FAQ

Yes – a personal trainer can absolutely be worth it, especially if you want results that are safe, achievable, and tailored to your body.

A good trainer doesn’t just “give you workouts.” They provide:
• Exercises tailored to your goals, needs, and current ability
• Coaching to improve technique and avoid injury
• Motivation and accountability to help you stay consistent
• A realistic programme that fits your lifestyle, not someone else’s

Many people struggle with exercise because they:
• Follow generic workouts that aren’t right for their body
• Lose confidence after pain or injury
• Don’t know what to do or how to progress safely

Working with a personal trainer solves these problems by giving you guidance you can trust and a plan that supports long-term success.

Finding the right trainer for YOU is what makes the difference.

If you’d like to explore this more, you can also read:

 15 Benefits Only a Personal Trainer Can Provide

A Personal Trainer will help you exercise safely, effectively, and in a way that suits your body and goals. Here’s how:

• Get you started with the correct exercises for your body and experience

•  Motivate you and keep you accountable

• Support you through challenging times

• Keep you safe while exercising and make sessions enjoyable

• Address your specific needs, including injuries, aches, or medical conditions

• Set realistic and useful goals tailored to you

• Prevent wasted effort on exercises that don’t suit your body or goals

• Prepare you for independence: a few sessions can get you confident to exercise on your own

And remember: always hire a qualified and registered trainer to ensure your safety and results.

For more on what to expect from a personal trainer:

Why Hire a Personal Trainer?? 

A Personal Trainer for You? 

What to Expect 

To find the right personal trainer for you, it’s important to connect and evaluate before committing:

• Talk or meet in person – a phone call is a start, but meeting allows you to ask questions and see if their style suits you

• Discuss your goals – see how they respond and whether their approach aligns with your needs

• Check client reviews or references – hearing about others’ experiences gives insight into their effectiveness and professionalism

• Verify qualifications – ensure they are qualified, certified, and registered with REPS

A good trainer will listen, adapt, and guide you safely toward your goals while making sessions engaging and sustainable.

Finding a personal trainer who suits your personality, goals, and needs is important. Meeting or speaking with a trainer gives you a chance to ask questions and see if you would enjoy working with them.

Good ways to find a trainer include:

• REPS (Register of Exercise Professionals) website

• Google search personal trainer near me

• Trainer websites and social media (Facebook, Instagram)

• Local magazines, newspapers, and community boards

• TradeMe and local flyer drops

• Most gyms

Many clients come through word of mouth and referrals, so don’t forget to ask friends or health professionals for recommendations.

For guidance on what to expect in a session:

A Personal Trainer for You? – What to Expect

There’s no need to exercise at maximum intensity to see results. Many training styles exist, and a skilled personal trainer can help you find the best approach for your goals, ability, and health profile, including any injuries or limitations.

If you enjoy high-intensity workouts, options like CrossFit, HIIT, or boot camps can be suitable — but the most effective exercise is one you can consistently do, at your level, with manageable challenge, and that you enjoy.

Working with a personal trainer ensures your sessions are safe, effective, and tailored to you — helping you progress without unnecessary risk.

For more guidance:

Don’t Let Exercise Make You Sick

Too Much Exercise ? 

Is High-Intensity Interval Training the Solution? 

A personal trainer can support your nutrition and weight loss goals by giving practical tips, tools, and resources to help you succeed. We work with you to:

• Identify areas to improve in your daily food choices

• Stay on track with achievable goals

• Create habits that complement your training

For more guidance, check out these articles:

Lose Weight and Keep it Off!!

Foods to avoid if your trying to lose weight! 

Weight Loss Articles 

Working together, a personal trainer can help you develop sustainable nutrition habits that enhance your exercise results and overall health. 

The cost of a personal trainer depends on several factors:

• Frequency of sessions — more sessions per week usually increase the total cost

• Type of training — one-on-one, small group, or specialised programmes

• Location — in-studio, home visits, or outdoor sessions

• Trainer experience and qualifications — highly experienced or specialist trainers may charge more

Many personal trainers, including myself at my Maungaraki, Lower Hutt personal training studio, offer packages or flexible options to suit different budgets.

It’s important to focus on value, not just price: working with a skilled trainer can help you reach your goals safely, avoid injury, and save time compared to trying to do it alone.

For guidance on what to expect and how to plan your sessions:

A Personal Trainer for You? – What to Expect 

15 Benefits Only a Personal Trainer Can Provide 

Yes. A qualified personal trainer can help you exercise safely even with injuries or ongoing pain, but it’s important to work alongside your healthcare professionals.

