PERSONAL TRAINING FAQs

If you're thinking about personal training, you probably have a few questions before getting started. Here you'll find answers about how I work, what to expect, training locations, prices, nutrition and everything in between.

GETTING STARTED

I've never trained before. Can I still work with you?

Absolutely. You don't need any gym experience to start personal training. I've worked with complete beginners as well as people who have been training for years. If you're new to the gym, we'll start by getting you comfortable with the basics, learning good technique and gradually building your confidence and fitness. There's no expectation that you should already know what you're doing — that's what I'm there for.

What happens at the initial consultation?

The consultation is a chance for us to meet, talk about what you'd like to achieve and get a better understanding of where you're starting from. We'll discuss your training experience, lifestyle, any injuries or health considerations and what you'd realistically like to get from personal training. I prefer to do consultations in person when possible, but we can also arrange a phone or video call.

Is the initial consultation free?

Yes. The initial consultation is completely free and there's no obligation to sign up afterwards.

Do you offer a free trial session?

If you're genuinely considering working with me on a regular basis, I'm happy to arrange a free trial session after your consultation. It gives you a chance to experience how I train before committing to a package. The free trial isn't intended for people looking for one or two individual sessions, but you can always book a normal single session if that's what you need.

How quickly can I start?

Usually as soon as we can find a time that works for both of us. If you're ready to get started, there's no reason to wait unnecessarily.

What should I bring to a personal training session?

Nothing special. Normal gym clothes, suitable trainers and some water are all you need.

YOUR TRAINING

How often should I see a personal trainer?

It depends on your goals, experience, schedule and budget. If possible, training together twice a week is a great starting point for many people. But once a week can still be very worthwhile, particularly if you're new to training or also exercise independently. Some of my clients train with me once a week, while others train four or five times a week. There isn't one frequency that's right for everyone.

How long are personal training sessions?

Sessions are 60 minutes.

Will you create a training programme specifically for me?

Yes. Your training is built around your goals, experience, abilities and how your body responds to different exercises. I don't believe in giving everyone the same programme. We'll use exercises that help you progress while also taking into account your structure, technique, capabilities and any limitations.

Will my programme change as I progress?

Yes. Training should evolve with you. I adjust things as we go depending on how you're progressing, what I'm seeing during sessions and how your goals develop. You won't be given one programme and expected to follow it indefinitely.

Can you give me workouts to do on my own?

Yes. If you want to combine sessions with me and independent training, I can create a programme for the days you train by yourself. This hybrid approach can work particularly well if you want the structure and accountability of personal training but don't need me beside you for every workout.

How do you track progress?

It depends on what we're trying to achieve. Rather than relying on one measurement, I assess progress as we train and adjust things dynamically. Strength, performance, body composition, technique and how you're progressing towards your individual goal can all be relevant.

FAT LOSS, MUSCLE BUILDING & STRENGTH

Can personal training help me lose body fat?

Yes. Fat loss is one of the main reasons people come to me for personal training. How we approach it depends on your starting point, lifestyle and goals. Training may include resistance work, conditioning or cardio where appropriate, alongside sensible changes to nutrition and activity outside the gym. The aim isn't simply to make you exercise as hard as possible. It's to find an approach you can actually maintain.

Can you help me build muscle?

Yes. Muscle building is one of my main areas of personal training and I work with everyone from complete beginners to experienced lifters. We'll focus on good technique, progressive training, exercise selection and enough consistency to give your body a reason to adapt.

Do you offer bodybuilding coaching?

Yes. Muscle building and bodybuilding are areas I have a lot of experience in, and I work with clients of different ages and experience levels. You don't need to want to compete or look like a professional bodybuilder. Some clients simply want to add noticeable muscle and improve their physique, while others want a more bodybuilding-focused approach.

Can you help me get stronger?

Yes. Strength training can be the main goal or simply part of a wider programme. We'll use the movements that are useful for developing strength while also considering your body structure, experience and capabilities. You don't have to force yourself into a particular exercise simply because it's considered a traditional strength lift.

Do I have to choose between fat loss, muscle building and strength?

Not necessarily. Goals often overlap. Someone may want to lose body fat while becoming stronger, or build muscle while improving overall fitness. We'll decide what needs to be prioritised and build the programme around that.

Can you help me get in shape for a wedding, holiday or photoshoot?

Yes. I regularly work with people who have a particular date or event they want to look and feel their best for. Having a deadline can actually be useful because it gives us a clear timeframe. We'll work backwards from the date and create a realistic plan based on how much time we have.

PERSONAL TRAINING FOR DIFFERENT AGES & EXPERIENCE LEVELS

Am I too old to start personal training?

There is no upper age limit to getting stronger and improving your fitness. I work with adults from 18 onwards, including people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. What matters is choosing training that's appropriate for your current health, ability and experience. If there is a medical reason why clearance is needed before you exercise, we'll deal with that before starting.

Do you specialise in personal training for men over 40?

Yes. I work with many men in their 40s, 50s and 60s who want to build muscle, lose body fat, get stronger or return to regular training. I don't believe being over 40 means you need a completely different type of workout. Your training should reflect you — your goals, experience, recovery, capabilities and how your body responds.

Do you train women as well?

Absolutely. Although a large proportion of my clients are men, I train women too. Common goals include fat loss, toning, improving body composition, getting stronger and feeling more confident with training.

Do I need to be fit before starting personal training?

No. Getting fit before hiring a personal trainer would rather defeat the point. We'll start from wherever you are now and progress from there.

HEALTH, INJURIES & NUTRITION

Can I train if I have an injury or medical condition?

