There are so many ways to “get fit” it can sometimes be a bit bewildering. We’re continually encouraged to hit the gym or pool, take fitness classes, swim, dance, and sweat our way to some (usually out of reach) fitness ideal.
Add in all the complicated fitness tech, such as fitness watches and apps, that we now seem to have to buy and learn how to use, to monitor everything from heart rate to sleep patterns to breathing.
Sometimes health and fitness can seem like the least important item on the to-do list, even though in reality, there’s nothing more important. It can all seem overwhelming.
That’s why so many of us are opting to improve our fitness with the guidance and support of a professional trainer.
Somebody who has the experience of working with many different people, of all ages and body types.
Somebody who has patience and wisdom and will help us to meet our fitness goals (whether grand or modest) in a sensible, achievable way.
We want to be challenged but mainly we want to be motivated to get fit and stay fit for the long term.
"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."
The rise of the personal trainer
The number of Personal Trainers has grown every year since records began, and today there’s an estimated 25,000 in the UK.
Not even Covid could stop the rapid rise in personal training, with a big leap in the years since lockdown ended. The trend chimes with a growing understanding that health and fitness programmes need to be customised for each person.
This is where your Personal Trainer comes in. If you find the right person, you can achieve amazing results that you never thought possible because your fitness programme will be set by you and your trainer taking everything into account, including your current fitness and how much time you have available.
At St. George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club our mission is to help members get fit, stay healthy, relax and meet new people. All of these aims can be met when you team up with one of our brilliant Personal Trainers.
So, if you live or work in or around Weybridge then we encourage you to get to know the personal training team.
Your PT has a continual knowledge of your health and fitness levels, and goals. They are fitness buddy, mentor and inspiration. No matter what your initial level of fitness, your PT will help you reach levels you never thought possible. You’ll never get bored and when you need a motivating boost, your PT will be there for you.
Let’s answer some of the great questions that our members have raised.
“You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to get started.”
Can my Personal Trainer help me stay motivated?
Have you ever felt disinclined to hit the gym?
Sometimes a break from training, whether deliberate (like a holiday) or accidental (like injury or illness) leaves us feeling demotivated and flat.
Although these motivational dips are completely normal and happen to everybody, what’s not so well understood is how to overcome them.
Your PT knows exactly what to say and do when motivation problems hit – and they can often see when motivation is waning even before you do!
Their role is not just to keep you strong, healthy and injury free, but also set you up for a lifetime of fitness by providing just the right motivation, just when you need it.
Insecurity
Many people feel unsure or insecure about using the gym on their own. Sometimes anxiety about using that complex-looking gym equipment gets in the way of actually trying it out.
If this sounds like you, then working with a PT is the answer because they can guide you through using the equipment. Not just in terms of how it actually works, but correct posture, breathing, the right number of reps for you.
Think a PT will try to push you too hard?
There’s a bit of myth around PTs, that they will boss you about and push you too hard, leading to exhaustion.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, it’s the job of the PT to make sure you enjoy your health and fitness programme and get the most out of it.
All our PTs are super-friendly and keen to help you gradually improve, celebrate your milestones and achievements, and be with you on your fitness journey.
Think you’re too old, too young?
Something we often hear from members is that they are too old to start working with a Personal Trainer. In fact, there is no upper age limit!
We advise everyone to check with their GP before starting an exercise regime, but once you’ve been given the green light, there’s no stopping you!
Your PT understands how bodies age, especially in terms of common injuries (and their prevention and cure), and how far and fast older people can increase their fitness.
On the other hand, the only lower age limit is 11 for youngsters. Embarking on a fitness and training programme with a PT is the best possible way to set yourself up for a lifetime of good health.
Your PT will have experience with working with lots of different people so know how far and fast you can develop your fitness. They provide all the guidance you need, but also provide inspiration and help you overcome slumps, get back on track after busy times, help you to avoid injury, get proper rest and avoid overtraining, stay motivated, and simply have somebody who is clued into your personal fitness journey.
Can my PT help me lose weight?
Absolutely!
One of the key roles of a Personal Trainer is to help you lose weight in a sustainable and maintainable way.
Your Personal Trainer will look at your nutrition, lifestyle, current fitness levels, and take an all-round view of your health.
Working from this, they will devise a programme that includes diet, exercise, and strength.
And don’t worry, no foods will be off the table!
Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand. All the PTs at St. George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club have a thorough understanding of nutrition. Some have a wider knowledge depending on their qualifications.
Our PTs also work with you to provide advice on nutrition in accordance with your personal Basal Metabolic Rate.
Is a Personal Trainer expensive?
People often want to know about the financial commitment involved in working with a Personal Trainer. Prices can vary based on factors such as location, the trainer’s experience, and the type of training package or sessions offered.
What qualifications and certifications do Personal Trainers have to have?
All Personal Trainers require a minimum of a Level 3 PT qualification, but the majority of our trainers at the club have completed additional courses to further enhance their skillsets and focus on certain areas of training.
How often do I need to see my personal trainer?
Members often ask about the frequency of training sessions needed to achieve their fitness objectives.
The answer can depend on various factors, including your current fitness level, goals, and the trainer’s recommendations.
Ultimately all fitness programmes are based on the amount of time you have available to put in. Members often find that they sometimes have more time and other times are too busy to work with their PT.
That’s fine because you can take up and drop your programme according to how much time you have available.
Will my Personal Trainer advise me on rest?
Rest and high-quality sleep are a fundamental part of a fitness programme, yet so often overlooked.
Lack of adequate rest is one of the key reasons people end up abandoning self-guided fitness programmes, as they suffer from burn-out, fatigue and exhaustion.
Working with a Personal Trainer can help you avoid all this because they will make sure you are not over-training and you are getting the right amount of recovery time.
Can my personal trainer help me train for a specific event?
Yes, definitely!
If you are training for an event such as a race or competition, your PT can help you crush your goals.
Working to a planned training schedule you’ll cruise towards your personal best, and finish with confidence and ease.
But you don’t have to be training for a marathon to be able to take advantage of our PTs. Perhaps you have never taken up an exercise programme before but want to run a 5k race or parkrun?
Our personal trainers can get you there and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Are there female personal trainers at St. George’s Hill?
We understand that some people prefer to work with female personal trainers for a range of reasons. We do have female personal trainers here at the Club, and we welcome you to request to work with one of our great team specifically.
What areas does St. George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club serve?
The majority of our members who take advantage of the personal training facilities live in Weybridge, Woking, Cobham, Addlestone, Esher, Hersham, Chertsey, Byfleet, Stoke D’Abernon and surrounding towns.
Though, no matter where you live you are welcome at the Club, and some of our members come from up to 25 miles away.
What do I do next?
If you want to feel motivated and inspired to be your best, working with one our amazing Personal Trainers is the way to go.
Simply drop in and ask to talk to a member of the Personal Training team, next time you’re at the Club.
