10 Proven Strategies to Attract New Leads for Personal Trainers
As a personal trainer, attracting new leads is essential for the growth and success of your business. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your client base, implementing effective strategies to attract potential customers is crucial. In this article, we will explore ten proven strategies that can help you attract new leads and convert them into loyal clients.
1. Introduction
In the competitive fitness industry, it’s vital for personal trainers to stay ahead by continually attracting new leads. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to help you expand your reach, increase visibility, and generate more leads.
2. Define the Importance of Attracting New Leads for Personal Trainers
Attracting new leads is the lifeblood of any personal training business. Without a steady stream of potential clients, it becomes challenging to sustain and grow your business. By implementing effective lead generation strategies, you can ensure a consistent flow of interested individuals who are likely to become paying customers.
3. Understand Your Target Audience
Before diving into lead generation tactics, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your target audience. Identify their demographics, interests, and pain points. This knowledge will help you tailor your marketing efforts and messaging to resonate with your ideal clients.
4. Develop a Strong Online Presence
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for personal trainers. Here are some effective strategies to build and enhance your online presence:
- Utilize Social Media Platforms: Identify the social media platforms where your target audience is most active and establish a presence there. Share valuable content, engage with your audience, and use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility.
- Create Engaging Content: Develop high-quality content that educates, inspires, and entertains your audience. Blog posts, videos, and infographics are great formats to showcase your expertise and attract potential clients.
- Optimize Your Website: Ensure that your website is user-friendly, visually appealing, and optimized for search engines. Include relevant keywords, create informative landing pages, and make it easy for visitors to contact you or schedule appointments.
5. Implement Email Marketing Campaigns
Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to nurture leads and convert them into paying clients. Build an email list by offering valuable free resources such as e-books, workout plans, or nutrition guides. Send regular newsletters, personalized recommendations, and exclusive promotions to keep your subscribers engaged and interested in your services.
6. Offer Valuable Free Resources
Providing valuable free resources establishes trust and positions you as an authority in your field. Create informative blog posts, videos, or podcasts that address common fitness-related questions and challenges. By offering valuable content without asking for anything in return, you can attract potential leads who will be more likely to engage with your paid services.
7. Network and Collaborate with Industry Professionals
Networking and collaborating with other professionals in the fitness industry can significantly expand your reach and attract new leads. Partner with complementary businesses such as nutritionists, wellness coaches, or physical therapists to offer joint services or cross-promote each other’s offerings. Attend industry conferences, events, or webinars to connect with like-minded individuals and establish valuable relationships.
8. Leverage Online Advertising
Online advertising can be a powerful tool to attract new leads quickly. Platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or Instagram Ads allow you to target specific demographics, interests, and locations. Create compelling ad campaigns that highlight your unique selling propositions, such as personalized training programs, transformation stories, or special promotions.
9. Use Testimonials and Case Studies
Testimonials and case studies are excellent social proof that can convince potential leads to choose your services. Reach out to satisfied clients and ask for their feedback or success stories. Showcase these testimonials on your website, social media, or promotional materials to build trust and credibility with your target audience.
10. Offer Introductory Sessions or Promotions
To attract new leads, consider offering introductory sessions or promotions. This allows potential clients to experience your services at a reduced cost or for free. By providing a taste of what you offer, you can demonstrate the value you bring and encourage them to continue as paying clients.
11. Provide Exceptional Customer Service
Delivering exceptional customer service is vital for attracting and retaining clients. Focus on building strong relationships, providing personalized attention, and exceeding expectations. Happy clients are more likely to refer their friends and family, further expanding your client base through word-of-mouth.
12. Track and Analyze Your Results
To ensure the effectiveness of your lead generation strategies, track and analyze the results. Monitor website traffic, email open rates, social media engagement, and conversion rates. Identify what works well and what needs improvement, and adapt your strategies accordingly to optimize your lead generation efforts.
13. Conclusion
Attracting new leads is an ongoing process that requires dedication, creativity, and adaptability. By implementing these ten proven strategies, you can expand your reach, increase visibility, and attract potential clients to grow your personal training business. Remember to stay consistent, monitor your results, and continually refine your approach based on feedback and data.
For more information please contact [email protected] with studio hire in the subject line.
What to Expect When Renting and Hiring a Gym Space
Looking to rent a gym space for your business needs? This comprehensive guide provides insights into the process of hiring a gym, including what to expect, FAQs, and tips for a successful rental & hire. Explore the benefits of renting fitness space and find out how to make the most of your gym rental experience. Are you on the lookout for a suitable gym space to rent? Whether you're a personal trainer, fitness instructor, Production company, or someone planning a special event, finding the perfect gym to cater to your needs is crucial. The process of hiring a gym space can be both exciting and overwhelming, as you want to ensure you're making the right choice for your fitness goals or event requirements. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about hiring a gym space, from what to expect during the rental process to tips for maximizing your experience. So, let's dive in and discover the ins and outs of hiring gym space and renting fitness space! 
Benefits and Advantages
- Flexibility: When you hire a gym space, you gain the freedom to set your own schedule and design your workouts according to your preferences. No more crowded fitness centers or waiting for equipment to be available. A rented gym space allows you to focus on your fitness business needs without distractions.
- Personalized Training: Personal trainers and fitness instructors can benefit greatly from renting a gym space, as it provides a private and dedicated environment to work closely with clients. You can customize training sessions to suit individual needs, ensuring a more effective and tailored approach to fitness.
- Access to Specialized Equipment: Gym rentals often come equipped with a wide range of fitness equipment, including machines, weights, and cardio gear. This allows you to access high-quality equipment without the need for large investments, making it an attractive option for trainers and fitness enthusiasts alike.
- Event Hosting: Gym spaces can serve as the perfect venue for hosting fitness-related events, such as workshops, seminars, or even group workout classes. The spaciousness and appropriate facilities of a gym provide an ideal setting for participants to engage in physical activities and learn from experts.
- Networking Opportunities: Renting a gym space allows you to connect and collaborate with other fitness professionals or enthusiasts who may be utilizing the same facility. This creates opportunities for networking, sharing knowledge, and building relationships within the fitness community.
How to Prepare and Research
When embarking on the journey of renting a gym space, it's important to have a clear understanding of what to expect during the process. Here are the key aspects to consider: Researching potential gym spaces and comparing their value is crucial before committing to renting a gym space. It is important to conduct comprehensive research and consider various factors to make an informed decision. Here's a detailed explanation of the process:- Explore Gym Options: Start by exploring different gym options in your area. Look for gyms that are conveniently located and easily accessible. Consider factors such as proximity to your target audience, parking facilities, and public transportation availability. Narrow down your choices to gyms that are suitable for your fitness goals or event requirements.
- Assess Amenities and Size: Evaluate the amenities provided by each gym. Check if they have the necessary equipment and facilities required for your training sessions or events. Consider factors such as the availability of cardio machines, weightlifting equipment, functional training areas, group exercise studios, locker rooms, and showers. Additionally, assess the size of the gym space and ensure it can comfortably accommodate your clients or participants.
- Consider Cost and Rental Price Structures: Pay close attention to the cost and rental price structures offered by different gyms. Compare the pricing options and see if they align with your budget. Some gyms may offer discounted rates for long-term rentals or provide personalized packages for personal trainers. Evaluate the value you will be getting for the price and consider if the amenities and services provided justify the cost.
- Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations: Utilize online resources to gather insights from reviews and recommendations. Read reviews from other personal trainers or individuals who have rented gym spaces from the gyms you are considering. Their experiences can provide valuable information about the quality of the gym, its cleanliness, customer service, and overall satisfaction. Seek recommendations from trusted sources such as fellow trainers, fitness communities, or industry professionals to gain additional perspectives.
- Make an Informed Decision: With all the information gathered, carefully analyze the gyms you have researched. Consider the location, amenities, size, cost, rental price structures, and feedback from reviews and recommendations. Prioritize the factors that are most important to you and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Make sure to meet the Gym Owners or Management
It is highly important for personal trainers & Production teams to meet with gym owners or managers when considering fitness spaces. This meeting allows for a valuable exchange of information and ensures a mutually beneficial arrangement. Here are a few reasons why meeting with gym owners or managers is crucial:- Understanding the Gym's Policies and Expectations: Meeting with the gym owner or manager provides an opportunity to discuss the gym's policies, rules, and expectations. This ensures that you are aware of any specific guidelines regarding equipment usage, scheduling, client management, or any other pertinent factors that may affect your training sessions. It allows you to align your practices with the gym's requirements, promoting a harmonious working relationship.
