Personal Training: Your guide to how I can work with you

OK. You've decided (wisely) to give personal training a try. So what are the next steps?

1. I'll ask you to complete a lifestyle questionnaire to give me much valuable information about your health and fitness, occupation, general lifestyle and crucially what are your goals, i.e. what do you want to achieve. Click here to download the questionnaire.
   
   
2. If you are looking for me to design an exercise programme for you then I'll also ask you to complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire [known as a PAR-Q] so I can check you are medically fit to exercise.
   
   
3. Next we will meet for a consultation to discuss the contents of your questionnaires and look at your health and fitness goals. Don't forget the consultation is FREE!
   
   
4. After that I would recommend carrying out various tests. These fall into 3 categories:
   1. Static tests: The only 'must' test is taking your blood pressure to check you are OK to exercise. Other voluntary tests include body measurements and a body composition test. These help work out what percentage of your weight is body fat which is important if your objective is to reduce body fat. It will also give us a starting point against which to literally measure future progress.
   2. Postural and movement assessment: Did you know that our posture can significantly affect our ability to do certain exercises and, more importantly, everyday movements and tasks? Ever had a sore back for example? This is often down to the way we sit especially now that many of us are leant forward endlessly typing on PC's! An assessment of your posture can identify any such issues. But don't worry, I can include what we call corrective exercises as part of your programme which either strengthen weak muscles or stretch tight muscles.
   3. Active tests: These help to establish some important baselines from which I can identify for example how aerobically fit, strong and flexible you are. That, together with your goals will help me work out the ideal exercise programme for you. The other advantage of the tests is that in the weeks ahead we can then do the tests again to see if you have made progress, so this really helps us to see measurable improvement and progress.
      
      
5. Once I have designed a programme then I will explain to you how it is designed to help you meet your goals and then help you carry out the programme under my personal supervision and guidance. I can help you as often as you need me to be there with you, to encourage, support, motivate and coach.
   
   
6. Usually about every 6 weeks it is sensible to review your programme. Why? Because the body is the master adapter and after 6 weeks your body will have become used to the exercises and you will often need a fresh stimulus to take you to the next level. This avoids a plateau in your improvement. It also is an opportunity to review and measure your progress and to consider whether a change in training system will benefit you further. As always your views and input are the most important element to this process.
   
   
7. There is so much more to personal training, but I hope this gives you a guide about the PT journey.

It really is an attitude of mind and with my personal guidance we can take the first steps towards achieving your goals. So, together, let's get to work!

Take the next step and call me on 07711162364 or email neil@neilforsyth.co.uk. Alternatively submit the online form on the left. All enquiries and discussions are completely confidential and I will not share any information with any third parties without your written consent.

© 2014 Neil Forsyth Health & Fitness