FAQ

HOW CAN I BOOK MY FIRST SESSION / GET STARTED?

Book a complimentary consultation – it's the most effective way for you to explore your options, and for me (David) to advise you on which services will best help you reach your goals.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE TO START TRAINING WITH YOU?

You don’t have to be fit at all. In fact, I specialise in helping beginners take their first steps into the world of movement. 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 SESSIONS?

First we will discuss your goals, injuries, and the routine you want to establish.

Once we understand where you are and where you want to go, we can set up your first session. This session will last 90 minutes and cover:

1. Measuring 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 to ascertain which exercises you should favour and to measure your progress.

2. Testing your strength and skill levels. For example, if you want to build up to your first handstand or pull-up, it's useful to have a video and perspective of where you are now, to track your growing strength and skill towards that goal.

3. Going through 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 can also send videos via WhatsApp of your training, so 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. Most people sign up for 8 weeks (£680) and then transition into my group training sessions. Why? Because 8 weeks gives you a solid period of time to boost your skill and strength levels overall, and give you the confidence to benefit from training in a group.

I recommend that you have one 1-2-1 session per week. Having sessions less frequently makes it harder to keep focus and maintain progress; but more than one session a week means less chance to absorb and practise what you’ve learnt in each session. But if you’re pressed for time and want 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 suggest that you start with the Tuesday beginner sessions, to work through the basics. But if you have a lot of experience with training, we can explore other options.

You don’t need to attend all the sessions, and can pick from hourly sessions every weekday at 7am and 8.10am, and hand-balancing sessions on Tuesday and Thursday at 2.30pm (which last between 60 minutes for beginners and 90 minutes for those who are stronger and more experienced). Generally, people aim to attend at least one upper- and one lower-body session per week.

After you’ve attended the group for at least one month, I will begin to build up your personal programming for the times when you're not at the group, to supplement the fundamental training plan each beginner gets at the start.

WHAT IF I NEED NUTIRITION ADVICE?

If you want nutrition advice, Fitness Renaissance can refer you to the superb Dr Klaudia Raczko, a GP who left the NHS to study functional medicine.

Klaudia’s training as a doctor, combined with a broader perspective on health, means she can not only advise you on your diet; she can also provide you with clinical oversight or prescribe medications (such as for gut-health issues) and interpret test results, such as blood tests. And if you have vitamin deficiencies, she can also administer vitamin D/B injections and vitamin drips.

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?

As you become stronger, more robust and skilful, your body will naturally become more aesthetic. Also, you’ll be better prepared to keep your body looking great than if you were to focus on aesthetics at any cost (which is usually unhealthy and unsustainable).

CAN FITNESS TRAINING HELP IMPROVE MY HABITS OR CHANGE MY OUTLOOK ON LIFE?

Building your strength and skill set can greatly improve your outlook on life and improve your confidence to undertake new or adventurous activities. Physical exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel good’ drugs that account for phenomena such as the runner’s high. Also, learning a skill gives you purpose and a sense of achievement, and a better-looking (and functioning) body will further boost your sense of well-being. And training in a group gives you a sense of belonging and community, and even the chance to make new friends.

But if you’re on a 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 the cognitive behaviour hypnotherapist (CBH) Phillip Makatrewicz.

Your physical coach (personal trainer) is great at helping you learn new skills and maintain a physical discipline, but not qualified to help you quit a habit like smoking, or challenge an unhealthy relationship with your body (for example, eating disorders). 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 lasting several months) you will need to visit your doctor, physio or osteopath before you start training so that we can understand 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. The most powerful skill to embrace is learning how to deal with setbacks while continuing to work on your health. That way you will make far more progress not only in your training but also in other areas of your life that require grit and discipline.