- Discussing Rental Terms and Negotiating Contracts: Meeting with the gym owner or manager allows you to discuss rental terms and negotiate contracts. This ensures clarity regarding the rental duration, pricing, payment schedules, and any additional services or amenities included in the agreement. Meeting face-to-face can help build rapport and establish a professional connection, making it easier to negotiate mutually beneficial terms that suit both parties involved.
- Assessing the Gym's Environment and Facilities: By meeting with the gym owner or manager, you can personally assess the gym's environment and facilities. This gives you an opportunity to evaluate the cleanliness, maintenance, and overall suitability of the space for your training sessions. It allows you to ensure that the gym provides the necessary equipment, amenities, and ambiance that align with your client's needs and your training style.
- Building a Professional Relationship: Meeting the gym owner or manager helps you establish a professional relationship, fostering open communication and collaboration. This can be beneficial in the long run, as it allows you to address any concerns or requests promptly and work together to create a positive hire experience. Building a rapport with the gym's management can also lead to potential referrals and future business opportunities.
Planning Your Schedule & Time
Planning your schedule in advance after securing a gym rental is crucial for several reasons. Here are some detailed explanations of why it is important to plan ahead:- Optimal Time Management: By planning your schedule in advance, you can effectively manage your time. Knowing the specific days and times you'll be utilizing the gym space allows you to structure your other commitments and activities around it. This ensures that you make the most efficient use of your time and avoid any scheduling conflicts or overlaps.
- Consistency and Client Management: Planning ahead allows you to establish a consistent routine for your training sessions. This consistency is not only beneficial for your own personal organization but also for your clients. By setting regular days and times for your sessions, you can better manage your clients' expectations and provide them with a predictable schedule. It helps create a sense of reliability and professionalism, enhancing client satisfaction and retention.
- Maximizing Gym Availability: Many gyms have peak hours when the space gets crowded, and certain equipment may be in high demand. By planning your schedule in advance, you can strategically choose times when the gym is less busy, allowing you to have better access to equipment and ensuring a smoother training experience. It helps you optimize your use of the gym space and avoid potential frustrations due to overcrowding.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Planning your schedule in advance also allows you to have a clear overview of your availability. This enables you to be more flexible and adapt to any unforeseen circumstances or client requests. If a client needs to reschedule or if you have personal commitments that arise, having a planned schedule gives you the ability to make adjustments without causing disruptions or inconveniences.
- Mental Preparation and Focus: Having a planned schedule in advance helps you mentally prepare for your training sessions. It allows you to focus on the specific goals and objectives you want to achieve during each session. By knowing when you'll be utilizing the gym space, you can mentally gear up, visualize your workouts, and approach each session with the right mindset, leading to more productive and effective training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: How much does it cost to hire a gym space?
- A: The price of renting a gym space can fluctuate based on various factors, including the location, size, amenities, and duration of the rental. To obtain accurate pricing information, it is advisable to directly contact gym owners or managers. Fitness professionals often encounter monthly pricing for gym usage, but there are also studio setups designed specifically for rental and hire, offering flexible packages like PT Workspace.
- Q: Can I rent a gym space for a one-time event?
- A: Yes, some gym spaces provide the option to rent their facilities for one-time events such as workshops, seminars, or fitness classes. When reaching out to gym owners, it's advisable to inquire specifically about event rental options and the type of requirements for the specific booking. PT Workspace not only accommodates production requests from large filming companies but also assists independent trainers. Additionally, they offer low-cost entry bookings for private content rooms and provide options for full site capacity.
- A: Certain gym rentals may entail additional expenses such as security deposits, insurance prerequisites, or fees for utilizing specialized equipment or amenities. To prevent any unexpected costs, it is advisable to have a detailed discussion with the gym owner or manager regarding these specifics. For gym rental and hire at PT Workspace, it is essential to have public liability insurance. It is also important to allocate a budget for a qualified fitness professional, as their presence is often expected to ensure health and safety when filming or photography commences.
Establishing Your Personal Training Niche or Target Market
In the competitive field of personal training, identifying and establishing your niche or target market is essential for success. By narrowing down your focus and catering to a specific group of individuals, you can differentiate yourself from the competition and attract clients who resonate with your specialized services. In this article, we will explore the importance of establishing a niche and provide tips on how to identify and target your ideal market as a personal trainer.
1. Why Establish a Niche?
Establishing a niche is crucial for several reasons:
- Differentiation: A niche allows you to stand out in a crowded market by offering unique and specialized services that cater to a specific group of individuals. This sets you apart from generalist trainers and positions you as an expert in your chosen area.
- Client Attraction: By targeting a specific market segment, you can tailor your marketing efforts to reach your ideal clients directly. This increases the likelihood of attracting clients who are genuinely interested in your services and increases conversion rates.
- Expertise and Credibility: Focusing on a niche allows you to deepen your knowledge and expertise in that particular area. This specialization builds credibility and trust among your clients, as they perceive you as an authority in addressing their specific needs and goals.
- Word-of-Mouth Referrals: Satisfied clients within your niche are more likely to refer you to others who share similar interests and requirements. This can lead to a steady stream of referrals, enhancing your client base and reputation.
2. Identifying Your Niche
To establish your niche as a personal trainer, consider the following factors:
- Passions and Interests: Determine your own passions and interests within the fitness industry. What specific areas of fitness do you enjoy the most? Identifying the areas that ignite your passion will help you provide exceptional services and stay motivated in your work.
- Expertise and Experience: Assess your skills, certifications, and experience. What areas do you excel in? Where have you gained specialized knowledge or achieved notable results? Your expertise and experience can serve as a foundation for identifying your niche.
- Target Demographic: Consider the demographic you most enjoy working with or have a strong connection to. This could be based on age, gender, fitness level, specific conditions (e.g., postnatal, seniors), or athletic performance goals (e.g., marathon runners, strength training enthusiasts).
- Market Demand: Research the market demand for your potential niche. Is there a specific group of individuals that has an unmet need or is underserved? Identify opportunities where your specialized services can fill a gap in the market.
3. Targeting Your Ideal Market
Once you have identified your niche, it’s time to target your ideal market:
- Tailored Messaging: Craft your marketing messages to resonate with your target market. Highlight the specific benefits and solutions you provide for their unique needs and goals. Use language and imagery that speaks directly to your ideal clients.
- Focused Marketing Channels: Identify the marketing channels that are most effective for reaching your target market. This may include social media platforms, local community organizations, industry-specific websites, or partnerships with complementary businesses.
- Networking and Partnerships: Build relationships with other professionals or businesses that serve your target market. Collaborate on joint ventures or cross-promotions to expand your reach and credibility within your niche.
- Continued Education: Stay updated with the latest research, trends, and advancements in your niche. This positions you as a knowledgeable and trusted expert, attracting clients who value staying on the cutting edge of fitness.
Conclusion
Establishing a niche or target market as a personal trainer is a strategic approach to differentiate yourself and attract clients who align with your specialized services. By identifying your niche, targeting your ideal market, and delivering exceptional services, you can position yourself as an expert and build a thriving personal training business.
To find out more about how we can support your personal training business contact us directly: [email protected]
Four hip thrust bench exercises to optimise your core
In this article, we look at what a hip thrust bench is, what it’s used for, and how to can exercise using one.
What is a hip thrust bench?
Hip thrust benches come in various styles; some are metal stands with padding. Others, like ours, are wedges covered in firm foam and a UPVC cover to be comfortable and easily clean. It is worth noting that people commonly use weight benches for hip thrusts. However, this is not ideal because a weight bench is generally too high if you are using a weight with your exercise. Another common solution is using a gym step with a cushion; again, this is not recommended as the stability of the movement is compromised by a non-fixed addition of the pillow or pad.
How to set up a hip thrust on a bench
Place the hip thrust bench onto the gym floor, and ensure that the bench is on a non-slip surface. You can check this beforehand by pushing against the bench. Then get a weight bar and some light weights initially. Add the weights to the bar. We recommend that they have collars in place and are fixed. Sit in front of the bench with your back to it. To judge your position, lean back and check that your upper back/shoulders will reach the bench top. Next, please put the bar and weights over your waist. Bring your legs near your bottom, lean back, make contact with the bench top, brace your core, and then drive your hips upward toward the ceiling from the legs.
With your legs at 90 degrees, lift up and then down, repeating this movement. You are effectively creating a bridge with weight across your lap. Refer to the weight and exercises provided by your PT instructor.
