What to expect from your first personal training session

Working with a personal trainer is a rewarding experience that can help you get the most out of your gym membership.

Why work with a personal trainer?

It doesn’t matter if you’re starting out and need someone experienced to walk you through the basics, or you're a fitness enthusiast looking for some expert guidance on a new exercise. Doing something new in the gym can be a daunting experience.

If you’re unsure about where to start, or you’re looking to push your workout routine to the next level, enlisting the help of a personal trainer is a great place to start. They can help clear up any questions you have about your routine, form, diet, and recovery.

Wendy’s story

“I’m proud of myself. I’ve achieved a lot, but I’ve only done that with the help of Jack”

Chronic back pain held Wendy back for 17 years. Her first personal training session with Jack was all about feeling comfortable in the gym and putting a plan in place.

Today, Wendy continues to work with Jack to strengthen her back and shoulders. Now a part of her life, she credits personal training sessions as the reason she can play with her grandchildren.

Click here to read more about Wendy’s story, or take a look at the video below for more information.

What can a personal trainer help with?

If you’re thinking about working with a PT (personal trainer), you might be wondering what you’re getting into.

With decades of combined experience, there’s nothing our personal trainers haven’t seen. No matter what you’re looking to get out of your time in the gym, working with one to one with a personal trainer has something to offer you.

• Perfecting your form – a PT can spot issues with your form that may be holding you back
• Setting achievable goals – you may not know the best way to achieve your fitness goals
• Staying accountable – a good personal trainer will keep you accountable and motivated
• Gaining knowledge – you’ll learn more about fitness by talking one to one
• Revitalising your routine – a PT can help if your workout has become stagnant or boring
• Managing a specific condition – tailor a workout around your ability or health condition

What’s the first session like?

While no two personal trainers are the same, the first session with any PT is usually all about getting to know you and your goals. Sitting down with your trainer allows them to get to know your experience, what level you’re at and where you would like to be.

Your personal trainer will likely give you a tour of the gym and the facilities if you’d like to know more about what’s on offer at your gym. This first session is a great way to get to know your trainer better and to find out whether you feel comfortable working with them going forward.

Jignesh’s story

“Matt brings the best out of me. He knows what I can do and never focuses on what I can’t do”

Jignesh is an ex-professional wheelchair basketball player who loves to keep fit now he’s a dad. Matt is a Nuffield Health personal trainer who met Jignesh on the gym floor and invited him to join one of his classes. Since then, they’ve developed a great friendship and continue to work together during group classes to adapt exercises that work for Jig.

Focus on you and your goals

Thankfully, personal training isn’t all about gruelling sessions that push you to your physical limits.

A personal trainer is there to work with you to achieve the goals that work for you and your body. Whether that’s getting fit fast, or building back stronger after an injury, you’ll be able to focus on what matters most to you.

At Nuffield Health, our gyms have a wide range of equipment stations and workout areas, allowing you to focus on everything from strength and flexibility to bodyweight exercises and cardiovascular health during your session.

Beth’s story

Often, a personal trainer will specialise and have experience working with certain conditions.

Beth was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was six weeks old. As a teenager, she began working with a personal trainer as part of a research trial by Great Ormand Street Hospital and found that both her physical health and her confidence improved as a result.

Together, they are able to maintain Beth’s high-level lung function using a cardiovascular programme tailored to Beth’s physical condition and recovery requirements.

Click here to read more about Beth’s story, or take a look at the video below for more information.

I’m recovering from an injury

There is a time and a place for personal training. If you’re recovering from an injury and are unsure about returning to the gym, we recommend seeing a physiotherapist before working with a personal trainer.

Physiotherapy helps prevent reinjury and ensures untreated injuries don’t limit you during your workout.

Last updated Monday 22 July 2024

First published on Monday 24 July 2023