What can I expect during my sessions?

Here’s how my approach is unique, and what to expect from working with me.

  • I don’t believe in extreme fitness. Extreme fitness will only get you injured, and all my clients come to me wanting to integrate fitness into their lives long term. Moreover, if you are not currently active, your body is not ready for high intensity workouts. Instead, we will start with exercises that will meet your body where it’s at, while increasing the challenge gradually as your body adapts.  Together, we will also work on creating consistency with your exercise routine, which is the best way to achieve your goals.
  • We slow things down so you can feel your muscles working. This might be new to you if you’re used to high intensity classes, or high energy workouts. It’s only when you slow things down, that you really have the opportunity to pay attention to what the body is doing: notice which muscles are working (or not), and pick up on any incorrect movement patterns. Thus, at the start of our journey together, we will start slowly and mindfully, connecting to areas such as the glutes and core to ensure they are working correctly. Then, as you begin to understand how your body moves, feel the sensations of the different muscles turning on, and as we correct any areas of weakness or incorrect movement patterns, we crank up the volume!
  • You get a training log with all of your workouts – TO KEEP! You get to keep everything we do together (workouts, handouts, recipes) so you can refer to them whenever you want!
  • I believe in education. You will learn: why we are doing certain exercises, and why in that order; breathing techniques; proper posture and form; what muscles you are working; “good pain” vs “bad pain”
  • I do what I say I’m going to do – because so many people don’t! If I say I’ll email you your workout, I will. If I say I will follow up with you on a certain day, I will. If I promise to bring a handout to our next session, I will. If you ask me a question, I’ll find the answer.

 

What will my exercise program look like?

Your exercise program will be personalized to you, based on your goals, as well as areas that your body needs us to work on. Here is how I put this together:

Our very first meeting is our initial consultation – this is where you share with me what you would like to get our of our sessions together – aka, your fitness goals. We also discuss your health history, prior injuries, and other aspects of your health that could impact our training.

Then, our first personal training session is your baseline assessment. This is where I analyze and assess your body by looking at posture and how your body moves dynamically; at this session, we identify any areas that are misaligned, areas of weakness, and ways in which your body may compensate for a past injury.

Afterwards, I combine the information from our initial consultation (that is, what you want to be working on) with the information from our assessment (that is, what your body needs us to work on) and I come up with your first program. This is what makes personal training…well…personal!

As you get stronger, and your body adapts, your program will continue to change, evolve, and give you challenge.

 

How can I get the most out of my sessions?

By signing up to work with me, you are making a commitment to change, and to improve certain areas of your life. Not to mention a financial investment. I want you to be successful and get what you came for. Here are some ways you can ensure success.

  • Think about how you can make room in your schedule to exercise and move your body in a way that fits your lifestyle and schedule. This can be a combination of our sessions together, and activities you do on your own. 3-4 times per week is recommended, but coming up with something consistent and that you can stick to long term is all that matters.
  • You are coming to me to make changes. If you are not willing to make changes and to prioritize our work together, or if your schedule does not allow time for our sessions, then the timing is not right for you to make this commitment.
  • I require regular feedback and check-ins to hold you accountable. I will be messaging you as needed after certain workouts to see how you’re doing, and it’s important that you check in with your body and provide me with updates.
  • I expect you to be accountable for your choices. I can only control what you do during our sessions together. I will give you the programs and tools to make you successful, but it is up to you, and only you, to follow them.

 

Which package should I go with?

There are three personal training packages for you to choose from: The Teaser (6 sessions); The Determined (12 sessions) and the Go-Getter (18 sessions). Of course, it is ultimately your decision which package to go with. Below are my recommendations and what I’ve noticed over my years working with clients and human bodies:

If you are already fairly active, and are looking to spice up your exercise routine, then The Teaser Package or The Determined are excellent options.

If you are just starting out, The Go-Getter Package is your best bet. This is meant for clients who are new to it all, aren’t sure where to begin, and need the time and guidance to learn and build strength, as well as develop proper technique & form.

Both The Determined & The Go-Getter packages include program updates and (for those who seek it) nutrition guidance. The Go-Getter package is the best price point and the optimal number of sessions for us to explore a multitude of aspects of fitness for a well-rounded experience.

 

How many times per week should I train with you?

All clients who start with me must commit to a minimum of once per week session frequency.  Beyond that, my recommendations below simply come from the experience of seeing what has worked best for my clients over the years.

If you are getting started on an exercise program, I recommend a 2x or 3x per week frequency. There is a fairly steep learning curve when we get started, and meeting more often will solidify all the information and learning.

If you are looking for a boost in your exercise routine, then 1x per week may be sufficient.

You can also change your session frequency at any time during our journey together. You can start with a higher session frequency, then drop it down when you feel more confident and want to try things on your own.

 

Where will I have my sessions?

I conduct sessions out of my home studio in New Westminster, BC. The studio is equipped with a treadmill, free weights, resistance bands, pull-up bar, TRX suspension trainer, mat area & workout bench. It is perfectly suited for one-on-one or partner training without the intimidating look and feel of a gym.

 

Ready to start your personal training journey?

Yes! Let’s get started!