How high should a hip thrust be?
Before you do a weighted hip thrust, it is worth using the apparatus with just body weight, and this does two things; one, it familiarises you with the bench height and feel, and two, it allows you to perform the movement without weight. This is important because it will enable you and your instructor to establish a comfortable range for you; everyone is different. The height of a hip thrust should be proportional to you and how you feel when performing the bridge movement. Ideally, this will extend to allow the back to arch comfortably.
What four exercises can you do with a hip thrust bench?
Exercise 1 – Weight plate hip thrust
As the name suggests, this movement uses a weight plate, and it is good to help warm up before you use the barbell. So first, choose a weight plate that is a good warmup weight for you, then place the plate on your pelvis. Next, perform the normal hip thrust movement, ensuring that you have hold of the plate to avoid it slipping sidewards or toward you. Weight plate hip thrusts are good for calorie burn and are faster than other exercises.
Exercise 2 – Barbell Hip Thrust
As described earlier, this is performed by placing the barbell across your hips/pelvis and then raising and lowering the hips. The barbell will naturally sit at the bend point of your hips, but it is still worth stabilising the barbell by having your hands on it. See your PT for more information on sets and weights. Again, this needs to be assessed based on individual strengths.
Exercise 3 – Single Leg Hip Thrust
Once you are confident with exercises 1 & 2, isolating your legs is a good idea as this puts extra resistance in the movement. This is what the single-leg hip thrust does. We recommend starting this exercise by having both feet on the floor; as you lift your hips from the floor position, stop and then lift a leg, pointing your knee to the ceiling. Next, perform the movement by pulsing the hips from one leg with weight, either a weight plate or barbell, then repeat this with the other leg for an intence glute and thigh workout.
Exercise 4 – Frog Thruster
To perform this exercise, you put your soles together, as you would your hands to pray or clap. With your toes in place and touching, flare your knees to open your legs, keeping your feet together. Now perform the hip thrust movement; spreading the legs lets you optimise the glute activation, meaning the outer glute is worked.
Summary – Why we love hip thrusts
We love hip thrusts because they are great for strengthening your core, which benefits your general health. The results are clients feel more supported and stronger, and these exercises can help shape the glutes, tighten the abs and use the thighs, so many of the larger muscles result in higher calorie burn.
This foundationary exercise provides stability and strength to avoid back pain from day-to-day activity and exercise. Hips thrusts are a winner. Recently we got a Mirafit hip thrust bench in our Islington PT workspace if you are interested in using one. PT Workspace gym spaces are always regularly upgraded with modern equipment to support our Studio gym rentals and our Gym Hire for workshops and Filming.
Separately if you’re a PT considering our PT Spaces, please get in touch with the team using the contact page.
Nathan Head Trainer & Founder
P.S If you are interested in finding out about Fitness, why not take a look at the personal trainers who already work with us?
🏠 PT Workspace Islington Personal Training Studio: 87-89 Shepperton Rd, London N1 3DF
Personal Training in Islington – PT WorkSpace
🏠 PT Workspace Milton Keynes Personal Training Studio: Unit 5, Campbell Wharf, Overgate, Milton Keynes MK9 4BG.
Personal Training Milton Keynes – PT WorkSpace
🏠 PT Workspace Harrow Personal Training Studio: Roxeth House, Shaftesbury Ave, South Harrow, Harrow HA2 0PZ
Personal Training & Studio Rental in Islington
Conquering The Winter Months…
We have had an awesome summer with the weather this year, so it is little wonder why many personal trainers head to the nearest park with their portable training kits and TRX ropes to make the most of the long summer days and glorious weather. As a personal training studio, we get it…This is why we transformed our outside space so you could have the best of both worlds! Not only to keep cool inside but to have the luxury of taking gym equipment outside, which has been great for PTs this year. Regardless we understand why parks are a hit…
With London having been your playground all summer you now have to find a new strategy to keep your business going whilst the weather transitions.
As we creep into winter and the nights start drawing in, you have to start rethinking your options, as your clients do not want to workout in the rain or the dark at 6am in the morning (well we are yet to meet one who does). So before Winter hits us with all its glory, now is the time to start planning a backup plan! Which will see you through these tough months ahead.
It’s not easy for personal trainers trying to find a space that has the freedom and flexibility to accommodate an independent business. You have to think about…
- Where will I take my clients?
- How will I afford monthly rentals? (what if you have a quiet month or have booked a holiday?)
- Will you have to up your rates to afford higher overheads?
- Is it necessary to go back to working full-time in-house at a corporate/budget chain gym?
- How do you keep finding new clients? Or combat those you might lose?
With everything you have to think about, moving forward into winter can be very daunting, so we have some tips which might help you out along the way.
- Start marketing yourself before winter arrives fully (so ideally around now) to make up for clients who you know might move on or if you need the extra income.
- Do your research! There are personal training studios that take independent trainers, but they are few and far between. If you are reading this then you have already found one of them…
- Once you have found a space to train clients, choose a residential area in which you can offer your services locally, this can be your bread and butter. Let potential clients know you are in the area and available! This could be via a flyer for example. Introductory offers can go a long way in helping to generate leads.
- If the residential area is of a high-income bracket you can afford to up your rates if you need to, again do your research on the local clientele.
- Do not wait until the last minute to prepare for winter, take action now!
PT Workspace is here to support independent personal trainers with their businesses, and if you would like help transitioning into winter with finding space to train your clients then feel free to talk to us [email protected].
You can take a look at our very fair rental packages here.
We are back and ready for business! April the 12th was long-awaited for many in anticipation of gyms finally opening, alongside restaurants, bars and shops in line with Government guidelines.
Private personal training Studio
Never in all the years of operating have we had to close our doors, a feeling echoed by many business owners, but now we hope we are finally over the finish line. Since 2016 it has been our mission to elevate the industry for personal trainers, providing luxury private studio space where personal trainers could grow and develop their own businesses without the worry of extortionate rental rates which are unwavering and impractical for many small businesses.
Flexible Studio Rental Model
Thankfully since then, the industry has come a long way, and whilst the giants of commercial gyms continue churning over trainers like they are replaceable, at least there are now options available, as private personal training studio’s and small group training facilities have continued to grow in popularity, offering a more flexible and community feel to what can be a lonely business at times. Clients, as well as trainers, enjoy a more private space to train in, especially with the pandemic causing crowded spaces to feel unsafe.
Before the birth of private personal training studio’s such as PT Workspace, meant finding a gym space that you could call your own was near on impossible unless you were fortunate enough to have your own private studio. Many London parks now charge upwards of £100 per day to train clients, and many gyms want to keep their PT’s and clients in house where possible.
Studio Hire in London
With the expansion into online training, private studio hire has moved into different realms, where personal trainers now seek space not just for one to one training, but also a professional backdrop to create online content for websites and social media. Now is an amazing time to enter the industry with health at the forefront of peoples minds and the encouragement to live a more active and healthy lifestyle. There are finally options for trainers!
Stay healthy and Safe.
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace Team
The start of the year is always surrounded by a hazy fog of weight loss hacks, new year new you promises and campaigns, alongside fancy new tech & fitness apps at the forefront of time stricken individuals. Whatever method you have chosen to meet your goals in 2020, are you using these 5 points to hold yourself accountable?
- Share your goals
Discussing your goals with like-minded individuals will not only bring them alive but will help you build confidence in achieving them. Share your highs and lows, and surround yourself with people who will keep you on track.
- Have someone hold you accountable like a personal trainer
Whilst it can be easy to make excuses and find reasons to avoid exercise, it is always a lot harder when someone else is relying on you to show up. A good personal trainer will not only guide you but will hold you accountable for your actions. Guilt in this instance is a blessing in disguise.
- Train with a friend or family member
Training on your own from time to time can become repetitive, so break it up by working out occasionally with a friend or family member. This will help to keep variety running through your fitness regime. If you are particularly competitive, see if a healthy challenge among friends will add a bit of excitement to a session.
- Track your progress
There are some great apps out there now which makes tracking your progress easier than ever. Popular apps such as My Fitness Pal can assist with logging exercise routines as well as calories and macros. Only by logging your progress will you be able to personally hold your self accountable.
- Be Honest with yourself
No matter all of the tips above, if you are not honest with yourself and the choices you make then all of them can be cheated in one way or another. We all have off days, but don’t let one bad day make for a bad week. Reset and start again.
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace Team
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training or studio hire at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected].
