FAQs

My approach is that everybody can train and find a way to work out, regardless of size or experience.  My approach is flexible, easy going and above all I want you to have fun!  I will tailor the session based on your capability and how you feel that day. I am constantly investing in my knowledge of anatomy and physiology so that I can work around injuries and mobility restrictions.

During the session you will feel like you are being challenged and working hard, but having fun at the same time, it is my job to provide you with accountability to finish the set, when on your own you might give up. You will find the movements challenging and tiring but achievable. After the session you will feel energised and tired at the same time.

Absolutely not. I am not that type of trainer. It is a matter of principle to me that I do not know how you feel and I take pride in listening and adapting exercises to suit you. I am here to motivate you, distract you if necessary, keep you accountable so that you can complete a set but not to push you way past your comfort level.

Yes absolutely. I recommend doing some movement about 3 times per week but life, family and work can get in the way.  If you need to press pause then we just pick-up movement again when you are ready. Making exercise a tick box exercise takes away some of the joy and sense of achievement that comes with it. Don’t let it be just another thing to get through.

A big drive for me is that everyone can fall in love with exercise, regardless of shape, size or background.  Whilst losing some weight may be as a result of my working with you, this is not often the primary driver for my clients.  If you have the ambition to train – I can help you.

As our fitness and strength improves, we start to progress on to tougher movement patterns, heavier weights and/or more endurance style work. Each of us has a threshold for pushing ourselves and it’s my job to balance that with a fun and challenging workout whether it is in a class or 1:2:1.

Mobility practices are a great way to improve movement within joints that can get a little sticky. Its' a good idea to start a workout session with a few mobility movements for the back, shoulders and hips - common places to stiffen up. Stretching to improve flexibility not only feels good but can also improve the range of movement the muscle helps with. Desk jobs can contribute to short, tight muscles in the hips and chest. Before stretching we need to create some warmth in the muscles so after a workout or after a mobility practice is a great time to stretch to help improve our flexibility. To see the progression in our flexibility we should hold stretches for 30 - 60 seconds.

There are many and varied reasons why on one day a workout might feel achievable.   The reason is generally at least one of the following: lack of sleep the night before, dehydration, not enough of the right fuel on the day or the day below, hormone levels, a hard workout in the few days before, our stress levels, how much alcohol we have consumed a few days before the workout, fighting an illness or recovering from an injury. On any given day a few of these factors can come into play and affect our performance during a workout.

It's perfectly normal to feel achy and stiff after a workout especially if it's particularly difficult session.  There are a few ways to help ease the soreness.

1) Have soak in a bath or even better an Epsom salts bath. The heat will help elevate the aches and pains. Magnesium in the Epsom salts are absorbed through the skin and it can relieve pain and help muscles and nerves function properly.
2) Do some gentle mobility movements and stretches. Bringing warmth into the muscles through movement will temporarily ease the stiffness. Going for a walk is a good way to stay mobile but keeping the intensity low.
3) Staying well hydrated will help the body to repair efficiently.
4) Get a good night’s sleep. The body does its best repair work when we are resting at night.
5) Eating enough protein. Muscle repair requires adequate amounts of protein and can also help you sleep.
6) Have a deep tissue or sports massage can help you ease stiffness and bring warmth into the muscles to ease the aching.

For a strength session we should make sure there is some protein in the meal or snack and if the workout is an intense one then a heavier lean towards carbohydrates. It’s worth bearing in mind that unless you are training at the edge of your threshold or at a very high intensity for an event then a gentle focus on nutrition will serve you well. Thinking about a common-sense approach. You don’t need to be carb-loading for a weekly PT session but you do need to eat something around your workout.  If we are training first thing in the morning and there is time to eat breakfast, I would suggest eggs on toast or porridge with some protein added like some Greek yoghurt and/or seeds and nuts. If there is no time to cook and eat then a quick protein shake or a granola/cereal bar with a high content of nuts and seeds will keep you going for a while.  If we are training mid-morning or at lunchtime I would think about a hearty soup with beans and lentils or a meaty (or meat substitute) component, with some brown bread or toast.  If it’s closer to dinner time then I would be looking for a tasty and hearty dinner that had a good mix of colour on the plate and again looking for protein and carbohydrates, meat or meat substitute, pasta, potatoes or rice.