A personal trainer can:

• Assess movement patterns and identify muscle imbalances or weak areas

• Introduce corrective exercises to support joints like knees, shoulders, and back

• Modify exercises to avoid aggravating existing conditions

• Build strength and stability gradually, reducing the risk of further injury

• Provide guidance for safe home or studio workouts tailored to your condition

At my Maungaraki, Lower Hutt studio, I integrate the BioMechanics Method of corrective exercise into programmes, helping clients with aches, niggles, or chronic issues progress safely and confidently.

Tip: Always inform your trainer about previous injuries or medical conditions. With a tailored approach, you can improve strength, mobility, and confidence while minimizing discomfort.

Related articles:

What is the best exercise for knee pain

Unleashing the Magic of Corrective Exercise 

Why Swiss Ball Wall Squats Aren’t the Answer for Knee Pain 

Short answer: Yes — this is exactly the situation I help people with.

A lot of people come to me after trying gyms, classes, or online programmes where they never felt confident, supported, or properly guided. Many were given a generic beginner programme, no meaningful assessment, and were left worrying about aggravating their knees, back, shoulders, or old injuries.

At my private studio in Maungaraki, I take a different approach.
Instead of expecting you to “fit the programme,” everything starts from how your body moves today.

Here’s what my clients tell me they value most:

• Clear guidance so you always know you’re doing movements correctly

• Exercises modified to protect old injuries or stiff joints

• A pace that builds confidence instead of overwhelm

• Safe strength training that actually fits everyday life

• A structure they can trust instead of guessing their way through the gym

This is why many people who previously struggled with exercise finally succeed — not because they suddenly became “more motivated,” but because the training finally matches their body, goals, and real-world stress levels.

If you’re in the same situation, you’re not starting from zero. You’re starting from experience — and you just need a plan designed for you, not for “everyone.”

If you’d like to talk about beginning safely and realistically, I’m here to help.

A Personal Trainer for You? – What to Expect 

15 Benefits Only a Personal Trainer Can Provide 

Starting an exercise routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to begin at the right level, stay consistent, and choose activities that fit your health, ability, and goals.

Here are some simple steps to help you get started:

• Consult with a healthcare professional if you have health concerns

• Choose activities you enjoy to help you stay motivated

• Consider walking as an excellent starting point

• Begin with low-intensity exercise and increase gradually

• Address pain or discomfort early with a corrective exercise specialist or physiotherapist

• Create a consistent weekly exercise routine

• Focus on proper technique to prevent injuries

• Include a mix of strength, mobility, and cardio

• Listen to your body and rest when needed

• Support your routine with hydration and balanced eating

• Track your progress and set realistic goals

At my Maungaraki studio in Lower Hutt, I provide guidance and personalised plans to help beginners start safely and progress confidently. If you’d like guidance based on your health, ability, or injuries, you’re welcome to contact me .

Related articles:

How to get started with exercise: A step-by-step guide 

You will be amazed at what you can achieve 

Unlock the Power of Your Unconscious: 4 Tips to Easily Form New Habits That Actually stick 

The Biomechanics Method - Corrective Exercise 

Why are we seeing so many injuries after the lockdowns 

Exercise reduces inflammation, reducing pain and dysfunction 

Arthritis of the Hip or Knee 

Lose Weight and Keep it Off!! 

If you’re noticing changes in your balance, or feel unsteady more often than usual, it’s important to check with your doctor or physiotherapist first. Medical issues can affect balance, so it’s always safest to rule these out.

If you’ve been cleared to exercise, the best balance exercises are the ones that:

• strengthen weak supporting muscles

• improve coordination and movement control

• address muscle imbalances

• match your ability and health profile

• include small, manageable challenges

Good balance training doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to be consistent, appropriate for your level, and done with proper technique.

At my Maungaraki, Lower Hutt personal training studio, I help clients improve balance through gentle strengthening, posture work, and corrective exercises that support hips, knees, ankles, and the core.

If you’re unsure where to start or want a personalised approach, feel free to contact me to talk about your situation and goals. 

Related articles: 

What is the best exercise for balance? 

What is the best exercise for seniors? 

Staying active is crucial for maintaining strength, mobility, and overall health as we age. The right exercises can improve balance, flexibility, and independence.

Recommended exercises for seniors:

• Light to moderate cardiovascular activity such as walking, swimming, or cycling to support heart health.