Foam rollers is one thing PT Workspace has never been short of! The studio manager swears by them to help improve mobility, prevent injury, boost performance and help you recover from exercise. Now if you’re wondering what those round cylinders in the corner of the studio are good for, then maybe we can help answer that question.
Foam rolling can help address muscle stiffness and pain by applying pressure to specific points on your body. It can aid recovery as well as assist normal function of muscles which might feel tight or knotted.
Whilst it may cause slight discomfort at times, it can also leave your muscles feeling relaxed and ready to perform if used correctly.
- Listen to your body…
You will understand better than anyone, which muscles need attention and where the sore spots are. Start slowly, your muscles respond to different types of pressure so adjust accordingly.
2. Be mindful…
If you have an injury avoid rolling the affected area, foam rolling should not cause you to feel immense pain. By using your own bodyweight you can roll major muscle groups, and be mindful of pressure, releasing or lifting off the roller if it becomes too much. You have the power to control the amount of force applied, so again, start slowly and ease into it.
3. Take your time
Foam rolling is not something you can really rush, to feel the full benefits of rolling give your body time to adapt and your brain time to tell your muscles to relax. Spend a little time working tight spots but remember not to overdo it! Move on, prolonged time can cause tissue damage among other injuries.
Regardless of whether you choose to use foam roll before or after a workout, it can be a great way in which to increase motion and performance whilst helping prevent injury. Give it a go next time your in the studio.
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace Team
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training or studio hire at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected].
Mornings… Now they are not for everyone! A battle we all face but not everyone conquers, and as winter sets in, the harder it becomes to plant those two feet on the floor. The cosiness of bed will have you fighting your own thoughts and questioning your own sanity. But there are some great benefits to working out in the morning which can help set you up for the day ahead.
- Rise and Shine…
Exercise believe it or not wakes you up! It can be as effective as your morning cup of tea or coffee. “Even a short bout of any cardiovascular exercise wakes us up, speeds mental processes, and enhances memory storage and retrieval, regardless of our fitness or fatigue levels.” – Harvard Health Blog - Bite the Bullet…
It’s done! And out the way for another day. By exercising in the morning you are less prone to worry about your workout hanging over your head, meetings running over, distractions or anything else life has to throw at you. - Personal space to focus on you…
Exercise is great for not only improving just your physical health but helping with your mental health as well. Its time you can invest in you! sweat out your frustration and stress, where work and everything else can take a backseat for an hour before you prepare for the day ahead. - Consistency is key…
Working out in the morning will help develop a routine, and with routine come consistency. As much as you want to hit your snooze at 6am, showing up each day and staying committed is the key to achieving those all-important goals. - Feel Good…
To put it simply exercise releases endorphins and endorphins make you feel good as well as reduce your perception of pain. Starting the day off right with exercise has many great benefits to not only your mood but mental cognition, leading to better alertness, focus and concentration at work.
Mornings can seem like the enemy sometimes, but when you have learnt the knack of using them to your advantage, then there is a lot to appreciate about them too! Like Sunrises, you will see certainly see your fair share of those.
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace Team
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training or studio hire at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected].
Well, now that’s a question to behold! and usually one answered through trial and error over time, with experience. But if you are anything like us, then waiting around to find out the hard way may seem pointless, so we thought we would lend a helping hand to get you started.
Let’s start with saying…It’s OK if you don’t hit the nail on the head first time, but when it comes to setting your own rates as a personal trainer, having the correct expectations based on informed research and the market in which you are trying to target, is important. It can stand between you converting clients or losing them in the fitness industry, and we all need that bread and butter to make it out there in the big wide world.
Please understand that just because your mate Colin charges upwards of £150 an hour, throws the word celebrity around occasionally, does not necessarily mean you can charge the same, especially if your situations differ. Regardless of personal training being a luxury, this does not mean you can always charge copious amounts. Understanding your personal worth is the key to setting the right rates. There is no one size fits all when crunching numbers, so to find the answer you have to examine a few things first such as…
- How much experience do you have?
- What qualifications do you have?
- Who are you targeting? Need help check our previous post for tips. https://www.ptworkspace.co.uk/5-top-tips-to-market-yourself-and-a-pt/
- Where are you located?
- How many people have you worked with so far?
- Are your clients pleased with their results?
- How confident are you in your consultation practices?
- What are you comfortable charging?
Once you have answered these questions you can start building market research, seeing how other local businesses in your industry price themselves. Explore what you may need to work up to in which to achieve the same level of success. It always helps to be in the know with the market and your competition, and this will help create rates in line with what clients will expect to pay in your area.
Before finalising your rates make sure you have factored in your living costs, rent of the gym or studio and taxes. Also if you work with a package system which decreases your hourly rate with an increase in sessions or larger packages, check your margins because little losses here and there can add up at the end of the month.
Rate Structures you can explore
Standard hourly rates – Setting your rates per hour for which you charge the same to all clients across the board.
Flexible rates– Dependant on the client and what goals they are seeking. If you have to travel or pay more to train in a specific location or specialist facility, then these charges can be factored in.
Packages– Sessions which are grouped together which the client can choose, such as ( 4, 8, 12, 24). Sometimes trainers may wish to discount larger packages to make them more attractive.
We hope you found this helpful.
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace Team
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training or studio hire at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition, why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us here.
In a society where it is becoming ever more normal to question where and how things are sourced, such as meat and vegetables, clothes to name a few. Why then do we not question the Health & fitness industry more? In this new wave of popular blue tick fitness professionals on IG, thankfully more and more of us are starting to question what really works. Not just for the short term but for the long haul.
The key is education!…Enabling you to make a balanced and informed choice. If you don’t know everything there is to know about achieving muscle growth or fat loss for example, that’s fine! Because that is something you can learn from a personal trainer. Have an issue with your diet then a nutritionist can give you direction. It’s okay to ask questions before you hire a health or fitness professional. In fact we highly recommend you do! Because bad practices can put you at risk from an injury or worse…Before you get started consider asking some the questions below:
- Is there an initial consultation? Health Screening?
- How long have you been practicing, and what are your qualifications?
- How will you track my progress?
- What kind of training and exercise will we be doing in our sessions?
- How many sessions a week would you suggest we have and Why?
- What Should I Do Between Sessions with You?
- What are your rates?
- And maybe throw in a question that will showcase the personal trainers personality to see if you are a good fit.
Once you have the answers it’s time to do the homework!
- Request testimonials
- Ask for qualifications and check accrediting bodies!
- If unsure of qualification type, Google it! (boring I know) and do a bit of research on the course.
- Keep away from multiple sales offerings (bad sign for confidence in delivering one service)
Thanks for Reading We hope you found it useful.
PT Workspace Team
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training or studio hire at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us here.
Long nights, frosty mornings and rainy evenings, it’s not hard to see why Winter can be so demotivating when it comes to exercise. We are all missing a bit of vitamin D in our lives and Christmas has certainly left its mark. So how can we combat motivation when all we want to do is hibernate until Spring?
We have a few tips to help get you started…
Prepare the night before
There is very little more frustrating than rising early in the morning and spending 15 minutes which you don’t have spare, hunting around for your sport socks. Make mornings as smooth as possible by preparing the night before. Start your day off right by putting out or packing whatever you need in advance.
Adjust your lighting
As humans we are affected by the seasons and in Winter we can suffer with vitamin D sufficiency which in turn affects our moods. Investing in a lamp which simulates natural daylight which will help start our day the right way.
Turn up the thermostat
No one wants to get out from under a warm duvet, but a warm room will certainly make it a little easier . Time your thermostat so that you are not getting ready in a cold room and the temperature change is not such a shock to the system. If you can conquer getting out of bed you are already halfway there…
Equip yourself
They say that you can train in almost any weather if you can equip yourself to do so, be that wind, rain or snow. So invest a little time and money in making sure you have the right equipment to make training as successful as possible no matter the weather or visibility.
Keep it simple
Eliminate the obstacles between you and your goals, for example if travelling becomes an excuse to not go to the gym, look for a gym closer or commit to a personal trainer which will hold you accountable for your actions. Find ways to make the excuses less feasible.
Set yourself mini goals
If Rome was not built in a day, you can be sure that reaching your goal will not be something which happens overnight. So set yourself mini goals which in turn create mini victories along the way in achieving the bigger picture.
Mix it up
It’s not uncommon to get bored occasionally with the exercise you do on a regular basis, so make sure you mix it up! Change the intensity, add classes, start learning something new, and make sure you give yourself time to recover properly.
