Question 1

Does every exercise session need to be with a Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. It's down to how motivated you are. If you want me to train with you 5 days a week, I can, or if you want one session every week I can recommend exercises for you to do in between our sessions with the equipment you have.

Question 2

Will you stop me from having a wine/beer or put me on a diet?

Accepted Answer

In order to change an unhealthy lifestyle you have to make small changes. Making those small changes over time, leads to one big change. 
The word diet doesn't mean restriction or a fad. All the word diet means is the kind of food you habitually eat.
I can offer you basic nutritional and lifestyle advice - it's up to you what you do with that information. We will only see each other for a small segment of your week, but as you become fitter, you are more likely to treat your body as a natural consequence. I am a realist though and it's all about balance. The key is finding that balance.

Question 3

How long are your PT sessions?

Accepted Answer

On average they are one hour in length. Although you may wish to purchase the "SWIFT"(javascript:void(0)) 30 minute sessions if it fits in better with your day.

Question 4

Do I need to pay upfront?

Accepted Answer

When many of my clients start to train with me, they are often struggling to find motivation. Buying block sessions helps to ensure they are committed to the process and progress towards the results they're looking for. It also helps me to map out out a long-term plan for you. This is very challenging to do if we are seeing you infrequently and unsure of how many sessions you will be completing.

Question 5

Do I need any equipment?

Accepted Answer

Your body weight is actually an amazingly effective exercise tool! I could do a balanced and challenging session with no equipment at all, just by using a selection of body weight exercises. We can also use home furniture, stairs, railings, park furniture and everyday items in innovative ways.
In addition, Optimum Fitness has an array of portable, versatile and functional kit for most types of sessions. These include:
​​- Kettlebells
- Suspension kit
- Fitness and body composition testing equipment
- Heart rate monitor
- Resistance tubes
- Resistance bands
- Step/free weights deck
- Stability ball
- Ab rollout wheel
- Boxing pads
- Skipping rope
- Exercise mat
- Music  
The kit I use is just as effective outdoors as it is indoors; it’s portability and affordability also means that you can, if you want, buy some yourself and use it on your own, as part of your homework.

Question 6

Can I only have a few sessions?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I offer a one off session for £40. However, research has found that it takes 66 days for a new habit to be formed. For this reason, to see Optimum Fitness results, I recommend at least two months of Personal Training. For more information on packages, click HERE.(javascript:void(0))

Question 7

Will doing weight training make me look like the hulk?

Accepted Answer

Only if you want it to. Advanced training techniques are applied during your programme creation to fit around your goals. Weight training can be used for weight loss, muscular endurance, power, speed and for hypertrophy (a fancy way to say muscle growth). Not to mention the additional benefits it provides you with if done correctly: it decreases your risk of osteoporosis, improves posture and reduces back pain, enhances your mood and reduces stress, lowers risk of diabetes, helps keep your ticker in good form and improves balance, to name but a few.

Question 8

What is the Free Consultation, and how do I book?"

Accepted Answer

This takes around 1 hour and is a no obligation, completely free consultation that includes a health, fitness, dietary and lifestyle analysis. 
It will give you the opportunity to talk very openly about your goals and objectives and I can obtain the information required to create a training programme individual to you. 
To book you simply fill in a quick form with your name and number and we’ll get back to you asap – Book your FREE consultation(mailto:optimumfitpt@gmail.com?subject=Free Consultation enquiry)

Question 9

How often do I need to train?

Accepted Answer

Significant benefits can be seen from three days a week and 2-3 sessions per week are a good start for those who are out of condition.

Question 10

Do I need a doctors note or similar?

Accepted Answer

The most important thing to me is your comfort, health and safety. As a qualified, registered and insured Personal Trainer I ask all clients to complete a PAR-Q before commencing any exercise programme. This stands for Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire which is standard in the health and fitness industry. This will be carried out during your free consultation and will help to identify any health restrictions.
If there are restrictions, I may require a letter of medical clearance from your GP.  Please be aware that your GP may charge you for this.
All client information will be kept strictly private and confidential.