• Resistance training to maintain muscle mass and strength using bands, light weights, or bodyweight exercises.

• Stretching and mobilisation to keep joints supple and reduce stiffness.

• Balance exercises to help prevent falls and improve coordination, such as standing on one leg or heel-to-toe walking.

Everything should be done at your own level, respecting your health profile, with gradual progression to add manageable challenge.

At my Maungaraki studio in Lower Hutt, I create personalised exercise programmes for seniors, combining balance, strength, and mobility work to keep clients safe, confident, and active in their daily lives.

Related articles:

What is the best exercise for seniors? 

Can exercise reverse the ageing process? 

The Biomechanics Method - Corrective Exercise 

Yes. Regular and consistent exercise can help reduce blood pressure over time, supporting heart health and overall well-being.

A personal trainer can work with you and your doctor to create a safe, effective exercise programme tailored to your health needs. Key benefits of exercising for blood pressure include:

• Strengthening the heart and blood vessels to improve circulation.

• Reducing stiffness in arteries and supporting healthy weight management.

• Lowering stress and improving mood, which can positively influence blood pressure.

At my Maungaraki studio in Lower Hutt, I guide clients with personalised exercise plans that balance intensity, safety, and gradual progression to achieve the best results.

Important: Always consult your healthcare professional before starting a new exercise programme, especially if you have high blood pressure or other health concerns.

Related article:

Important things to know about Blood Pressure 

Your health and safety come first. After being sick, it’s important to listen to your body and follow guidance from your doctor or healthcare professional.

Key points for returning to exercise safely:

• Avoid high-intensity workouts (like HIIT, marathon training, or very strenuous sessions) until fully recovered.

• Start with light to moderate activity, such as walking or gentle mobility exercises.

• Progress gradually, increasing intensity as your energy and strength return.

• Pay attention to symptoms—if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or unwell, stop and rest.

• Hydration and nutrition are essential to support recovery.

At my Maungaraki studio in Lower Hutt, I help clients return to exercise safely after illness by customising programmes that rebuild strength, improve stamina, and reduce the risk of injury.

Related article:

Exercising when Sick:  What you should do. 

Yes — regular, consistent exercise is one of the most powerful ways to support healthy ageing. Research shows that people who stay active over many years tend to maintain better physical condition, mobility, strength, and overall health compared with those who don’t. (University of Birmingham+2King's College London+2)

Here’s how exercise helps:

• Strength training and aerobic workouts help preserve muscle strength, bone density, joint mobility, and posture, reducing the risk of frailty or injury.

• Regular activity supports heart, vascular, and metabolic health, helping maintain flexibility in arteries, healthy blood pressure, and effective circulation. (BBC Feeds+1)

• Recent studies suggest that structured exercise may slow some molecular markers of ageing — potentially extending your “healthspan” (the years you stay strong, mobile, and independent). (ScienceDaily+1)

At my Maungaraki studio in Lower Hutt, I design safe, personalised exercise programmes tailored to each person’s age, health history, and goals. Proper resistance, mobility, balance and cardiovascular work — done consistently — gives you a strong chance to stay active, feel younger, and enjoy life longer.

Important note: Exercise isn’t a magic cure. It doesn’t “reverse” every aspect of ageing. But when done correctly and combined with good lifestyle habits (sleep, nutrition, stress management), it’s among the best ways we know to stay fit and healthy as we age.

Related article:

Can exercise reverse the ageing process? 

Many people want to target belly fat, but it’s important to understand that spot reduction isn’t effective. Fat loss happens throughout the body with consistent exercise and a balanced diet.

At home, you can focus on:

• Cardiovascular activity – brisk walking, jogging on the spot, or low-impact aerobics to burn calories

• Strength training – bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks to build muscle, which increases metabolism

• Core exercises – moving planks, curlups, or bird-dogs to strengthen your abdominal and stabilising muscles

• Consistency – regular, manageable workouts combined with proper nutrition give the best results

Remember, weight loss is a full-body process, influenced by genetics, age, and overall lifestyle. The key is to move more, eat well, and stick with it consistently.

Related articles: 

Weight Loss Articles 

The best diet to follow is the one that you can maintain consistently, and which works for your goals body and lifestyle.  Success in weight loss almost always comes down to establishing new habits, making dietary and exercise changes, and sustaining them.  What is the best diet for weight loss 

When exercising you need to provide you body with good quality nutrition to give you energy and enable rest and recover.  Focus on good quality unprocessed whole foods with lots of vegetables, grains, fruit and protein.  Drink plenty of water to keep you body hydrated.

