There’s no shortage of personal trainers in London; the fitness industry is positively bursting with world-class experts. But it’s not just about finding someone who can teach you how to do a perfect squat, these days top fitness coaches also focus on your nutrition and lifestyle in a bid to create a complete wellness package. So, whether your aim is to burn fat or pack on superhero levels of muscle, we’ve rounded up the best London-based personal trainers that even celebrities are willing to break a sweat for.
With a name like ‘The Sculptor’, you know that Shaun Stafford is one to trust when it comes to building muscles. With a background in bodybuilding, Stafford specialises in sculpting the bodies of his clients – and he has the results to prove it. He’s not afraid to push his clients hard and has helped them to lose over 30 stone, but he also knows how to build muscle safely.
The studio of this Chelsea personal trainer is equipped with a range of high-tech gadgets, and their concept of ‘body mapping’ helps you understand your progress. With a team of nutritionists and specialist massage therapists on hand to help you, you can also get a personalised meal plan to make sure your diet is on point.
A former rugby player, Neil Summers has a strong knowledge of injury prevention and rehabilitation, which is why his PT business in Ealing, Bodyline Studios, includes physiotherapists and osteopaths as well as personal trainers. He also runs nutrition workshops and specialises in helping people improve their mental health through exercise.
At Power Vibe, a swanky gym in Notting Hill, trainer Luke specializes in strength and conditioning and also teaches yoga and pilates. He combines these workouts with mindfulness and meditation to support his client’s physical and emotional wellbeing. The Nike-qualified trainer’s clientele is a mix of high-profile athletes and everyday people looking to improve their physique and confidence.
Founded by three-time Olympian Sarah Lindsay and UK’s leading body transformation specialist Rich Phillipps, Roar Fitness is the first female-only Olympic weightlifting and strength training center in London. Their open-minded approach to incorporating sleep, nutrition and anxiety into the workouts means her clients get holistic, long-term results.
It’s important to find a personal trainer who you feel comfortable with, so ask friends and family for recommendations. Many trainers offer free or heavily discounted trial or introduction sessions, so you can meet them in person and decide if they’re right for you. Also, don’t be afraid to look outside of zones 1-3 – a trainer in the suburbs may cost less than a session in central London. You might also want to consider online training if you’re trying to keep costs down. In fact, Fresha’s global network of PTs offers virtual sessions to help you save money. Alternatively, consider splitting your time between in-person and online PTs to reduce your expenses even further. On average, a PT session in the UK costs around PS50. personal training london