Small group personal training in Ashtown
A coach to guide you, and a small group to train with.
You’ll train alongside no more than nine other people, following a programme that suits your ability and what you’d like to achieve. Your coach will show you what to do and help you through the session, even if you’ve never picked up a weight before.
Your First Week Free. You’ll speak to a real coach before you start.
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Small groups
No more than ten per session
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Your own programme
Training planned around your ability
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Expert coaching
Guidance throughout every session
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Your First Week Free
Come and experience it for yourself
What is small-group personal training?
Imagine coming into the gym and knowing exactly what you’re there to do, with a coach who understands your ability and what you’re working towards.
At Strength2Strength, you’ll train alongside a small group of members, but you’ll each have your own programme to follow. Your coach runs the session, checks how everyone is getting on and helps with exercises as needed.
It means you can enjoy training with other people while still getting the individual attention that makes personal training worthwhile.
See what happens in a session-
A programme built around you
We’ll get to know your current fitness, any limitations you have and what you’d like to achieve. Your training will be planned around that information and adjusted as you progress.
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A coach throughout your session
Your coach will explain the exercises, demonstrate movements and help you choose weights that are suitable for you. They’ll also keep an eye on your technique and offer advice as you go.
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A group of no more than ten
You’ll train with a small number of people who may have different abilities and goals. Over time, you’ll get to know the other members and become familiar with the atmosphere.
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Training that develops with you
As you become more comfortable with the exercises, your coach can gradually adjust your programme. The aim is to help you continue making progress in a way that suits your ability.
A class vs coaching
This isn’t a fitness class
In most fitness classes, the group works through the same session together. At Strength2Strength, each member has their own programme, with a coach on hand to explain exercises, check technique and help them progress.
In a typical fitness class
- Everyone generally follows the same workout
- The instructor sets the pace for the group
- Exercises are planned for the class as a whole
- An instructor guides the session
- Group sizes can be larger
- Individual progress isn’t always tracked
1workout for the whole class
With Strength2Strength
- Your own programme, planned around you
- Train at a pace that suits your ability
- Exercises and weights chosen for you
- Individual guidance from your coach
- No more than ten people per session
- Your programme develops as you progress
10people per session, maximum
What happens when you come in for a session?
If you’ve never done personal training before, it helps to know what you’ll actually be doing when you arrive. Our sessions follow a familiar structure, and your coach will guide you through each part.
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Arrive and meet your coach
When you come in, your coach will welcome you and talk you through what you’ll be working on. It’s also a chance to mention if you’re feeling tired, sore or have anything you’d like them to know before you begin.
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Get warmed up
You’ll begin with some simple movements to prepare your body for exercise. Your coach will guide you through the warm-up and explain anything that’s unfamiliar.
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Work through your strength programme
This is where you’ll spend time building your strength using suitable exercises and weights. Your coach will show you how to perform the movements and help you with your technique as you work through the session.
You can ask questions whenever you’re unsure about something.
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Finish with some fitness work
Sessions also include a shorter fitness section to help you work on your general fitness. Your coach will guide you towards a suitable level of effort, taking account of what you can manage comfortably.
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Finish up and head home
When your session is over, you can talk to your coach about how you found it or ask anything you’re unsure about before coming back.
As the weeks go by, you’ll become more familiar with the exercises and how your training is progressing.
We’ll work with where you are now.
You might have a knee that’s given you trouble for years, a shoulder that doesn’t move quite as freely as it used to, or simply be unsure how much exercise you can manage.
These are things you can talk through with your coach. Many exercises can be adjusted by changing the movement or the amount of weight you’re using, helping you train at a level that feels manageable.
If you have an injury or a medical condition that could affect exercise, we’ll want to understand that before you start. We work alongside multiple physiotherapists to include your rehab exercises in your training programme, so you get a personalised session every time you come.
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Your starting point
We’ll talk about your exercise experience and any physical limitations, so we have a clearer picture of what suits you.
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Adjustments when needed
If a movement is uncomfortable or too difficult, your coach can often suggest another way of doing it or adjust the amount of weight.
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Building up gradually
As you get stronger and more familiar with the exercises, your programme can develop with you.
You might recognise yourself here.
People come to Strength2Strength for all sorts of reasons. Some have spent years exercising and want a better plan, while others are starting again after a long break.
You might have caught yourself thinking something like this:
I’ve been meaning to get back into exercise for years.
I’d like to get stronger as I’m getting older.
I wouldn’t know where to start with weights.
I’ve joined gyms before but never stuck with them.
I want someone who can show me what I’m doing.
I’m already active, but I’d like more structure to my training.
Whatever has brought you to this point, we’ll have a conversation about what you’d like to get out of training and help you decide whether our sessions are a good fit.
Strength that makes a difference outside the gym.
People start strength training for different reasons. For some, it’s about getting fitter or returning to a sport they enjoy. Others want to stay active as they get older and feel more capable doing the things that matter to them.
Feel stronger day to day
Build strength that can help with ordinary activities around the house and beyond.