Log your progress
Sometimes it’s nice to exercise for the sake of moving and enjoying the process, but if you are working towards a goal it is important to log your progress. If not it makes it a lot harder to see whether you are remaining on track, you can also feel proud on the days you really excel, marking a point in which to work towards on your next session.
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training or studio hire at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us here.
There is a tide of change coming in the fitness industry, can you feel it? Even though there are more faddy diets, weight loss pills and magic weight loss drinks than ever before, the backlash from qualified professionals who are tied of misleading products is mounting. It sends home a message loud and clear, enough is enough! The responsibility health and fitness professionals have to their clients and listeners before endorsing a product is of great importance. No matter the grind, the world is looking at what way your moral compass is turning and even with the best intentions, be hopeful it is facing the right way.
The boom of instagram has given a platform for personal trainers to have a voice, share their lifestyles and inspire, but with it comes the pressure to represent your own authenticity as a fitness professional. Maybe there was a time when those of us who knew better would turn a blind eye to the continuous onslaught of diet fads because the battle way just too great to rage on one’s own, brush it under the carpet as ‘Another one’ to join the army of weight loss products promising unrealistic sustained weight loss (for the majority). But when the audience at which these diet products are aim at start fighting back, it will only be a matter of time before the truth is out, and no amount of photoshopped before and after pictures will save the product from its inevitable demise.
There is no short cuts for long term success in creating a sustainable healthy lifestyle, that much is true. So it’s the job of all health and fitness professionals to help clear fog and raise the industry to higher standards for the benefit of all.
Keep It Real…
Thanks for Reading
PT Workspace Team
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training your client at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the independent personal trainers who already work and market themselves with us https://www.ptworkspace.co.uk/trainers/.
For additional marketing support for personal trainers click Here.
Beat The January Blues…Personal Training Islington
The highs of the festive season never prepare you for the come down in January off all the food and drink consumed in December. Feeling heavy and a little fed up? We know the feeling! It’s time to address the heavy Winter diet, by shaking up the body with some much needed exercise to get the adrenaline pumping, and those feel good endorphins working on beating the January blues.
Thankfully we work alongside a talented team of experienced personal trainers, whose job it is to make us look great and feel amazing. So if you are not sure where to start this month, start with a trainer which can put you on the right track in your fitness journey.
Finding Clients in the Festive Season
December is finally here! Gosh blink and it will be Christmas day… Whilst many people start shutting down for the December period, those of us in the fitness industry are revving up for a busy January/ February. Lets face it, people need personal trainers more than ever, specially when each year the fad diets don’t stop over the festive season any more, social media carries them all year round, and it gets confusing knowings who to trust. After what can be a heavy month for many, come January it’s easier for those more susceptible to quick fixes to get sucked into a miracle cure, for all the pounds consumed over this naughty period of indulgence. So if you need to up your game after the New Year we have some top tips to help convert those clients in the upcoming months ahead which are looking for a little guidance.
TASTER SESSIONS
Building good rapport with your current clients, helping them feel comfortable as well as being friendly and approachable is vital when marketing yourself… Word of mouth goes a long way! Let your current clients know that you will be taking on new clients in the New Year and even say that you can give them a free or discounted session for each recommendation! Or even recommend you both come together for a free taster session.
During the taster session you should ask open ended questions about the client’s lifestyle and fitness, find ways of showing how you can help them, but not in a way that makes the prospective client feel defensive – many people are nervous about Personal Trainers, after all you are the epitome of the fit and healthy lifestyle goal they are aiming for!
OFFER DISCOUNTS
Try offering packages of your training sessions and discounts if the client takes a number of sessions. Or consider discounting the first one or two sessions in a “Try it and See” incentive. Contact your existing and old clients and offer their friends a reduced price first session and as a thank you, a discounted price session for the old client – which may result in new clients and the return of old clients!
LISTEN TO THEM
Ask about their health and fitness history and make notes.This shows the client you genuinely want to help them in a personal way, rather than giving them a basic plan made for anyone. Once you fully understand their health history you can help craft a informative response. Consultations are inherently as they are worded, consultancy practices not a pitch. Use the opportunity to find information that will help structure your own explanation on how you can support them with their fitness goals.
SHARE THE GLORY
Don’t be shy – if you have good results from other clients that you have documented or photographed, then show them (with permission of course). You can also try:
- Keep your website regularly updated with accomplishments.
- Email your existing clients with updates and healthy tips.
- If you have recommendations from your clients then put them on your webpage, and use social media to your advantage,
- Clients may feel a world away from you in regards to their own personal physique, so by showing them that you have experience transforming body shapes similar to theirs, will boost their motivation and definitely help. Above all, keep it professional!
We wish you every success in the upcoming months ahead, and if you need somewhere to train all those new clients then make sure you talk to us…
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace Team
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training your client at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the independent personal trainers who already work and market themselves with us https://www.ptworkspace.co.uk/trainers/.
For additional marketing support for personal trainers click Here.
How many questions will you get right…No peeking!
To lose a 1lb of fat, you need to consume 3,500 less calories a week?
FACT or FICTION?
Answer: FACT
Because 3,500 calories equals about 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) of fat, you need to burn 3,500 calories more than you consume to lose 1 pound. So if you cut 500 calories from your typical diet each day, you’d lose about 1 pound a week (500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories). It isn’t quite this simple, because you usually lose a combination of fat, lean tissue and water. Additionally due to changes which can occur in the body as a result of weight loss, you may need to continue to decrease calories in order to continue losing weight steadily.
Stretching will help prevent injury and reduce muscle soreness?
FACT or FICTION?
Answer: FICTION
“The evidence from randomised studies suggests that muscle stretching, whether conducted before, after, or before and after exercise, does not produce clinically important reductions in delayed-onset muscle soreness in healthy adults.” Conclusion by Authors Herbert RD1, de Noronha M, Kamper SJ. Musculoskeletal Division, The George Institute for Global Health.
On average we can only gain 2 pounds of muscle for men a month and 1 pound for women?
FACT or FICTION?
Answer: FACT
Here’s how fast you can expect to build muscle on average:
Average Natural MAN: between 0.25 and 0.5 pounds of muscle per week (or about 1-2 pounds of muscle gained per month).
Average Natural WOMAN: between 0.12 – 0.25 pounds of muscle per week (or about 0.5-1 pound of muscle gained per month).
We’re strictly talking MUSCLE, not WEIGHT. Besides actual muscle, weight gained throughout the week could be (and often is) fat, water or glycogen. We’re not talking about any of those here.
Lifting the heaviest weights will help me develop muscles fastest.
OR
Increasing reps rapidly will tone up abdominals like 20 Ab crunches.
“two birds one stone”
FACT or FICTION?
Answer: FICTION
Hypertrophy can be broken down into two types of categories myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic. Each of these specific types of muscle hypertrophy will result in increasing size of cells, but not of equal effect.
Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy is focused on increasing the actual size of the muscle, and less on increasing strength.
Several repetitions (generally 8–12 for bodybuilding or 12 or more for muscular endurance) against a submaximal load facilitate mainly sarcoplasmic hypertrophy (professional bodybuilders and endurance athletes).
Myofibril hypertrophy will focus more on strength increase and less on an increase in the size of the skeletal muscle.
80 to 90% of the one-repetition maximum for 2–6 repetitions (reps) causes myofibrillated hypertrophy to dominate (as in powerlifters, Olympic lifters and strength athletes).
Running will help me shape my legs and bum?
FACT or FICTION?
Answer: FICTION
Increasing lean muscle in the legs and bum will impact shape and definition alongside lower body fat percentage. Running will be effective cardiovascular exercise and reduce body fat, to increase lean body mass resistance training is required over conventional beliefs on running to achieve these goals.
Squats with weights
Obviously helps to build your leg muscles (including your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and calves), and can also create an anabolic environment, which promotes body-wide muscle building.
Increasing lean muscle in the legs and bum will impact shape and definition alongside lower body fat percentage. Running will be effective cardiovascular exercise and reduce body fat, to increase lean body mass resistance training is required over conventional beliefs on running to achieve these goals.
Low intensity cardio is most effective to burn calories and lose weight?
FACT or FICTION?
