1. What makes you different from other trainers or fitness apps?
A decade+ of in-person coaching experience, several reputable certifications, extensive ongoing education, and a sincere desire to help my clients improve. I'm not here to sell gimmicks or quick fixes. My mission is to genuinely connect with my clients and teach skills which allow them to reach goals and be healthy for life.
I am committed to the process of sharpening my knowledge to guarantee I continue delivering the best possible experience to my clients. Please view my certifications and education listed under the “About Me” section. Some of my certification requirements include having completed a bachelor’s degree, passing exams, maintaining a current CPR/AED Certification, undergoing a background screening, and submitting mandatory continuing education credits. These rules ensure I achieve and maintain the necessary skills to safely and effectively deliver coaching and programming.
2. What types of clients do you coach?
While I enjoy and have experience working with lifters at all levels, my specialty is teaching those who are inexperienced with lifting.
In-person training is great for people who want to get stronger and lose fat but who might be intimidated by or completely new to strength training. In-person training also works better for those who need to re-learn proper lifting technique after injury or other unfavorable training experiences.
Online coaching works best for people who have had at least some experience lifting. These services are ideal for those who have specific goals or strong internal motivation, but need guidance from a proven strength coach. Often these folks may have stopped making progress and need more advanced coaching or programming than they can provide themselves.
3. Why should I pay a premium for coaching/programming, when I can get workouts through apps or free/cheap workouts online?
There is a massive difference between solutions that provide short-term results, and building skills and habits which enable you to maintain your results long-term. Personal coaching is a process that teaches you self-sufficiency and enables you to sustainably incorporate fitness into your life, forever. Nothing can replace a human being who is genuinely invested in your progress and well-being.
Every client's training program is completely customized based on training goals, ability level, training/injury history, and equipment. I make ongoing adjustments to programming, so you aren't stuck with something you dislike or isn't working. My programming is backed by education, experience, and previous client results/satisfaction.
Much misinformation regarding fitness instruction and health recommendations exist on the internet. Many “trainers” do not have certifications or real life coaching experience. I would suggest performing a quick Google search for reputable training certification bodies and only buy services offered by coaches who have achieved credible accolades.
AI generated apps and programming are honestly great tools in the space! But beware of programs that do not account for mobility restrictions, previous injuries, or personal ability levels. The fitness industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry that depends on people buying into schemes, hoping for “the next quick fix”.
4. How soon will I see results?
Individual results vary greatly from person to person. Consistency is KEY for best results! Eating enough of the right things is also extremely important. If you do not have a solid understanding of nutrition, seek out knowledge and guidance in that area.
Adding on additional nutrition coaching may be an appropriate choice if nutrition has been a difficult obstacle in the past. For some information to get you started, see my blog post titled, "Nutrition Resources", which includes reference articles and trusted online nutrition services.
5. How are in-person training and 1:1 online training different?
Both services provide accountability, high-quality programming, and exercise form instruction.
In-person training allows me to educate clients on proper exercise technique and give moment to moment feedback and instruction. This is valuable both for lifting newbies and for those who need to re-learn lifting technique. I can also make real time adjustments to loads being lifted, exercise selection, or assignment of sets/reps, based on how someone is feeling and moving. Further, I enjoy teaching clients gym etiquette and other confidence building skills useful in a gym environment.
One on one online training is a convenient option to get individualized coaching and programming, without the accompanying price tag or commitment to meeting multiple times per week that come with in-person training.
6. How will you make sure I have proper exercise technique online?
Online training clients will have access to a mobile app with exercise video examples and personalized programming. As a client, you are able to submit exercise videos for detailed analysis and coaching feedback. Technique questions may also be addressed through text, email, or during our monthly 15-minute Zoom/Facetime or phone call check-ins. All methods of communication will receive a response within 48 hours, except on Sunday’s.
7. How often will I get to communicate with you if I purchase 1:1 online training or nutrition coaching?
Online training includes a one-hour Facetime/Zoom intake call during which I will walk you through a simple movement assessment and we will discuss your goals and preferences. You will also receive monthly 15-minute Facetime/Zoom or phone call check-ins. The service includes unlimited text and email access.
Nutrition coaching involves a similar intake call, without the movement assessment. Bi-weekly check-ins and unlimited text and email access are also included.
