Can I speak with you to get more information before I join?
Always happy to have a chat about what I can offer, whether it’s a catch up in person for a coffee, or over the phone.
More Info
I have a variety of ways to ensure you can access helpful, sustainable and fun personal training sessions. I want to ensure you feel at your most comfortable when we work out.
I’m not comfortable or confident in a gym, can you help?
You are not alone, this is a common feeling for those of us who have wanted to do something, but feel self conscious. I can offer a private space for you to get comfortable with moving, or can assist you with being in a gym space. We all started somewhere.
Where can I train with you?
We can train in a range of locations such as my own private gym space, which is not open to the general public. I also work out of two awesome locally owned and operated gyms, SkyFit24 Moray Place and SkyFit24 Mosgiel. There is also the option to enjoy the outdoors, train in fresh air, or at your home. It’s about finding a space that works for you.
Do I have to have a gym membership to train with you?
You do not need a SkyFit24 gym membership to train with me, however you would need one if you wanted to train there without me. No membership is needed at The Loft as it is by appointment with me only.
How many days a week should I work out?
This is always an interesting question that I get asked. It comes down to several factors. Are you new to training? In that case I would say no more than 2 or 3 times a week for the first few weeks, as you need to get used to moving. If you are an experienced gym goer, then it will depend on your goals. The key is to know when to rest!
What support do you offer with a plan?
All plans are based on assessing where you are currently, and where you want to be. Support can be offered throughout the plan to help you reach that goal!
What happens with my training if I have an injury?
Injuries happen, and knowing what to do when they happen to minimise the impact on your training and goals is a big part of what I can offer. Being flexible and coming up with suitable exercises to keep you moving in the right direction is important.
My Services
Whether you want to train one-on-one, in a pair, or as part of a sports group or corporate team, I have options to ensure everyone feels safe and are learning at their pace. Nobody is left behind.
1 ON 1
One-on-one training sessions, tailored to your goals. This can work in conjunction with a written plan and with follow up coaching. All one-on-one sessions are tailored depending on individual progress.
Group
Taking part in a group session is a fantastic way to get moving, have fun, and to be motivated with like-minded people.
Small group sessions, ranging from general fitness (with a focus on ensuring that all within the group can take part, no matter the age, skill or fitness level) to more specialised group training aimed at those who wish to improve specific areas of performance, e.g. improving core and upper body strength and control for mountain biking.
Friend/pairs
Great way to get the benefit of one-on-one training while working with a friend or partner. Help encourage each other along on the journey, and above all have fun while doing so.
Written plans:
Tailored plans to help meet your needs and goals. Fully adjustable depending on how far along the journey you are. Supported with follow ups to check on progress.
Case Studies
Building Confidence
One of my clients approached me as a young adult (mid-teens) who had concerns around confidence and was struggling to find their identity.
Building Confidence
One of my clients approached me as a young adult (mid-teens) who had concerns around confidence and was struggling to find their identity. The Loft was a safe, private place where the client could go to train with the support and privacy they needed. For this client, I gave a lot of my focus to building their confidence both in themselves first and then around other people. Having the ability to bring individuals into an environment such as the Loft, which isn’t open to the public, was a great way of introducing them to movement in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
Over time we worked on their physical abilities, being able to move well and finding movement and exercises that helped them feel more comfortable within themselves. As this happened they became more at ease with working out in front of others.
It was a joy watching them grow, not only physically but in confidence and ability. They have now moved onto university life, and have even taken up Jiu Jitsu. Seeing this happen over time further re-enforces with me that being able to introduce someone to healthy movement, building confidence within, can benefit the whole. From the physical, mental, and social well-being.
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Injury Rehabilitation
A client of mine had an injured lower back from an incorrect deadlifting technique and had herniated a disk (L5 S1).
Injury Rehabilitation
A client of mine had an injured lower back from an incorrect deadlifting technique and had herniated a disk (L5 S1). This made movement difficult and meant he struggled to even walk to the end of his driveway. The hospital had informed my client that surgery was his only option, however, due to his form of work he couldn’t afford to take time off as this would risk him losing numerous contracts. He was desperate to find another option so he could move normally again.
This was when the client approached me as he was motivated to improve his physical condition and ability due to this being tied to his work. His job meant that he would often have to work long days, travel to many varied environments, all while carrying more than 20kg of camera equipment.
Before beginning his training journey with me, I researched his particular injury (herniated disk rehabilitation) and the potential benefit for it to be managed by physical activity, and decided to start conservatively. In the early stages, we focused on fundamental, basic, and safe movement patterns, and any sign of discomfort we eased off. Once my client was comfortable moving again, we started working on long-term strengthening of his upper body and core and focused on proper posture and movement.
My client has continued to work with me on and off over the last few years. He no longer needs any pain relief, he’s been able to travel for leisure and work, carry his film equipment and he’s back to playing cricket. His focus has shifted from recovery to long-term health and fitness but I’m thankful to still be able to offer advice and support him on his journey to a healthy balanced life.
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Health and Exercise
A female client in her mid-to-late 60s had developed early symptoms for Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and was in poor shape.
Health and Exercise
A female client in her mid-to-late 60's had developed early symptoms for Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and was in poor shape. The initial goal related to getting her moving again and into a routine that would fit in with her life. We looked at good exercise techniques and building strength and how this would improve her overall cardiovascular system and health.
We started her training slowly, ensuring care was taken as we built up her cardiovascular fitness. Weight training was also vital in improving her health, and we improved her cardiovascular fitness, brought her blood pressure down, and enabled her to maintain a busy work and life. The inclusion of resistance training and free weights greatly improved her ability to control Type 2 Diabetes and after a while, her doctor was happily surprised to note that her symptoms had disappeared.
To maintain a sense of fun and to break stereotypes, I explored heavy lifting with the client, including bench press and dead lifts as a way to keep challenging her and for her to continue learning. Not only was lifting heavy weights rewarding for the client, but the focus on technique and control was also enjoyable. For me as a trainer, this further reinforced my philosophy of ‘Never Too Late’. It certainly was not too late for her to learn new things or new ways to be challenged. As she grew in confidence and ability, she was more comfortable in setting herself additional goals and challenges.
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Our Locations
The Loft
The Loft is the perfect place to have some fun while working hard. The focus is on trying different ways of challenging you to move and exercise, come along and have a go on our small climbing wall, weights sled, TRX suspension trainers and more.
Outdoors/Your Space
Options exist for training in the great outdoors, or at your home. I offer flexible training arrangements to ensure you get the best experience possible.
Skyfit24
There are two SkyFit24 gyms in Dunedin, offering a warm and welcoming place to train. One is in the city centre and there’s a brand new one in Mosgiel. The Mosgiel gym is in a purpose-built building with all new equipment, ready for you to begin or continue on with your fitness journey.
