Question 1

Do I need to be fit to start personal training?

Accepted Answer

No. Most of my clients come to me because they are not fit - and have not been for a while. During the first few sessions our goal is to understand where you are right now, not where you think you should be.

Question 2

I'm over 40 and haven't exercised in years. Where do I start?

Accepted Answer

We start with an honest conversation about your history, your body, and what has stopped you before. We determine your strengths and weaknesses and work to address any imbalances to increase confidence when training and build from there.

Question 3

How much does personal training cost?

Accepted Answer

1-2-1 sessions are £60 for an hour. If a full hour is too much, I offer 30-minute sessions at £30. They suit older clients and anyone building up their fitness. To start, you choose four 1-hour or four 30-minute sessions over your first month, then we agree what works best from there. All 1-2-1 sessions take place at The Gym Group Basingstoke. If you'd rather train from home, my online and hybrid programmes start from £79.

Question 4

When are you available?

Accepted Answer

I have availability on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 7am-2pm and weekends 8am-1pm.

Question 5

Do I need a gym membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes - I work exclusively at The Gym Group Basingstoke. Depending on the time you wish to train, you have the option of an off-peak or peak membership.

Question 6

I've tried personal trainers before and it didn't work. Why would this be different?

Accepted Answer

A great question and one worth digging into. Any fitness plan can fail or leave you with less than satisfactory results. The goal is to understand why first, and then develop a plan to prevent history repeating itself.

Question 7

How long before I see results?

Accepted Answer

Depends what you mean by results. Most clients notice something within the first two or three sessions - better movement, less stiffness, more confidence in what their body can do. Changes in weight or fat levels take longer and depend on more than just training.

Question 8

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

First, get in touch and let's chat. Call, use the contact page or WhatsApp. I read every message personally and reply within 24 hours. No pressure. Or book a free consultation directly at thefitcoach.co.uk/personal-trainer-basingstoke.

Question 9

Do you offer online coaching?

Accepted Answer

Yes. See the Hybrid and Online PT FAQs below, or book a free consultation and we will choose the right route together.

Question 10

What makes you different from other personal trainers?

Accepted Answer

Thirty years of real-world experience with people who have tried before. I am not interested in quick fixes or generic plans. I want to understand what is actually going on with your body and build from there.

Question 11

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

Basingstoke, Hampshire. Sessions take place at The Gym Group, a short walk from the town centre.

Question 12

How does online coaching work?

Accepted Answer

You get a structured plan in the FitCoach App, with video demonstrations for every exercise and a weekly group Zoom call with me, up to 45 minutes. Each call is recorded and kept for a week or two, so you can catch up if you miss it. You train when it suits you, wherever you are, and I keep you on track.

Question 13

Which online level is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Beginner (6 weeks) suits you if you tire easily, feel stiff or are returning to exercise after years. Intermediate suits you if you are fairly active but have never followed a structured plan. If you are not sure, tell me where you are today and I will point you to the right level.

Question 14

How much does online coaching cost?

Accepted Answer

Online Beginner is £79 for 6 weeks. Each 8-week online level is £99. Hybrid Beginner is £179 for 6 weeks, and each 8-week hybrid level is £199. Hybrid includes 2 x 60-minute PT sessions with me (or 4 x 30 minutes). Extra PT sessions are £30 for 30 minutes or £60 for 60 minutes. There are no hidden extras.

Question 15

What is hybrid coaching?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid is online coaching plus 1-2-1 sessions with me. Hybrid Beginner is £179 for 6 weeks, and each 8-week hybrid level is £199. Each includes the online programme and 2 x 60-minute PT sessions with me (or 4 x 30 minutes). You can add top-up sessions whenever you need them. You get hands-on guidance at The Gym Group Basingstoke, with the flexibility of training online in between.

Question 16

How do top-up PT sessions work?

Accepted Answer

If you need more hands-on time, you can add extra PT sessions whenever you like. A 30-minute session is £30 and a 60-minute session is £60. Just ask and we will book them in.

Question 17

Do I need a gym membership or equipment?

Accepted Answer

Online programmes come in two versions: gym based and home based. Home based plans need some basic equipment, and gym based plans need a gym membership. Not sure what to buy?

Question 18

I'm not confident with technology. Can I still do it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you can send a text message, you can follow your plan. Online clients can watch my Learn about my App video and follow a step-by-step PDF guide to set up the FitCoach App. If anything is still unclear, we can go through it together on the weekly group Zoom call. For hybrid, I can also guide you through the app during a 1-2-1 session, and all the options above are available to you too.

Question 19

What if I'm new to exercise or have aches and pains?

Accepted Answer

Online beginners start gently with mobility work and movement basics, and the plan is built for the over 40s. If you have an injury or long-term pain, we will talk first.

Question 20

Can I get rehab or help with an injury online?

Accepted Answer

Online coaching does not include rehab. If you need rehab, hybrid is the route. It starts with 1-2-1 assessment sessions with me at The Gym Group Basingstoke, so I can see how you move before we plan anything. Then we continue online and with PT sessions as you need them.

Question 21

Will I get support, or am I on my own?

Accepted Answer

You are not on your own. You get video support and a weekly group Zoom call. Every paid and trial programme has its own private community on the FitCoach App, shared with the others on your 6 or 8 week programme.

Question 22

How long does an online programme last?

Accepted Answer

Beginner programmes run for 6 weeks per level, across Levels 1-4. Strength Training runs for 8 weeks per level, with Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced stages, each with Levels 1-4. Each stage builds on the last. There is no rush. Slow and steady wins.

Question 23

Is online coaching as effective as training in person?

Accepted Answer

For many people, yes. The right plan, clear video guidance and regular check-ins get results. If you need hands-on help, hybrid or 1-2-1 is the better route, and I will tell you which.

Question 24

I have a bad back. Can I still train?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly yes. A bad back is one of the most common things I work with. The key is understanding what is actually going on - importantly, I introduce a pain scale which helps you assess your pain while you train.

Question 25

Can you help with sciatica?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sciatica is one of the most common issues I see in clients over 40. Movement is usually part of the solution - but it has to be the right kind of movement, not a standard stretch routine.

Question 26

I have chronic pain. Is exercise safe for me?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes - but it needs to be approached carefully. Chronic pain is not always a reason to stop moving. Sometimes it is a reason to move differently.

Question 27

What is the M.A.D system?

Accepted Answer

Movement Activation Drills. A system I developed over 30 years of working with real clients. Targeted movement sequences that restore mobility, reduce stiffness, and wake the body up - often within the first session.

Question 28

What is the Excuseless mindset?

Accepted Answer

Most people don't fail at fitness because of a bad programme. They fail because of the stories they tell themselves. Excuseless is a framework for identifying and managing those stories - so they stop getting in the way.

Common questions. Honest answers.

1-2-1 In Person FAQs

Hybrid and Online PT FAQs

Health, Pain & Philosophy

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