Marketing yourself as a personal trainer is a fundamental part of modern business, and if you’re hoping to create a successful brand then it’s never been more important. Establishing a strong website and social media presence helps create a digital footprint for potential clients to find you. So, what do you need to think about before hiring a studio and creating content?
Finding an affordable fitness space to rent
Finding space to hire in London has been a constant battle for personal trainers since what feels like the dawn of time, so when looking for a studio or gym to hire for filming the search can be challenging. First off you need to consider if the gym allows filming and second whether you will have to share the gym with the public. Private hire can be an investment so if there is anyone else you can work with to make the cost manageable it’s worth checking. Personal trainers have been known to hire a fitness space together and share the creative costs for photography.
Striking a deal with a gym that rents space regularly
If you are looking to create content regularly it is often worth asking if a special rate can be worked out for regular bookings. If you know you need to hire every month or twice a month, most businesses will be happy to have loyal customers. You may have to show some commitment first so bear that in mind if you are expecting discounts straight off the bat. Gyms that have a large public membership or are not used to hiring gym space will charge thousands to close facilities so searching out independent gyms that you can build relations with can save a lot of money.
What equipment is available in a Fitness space for filming?
Every gym and studio will vary in the equipment that is provided, so to make sure you have everything you need for your shoot, request an equipment list or virtual tour prior to booking. Any professional establishment will have a list ready for you. Particularly if fitness spaces are designed for rental, they should have a variety of functional equipment which should showcase the strongest exercises visually. We all love seeing compound big lifts, battle topes and kettlebells, this should be a minimum expectation.
Are there changing rooms?
Seems like an obvious question but it is often overlooked. If you are working with models, then you will need them alongside toilet facilities. If booking a space for filming, it would be important to have at least two changing rooms if the shoot consists of over 5/7 Models.
What’s the maximum capacity?
Sometimes shoots can be a one-man band other times it requires models, creatives, and support, so it’s always worth asking if there is a maximum capacity especially considering Covid-19 restrictions. Most Personal studios that are set up to allow renting for a full commercial filming crew would at least 1000 SQ ft. If a Fitness space for rental has less than 1000 SQft it is likely a small personal space often only able to support Personal trainers,
Timing is key
Planning for unforeseen eventualities when filming is a must. When working with people there will always be an element of uncertainty, so give yourself extra time to make allowances for the little things which could take you off guard and be time-consuming. Plan to always arrive 30mins prior most locations that hire fitness spaces out will allow setup time ahead of paid shoots, but this will often need to be confirmed.
Location and parking
When hiring a gym or personal training studio you need to make sure it is accessible for all involved in bringing together your project. Can the location be reached easily? Is there parking nearby or on the premises? Where is the nearest station? How long does it take to reach? All questions worth asking. A large percentage of Gyms and Fitness facilities will be located near tube stations but if you’re travelling with a large film crew it would be suitable to check private or street parking.
Equipment
Phones have come a long way in the last 10 years especially cameras, so whether you’re using a 4k Redcam or your mobile phone, make sure you have your equipment in check, backup storage, chargers, batteries, lighting, microphones, which can all become a nightmare if left unchecked. Save yourself the headache and make a list of the essentials so that nothing gets left behind.
Be respectful
When you are finished take time to put equipment and things you have used back in the rightful place, respecting the facilities will help build a good working relationship overall which can only be a positive. Think of a relationship of an Air Bnb rental model, or being a guest at someone’s house. Most Gyms/Studio will supply Rental and Rules so a clear checklist will be available to compare against. Often giving a few extra mins can help secure a good first impression to the Facilities Manager.
For more information please contact [email protected] with studio hire in the subject line.
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace team
Summer is here! This month the kids start to break up from school and holidays are fast approaching on the horizon. Now more than ever there is an urge to escape the last 18 months and find some enjoyment in getting away. So with clients taking time off, cancellations, isolation and rearranging because of parental duties etc, how are you going to navigate the next couple of months as a PT? Summer for most trainers can be a quiet time, so how to best prepare for this?