Answer: FICTION
Although it’s technically true that exercising in the so-called “fat burning zone” (at a lower intensity level of about 60% to 70% of maximum heart rate) does use a higher percentage of fat calories for fuel, the overall total calories burned is still fairly low. The reason is simple. Fat is a slow-burning fuel that requires oxygen to convert it to a usable energy, so it’s great for long, steady, slow exercise, like backpacking, or cycling a long distance. Most people have enough stored body fat to fuel low level activity for days and days without running out of energy, but if you want to go fast, work all-out, or burn the most calories per minute, you need to rely on the faster-burning carbohydrate (glycogen) for energy. Converting fat to fuel takes longer, and requires lots of oxygen. In the strictest definition, this is called aerobic metabolism.
The real question is If your goal is weight loss, and burning calories is the way you are trying to lose weight, you are better off exercising at a higher intensity 2-3 times per week, and burning more overall calories from both fat and stored glycogen.
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace Team
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training or studio hire at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us here.
Periodization… Keep Your Body Guessing
Periodization is the most significant resistance training tools you can use, to break plateaus and prevent overtraining. This system of training is typically divided up into three types of cycles: microcycle, mesocycle, and macrocycle.
- The microcycle is generally up to 7 days.
- The mesocycle may be anywhere from 2 weeks to a few months and can further be classified into preparation, competition, peaking, and transition phases.
- The macrocycle is for the total year or season and is understood to be the overall training period.
“Most comparative studies have demonstrated the superiority of periodized over non-periodized programs in terms of greater changes in strength, body composition, and motor performance (Fleck 1999)”
It is highly recommended that a period of at least 3 weeks is ideal to see significant benefits and adaptations, within areas such as power/speed and strength work. Many professionals accept that keeping the body guessing is the key to development, but what is the most efficient way in which to add periodization to your exercise routine? Try…
- Choice of exercises
- Order of exercises
- Resistance or load
- Number of sets per exercise
- Number of exercises per muscle group
- Repetition range
- Type of contraction
- Speed of movement
Commonly people change the exercise variety (for example press up to a chest press) because if you alter load, or repetition you will have an effect on the adaptation of the muscle. This could be sarcoplasmic hypertrophy commonly found with reps of 8-12, best suited to muscles size development (cross sectional area) found in most body recomposition programs.
Here are a couple of great ways to shock your body if typically following a muscle building phase. Try and incorporate one of these techniques into your next 3 weeks of training and see how you get on. This maybe a great way in which to focus on different energy systems, whilst improving your recovery time and strength.
Drop sets
Drop sets… You mainly focus on reducing the weight through progressive sets without rest. Great for damage and really will have you feeling the burn from the reduced rest periods. Work on your typical weight for 1 set, and reduce with 3 drop, then reducing the weight as needed usually 20-30 percent of your 1 rep max, theses sets are known as triple drops.
Often repeat for 2-3 sets or used as a fatigue bearing exercise at the end of a muscle specific split exercise routine.
Supersets
Supersets can be great way to increase intensity, and used in normal split routines. By using supersets you can inflict maximum damage in a short period of time into multiple muscles.
Repeat for 3/4 sets for maximal hypertrophy, this can be used by combing opposing muscles which can fatigue without reducing power output.
Such as
Bicep-Tricep
Or
Chest-Back
Most fitness professionals understand how to best change intensity and volume to progress their client or athlete across their training phases. So make sure if you are going make a change in one of these variables, you should research or consult a professional to discover if it benefits your end goal, rather than hinder development.
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace Team
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training or studio hire at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us here.
What is Protein?
Protein makes up all the cells in your body and is vital to repairing and making cells for survival. It is important for fueling growth through youth, adolescence and pregnancy. The main component of protein is Amino acids, essential Amino acids must consume through our diet and non-essential is readily produced in our bodies. Protein helps increase lean muscle mass and aids recovery when coupled with training, there should be massive importance placed on protein intake to transform your body. The bodybuilding industry has played a large role in bring the effects of protein to the forefront and much research has supported the intake of protein with links to lean muscle growth.
How Much Protein?
Before we continue any further we want to make a valid point that if you are training to lose fat and improve your shape, then this area of muscle growth will play a massive part in transforming your body so read carefully. It is recognised that for every pound of body weight it is advisable to consume a gram of protein. Making sure your body is fueled with protein will often enhance the anabolic effects of growth within the body when training. The suggested amount of protein for muscle growth can be higher in competitive athletes which may consume far more to maximise growth potential. Protein intake in the morning after a long time spent without intake and post workout due to the body’s need to repair (within 30 mins) has shown to best support muscle growth.
This coupled with consistent intake throughout the day and with small meals will make for a sure recipe for success. We advocate preparing meals and finding a protein source through food alone, but protein shakes can be advisable for those needing higher levels of protein intake for example, large males or advanced bodybuilders and athletes as most people should find sufficient grams of protein throughout diet.
Some research will support whey protein supplements for post workout due to the fast digestion of the protein to start the process of recovery therefore faster fueling of your body for growth. A rule of thumb is to make sure protein intake is sufficient before looking to supplements .
Cutting and Bulking
When losing weight (deficit) protein intake must be consistent for maintaining the lean muscle tissue which gives men and women their nice figure, and will promote utilising fat over muscle. It is documented that managing a calorie deficit or surplus will dictate the outcome of a transformation, and supported with high protein diet will have benefits for muscle growth. Many men who have read articles supporting bodybuilding will use the terms” Cutting and Bulking” which also refers to a deficit and surplus.
We would advise all men and women looking to increase their percentage of muscle to go through a deficit when transforming their body unless they have low body fat already (near 10%) as they may find adequate results in muscle growth especially if they have not trained with resistance before implementing a surplus to maximise growth potential.
Foods to eat which are high in protein:
- Meats
- Fish
- Eggs
- Soy
- Beans
- Grains and Nuts
Please take notice of lean sources of protein such as chicken and Turkey over rival red meat sources, if trying to keep calorie intake low. Some research supports removing egg yolks to reduce cholesterol and calories if using them as a source of protein more than 4 times a week.
If when planning your diet make calculations of your BMR and activities levels partnered them with balanced meals to reach your calorie targets for either working within a Deficit or Surplus. Always trying to keep you protein intake high and carefully choosing when to eat your carbohydrates and fats to benefit energy levels.
Thanks for Reading
PT Workspace Team
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training or studio hire at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us here.
Poor Practices, Bad Advice and their Consequences
Choosing the right support at the beginning of your fitness journey is important for many reasons, some obvious and others not so much so. The obvious being that you want your hard earned money to show results, if you are investing your time and energy into following a program provided by a professional, you want to see positive changes inside and out. You are perfectly within your right to feel that way! However poor practices and bad advice is dangerous and can leave you worse off then when you started, along with a burn hole in your pocket of where your money used to be.
The UK fitness market is estimated to be worth £5bn, as the number of gym locations surpasses the 7,000 mark, this excludes many of the areas of coaching and new unregulated jobs have been born. Some quick fix courses lead by providers using clever marketing tactics ‘earn 60k a year in 12 weeks’ (for example) offer accreditation in areas such as exercise, fitness, nutrition and means becoming qualified can be very fast with little to no experience. Not only does it undermine the individual looking to make a good honest living as a fitness professional but the industry as a whole. Education within this sector is important as a building block in which experience is formed, so advice and direction when given in the future is safe. If you are unsure about the experience and qualifications of your personal trainer then we recommend you…
- Request testimonials
- Ask for qualifications and check accrediting bodies
- If unsure of qualification type Google (boring I know) and do a bit of research on the course
- Keep away from multiple sales offerings (bad sign for confidence in delivering one service)
- Below is a few respected governing bodies you should look out for when asking for qualifications in fitness.
If you are wondering in what way poor practices and bad advice can lead to detrimental consequences, then you will not have to wonder for long. For example lifting weights can put incredible strain on the human body, and if your body form is wrong this can lead to back problems, severe injury, slipped discs and any other number of incredibly painful experiences which could lead to time off work, along with massive setbacks in your health. It is important that any fitness or health advisor can offer safe advice which takes into account your wellbeing at all times. Try not to worry, this is not to say that anything bad will happen to you, but you can take preventative measures by doing a little homework before you sign up with a professional without knowing their background and experience.
If you are looking for a personal trainer and still feel a little unsure, have a quick read of our blog “What you should consider when choosing the right personal trainer for you”.
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training or studio hire at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us here.
Understanding How and When to use Calorie Surplus & Calorie Deficit?
We have heard the words boundered around, however understanding how and when to use a calorie Surplus or Deficit in your diet can make the difference between maximizing fat loss and better gaining lean muscle mass.
