Home-Based Personal Training FAQs

Tonia Trainer
Nov 8, 2025
7 min read

Frequently Asked Questions: Home-Based Personal Training with Tonia...

1. Do I need to provide any exercise equipment?

No, you do not. I provide all the necessary equipment for your training session at home, which is typically portable and high-quality, such as resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, mats, weight plates, steps, weighted vest etc. All you will need is comfortable clothes & shoes for exercise and a drink of water to hand plus any medication you might require such as an inhaler.

2. Do I need to tidy up my home before you visit?

No, absolutely not! Your comfort is my priority. All we need is enough clear space to be able to exercise safely. A living room, garage, or garden is usually perfect. Please also know that I am not coming over to look at your home, I am coming to work with YOU.

It's not possible for me to train at home. Will you come to my workplace or can we meet outdoors?

Yes! Absolutely. I will meet you at your place of work or outdoors. Please note, sessions outdoors will always go ahead, whatever the weather - except for during a storm.

For groups, please contact me for a quote trainertonia@gmail.com stating the number of people in your group, the location and the time required for the session.

3. Do I need to be super fit and do I need to get clearance from my doctor to exercise?

You do not need to be super fit to work with me. In fact, I have spent time gaining additional knowledge, qualifications and certifications to help support people who may not feel comfortable or be able to attend mainstream exercise classes, for whatever reason, to access exercise.

Every client I work with is asked to fill out some forms before we start working together. These include a standard form called a PAR-Q.

If you answer 'yes' to any of the questions on the PAR-Q, have not exercised for a while, or are over the age of 69, it is advised to seek medical advice before embarking on a new exercise routine. Doctors know that exercise is very beneficial for most people so this step need not be a barrier to taking part!. I work with a range of clients with health conditions and I am fully able to support you to meet your goals.

Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity when recommended by a doctor?

Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?

In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?

Do you lose balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?

Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?

Is your doctor currently prescribing you drugs (for example water pills) for your blood pressure or heart?

Do you know any other reason why you should not do physical activity?

4. Who do you work with?

Anyone age 18+ with or without the following considerations

Menopause/ Perimenopause

Post menopause

Older Adults 65+

Stress & Anxiety

PTSD / Trauma

Older Adults

Postnatal

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Neurological conditions

Fibromyalgia

Stroke (> 1 year ago, stable CV symptoms, mobile).

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity

Osteoporosis

Asthma

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Hypercholesterolemia

Hypertension

Simple Mechanical Back Pain

Joint Replacement Surgery

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Gout

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Depression

Prediabetes

I also have experience of working with:

Autism

ADHD

Hypermobility

Long Covid

5. How far away will you travel to deliver a home-based session?

Within 3 miles of B73. I do travel further, with a fuel charge applied of 50p per mile.

6. Do you offer online sessions?

Yes. Online sessions are delivered via Teams (you don't need to have a Teams account, just an internet connection, a working microphone and a camera - I am happy to practice with you getting online so please do not worry about the technology, we will work together).

7. How long are the personal training sessions?

Most standard sessions are 60, 45 or 30 minutes long, which includes time for a warm-up, the main workout, and a cool-down/stretch.

8. What happens during the initial consultation?

The initial consultation is a chance for me to get to know you. We will discuss your current health, fitness history, specific goals (e.g., improved flexibility, improved fitness, improved mental health, sleep health, muscle gain, improved mobility, reduction of pain - to name a few!), and any past injuries.I will also perform a quick, low-impact fitness assessment to gauge your current level and discuss a training schedule that works for you.

9. What happens during the sessions?

There will always be a warm up and a cool down. As for what happens in-between, that depends on your goals and what you enjoy. I incorporate a variety of balance work, mobility, flexibility, strength training, cardio, body weight exercises, dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, medicine balls, weighted vest, steps, Boxercise & Mindfulness. I also provide chair-based exercise for those who find standing for long periods of time difficult.

10. What kind of personal trainer are you? Do you shout at me?

I do not shout at clients. My approach is to encourage you to understand your own abilities and limitations and to create an environment whereby you feel comfortable and enjoy the sessions.

11. Are you a certified and insured personal trainer?

Yes, I am a CIMSPA member, and an Associate Member of the Faculty of Public Health. I hold Personal Trainer, Gym Instructor, Nutrition and Exercise Referral qualifications in addition to multiple other certifications include Boxercise UK, Chair-Based Exercise, Training Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women, Training Older Adults, Training during Pregnancy and Postnatal, a Trauma-Informed Approach to Exercise and Mindfulness. I maintain up-to-date public liability insurance. I also work with NHS referrals on The National Diabetes Prevention Programme, thus I am trained to NHS standards in delivery. I am happy to provide copies of credentials upon request to give you complete peace of mind. I am also trained in first aid, CPR, safeguarding vulnerable adults and children and I have an Enhanced DBS.

12. What is your cancellation policy?

I understand that things come up! I require 24 hours' notice for any cancellation or rescheduling of a session. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice will, unfortunately, be charged the full session fee.

13. Can I train with a partner or small group?

Absolutely! Training with a friend or partner can be a great way to stay motivated and often reduces the cost per person (for the home-based personal training you can choose to include a friend for no additional cost). I also offer Small Group training options for more than two participants. Please ask me about rates for multiple participants.

14. How quickly will I start seeing results?

Results vary greatly depending on your starting point, consistency, and dedication to the program outside of our sessions (e.g., nutrition and lifestyle). However, most clients typically feel an increase in energy, mobility, balance and strength within 2-4 weeks, depending upon how many sessions are booked and what work is done outside of the session to support your goals.

15. How long do I need to work with you for?

If you want to have a good chance to implement habit change (changing your behaviour to develop sustainable habits), it is recommended that we work together for at least 9 months. This is because we know from research that it takes 9 months to change human behaviour. One reason that people end up continually trying different programmes throughout a lifespan is because most programmes don't actually change behaviour, thus they will only work for as long as you engage with them. In contrast, as a habit change coach, I support you to discover ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine to achieve long-lasting results and take control of your health. I find that many of my clients actively choose to work with me for this length of time.

16. What about if I have young children or pets?

I love both so please don't worry! I have 5 children of my own and I love pets, so I really understand how to work around children and family pets. In terms of both, unless they will become alarmed or scared by the exercise / equipment/ my presence, I am happy for them to be in the room. My aim is to come to you and fit in with YOUR life.

17. Do you take photos or videos of the sessions for social media?

As a rule, no. I do not take photographs or videos inside your home (unless you ask me to for a specific purpose, to check form etc). Of course, if you would like to take a selfie or a photo with me during a session then yes you are welcome to!

18. Do you offer a trial session?

I am glad you asked because yes I do. For home-based within 3miles of B73, I offer your first session for free. For online training, 30-minutes, I offer the first session for free.

19. How do I book a session with you?

To book a session with me, you can always use my calendly link or email me trainertonia@gmail.com or text/ whatsapp/ call me 07729906121 (please note, messages and calls will be replied to between 9-5pm Monday to Friday). Please be aware that I always have additional sessions that don't appear on my Calendly so if you can't see a time to suit you on the calendar, please do get in touch directly.

20. What do sessions cost?

Face to face sessions (for one or two people)

60-minute £40

45-minute £35

30-minute £25

Online sessions (for one or two people)

30-minute £15