Question 11

How do I make payment?

Accepted Answer

Payment can be made by cash or by online transfer. I do also accept cheques.

Question 12

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

For footwear - please wear training shoes or any shoe that provides support. For clothing - anything that is comfortable, safe and does not restrict freedom of movement. 
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Question 13

I don’t respond well to being shouted at and ordered around, what is your approach?"

Accepted Answer

My job is to motivate and guide you. I tailor my approach to each client as we develop our partnership. If you want gentle coaching, that's absolutely fine. If you need firmer encouragement and to be pushed harder, I can deliver that too. We will have regular feedback conversations to ensure you're getting what you want and need from our sessions.

Question 14

How do your fees compare to other companies?

Accepted Answer

I have been a client of a PT so I know how much £35-£40/hour feels from your perspective. I can say that I have done in-depth local industry analysis and my aim is to be competitive. Personal Training fees vary hugely depending on location. A reasonable Personal Trainer in London will charge £60.00 per hour. In Berkshire, where Optimum Fitness is based the average is £45.00 per hour. 
PERSONAL Training is a client specific prescription of health, fitness and lifestyle advice. The foundation of Personal Training is YOU! None of my work is replicated, it is designed solely for you. Every hour of teaching requires the same in planning and report/programme write ups. If you have a specific budget for your health aspirations please get in contact to discuss your requirements.

Question 15

Do you have to be the 'sporty type' to have a Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

Hell no! The whole idea of having a Personal Trainer is to help you reach your own individual and specific fitness goals. People of all ages, abilities and weights have Personal Trainers and your sessions are specific to your goals.

Question 16

Will it hurt?

Accepted Answer

A way to look at training is: “making your mind comfortable with the fact that your body is going to be a little uncomfortable”. People who don’t like to exercise usually just don’t like to be uncomfortable. Getting out of our comfort zones, mentally or physically, is where positive change happens. I can help you get out of your comfort zone gradually, whether it's for 5 minutes or an hour.
I can’t make you want to get stronger, leaner or fitter, but if you want to do it, I’m with you all the way.

Question 17

Where do you train?

Accepted Answer

I can come to visit you at your home or office, and if you would rather go to a small, non intimidating gym we can have our weekly sessions at LivingWell Health Club located at The Hilton Newbury North. Other venues can be arranged if you wish.

Question 18

What are the benefits of regular physical activity?

Accepted Answer

Please visit this page for more information: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/

Question 19

What type of physical activity will I be doing during a session?

Accepted Answer

Each session will start with a warm up and a mobilisation of the major joints and muscles to be used. Each session ends with a cool down and some stretching. The backbone of most types of exercise programmes is aerobic work which can include walking, jogging, running, and stepping. At least one or two resistance sessions per week are recommended. Your programme will be tailored to you and you won't have to do any exercises that you don't like. I want you to enjoy our sessions!

Question 20

I can’t make the same session each week – are you flexible on times?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I know that people have busy lives, and need to be flexible with different working patterns and personal commitments so I am flexible on sessions and you won’t have to stick to the same time each week if you don't want to.

Question 21

Where should I train?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere that is safe and there is sufficient space. It could be at your home, in your garden, at your place of work, in a public park or at a gym you're a member of.

Question 22

What if I need to cancel a session?

Accepted Answer

A minimum of 24 hours notice of cancellation is required for all appointments, so we can reallocate your session.
If you cancel your session with less than 24 hours’ notice, or fail to show you will be required to pay all of the session fee.
If you cancel your session with notice between 24 and 48 hours then you will be required to pay 50% of the session fee.
If you are late to a session, I will do my best to get the most out of the remaining time left in the session as I am unable to run over time due to previously arranged client commitments.

Question 23

How do I exercise when I have a baby around?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to exercise with a baby around. If you have a jogging buggy, we can utilise that. Or providing your little one is safe and away from the exercise area, we can have sessions so you are close enough to keep an eye on them. Safety is the most important thing.

Question 24

Do you only train women?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! I have a mixture of clients with varying goals. Each programme is specific to you and what you want to achieve.

FAQs