I will return all messages within a 48-hour window, except on Sundays.
8. Why can't I communicate with you on Sundays?
Sunday is my designated off day. Thank you for understanding that everyone needs time for rest and recovery. I will return any messages left during that time by end of day Monday.
9. What is a periodized program?
Periodization is a deliberate approach to programming physical training. The program is progressed through training cycles that are designed to achieve performance goals. The body needs recovery time to improve—training loads (weights) and volume (sets/reps) need to be varied to create a proper training stress vs. recovery relationship. Periodization allows maintenance of this balance, which ensures continued progress.
10. I want nutrition coaching. Will you give me a meal plan?
Prescribing specific diet plans without a degree in dietetics is illegal. I cannot legally diagnose medical conditions nor can I prescribe diets or supplements to treat medical and clinical conditions or symptoms.
My scope of practice allows me to provide general dietary suggestions and discuss healthy eating strategies and concepts. I am able to determine appropriate calories and macros and counsel you through fat loss/maintenance/weight gain strategies. I am allowed to provide education regarding nutrition principles and offer behavior change coaching to improve dietary habits.
If we are unable to address more advanced issues, I am happy to help you find a credible registered dietician. In the meantime, see my blog post titled, "Nutrition Resources", which includes reference articles and trusted online nutrition services.
11. Why aren't you on social media?
Bluntly, because I believe social media use is detrimental to health and well-being. While I'd never judge anyone else for their engagement, I find my personal use creates negative feelings and wastes precious time.
As a person who helps other people live healthier lives, I feel conflicted by contributing to the social media space. Encouraging others to engage with a medium that carries many adverse effects seems unethical. I won't say I'll never one day rekindle my social media, by way of a hired social media manager. But, I don't see myself ever personally making a return.
12. Why do I have to apply for in-person training?
I have very few available in-person client spots. An application allows me to save that valuable and limited time for those who are fully committed to achieving progress. Additionally, I want to ensure I am the right trainer for your specific training goals and history. Some potential clients will have needs that are outside my areas of expertise. In these cases, I believe it best to refer out to a specialist who is more qualified to address the issues (e.g. a Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, or Registered Dietician).
13. Do I have to sign a contract?
No, auto-draft personal training, online training, and nutrition services are offered on a month to month basis. Clients may cancel at any time with no extra fee (please sign into the site or contact me to cancel).
Personal training sessions can also be purchased in session packages. You decide how many sessions you'd like to commit to when you purchase (initial three session minimum).
14. Why do I have to become a site member to make a purchase?
Signing up as a site member allows me to collect your email address. Currently, sending a quick email is the most efficient way for me to begin the online training process. I do not use your email address outside of service related communication. Please read the Privacy Policy at the bottom of the page if you have any unaddressed concerns.
15. How do I pay for in-person training?
In-person clients who do not wish to sign up for an auto-draft option on my website may purchase their session packages directly through me using PayPal, QuickPay with Zelle, Venmo, or cash.
16. I'm on auto-draft personal training. If I miss a session, do I get to use it later?
Sessions do not rollover month to month. If you were to miss with 24 hour notice, you may reschedule the session within the month. See below for 24-hour cancellation policy.
Regarding any issues of long-term sickness or vacation:
If a long sickness or vacation interrupts a month and sessions cannot be made up within the month, I'd be willing to refund 50% of missed session costs. I'd consider the remaining 50% to be partial payment to me to continue reserving your space in my schedule, because I would most likely be unable to fill these spaces/replace this loss of income. I am happy to deliver missed workouts to be completed on your own through TrueCoach, if rescheduling is not possible.
17. What are your cancellation and refund policies for in-person training?
A 24-hour cancellation notice is required for in-person training sessions. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance forfeit the scheduled session. More than three cancellations in one month will result in termination of the trainer/client relationship.
On the rare occasion I cancel, I will refund the full missed session cost and deliver all missed workouts through TrueCoach, to be completed on your own if desired.
All sales are final.
18. Do I have to purchase a gym membership for in-person training?
Yes, Hyde Park Gym requires all visitors have a membership or pay a daily guest pass fee. See the gym's website for membership types and pricing. I will cover the cost of your initial assessment session.