At YOUR Personal Training, we often talk about the power of great coaching. Not because it helps people train harder, but because it helps them train better.
One trainer making exactly that kind of difference is Renae Atkinson at Harvey Hadden Sports Village.
Renae recently began working with a member who had been using the gym for years. She was committed, consistent and genuinely believed she was doing everything right. Yet despite all her efforts, progress remained frustratingly slow. Like many people, she had also accepted that the aches and pains she experienced during training were simply part of getting older.
For Renae, the solution wasn't about completely reinventing her client's programme.
"She was already putting in the effort," says Renae. "What she needed was a little more direction, some technical adjustments and the confidence to understand why she was doing what she was doing."
Together, they focused on improving movement quality, exercise technique and creating more structure within her training sessions. Small changes quickly led to significant results. One breakthrough came on the rowing machine…
"She thought rowing faster with short strokes meant she was working harder," explains Renae. "Once we worked on driving through the legs, maintaining posture, engaging the core and using longer, controlled strokes, everything changed. She was able to generate more power, work more efficiently and reduce unnecessary strain on her body."
As her technique improved, so did her confidence.
"One of the most rewarding things as a trainer is seeing someone stop second-guessing themselves," says Renae. "She now understands which exercises work best for her, how to train effectively and why resistance training is such an important part of long-term health."
The transformation wasn't just physical. Like many of Renae's clients, the biggest gains came from having somebody there to provide accountability, support and encouragement.
"People often come to Personal Training expecting a workout plan," she says. "What they don't always expect is the confidence, motivation and education that comes with having someone in your corner. That's often where the real progress happens."
It's this approach that makes Renae such a valued member of the YOUR Personal Training team. Her focus isn't simply on exercise. It's on helping people feel more capable, more confident and more in control of their health and fitness journey.
"Personal Training should remove the guesswork," says Renae. "When people understand what they're doing and why they're doing it, they enjoy training more, they get better results and they're far more likely to stick with it."
At Harvey Hadden Sports Village, coaches like Renae play an important role in creating a welcoming environment where members feel supported, empowered and confident enough to challenge themselves.
Because sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn't a new exercise or a tougher workout, it's simply having the right coach beside you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a personal trainer cost?
Personal training prices in the UK vary because most trainers are self-employed and set their own rates based on location, experience and the type of session. Rather than focusing on price alone, it is worth weighing the value a good trainer adds through better technique, structured sessions and the accountability that keeps you progressing. Many trainers offer single sessions, blocks or ongoing packages, so it is best to speak to a trainer directly about what suits your goals and your budget.
How do I find a good personal trainer?
To find a good personal trainer, look for someone whose coaching goes beyond handing you a workout plan. The best trainers improve your technique, explain why each exercise matters and provide the accountability that keeps you consistent. With YOUR Personal Training you can search for a qualified personal trainer near you by location, across gyms throughout most of the UK, and every trainer offers a complimentary first session so you can check they are the right fit before you commit.
How do I become a personal trainer?
To become a personal trainer in the UK, you need a Level 3 personal training qualification, recognised by the sector's professional body, CIMSPA. If you are not yet qualified, YOUR Academy's PT Career Accelerator takes you from no experience to qualified, delivering your Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications along with a guaranteed personal trainer placement with YOUR Personal Training, the UK's largest self-employed personal training career platform, the moment you qualify. From there you build your own business as a self-employed PT, with mentoring and business support behind you.