If you want to lose weight or build muscle addressing you food intake will almost certainly be important.  If you are looking to lose weight, then the principle is to move more and eat less.  Focus on less processed whole foods and include plenty of protein. Lose Weight and Keep it Off!! 

If you are looking to gain muscle, this requires appropriate resistance training, at the appropriate intensity, with rest and recovery.  You will need to eat enough food to give you energy for exercise and allow your body to repair and recover with an excess of calories.  Make sure you're eating good quality food.

Many people overdo it, use poor form, or don’t address underlying muscle imbalances. At my Maungaraki studio in Lower Hutt, I help clients identify the cause of their injuries and correct their movement patterns so they can exercise safely and confidently. 

Yes — but it’s important to approach exercise safely and adapt movements to your current condition. Always consult your doctor or physiotherapist first if your pain is new, severe, or caused by an injury.

At my Maungaraki, Lower Hutt studio, I use the BioMechanics Method of corrective exercise to help clients:

• Strengthen weak muscles that may be contributing to pain

• Support joints safely during movement

• Improve posture and alignment

• Reduce the risk of aggravating existing discomfort

Most clients notice improvements in joint function, mobility, and confidence for daily activities and work tasks within a few weeks of consistent, guided sessions.

Related articles:

What is the best exercise for knee pain 

Exercising with Inflammatory Conditions 

Why Swiss Ball Wall Squats Aren’t the Answer for Knee Pain 

Shoulder pain is very common and can be caused by inflammation in the tendons and bursa (fluid-filled sacs), muscle imbalances, posture issues, overuse, or previous injuries.

Important: Always consult your doctor or physiotherapist if your pain is new, severe, or caused by an acute injury — personal trainers work within your existing health guidance.

At my Maungaraki studio, I help clients:

• Identify the root causes of their shoulder discomfort

• Correct posture and movement patterns

• Strengthen key muscles to reduce strain

• Prevent injuries from recurring

Using personalised corrective exercises, most clients see improvements in shoulder function and reduced discomfort, helping them return to everyday activities and train safely.

Related article: The Biomechanics Method - Corrective Exercise 

Lower back pain is very common, especially for adults returning to exercise or sitting for long periods. The right exercises can:

• Reduce pain and stiffness

• Improve posture and core strength

• Support everyday movements at work and home

At my Maungaraki studio in Lower Hutt, I design personalised corrective exercise programmes that focus on:

• Core strengthening to stabilise the spine

• Gentle mobility and stretching to ease tension

• Gradual progression to safely increase strength and flexibility

• Improving posture to support back health

With this approach, clients regain confidence in their movement, reduce discomfort, and prevent future injury — all in a private, supportive environment.

Note: If you have acute, severe, or unexplained back pain, it’s best to consult your doctor or physiotherapist before starting any exercise programme. 

Related articles: 

The Biomechanics Method - Corrective Exercise 

Injuries, Arthritis, and Inflammatory Conditions 

First, it’s important to get a diagnosis from a doctor, physiotherapist, or qualified health professional, especially if your knee pain follows an accident or injury.

Once you know the cause, exercises can help reduce pain and improve function. Safe, targeted movements can:

• Strengthen the muscles around the knee and hip

• Improve stability and movement patterns

• Reduce discomfort during daily activities like walking, stairs, or work tasks

At my Maungaraki studio in Lower Hutt, I create personalised programmes that combine corrective exercises and progressive strength training. This helps clients reduce pain, improve knee function, and return to the activities they enjoy with confidence.

Related article: What is the best exercise for knee pain 

Many people experience aches or injuries when they restart exercise after a period of inactivity. Common reasons include:

• Sudden increases in activity or intensity

• Muscle imbalances from time away from regular training

• Poor movement patterns or technique

The solution is to start at your current fitness level and progress gradually. At my Maungaraki studio in Lower Hutt, I help clients rebuild strength safely, correct their movement patterns, and exercise confidently without fear of injury.

Related article: How to get started with exercise: A step-by-step guide 

Absolutely.  From helping improve your mood, to helping manage and avoid depression, exercise can help even at modest levels.

Take a look at these articles: 

Does Exercise Help Depression  : Exercise is as effective as medication for depression, anxiety, and mood disorders! : The most under-prescribed anti-depressant there is:  exercise : Depression and  How Exercise Helps