Four things to prepare for you first Personal Training consultation

1. What is your primary goal? 

If you're starting out on a new fitness journey it's easy to be ambitious and want to tackle everything at once, get stronger, lose weight, build endurance, improve flexibility. The key to a successful training plan is to pick 1 primary goal, so which one do you want to prioritise first? 

Why?
This helps you and your trainer set measurable and achievable milestones and to tailor the training programme to that one primary goal. You'll often notice the rest will improve along the way. For example, with a weight loss plan you'll often see your strength, energy and mobility also improve as you progress.

2. Be realistic about your time

Before you meet with a new Personal Trainer, it's a good idea to make sure your calendar is up to date. Not only does this make scheduling your personal training sessions easier, it's a good opportunity to plan your gym time in between your sessions.

Why?
Be realistic, don't commit to an hour in the gym 6 days a week if realistically you only have time to visit once or twice a week. If you manage to throw in an extra session here and there then it's a bonus! This helps your personal trainer plan workouts to make the most of your time and set realistic timelines for your goals. 

3. Be honest with your limitations

Whether you have any physical injuries, medical conditions or you know that you get bored easily or get anxious in certain situations then be honest and upfront with your personal trainer.

Why?
Medical conditions and injuries should always be declared as part of our Health Commitment when you use our facilities but for Personal Training it is also important to understand where your hurdles are so they can tailor their coaching to help you through them. They are not there to judge, they are there to help you succeed. The more they know, the more tailored your training plan can be and the results will speak for themselves! 

4. Bring Notes

If you have done your prep with points 1-3, remember to bring your notes and any relevant data to your consultation. This includes anything from recent physiotherapy, relevant medical notes, or even your smart watch stats.

Why?
When you're chatting to your new Personal Trainer it is easy to forget something, so a few notes can help you cover all the important points. Stats and data also builds a fuller picture for your trainer when you're discussing your strengths, weaknesses and goals. For injuries and medical conditions, more detailed notes or care plans are important for your Personal Trainer so they can create an informed programme that supports your recovery and reduces the risk of further injury. 

Four great questions to ask your Personal Trainer in your consultation

1. What experience do you have with someone with my goals and how can you help me reach them?

If you've done your prep work you should know what your primary goal is for your training. Whether your aim is to lose weight, build strength, or train for an event, your personal trainer should be able to explain how they'll tailor a programme to suit your needs. Not all trainers specialise in the same areas.

Why ask this?
Whilst it takes time to build a tailored plan, a good trainer should be able to give you an idea of how they plan to approach your specific goals, paying attention to what you've discussed about your interests, workout frequency and limitations.

If you have a specific event or competition in mind like a HYROX competition, playing a sport, or to run a marathon, it's also useful to know whether the trainer has experience in that area or trained other clients for similar events. 

2. How will you help me track my progress?

Results don't happen overnight, so it's important to understand how your trainer will measure success along the way.

Why ask this? Progress can be monitored through fitness assessments, strength gains, body measurements, movement quality, or lifestyle improvements. Regular check-ins help keep you motivated and ensure your programme continues to move you towards your goals.

3. What's your approach when a client gets into a slump or a plateaux ?

Progress isn't always linear, especially for advanced trainees.

Why ask this? The answer will reveal how the trainer problem-solves and adapts programmes when strength gains, body composition changes, or performance improvements begin to stall.

4. What kind of support can I expect outside of our sessions?

Personal training is about more than the hour you spend in the gym. Knowing what additional support is available can make a huge difference to your results.

Why ask this? Some trainers offer exercise plans for independent workouts, nutrition guidance, accountability check-ins, or advice on recovery and healthy habits. Understanding the level of support available can help you get the most from your investment.