Move more comfortably
Work on your strength and mobility through exercises suited to your ability.
Keep up with the grandchildren
Feel more capable when you’re out and about or spending time with family.
Get back to a favourite sport or hobby
Develop your strength and fitness with an activity you enjoy in mind.
Find a routine you can stick with
Make regular exercise part of your week with sessions that are planned for you.
Improve your general fitness
Work on your fitness alongside your strength training, gradually building up what you can manage.
Come and see what you think.
You can come in, meet the coaches and experience the training before deciding whether you’d like to join. Your First Week Free is a chance to find out if Strength2Strength feels right for you.
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Step 1: Get in touch
Fill in our short enquiry form and tell us a little about yourself. You can mention what you’re hoping to achieve or ask about anything you’re unsure of.
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Step 2: We’ll be in touch
We’ll get in touch to answer any questions and book your 1-1 Strategy Session. Everyone starts with one.
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Step 3: Your 1-1 Strategy Session
A tour of the gym, a walk through how our training programme works, and how we’ll adjust the plan to suit your needs.
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Step 4: A 30-minute coaching session
A 1-1 training session at your own pace, to bring you up to speed with our methods before you join the group.
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Step 5: Book in and enjoy
We’ll make sure you’re set up on the booking system to book each of your sessions for Your First Week Free, then decide whether you’d like to continue.
Questions about the training?
It’s natural to have questions about how the sessions work, particularly if you’re trying strength training for the first time. Here are a few things people often want to know.
Will I be the only beginner in the group?
People come to Strength2Strength with different levels of experience. Some have been lifting weights for years, while others have joined after a long break from exercise or have never trained in a gym before.
You’ll have your own programme, so your session won’t depend on what the person beside you is capable of doing. Your coach will show you the exercises and help you become familiar with the equipment.
There’s no particular standard you need to reach before you can start.
If there are ten people in the group, how much attention will I get?
There are never more than ten people in a small-group personal training session, and the coach is responsible for guiding everyone through their training.
Your coach will explain the exercises and move around the group, checking technique and helping members make adjustments. They’ll also get to know your programme and what you’re working towards.
You won’t have someone watching every repetition, but you can ask for help whenever you need it. The small group size gives your coach the opportunity to work with members individually throughout the session.
What happens if I can’t do an exercise?
Tell your coach. Some movements take time to get used to, particularly if you haven’t exercised for a while or have limited experience with weights.
Your coach can often make an exercise more manageable by using a lighter weight, changing the movement or reducing how far you need to move.
You might begin with a simpler version and gradually work towards something more challenging as you develop your strength. There’s no expectation that you’ll be able to do every exercise straight away.
I’m worried people will be watching me. Is it an intimidating environment?
We understand that walking into a gym can feel uncomfortable when you don’t know anyone or aren’t familiar with the equipment.
The groups are small, and everyone has their own exercises to concentrate on. You’ll see people training at different levels, using different weights and getting guidance from the coach when they need it.
As you attend, you’ll begin recognising faces and becoming more familiar with the sessions. You’re welcome to have a chat with the other members, but there’s no expectation to be particularly sociable if you’d prefer to concentrate on your training.
I’m in my 50s or 60s. Is strength training still suitable for me?
Strength training can be beneficial throughout adulthood, including as we get older. It can help maintain muscle strength and support our ability to carry out everyday activities.
We have members in their 50s, 60s and beyond, including people who began training after years away from exercise.
Your programme will take account of your current fitness and physical ability. If you have an existing medical condition or concerns about exercising safely, we recommend speaking to your GP or physiotherapist before starting.
I’m already reasonably fit. Will the sessions be challenging enough?
Yes, the coaching is suitable for people with existing training experience as well as those who are beginning.
Your programme is based on your ability and what you’re working towards. If you’re already comfortable using weights, your coach can help you develop your training and gradually increase the challenge.
Some members are focused on general fitness, while others want to improve their strength for recreational sport or other activities. The individual programme is what allows people at different levels to train in the same group.
How will I know if I’m making progress?
Your coach will get to know what you’re capable of and how you’re responding to the exercises, making changes to your programme as you develop.
Progress might mean lifting a weight that once felt difficult, becoming more comfortable with a movement or noticing that everyday activities feel a little easier.
Everyone develops at a different rate, particularly when returning to exercise after a break. We’ll help you understand what you’re working on and how your training is developing.
How hard are the sessions? I’m worried I’ll struggle to finish.
It’s normal to feel unsure about how demanding a session might be, especially if you haven’t exercised regularly for some time.
Your coach will take account of your ability and experience when planning your training. Some exercises will challenge you, but the aim is to help you build up gradually as your fitness improves.
You can let your coach know if something feels too difficult or you need a break. They’ll help you adjust the session where appropriate.
You should never feel that you need to ignore pain or physical warning signs to finish an exercise.
Your First Week Free
Come in and give it a go.
The best way to find out what Strength2Strength is like is to experience it for yourself. Come and meet the coaches, get a feel for the sessions and spend your first week training with us.
If you have any questions before starting, we’d be happy to talk them through.