Calorie Surplus (Extra food in the diet)
An example of using a surplus is often seen in a diet for competitive strength athletes and bodybuilders as their fundamental purpose is to promote muscle growth and strength. A surplus can be used effectively when coupled with a training program designed to reshape the body for a more leaner defined look. Diets having a surplus have shown to be superior over diets only reaching maintenance levels (balanced calorie intake) for lean muscle growth.
An advised surplus added should be from 5-10% more than your Basal metabolic rate (daily energy needs) and should allow for the surplus of calories to be directed to growth and not stored as fat. When using a surplus, fat stores may increase, so make sure to lose fat before this is implemented If you worry about extra unwanted weight.
A surplus is specifically ideal for individuals who have trouble “putting on weight” as this would have almost certainly been due to incorrect manipulation of calorie intake and expenditure. Make sure to eat clean and make up the extra calories through high protein sources. This is not an excuse to overindulge (takeaway, high sugar foods) to reach you calorie target or this will backfire with increased fat stored.
Notes
- Ideal for those struggling to “put on weight”
- Better Promotes Muscle growth
- Quick to workout BMR+ 5-10% calories
- Make up of high protein
Calorie Deficit (Less food in your diet)
A calorie Deficit is the most common used discipline in the fitness industry. A calorie deficit is when your body has fewer calories being consumed in your diet than is being expended from maintaining your body and the day to day activities.
Unknown to many… A small percentage of your activity will affect the overall needs of your body, as the primary calorie expenditure is to maintain the body’s state. This does not promoted inactivity but suggests that daily calorie needs will not range greatly among similar size individuals. Finding your BMR and calculating activity levels can give you a direct number to start decreasing your calories from.
Decreasing between 10-20% of your daily needs should be effective, which will usually account to around 200-500 calories .When decreasing your calories we would advise making sure you understand all the nutrients you consume in your diet first, and moving towards healthy food sources over general removal of calories, which can have severe effects on nutrition.
A reduction of a 1lb a week, is the equivalent of removing 500 calories a day. on average 2,500 cals a day for men and 2000 cals and day for women, for most individuals is advised by practitioners due to health and safety. This technique needs to have a balance between calorie loss through exercise and decreasing calorie intake through your diet. One should not be done without the other. It is important to make sure you do not place your body in starvation mode for prolonged periods of time. Always consult Medical Practitioner when making changes to your diet for either a surplus or a Deficit.
Notes
- Ideal for utilizing adipose (Tissue Fat)
- Do not use deficits for Prolonged periods of time
- Small percentage is lost from exercise vs BMR (daily diet needs)
- Difficult to increase Muscle mass vs Surplus
- Must learn nutritional content of diet before reducing “willy nilly”
Below are some videos to help develop a better understanding of your diet.
Video: Mike Thurston- Calculating your Macros
Best,
Nathan Head Trainer & Founder
If you are a fitness professional looking to work in an elite and educational-driven community be sure to check out our Studio gym rental and Gym Hire in London, Milton Keynes, Harrow, and Essex.
P.S If you are interested in finding out about Fitness, why not take a look at the personal trainers who already work with us here.
🏠 PT Workspace Islington Personal Training Studio: 87-89 Shepperton Rd, London N1 3DF
Personal Training in Islington – PT WorkSpace
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Personal Training Milton Keynes – PT WorkSpace
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Food Diary of the Studio Manager at PT Workspace
Written by Nathan Drury-Ellis
It is so important when we have busy lives to use our time as efficiently as possible when preparing food, for that reason i utilize what i call “mass production cooking”. Often a meal even for one person in the evening can take between 30-45 mins to prepare and cook and so i prepare as many meals at one time as i can. This can seem obvious but often when i speak to clients that i train they never use this as a time saving tool.
Okay so every Sunday (yes the day of rest) i do “mass production cooking” for the week ahead. This is so i can take some food (in tubs) on the go that i know the nutritional value of and as we all experience it is hard to get healthy but tasty food when we are out and about in the week.
Ingredients
I genuinely put an hour aside each Sunday to do my cooking and often requires just a single trip to the shops to get a hand full of extra ingredients.
The ingredients do vary but often the basic ingredients remain the same.
- 2kg of boneless chicken breast
- Handful of Spinach, tomatoes, Red peppers ,broccoli, mushrooms, and often a mixed bag of frozen veg.
- 2-3 cups of Rice
- Tin of Black beans
I use an assortment of middle eastern spices such as Cumin, Coriander, Chilli, Garam Masala, Paprika and often Garlic and Ginger for the chicken & the veg. You can pick from the spices that you like best for obvious reasons due to the fact i am the sort of cook that likes to get creative i am not going to place specific amounts but the tend to range between 2tps-3tps each.
Nutritional Reasoning
So for the nutritional reasoning behind these choice is simple. The 2kg of chicken is split up into 6-7 meals a week equalling between 250-300 grams per serving. This alongside a protein shake and often a some mixed nuts with another fish based meal mackerels salad, tuna etc it will total my daily protein needs of 2x my 80kg body weight so 160-180 grams of protein.
The assortment of vegetables means i do get the recommended daily needs for vitamins & minerals. Spinach and broccoli are must haves in my book due to the high levels of vitamin A, C and immune system benefits. I could do a whole post on the benefits and make-up of the vitamins and minerals in the vegetables alone but i will keep to the main topic.
So the carbohydrates (the mix of black beans and rice) goes without saying it is important but specifically it’s needed for energy and also has positive nutrient uptake (protein to the muscles) when eating post workout.
The Cooking
- So the cooking itself is easy and it requires little skill.
- Dice chicken into trays and mix spices to coat and place in the oven for around 45 mins
- Boil rice about 20-25 mins and add black beans at the end when finished just to heat up, do not forget to empty and rinse black beans!
- Vegetables are easy and can help to create a sauce when using tomatoes it’s so simply by sauteing in a large deep pan with the other veg for around 30mins.
- Equipment needed, large pan for vegetables and the two oven pans for the chicken. Also small saucepan for the rice.
Helpful order for cooking for vegetables:
1, red peppers, mushroom, add garlic and ginger, spices and then tomatoes and frozen mixed veg (this contains the broccoli and extras such as peas, carrots etc).
This can cook while your chicken is in the oven alongside boiling the rice/black beans and so the food should all be ready together. It is 1 hour approx dependent on how fast you are with a knife and chopping board :).
The finished article
Now i usually place 2-3 in the fridge to grab for next couple days and the others between 3-4 in the freezer. The freezer meals i grab out and place in the fridge after about 2-3 days for the rest of the week.
You can eat theses when you get home in the evenings or as i do take on the go to save me buying poor nutritional value foods from tesco, pret etc.
The measurements and ingredients are specific to me and my daily needs (80kg male) but it can be easily modified with switching up less or more chicken, rice etc and for vegetarians maybe quorn as an alternative.
Hope this was helpful and send me any questions or do not hesitate to comment below if i missed anything.
Happy Mass Cooking 🙂
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training or studio hire at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us here.
The internet has allowed us to access information like never before, this is no secret! The issue is being able to tell what is a load of nonsense, and what information carries legitimate weight to it. The ongoing debate around cardio vs weight training is one which has been building momentum ever since having a big booty become the latest fashion in fitness.
Now don’t be mistaken in thinking that we are not aware of the positive results weight training has all round, specially when building glutes/muscles within your routine… NO SIR the myth that need debunking is that cardio is detrimental to you having a healthy physique, that if you run you are doomed to have a flat bottom, no muscle and below average physique for the foreseeable future. Weights are good and Cardio is bad… This needs to stop! here’s why..
Cardio for one does not only come in the form of running, its rowing, cycling, hiking, swimming, HIIT and the list continues, and so when you say cardio, this is being incredibly general! Even if running is what’s implied by cardio, different forms of running such as trail running and hill sprints can be very good at working your muscles and glutes.
Second being that we all have a different genetic makeup, whilst we can to a certain degree shape/enhance our bodies by targeting specific areas through weight training and CARDIO, we may not always have the success that others have in the areas we seek for many reasons. Not everyone is born to be a natural runner, just like only few have the size and build to be as big as Arnold Schwarzenegger. Our bodies have limitations some of which you can move beyond, the rest is reserved for the elite 1% whose bodies are far superior and most likely that of an Athlete.
Thirdly we all have our own journey in fitness and so we each arrive at our destinations at different times and in different ways. So being closed minded to certain types of exercise is like not eating vegetables, they might not be your favourite thing on the plate, but deep down you know you should eat them.
Whilst ascetics can be one of the main driving forces behind exercise, the most important thing to remember is your health above all else. A diversity of both weight training and cardio should be applied to a balanced diet, not one or the other and so we really need to move beyond picking a side.