Our advice would be to use this time wisely and hears how…
Marketing & Content
Clients want to see professionalism, which is why it’s so important to make sure your social media platforms represent this. Creating content is a great way to communicate and generate interest in your services. Spend some time planning what you think potential clients might want to engage with. Find some quiet time at your gym or studio and see if the studio manager will let you utilise this time to create content.
Google/ Facebook reviews are another great way to help potential clients buy into your services, kindly suggest to your current clientele to share their thoughts on your services when they have some free time. Most will understand how vital this can be for small businesses.
Improving client Retention
How can you improve the services you already offer? What extra could you provide which will go above and beyond your client’s expectations? Even if they are leaving for a holiday could you be supporting them? With so many resources available to use, it has never been so easy to connect and check in with your clients. Checking in can make all the difference for retention, if you show you care your clients will often show their loyalty.
Goal Setting
We are halfway through the year and whilst goal setting generally takes place at the start, it’s important to check in with yourself to see where you are at. Is there anything you could have done better this year so far for example? Sometimes big goals can be overwhelming, could you break them down into smaller goals to help towards the bigger picture? Once you have achieved your goals, what’s next?
Be Proactive
Success rarely falls at your feet and sustaining a successful business take time and nurturing. It’s been a tough year all around for business, so if you are not sure how to move forward consider a mentor or someone who can help offer advice having got the T-shirt.
Thanks for reading
PT Workspace Team
Studio Hire at PT Workspace
Since opening our doors in 2016 in the borough of Highbury & Islington, PT Workspace has gone from strength to strength and the fully equipped personal training studio has now many wonderful new additions like the recently renovated outside space. Our Facilities include but are not limited to, equipment such as weight racks, dumbbells, kettlebells, spin bike, battle ropes, punching bags, pull up bar, leg press, sledge, tyres (etc)
We understand more than most, how difficult it can be to find the right space in London. Which is why we are now offering studio hire opportunities for photographers, videographers and personal trainers alongside collaborative projects & events relevant to the fitness industry. Whether personal or commercial we welcome you to get creative in our personal training studio with hourly and day rates available.
Please request rates: [email protected]
As we are a full-time personal training studio, we do have personal trainers and their clients to consider when confirming your booking. Weekends and most flexible and our prices reflect this. Weekday bookings are subject to the studio manager’s approval and will be priced accordingly.
For more information please contact [email protected] with studio hire in the subject line.
P.S If you are interested in finding out more 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/trainers/.
Stress like mental health is not something we should shy away from, by talking about it and addressing stress head on, we can find different coping mechanisms for carrying it. Sometimes stress cannot be avoided, such as the loss of a job or the passing of a family member. These sorts of situations are ones which we rarely have the power to alter. However, how you choose to cope with the stress of these traumatic events, can impact the amount of stress it puts on your mind and body. Exercise will not magic your problems away, but it can give you tools in which to handle stress and here’s why…
When stressed your body releases stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, this in turn puts your mind and body into survival mode (fight or flight). Your heart pounds faster, the muscles tighten, higher blood pressure and sharper senses. As well as impacting your feelings, senses and behaviour. Stress if left unchecked for long periods, has been linked to problems with the heart and vessels, as well as obesity and diabetes. So as you can see nothing good comes from stress and yet most of us will carry stress day to day and never address it. Here are some signs you might be stressed from the NHS.
How you may feel emotionally
- overwhelmed
- irritable and “wound up”
- anxious or fearful
- lacking in self-esteem
How you may feel mentally
- racing thoughts
- constant worrying
- difficulty concentrating
- difficulty making decisions
How you may feel physically
- headaches
- muscle tension or pain
- dizziness
- sleep problems
- feeling tired all the time
- eating too much or too little
How you may behave
- drinking or smoking more
- snapping at people
- avoiding things or people you are having problems with
Visit the Mind website for more signs of stress
Even though exercise stresses your body releasing cortisol, by doing exercise on a regular basis you enable the hormones to decrease the amount of cortisol released in response to stressors. The more you train, the fitter you will be, and your body will become more efficient at managing the physical stress. Exercise has been proven to:
- Reduce stress
- Ward off anxiety and feelings of depression
- Boost self-esteem
- Improve sleep
To quote Harvard Medical School
“Many forms of exercise reduce stress directly, and by preventing bodily illness, exercise has extra benefits for the mind. Regular physical activity will lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol, and reduce your blood sugar. Exercise cuts the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, colon and breast cancers, osteoporosis and fractures, obesity, depression, and even dementia (memory loss). Exercise slows the aging process, increases energy, and prolongs life.”
