doing anything, so 2 sessions a week will be more than enough!" In my experience, this works for a short time, and may get you results for the first couple of months of your training journey, but those results quickly 'plateau' on only 2 sessions per week. This is especially true if the rest of your lifestyle is relatively sedentary. Sooner rather than later, to see change at the rate most people want to see it you will need to find the time in your week for 1 or 2 more exercise sessions.

I am relxed about rain and prepared to train in all weathers. If you'd rather not you are welcome to reschedule the session (in line with my cancellation policy - i.e. with sufficient notice)

Loose fitting/flexible clothing. Women will find a sports bra a huge help!

No! Despite what people sometimes expect of someone with a military background I have found that shouting at people rarely brings out the best in them!

Aestehtic goals like these are not my area of expertise, but I can certainly point you in the right direction regarding the sorts of things you'll need to be doing to change your physique in these kinds of ways. Doing so invariably requires a huge amount of work and dedication to not only exercise but also to your diet.

I also want to encourage everyone to commit to becoming the best versions of themselves, and to be careful about aspiring to someone else's appearance - your body is as unique and wonderful as you are and accepting and embracing it is a keystone of long term health and happiness!

Please tell me so we can work out what's not working together and come up with a better approach. My aim is to help you to enjoy exercise, not to make you unhappy!