FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I book my first session / get started?

Book a complimentary consultation - it's the easiest way for me to make sure you're booking the best service for your goals and I (David) can provide guidance if you want to invest in any of the supporting services.

How fit do I need to be to start training with you?

I specialise in helping beginners take their first steps into the world of movement. The reason I can do this is because I also have a coach who oversees my training and programming, and this often means I am working with new skills, so that 'beginner feeling' is something I have also had to work with and through. Rest assured you're not alone!
Over time we will build up your skill and strength levels and often you end up realising that the deeper you dive into a topic the more there is to learn, so that 'beginner feeling' is something that can be harnessed to your benefit.

What happens if I sign up to '1-2-1' training sessions?

First we will have a chat to discuss your goals, injuries and routine you wish to establish.
Once we have a clear understanding of where you are and where you want to go we can set up your first session. This will last 90 minutes and we will cover:

Specific measurements of your range of motion with photos. For example if you want to work on your splits then it’s beneficial to start with some measurements and photos so that we can ascertain which exercises you should favour and measure your progress.
Test your strength and skill levels. For those of you looking to, say, build up to your first handstand or pull up, it's useful to have a video and perspective of where you currently are on your journey to unlocking new strength and skill levels.
After the session you will receive a plan of action that will last you up until your next training session. Between the sessions you can ask questions via whatsapp or email or organize a phone call, you are also encouraged to send videos via whatsapp of your training so that I can screen your progress and recommend any amendments.

At the end of your package of '1-2-1' sessions we will sit down for a coffee and discuss your training progress, review what you're enjoying and discuss the potential next steps.
As stated on my Services & Pricing page, the minimum investment in '1-2-1' training is £340. This gives 4 weeks of training, at one session per week. Generally 1-2-1 clients sign up for 8 weeks (£680) and then transition into my group training sessions. 8 weeks of 1-2-1 training gives us a solid period of time to boost your skill and strength levels generally, as well as make you comfortable within group training scenario.
Normally I encourage people to have one '1-2-1' session per week. This helps keep your training focused and moving forward. If you require more frequent sessions I can create a bespoke package for you.

What happens if I join the daily group training?

First of all we need to discuss your training experience, objectives and any injuries. I can then recommend which of the differing daily classes to join. Chances are I will ask you to come to the beginner sessions on a Tuesday to start with as it allows us to work through the basics. However - if you have a lot of experience with training then we can explore other options.
You don’t need to attend all the sessions, there are flexible options every weekday at 7am and 8.10am (sessions last 1 hour) and hand balancing sessions on Tuesday and Thursday at 2.30pm (sessions last 60 - 90 minutes depending upon your strength levels). Generally people aim to attend at least one upper and one lower body focused session per week.
After you have been attending the group for at least 1 month I will begin to build up your personal programing for the times when you're not at the group. Don't fret - you will be provided with fundamental training plans from the start - it’s just useful to understand how you move and your strength levels before we start tailoring your programmes.

What if I need support or guidance with my nutrition in terms of food and drink?

Then Fitness Renaissance can refer you to the superb Dr Klaudia Raczko.
Dr Klaudia Raczko is a GP who left the NHS to study functional medicine. Her training as a doctor combined with a broader perspective on health gives her the unique ability to be able to provide clinical oversight or prescribe medications where necessary (an example being gut health issues) as well as interpret test results, such as blood tests. She can also administer vitamin D/B injections and vitamin drips which are useful if you have deficiencies.
Klaudia will help you restructure your nutrition to ensure that you're getting the correct nutrients - in the correct quantities - to support your performance, health and fitness.

I want to change my shape / tone up / achieve a 6 pack / have bigger arms, can you help me?

We encourage you to look to enact physical change via this perspective: let’s get you strong, robust and skilful. Chances are that if your strength, endurance and skill levels improve through our work together, then your body will have to make physical (aesthetic) adjustments to support the way you're using it. Also our focus on skill and exploring a diversity of movement means that you don't get trapped by natural changes in your aesthetic appearance over time.

Can fitness training help improve my habits or change my outlook on life?

In part building your strength and skill set will have a big impact on your outlook on life and improve your confidence to undertake new or adventurous activities.
If you have found yourself on the weightloss rollercoaster, struggling to make good decisions regarding your health or would like to improve your relationship to drinking / smoking / drugs then I highly recommend Cognitive Behaviour / Hypnotherapist Phillip Makatrewicz to all of my clients who might need additional support in these areas.
Your physical coach (personal trainer) is great at helping you learn new skills and maintain a physical discipline, but we are not qualified to help you quit a habit like smoking or challenge your unhealthy relationship with your body / eating (for example). More about Philip Makatrewicz and how he can help you can be found here.

I am injured. Can I start training?

This entirely depends upon your personal situation. If you have a chronic undiagnosed injury (eg debilitating back pain for several months and you don’t know why this is) then you will need to visit your doctor, physio or osteopath before you commence training so that we have a clear understanding of how to work with and around your injuries.
It is important to note that it is safe to train whilst injured / dealing with niggles as long as you understand what is causing them and what to avoid.
My personal philosophy is to keep moving and keep motivated. Your body is far more likely to heal if you give it some physical nourishment and stimulation - just doing nothing is often a recipe for disaster because you will eventually come back to training further deconditioned than when you got the injury. Work around the injury and with it. This means being humble, taking your time and learning to see it as part of your own personal process. If you learn how to deal with setbacks - yet keep working on your health - then this is the most powerful skill to embrace. You will make far more progress in your training as well as in other areas of your life requiring that same type of grit and discipline.