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax
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.
The London Marathon is fast approaching, and if you are lucky enough to be entered into this years 2019 race day, then the anticipation must be mounting. All your hard work will be coming to ahead on Sunday, 28 April, so now you just have to make it to race day! To help you along your way we have some handy hints & tips to share on the run up!
By now you will already have a race routine which you are working through and trying your best to stick too, however be sure to incorporate weight training to help continue to build strength in your legs. Using a kettlebell is a great way in which to work those muscles on days you are not running.
- Romanian Deadlift
- Single leg Lunge
- Front Squat
Repeat…
Every runners nightmare is an injury, so as to avoid this happening best you can, rest and recover! Do you have a Foam Roller? If not you can pick one up at a relatively competitive price. This will help massage your leg muscles which can become very tight. Your muscles will thank you later.(please see video for instruction on using foam roller)
Last Years Stats
Women
At the end of January last year (12 weeks out), females who would go on to run the London Marathon in sub-3 were running on average 55.3 miles a week. Sub-4 finishers were running on average 29.2 miles a week; sub-5 finishers 20.4 miles a week; and 5-plus finishers 16.6 miles a week. Interestingly, sub-3 females ran their biggest mileage four weeks before the marathon (65.9), while slower females saved their biggest mileage for three weeks before the race.
Men
Among the men, the average mileage was slightly lower. This was most marked in the sub-3 category. At the end of January last year, sub-3 men were running on average 46.2 miles a week compared with women’s 55.3 miles. Over 12 weeks of training, these men ran 602 miles compared with women’s 755.
In many ways, the data merely reaffirms what we already know: that those who run further, faster and more frequently tend to fair better at the marathon.
https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/marathon/a26034657/london-marathon-training-stats/
Helpful Questions
What time is the race?
For most runners, the start time of the 2019 London Marathon is 10am. Other races on the day are as follows:
8:55am – Elite Wheelchair Races
9:00am – World Para Athletics Marathon World Cup ambulant races
9:15am – The Elite Women’s Race
10:00am – The Elite Men’s Race, British Athletics & England Athletics Marathon Championships and Mass Race.
When do I collect my race number for the London Marathon 2019?
The Running Show is open at the ExCel Centre from Wednesday 24 April to Saturday 27 April at the following times:
Wednesday 24 April: 11:00-20:00
Thursday 25 April: 10:00-20:00
Friday 26 April: 10:00-20:00
Saturday 27 April: 09:00-17:00
How will I find out what pen and start I’m in for the London Marathon 2019?
There are three different starts for the London Marathon – red, blue and green. You will find your start and pen on your race number once you have collected it – the colour of your running number indicates your start area, and the number on your race number indicates your pen.
Plan for the Unexpected
- Trains, tubes and buses many of which will be incredibly busy with routes diverted, due to the road closures. Plan your route into central London and give yourself enough time not to have to worry about being late, there are enough pre-race nerves going on then to add to the list.
- Believe it or not, a major worry for runners is when and where they will be able to go to the toilet! If you wish to use a toilet then unfortunately you need to prepare yourself for long queues. So you won’t be too surprised when you catch the odd runner in the bush. Bury the embarrassment, because if you need to go you need to go!
- Chaffing can be incredibly painful when running 26.2 miles, so find a lubricant which can relieve the rubbing and then basically apply it everywhere which touches skin or clothes.
- It can take up to forty minutes from the time you cross the finish line to collect your medal, finisher’s bag, kitbag and leave the secure area. Keep your phone charged and plan in advance where to meet family and friends otherwise you might not find them.
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.
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.