What to expect in your first PT session
- Ollie McCarthy
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
Hi- if you don’t know me I’m Ollie, a Personal Trainer and Running coach based out of Halo Gym in Tunbridge Wells. I am passionate about helping my clients get stronger, fitter and more confident.
I understand that going to see a PT for the first time, especially in a new environment can be daunting. So I have written this article to help give you an idea of what to expect.
I am here to help you get the most out of your training experience, so if you have any questions please drop me a message.
Getting to the gym
Please follow details on my website or put “ Halo Gym Tunbridge Wells” into google maps. The gym has parking spaces for 9 cars outside the gym which works on a first come first serve basis.
There is parking in the area, including multi story car parks. Mount Ephraim (a road nearby) has parking along it for 1-2 hours and Royal Chase has the same. It also has free parking further down. Both roads are within walking distance of the gym.
If you need any further directions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Coming into the gym.
On entry to the gym you will see reception which is always manned (or a member of reception team will be in the gym.) Let the member of staff know you are there to train with me and you can wait at the table by reception. If I’m not there waiting for you, I will normally be with another client and be with you shortly.
If you need to leave a bag then there are lockers although you will need a padlock. There are also changing rooms you can change/ shower/ use the toilet in. You are more than welcome to leave any spare clothes in there too.
What to bring with you
Clothes you are comfortable working out in.
A towel for sweat (if you want)
Bottle of water
Padlock (if you are using a locker)
Change of clothes and towel if you want to shower after
The session format
What your session comprises will be aligned with the goals you have. If you are recovering from injury or need specific strength work then we may do a mobility/ strength assessment to begin.
This will then feed into the rest of the session. If your goal is more generic then we may go straight into the session and I will make observations on movement as we go through.
Although there will be some variation depending on the individual, generally I tend to follow this format:
Mobility/ warm up: getting you warmed up, moving well and ready to work.
Activation and potentiation: activating the areas of the body you will be using for the main session
Main session: working around you goal. This will vary for each individual but will tend to be strength centred. For example we may focus on squats, chin ups and a single arm press.
Conditioning/core/arms: working on any accessory elements to compliment the main exercise block.
Cool down/finish: coming back down to baseline before finishing the session.
The aim of the first session is to give me an idea of how you move and what level you are at. It’s not to break you or to have you crawling out of the gym. If anything it’s better you leave feeling like you could do more.
Training will build over time as you adapt to each session and get stronger, fitter and more confident. Don’t be surprised if you look back after a couple of months and are doing almost double what you could manage before.
Following the first session.
If this is the first session of your block then it will build into the future sessions. If you are coming as a one off or as part of another package then there will likely be follow up information delivered through my online training platform or via email.
This session will set the baseline and give us something to build on from there.
How long until I see results?
Generally I work with people for a minimum of 3 months (either done face to face then online or just face to face.) You may see results faster but it will need a period of consistent work for you to see good results you can maintain long term.
I do work with people on a single session basis, when they are looking for specific information/ skill based sessions ( running form, callisthenics etc.)
How do I get started?
If you are ready, drop me a message or give me a call using the details below. I look forward to hearing from you.
About the Author:
Hi my name is Ollie McCarthy and I am a Running Coach and Personal Trainer in Tunbridge Wells. I help people to build fit, robust and capable bodies that look good but also perform well. This is done through a combination of running, mobility, strength and conditioning work.
T: 07828573920
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