Q. Hi, I’m interested in having some personal training sessions with you but I’m not sure whether I’m ready or not?

A. Hi, You can find out more by arranging a free 30 minute consultation with me at a time convenient for us both.  We can then discuss your exercise history and see if you’ve suffered any injuries in the past as well as find out how much you already know about training and nutrition.  You may need a little guidance and then when you know how to exercise properly you can do your own thing.  I also recommend you find out more by becoming a member of John Cammish Personal Training.  Sign up here on the site to view free articles – they may also answer some of your questions.

Q. I’ve heard that personal training can be very effective, but also very expensive? Is there a way to limit the cost?

A. It depends a lot on the trainer you hire, but yes, personal training can be effective, ineffective, cheap – and expensive.  It depends on the quality and value of the trainer.  I pride myself on my value and get good results – check out what a few clients have said by clicking here.

If you are on a strict budget, you can have 1 session every 4-6 weeks, this will allow you access to professional advice and is very cost-effective. Every 4-10 weeks your body will have changed, and so will your nutritional demands, training factors and work capacity. Therefore, regular tweaks are needed!

You may want to be trained by me in nearly every session.  This is more expensive, but is probably better value for money for someone who is really de-motivated and feels they cannot get motivated to exercise.  It depends on how much you can do on your own, and when you need a little help.

If Private Personal Training is not for you, there are also other options available:

Semi-Private Personal Training sessions

You and a friend train together. You both receive individualised programs, but the cost is lower for each of you. This also provides motivation to exercise too. This is a great way to train, and Andrea is a great example of what Semi-Private Personal Training can do as she trains with her sister.

Fitness Bootcamps

Fitness Bootcamps are intense exercise classes that will help you get leaner, stronger and fitter. They are also great fun, and a chance to exercise with similar-minded people. Some Bootcamps are outdoors and it can feel great to push your body to the limit out in the fresh air! Click here for more details

 

Q. I’m already a member of your site and I now want to book some sessions with you.  How do I go about this?

A. Hi, it’s great that you’re a member already!  To book your free initial consultation, simply contact me via the Contact page.  I look forward to it!

Q. I’ve tried every diet under the sun but can’t seem to shift the weight, what am I doing wrong?

A. First of all, sign up to John Cammish Personal Training (it’s free!) and take a look at the articles available. If there is anything you need to ask, I can be contacted here, to book a free consultation that lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. If it is only nutritional guidance you require, we can go through your food choices and highlight any problems.

Q. Do you cover nutrition in your sessions? I hear all sorts of things regarding diet.

A. Diet is the very first thing I cover with my clients. You cannot out-train a bad diet – especially if you can only manage the average 3-4 hours people train in a week. My clients learn about calories, proteins, carbohydrates and fats – and when to eat these nutrients to match their individual goal and lifestyle.

Q. Myself and a friend would like to have some personal training sessions, but we’re both quite shy. Is there a way we can do them together?

A. Of course! Semi-Private Personal Training Sessions are available, and usually take 3 at a time at the most. (2 of you is easier to manage as there can be many individual differences). These are very effective in that they enable you and your friends to learn while having fun together! They also work out cheaper per person – by as much as 30% each. They are also useful in that you have someone to motivate you and subconsciously compete against – making positive results more likely. The only disadvantage is that some practical sessions can be difficult to keep consistent, although if you both have the same goal (i.e. fat loss) and only minor injuries, then you will most likely have very similar fat loss programs.

 

Q. How often do you write articles in the members section?

A. I try to write articles when I can.  I regularly update the Blog weekly so be sure to check there.

Q. Do you do nutrition sessions only? I feel I am clued up with my exercise.

A. Yes, I tailor each schedule to each client, so nutrition can be done without exercise sessions if you wish. However, I do recommend that you take my advice on diet as well as exercise, as I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there. For example, when people say ‘eat a sensible diet’  – what is that then?

Q. Another trainer told me something that contradicts some of your advice. Who do I believe?

A. Who do you want to believe?!! I will give advice that I feel is correct to the specific situation – along with the reasons why. I would say to you to ask the trainer the reasons why he/she gave the advice – and then it is up to you to decide which reasons appear to make more sense. If they are citing a particular study or research paper, it may be that they have misinterpreted the evidence, not looked at the flaws of the experiment method, or may not be aware of other studies. Either way, it’s good that you’re seeking out knowledge!

Q. What should I look for in a personal trainer?

A. See ‘Choosing a personal trainer’ to see what I recommend. I also advise that if you decide to book with a personal trainer, speak to at least 2 so that you can see who you think will suit you best.

Q. I have heard that some personal trainers are not very experienced or qualified. What qualifications and experience do you have?

A. Some personal trainers are often under qualified and think they know it all because they are successful with their own training. These are simply ‘fitness enthusiasts.’ Others are qualified, but haven’t got the experience to work with people in a gym or one-to-one environment.  I have a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science, and I have taken over 2000 individual one-on-one sessions, and over 500 group classes..  Check out my biography page for more information.  You can also take a look at the  ‘Choosing a Personal Trainer‘ page to see what I recommend when looking for a personal trainer.

Q. I am a regular exerciser and am motivated enough to train on my own. However I don’t seem to be benefiting from my current exercises. Is there anything you can do to get me to start improving again without me having to have sessions every week?

A. Often it is the diet that is the limiting factor when it comes to getting the body you want. Little things can make big differences if you are not eating correctly for your individual goal. Also, the workout you are doing may have become too easy and you’re not progressing enough, or you have hit a plateau and need a new program to stimulate new progress. Book in with me and a few new ideas might complete your current puzzle.

Q. How many times a week do I need to train?

A. This is individual-specific. There are so many factors that need to be addressed such as diet, training goal, training age, spare time, whether there is a deadline (eg a weding/holiday/photoshoot) involved. I simply cannot answer this question without knowing all the factors!

 

Q. I know that exercise is good for me, but I do not enjoy it and I find it difficult to keep myself motivated. Will your services help?

A. Through my experience in the field of Exercise Psychology at university and my experience in the gym, I have found many ways to make sessions more enjoyable for clients. I firmly believe that enabling clients to stick with a program is far more effective than a ‘one-off’ experience – and that results often breeds enthusiasm.

Q. Do I get a program to follow?

A. Yes, of course.  If you don’t have a program to follow, you won’t know if you’re making progress or not. To head into the gym and just ‘work really hard’   is just asking for less results…..in a random fashion. After all, even if you do find you are making progress……how do you know what it was that worked??!!!