Training

What kind of results can I expect from personal training?

This depends on exactly what you’re looking for! I can help you to lose weight, build strength, gain muscle, improve sporting performance, prepare for an event like a wedding or holiday or generally improve your fitness for everyday life.

Before we start training together, we’ll discuss the results you’d like to see and set out specific targets for you to aim for. I’ll support you throughout the process, making any adjustments needed to help you hit your goals.

How long will it take for me to get results?

This depends on factors including your current level of fitness, frequency of training, diet and lifestyle. As a general rule, however, an average person looking to lose some weight and “tone up” should start to see a difference in their first month, a very noticeable change in three months and a dramatic transformation in six months to a year.

How often should I train?

For the best results I recommend training three to four times a week. This strikes a good balance between activity and recovery for most people.

This doesn’t just mean our sessions together. It could also incorporate your own independent gym work, bodyweight exercises at home, running, cycling, swimming or even going for walks. I will work with you to create a complete programme incorporating our one-to-one sessions as well as supported independent training.

What does a typical personal training session involve?

This varies widely depending on your goals, preferences and exercise experience. However, all sessions start with a warm-up and activation phase to get your body ready for exercise and reduce the risk of injury.

From there we’ll move on to the main section of your workout, which could involve strength work, high-intensity interval training, balance and stability, circuits, sport-specific exercises, plyometrics or more. Whatever our approach, your workout will be tailored to your needs and the results you want to see.

Finally, we’ll work through a cool-down and you can give me any feedback or requests for your next session!

What are the differences between personal training and small group training?

As a personal training client you receive one-to-one sessions based around your individual goals, exercise experience and preferred ways of training. You also get a personalised exercise programme, regular check-ins and assessments as well as extensive support between our sessions with nutrition, lifestyle factors and your own independent training.

As a small group training client, you will train alongside up to two other people with similar goals to yours. You’ll still receive an effective and challenging workout, and many clients find the sociable element of group training a lot of fun. Small group training is also a lower-priced option than one-to-one personal training.

I want to lose a lot of weight quickly. Can you help me?

Some trainers and online “gurus” will gladly take your money and promise to deliver overnight results. I’m not one of them. Crash diets and very rapid weight loss are generally considered risky, and it’s a much better idea to work towards a sustainable reduction over a longer period.

Not only is this a safer approach, but it gives you a chance to adopt a new and healthier lifestyle in the long term, ensuring that you don’t immediately regain the weight you’ve lost. I want to make sure that you keep your hard-won results!

I want to lose weight from a particular part of my body. Is that possible?

Sorry, while there are plenty of shady fitness “influencers” who claim otherwise, it’s not possible to focus fat loss on one part of your body. The places where you gain and lose fat are largely down to your genes.

The good news, though, it that I can help you with weight loss in ways that are safe, effective, sustainable and fun. Get in touch today for a free consultation to discuss your goals.

Will training with weights make me look too big?

I sometimes hear this from female clients, and I can confidently say it’s not something you need to worry about. Women produce tiny amounts of natural testosterone compared to men, making it far more difficult for us to get a very muscular physique. Looking like a bodybuilder takes time, effort, dedication and planning; it’s impossible for it to happen by accident!

I’m very unfit. Should I lose some weight before I train with you?

First of all, congratulations on deciding to take charge of your fitness and adopt a healthier lifestyle. You’ve already taken a huge first step!

You don’t need to have a particular level of fitness to train with me. I will work with you to develop a plan tailored to your abilities and goals. 

What should I wear for training sessions?

You should wear comfortable clothing which lets you move freely. A T-shirt and shorts, leggings or joggers works well.

Please avoid slippery synthetic fabrics, as these can affect balance and stability in some exercises. It’s also a good idea to avoid loose, hanging clothing which could get snagged on equipment. You should also remove rings, bracelets, necklaces and other jewellery which could get in the way or be damaged during your workout.

It’s best to wear shoes with a fairly flat and firm sole. Most running shoes have a lot of padding, which is helpful when you’re going for a jog, can reduce the stability of your stance when doing other forms of exercise. If your shoes aren’t providing enough support, you can always take them off for certain movements.

Please note that football strips are not permitted in the gym.

Do you train men as well as women?

I work with clients of all genders.

Is there an age limit for training?

It’s important to take care of your fitness at all stages of life, and I’ve worked with clients from their teens to their eighties. The minimum age for personal training is 16, and there is no upper limit. As long as there’s no medical reason you shouldn’t train, I’d be delighted to work with you.

Do I need to take “before and after” photos?

Many clients take great satisfaction in seeing how much they’ve improved their fitness, and if you want to take photos of your progress, you’re very welcome to. But I will never pressure you to take photos, and I will never share images of clients online unless they want me to.

Facilities

Where do you train clients?

I’m currently based at Flatiron Gym, a well-equipped PT studio near Paisley town centre. It’s handy for drivers, and for public or active transport. Please note: Google Maps currently shows the gym as closed. It definitely isn’t!

Where can I park my car for our training sessions?

The gym has dedicated on-site parking.

What are your business hours?

I have 24-hour access to the gym and can fit my schedule around my clients. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

What happens if I can’t make it to one of our scheduled training sessions?

I understand that life happens, and I will try to reschedule your session wherever possible. However, if you give less than 24 hours’ notice of a cancelled session, I may not be able to accommodate a change. Unfortunately I am not able to reschedule sessions if a client doesn’t attend and doesn’t give notice.

Membership

Am I tied into a membership contract?

No! Your membership fee is paid in advance every month. If you need to cancel your membership, just give me two weeks’ notice.

Can I pause my membership?

Absolutely. We can pause your membership if you’re going on holiday, need to take a break for medical issues or run into unforeseen circumstances. Just let me know at one of our sessions or drop me a message and I’ll make arrangements.

What happens if I need to cancel my membership?

If you’re having difficulty affording your membership, please let me know. We all hit unexpected setbacks from time to time, and we can pause your membership or place you on a lower-priced tier if it will help with your circumstances.

However, if you do need to cancel, that’s no problem. If you let me know with more than two weeks until your next scheduled payment, your membership will end on that date. If you give less than two weeks’ notice, your final payment will be taken as normal and your membership will end in the following month.

About me

What qualifications do you hold?

I am a certified Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer. These are the gold standard qualifications for UK fitness professionals and are only awarded after intense study, practical work and rigorous assessments. No one should be offering PT services without them!

I also hold qualifications in kettlebell coaching, studio cycling and Advanced Boxercise, as well as pool response and a current first aid certificate. I am constantly looking to expand my skills and am currently studying towards my Level 4 Strength & Conditioning qualification.

How is my payment data protected?

We process membership payments through Stripe, an established online payment processing service. They use strong encryption to ensure that your credit or debit card information remains secure at all times.

Do you have public liability insurance?

Yes. I have £2m of public liability cover.