In many cases, yes. Having a medical condition, illness or previous injury does not necessarily prevent you from exercising. However, your safety is always my priority. Before starting a programme, I will ask you to complete a health screening and provide relevant information about your health, medical conditions, injuries and any medication that may affect your ability to exercise. Where appropriate, I may ask you to obtain medical clearance or guidance from your GP, consultant, physiotherapist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional before starting or continuing training. Your programme can then be adapted, where appropriate, to your individual circumstances, abilities and limitations. I work within my professional scope as a Personal Trainer and do not diagnose, treat or provide medical advice. If I believe that your circumstances require assessment, treatment or specialist advice outside my scope of practice, I may signpost or refer you to an appropriate healthcare professional and, where necessary, pause training until appropriate guidance has been obtained.

Are you a physiotherapist?

No. I'm a qualified personal trainer and sports massage therapist, but I'm not a physiotherapist or doctor. If something requires medical diagnosis, physiotherapy or another form of specialist treatment, I'll always stay within my professional scope and recommend that you speak to the appropriate healthcare professional.

Do you provide nutrition advice?

I provide practical, evidence-based nutrition guidance within the scope of personal training. This can include guidance on calorie intake, protein, meal structure, food choices and healthy eating habits, based on your individual goals and training programme.

My nutritional guidance is intended to support your fitness and lifestyle goals and is not a substitute for medical or clinical dietary advice. I do not diagnose or treat medical conditions or prescribe therapeutic diets. Where a client has a medical condition or requires specialist dietary support, I will recommend that they speak with their GP, registered dietitian or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Do I need to take supplements?

Not necessarily. Supplements can be useful in certain situations, and I'm happy to discuss them with you, but I don't believe most people need a cupboard full of products to make progress. Training, nutrition, recovery and consistency matter considerably more.

PERSONAL TRAINING LOCATIONS IN LONDON

Where do you offer personal training in London?

I currently train clients at three locations: UNTIL Soho, a private personal training facility in Central London; UNTIL Liverpool Street, a private facility in the heart of the City of London, convenient for Liverpool Street, Bank and Moorgate; and Muscleworks Bethnal Green, a traditional strength and bodybuilding gym in East London, close to Shoreditch, Whitechapel and surrounding areas. You can choose whichever location works best for you.

What's the difference between UNTIL and Muscleworks?

They're quite different training environments. UNTIL Soho and Liverpool Street are premium private facilities designed around personal training. They're modern, spacious and quiet, with excellent equipment, changing rooms and shower facilities. Muscleworks Bethnal Green is a more traditional strength and bodybuilding gym with a huge range of resistance equipment and a very different atmosphere. Neither is necessarily better — it depends on where you prefer to train and the environment that suits you.

Do I need a gym membership?

At UNTIL Soho and UNTIL Liverpool Street, there is no additional gym fee when you're training with me. At Muscleworks Bethnal Green, you'll need either a gym membership or a day pass. Their rates are very reasonable, particularly if you train there regularly.

Can I train at more than one location?

Yes. You're not permanently tied to one gym. If it suits your schedule to use different locations, we can discuss it. Rates vary between Central London and East London, so we'll simply agree the price beforehand.

PRICES, PACKAGES & BOOKING

How much does personal training cost?

Prices vary depending on whether you train in Soho, the City of London or East London and whether you book individual sessions or a package. You can book a single session if you prefer, although packages offer better value if you're planning to train regularly. You'll find the current rates on my Personal Training Prices page.

Do I have to buy a package?

No. You can book individual sessions if that's what suits you. Packages are generally better value and make sense if you're serious about training consistently, but I don't believe in forcing someone into a commitment that doesn't work for them.

How long do I have to use a PT package?

Personal training packages are valid for six months, giving you plenty of time to use your sessions.

What happens if I need to cancel a session?

Ideally, I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or rearrange. I also understand that people occasionally become seriously unwell or something genuinely unexpected happens, so situations like that can be discussed individually.

What times are personal training sessions available?

I train most days of the week, including weekends, depending on availability. Sessions can generally start from 7am. Evening availability runs up to around 9pm in Soho and at Muscleworks, and 8pm at Liverpool Street. We'll find a regular time that works around both your schedule and mine.

How can I pay?

UK-based clients normally pay by bank transfer or cash. If you're visiting from overseas or don't have access to a UK bank account, card payment can also be arranged.

Do you offer couples or two-person personal training?

Yes. If you'd prefer to train with your partner, friend or someone else, two-person personal training can be arranged. The price is different from standard 1-to-1 personal training, so contact me and we can discuss the best arrangement.

MASSAGE & RECOVERY

Can I combine personal training with massage?

Yes. I'm also qualified in sports massage, and many clients find that combining training with massage is useful as part of their overall routine. Personal training clients can book a 60-minute massage for £75 in Soho or Liverpool Street, rather than the standard £98 rate. At Muscleworks Bethnal Green, a 60-minute massage is £60 for PT clients. The type of massage can be adapted depending on what you need.

ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL TRAINER

What qualifications and experience do you have?

I'm a Level 3 qualified Personal Trainer with over 15 years of experience working in fitness and personal training. My qualifications also include Level 5 Sports Massage Therapy, Poliquin PICP Levels 1 & 2, Precision Nutrition and a BSc in Science. Over the years I've worked with complete beginners, experienced lifters and clients across a wide range of ages and goals.

READY TO GET STARTED?

What's the best way to start personal training with you?

Start with a free consultation. We can meet in person — which I prefer when possible — or arrange a phone or video call. We'll talk about what you want to achieve, your experience and which London location works best for you. If we're a good fit and you're interested in training regularly, we can then arrange your free trial session and take it from there. You can get in touch through the consultation form or WhatsApp.