FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s your personal training style?

Well, I like to make you strong. So most of your training session will be geared around lifting dumbbells/barbells, utilising gym machines, body weight and bands. Your session will generally finish with core work, and then maybe some form of conditioning if its your preference, and/or time allows for it.

I am not a ‘get-in-your-face’ screamer, rather, I like to explain why we are doing an exercise and what muscles you should feel working.

I work with your starting point, and program you accordingly. If you’re starting as a beginner, we will spend some time learning the basics, I don’t just throw you in the deep end. If you’re more advanced, then we can progress your strength on exercises you are familiar with and get you adding some new movements to your exercise repertoire.

How do you know what type of exercise to prescribe for me based on my goals?

I work with a Risk vs Reward mind set. I take time to get to know your likes/dislikes, your injury history and your goals that you want to achieve with your training. Then I think about the best exercises to give you to help you with all of that. I have never prescribed a burpee for example (unless someone specifically asked for it) as I believe the risk of injury from the dynamic movement is too high for most of my clientele, and the reward can be achieved just as well by me prescribing a safer movement.

Do I already have to be fit to train with you?

No, that’s why you're seeking my services. I train all people, from zero experience to competitors. Women, and men.

I am very new to training and don’t know names of exercises of how to do them. Can you still help me?

Of course, no matter what modality of training you do with me, there will always be an explanation. If we train in-person, well then I can give you real-time instruction and feedback. If we train online and you have access to my ZD Coaching app, you will see a video demonstrating the movement with additional text for every exercise I prescribe to you. There is also a feature in the app that allows you to video you doing the exercise and I can provide you feedback this way too.

I don’t have access to equipment at home. Can I still do one of your programs?

Yes! I can prescribe body weight exercises for you to do which is a great start to your fitness journey with me. I can then help you make some smart choices if you’d like to purchase some equipment to take your home training to the next level.

If you do personal training with me, we will be in a gym so there is no need for you to have your own equipment.

How long do your personal training sessions go for?

We can train in-person (or via Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp) for 30 mins or 45 mins.

If I am writing a program for you to train at home or in the gym, I speak to you first about how long you would like to train for. It’s not unusual for a training session designed by me to go for approximately 35-50 minutes.

If you are doing a powerlifting program, do expect that session to be longer with all your rest periods.

I have plenty of experience in the gym but find it hard to get in there and stick to a routine. Can you help me?

Absolutely! Often it’s just a case of being accountable to someone. Following a program written by someone else and regularly checking in will help you get back into the routine of training and make you stick it out. I’ll be on the other side of the internet keeping you accountable to your goals.

What are your qualifications?

Cert III & IV Fitness - Personal Trainer, Powerlifting Australia Coach, FMA Strength Trainer, Female Specific Nutrition - Applied Women’s Physiology & Training University, Bachelor of Commerce - Sports Management and Marketing, Diploma - Sports Administration

Some tidbits to finish:

  • No, you wont look like an idiot doing exercises you have never done before. Let me let you in on a secret, nobody is watching you. You are learning, regular gym goers will appreciate your efforts and be happy that you’re giving it a go.

  • Are tights and crop tops the only attire worn in the gym? If you want to wear that, absolutely go for it. But let me assure you, trackies and t-shirt are all perfectly fine too. And guess what, they don’t have to be matching either!

  • Exercise does wonders for the body, but I can assure you that your mental health improves and resilience builds.

  • There is never a perfect time to get started in your health and fitness journey. Just get started. And understand that when you fall off the horse every now and then (which inevitably will happen), you just get straight back on.

  • Strength For Life - this is my tag line for a reason. You need to be strong for life - physically, emotionally and mentally, from now and until forever. We want to walk into positive ageing upright, physically mobile and as healthy as possible. If you’re struggling with that from now, how do you see yourself ageing in the future?