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us here.
6 Fitness Pros You Should Know About!
Many of us have our loyal heath & fitness sources we turn to for information, or fitness pros which we admire and respect, follow through social media channels, magazines or blogs posts which is great. But sometimes in the world of media, ads, fads and trends it can be hard to distance yourself to see what’s real & honest when it comes to the world of fitness. Who should you really be following? Who is offering genuine advice? Is this natural or fake? good or bad for you?
So we have tracked down 6 fitness pros which we feel cut through the crud to deliver you what you need to hear from the heart. If you don’t know who they are already, get adding on your insta account!
Holly Davidson: Insta @hollyactive
Profile here
Personal trainer, Author, oh and black belt Kickboxer, Holly helps you step outside of your comfort zone and reassures you that you can to rise to any challenge. Great workout videos from an expert experienced in the field of all things fitness, no excuses just positive lifestyle changes.
Lawrence Price: Insta @FaFitsake
Personal Trainer, model, writer and by the looks of it an all round nice guy! Who just wants to share his fitness experience with you in a positive way. So If not taking yourself too seriously appeals to your nature, because you were always too cool for school anyhow, then you will love this guy!
Insta @laurentickner
Self made queen at only 21, this entrepreneur is one to watch! Having conquered growing her own fitness coaching company, she now guides others now through the snakes and ladders of branding and marketing. Lauren’s Instagram vs Reality images, just goes to show how she likes to keep it real.
Matt Hodges: Insta@Themphmethod
Personal trainer and owner of The MPH Method, Matt delivers fitness and nutrition blogs every day of the year. If there is a question or fad to be had, you can bet your protein shake he has conquered it.
Caroline Edis: Insta @cetraining
Profile here
Personal Trainer fluent in Spanish ,Portuguese and French also known for pre and post-natal training. Caroline has walked in shoes of the city worker, and understands the real struggles which come with it. Proud Myth debunker and avid nutrition seeker, say hello to your happy endorphins with Caroline.
Florence Seabright : Insta @fitbyflo_
Profile here
Personal Trainer, Dancer and all round happy go lucky person with a smile to match. Flo lets you into her life, loves, trials and tribulations with the odd pieces of cake thrown in here and there. Fab fitness videos online which you can checkout alongside her vlog.
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us here.
2 for 1 Personal Training Islington…
Sound to good to be true? Well it might do, but the truth of the matter is that your eyes are not deceiving you and we are actually offering 2 for 1 on personal training. So if you have been putting off the gym because you feel slightly intimidated by the environment or have lacked the motivation to go, then now is the time to put a stop to those niggling thoughts once and for all.
Just 5 minutes from Essex road tube station, PT Workspace is a private personal training studio which means it is off limits to the general public, leaving you to train the majority of the time in peace. Plus now you have your partner or best mate there to travel on this fitness journey with you!
Let’s face it… It always feels better to moan to someone who understand the burn! Specially when you have been put through your paces by a pro, who will give you all the tools you need to maximise progression. So go ahead and invite that one individual who is ready to get on board with making some positive lifestyle changes.
Join us on your lunch break or anytime from then, up until 5pm! split the cost with your plus one, which works out to be only £25 per person and half the price or a normal personal training session. Winning!
To find out further information about this special offer contact [email protected].
What is the main reason you are not working out?
They say people are creatures of habit, and in think many instances it is easy to see why we love routine. So how come when it comes to working out, we end up breaking up with exercise?
Certainly we have all been there when life gets a little hectic, and even getting a grip on day to day basics such as cooking and cleaning can seem like a long shot, but when the dust settles the next battle seems to be a mental one. Having spoken with some of the longest serving personal trainers at PT Workspace, here are a few reasons clients have expressed behind their break up with exercise. Does it sound familiar?
- I’m too tied and don’t have the energy- Sleep is incredibly important to your general productivity throughout the day. It’s no secret that many of us in the UK do not get enough sleep and so it’s important you find ways to combat this. Have a look at your diet and see if maybe you are drinking too much caffeine throughout the day or find that more energy rich foods an hour before a workout would be beneficial. The solution is not always cut and dry, but if the honest reason is motivation then you need to be real and talk with a professional like a personal trainers to address this issue.
- I have missed to many sessions- There really is no limit on how many times you start again, and it can be somewhat painful to know that you might need to build back up to the progress you once made. But rest assured, the greatest comeback comes from a setback, so the quicker you get going the quicker you will get there.
- I’m Busy- Yes it is a busy world we live in and working out is not always the main priority, however your health should at least be a priority of some sorts! It’s a known fact that exercise relieves stress and release those feel good endorphins so it’s good to make time for yourself, the world can wait an hour or two! If not try and see if you can schedule time in to your day and make exercise more of a routine to commit to.
- I’m Bored of my workout- Some days come more naturally than others when working out, which is why it’s recommended to switch up your routine and take a day to do something different. That could be a class or swimming or whatever keeps you feeling motivated to move. It may simply be that your exercise routine needs to change to accommodate a more challenging workout, if so speak to a professional PT who can challenge you.
- I’m worried everyone is looking at me- A great attraction to gym goers is that it gives you time and space to zone out, or perhaps if you get into it… Zone in. So the likelihood that everyone is looking at you is very slim. Everyone who is in the gym had a first day at some point, but if a mainstream gym is too overwhelming, explore other options, like at home personal training or quieter spaces such as PT Workspace which the general public cannot access.
If you happen to be injured then of course working out is probably not recommended, if so light exercise… But don’t feel too deflated, because when you can get back into the swing of the gym then there is always specialists avaliable to help you through injury rehab to avoid an injury recurring. As mentioned before there is no limit on how many times you can start again at the gym, because the worst workout will alway be better than the one you didn’t do!
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the personal trainers who already work with us https://www.ptworkspace.co.uk/looking-for-a-personal-trainer/.
Challenges You Face as a Personal Trainer…
For those of you just starting out in the fitness industry the likelihood that at some point in your career you will face these challenges is high, and for personal trainers already established it will seem as all too familiar reading this post. However once you know what the challenges are you can then start planning how you are best going to conquer them.
Here are a few to get you going…
The Constant need for education: The fitness industry is ever evolving with new breakthroughs in science and biology alongside the fashionable trends which come and go. So even though you may not always believe in the fitness trend which has come around, you still need to be able to execute knowledge and understanding with your clients. Education is key to keeping your skills up to date and being seen as an expert in your field.
Client Base: Finding the right Client base can be incredibly difficult when establishing yourself. You have to take into account the area in which you are based, what type of clients you want to attract, how much will your targeted client base pay, making sure this client base has the motivation to invest in their own fitness and constantly marketing yourself to reach your target clients. So it can feel somewhat like a hard nut to crack but once you’ve cracked it you will be golden.
Setting an example: As a personal trainer looking in shape is incredibly important, your clients look to you for guidance and motivation, often aspiration too so you need to lead by example.. Keeping in shape is a challenge all on its own, but when your profession is based on it the stakes are a lot higher. You wouldn’t trust a hairdresser with bad hair after all…
Standing out: Over the last decade the number of PT’s avaliable has almost doubled and so the market has become saturated with personal trainers, not all of them very good either. So you need to elevate yourself above every other Tom, Dick and Harry out there professining they can do the same thing. Find your USP (unique selling point) and market yourself accordingly, you have to invest money in to get money out, whether that is in social media, your website or local advertisements.
New clients: A good personal trainer essentially works him/herself out of a job. Health and fitness is a lifestyle change. Once a client buys into that change, it becomes a habit. When a client becomes self-reliant, a trainer is no longer necessary. So it is important that you are regularly taking on new clients to combat those who will eventually leave you.
Location: There are many difficulties when it comes to finding the right location, especially as many gyms will not allow you to train your clients at their premises. It then becomes easy to get stuck working in-house at a big corporate gym working for peanuts. Thankfully thats where PT Workspace comes in, supporting independent PT’s with space to train clients. Don’t worry if we are not in the right location as we will be expanding soon and hopefully coming to a location near you. One less challenge to worry about…
As a personal trainer despite the challenges you face, your passion and drive to consistently make a difference will go a long way in changing people’s lifestyles. However you will need to be able to consistently learn, market and grow your business for it to be a success.
P.S If you are interested in finding out about personal training your client at PT Workspace you can contact [email protected]. In addition why not take a look at some of the independent personal trainers who already work and market themselves with us https://www.ptworkspace.co.uk/trainers/.
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