The Power of Personalized Training for All Abilities: Insights from a London Personal Trainer
Personal training isn't just about helping the already-fit become fitter. For Chris Burns, a London-based personal trainer with a decade of experience, it's about adapting fitness approaches to suit individuals of all abilities and needs.
After a brief stint in the Army and formal education at Blackboard College—completing both level 2 gym instructor and level 3 personal training certifications—Burns established his career at the Dunkin' Arch gym before opening his own private studio.
Working with Diverse Abilities
“In terms of working with clients who've got disabilities, it's not really as special as every personal trainer has been taught or educated in that sense,” Burns explains. “But generally when you meet someone who's got something that's limiting their abilities, it's the case of building on that… finding out what exercises are better for that individual and then elaborating from that over time.”
This collaborative approach has proven particularly rewarding. “What I find with clients with disabilities is it helps me learn more and it helps me in terms of my personal progression as well as theirs. So we work together really, and it's a much more gratifying experience when somebody achieves something when they've come from a more difficult background to begin with.”
Military Influence on Training Methodology
Burns credits his military background not with creating his disciplined nature, but rather enhancing it. “The army didn't make me disciplined. It just helped me to build on my own personal character,” he explains.
That structured approach now defines his training style: “I like to keep everything structured. I like to follow routine. I like to pass that on to my clients as well. In terms of military training, I like to be regimented. This is probably the best way to be a personal trainer as well—to have everything structured and laid out.”
Success Stories: Training Clients with Diverse Needs
One particular success story involves a young client with autism. “They were a little bit awkward at first, getting to know him, trying to get him to come out of his comfort zone,” Burns recalls. “After a few weeks of getting to know him, I was able to train him a lot more intensely and get some energy out. And then you could see his level of frustration come right down and start to enjoy the training.”
The program expanded beyond the studio walls: “We progressed on to doing outdoor activities, going down to the running track, running on the canal, getting the fresh air and the sunshine as well. And you could really see a difference in his character from getting that energy out there and getting out of the house and doing things which he otherwise wouldn't be able to do without somebody being with him.”
Creating Customized Programs
Burns takes a methodical approach to creating personalized fitness regimens: “In terms of tailoring a workout for clients with various disabilities, once they've filled out the forms online, sort of telling which disability they've got or what their problems are, I can then research that in my own time before I meet that person.”
The process doesn't end with the initial planning: “And then we just change, we adapt it week to week based on what they respond to.”
The Advantage of Private Training
While acknowledging the value of public gyms, Burns highlights the benefits of private training: “I don't want to put down public gyms, they're a good alternative. If you can't get a personal trainer with your own studio, you should definitely still go to the gym.”
However, there are distinct advantages to private sessions: “Everyone looks coming to the private environment where it's a lot more comfortable. Whatever is said within these four walls stays in the end. So the client feels confident in their session.”
This privacy fosters stronger relationships: “And you build on the relationship with the client over weeks and months, if not years. And then basically they become my friends.”
Gym Access for People with Disabilities
Burns believes that public gyms are generally inclusive but notes a knowledge gap: “I think the main problem is a lot of people aren't aware that you can go to a public gym and seek advice from a personal trainer or a gym instructor.”
He's optimistic about the evolution of fitness equipment: “There's a lot of equipment now that has been designed around people with disabilities. I've got a lot of equipment in here and it's all adaptable and usable for anyone.”
Areas for Industry Improvement
Burns sees room for improvement in trainer education: “The main change I'd like to see in the fitness industry… is the lack of education in general when it comes to personal trainers. There's no governing body of personal training courses that I'm aware of that basically sets an example across the board.”
This concern extends particularly to training for clients with disabilities: “I think the fitness industry is a positive thing definitely, but we do need some more education when it comes to personal training, especially working with people with disabilities.”
Advice for Those Starting Their Fitness Journey
Burns offers encouraging words for individuals with disabilities considering fitness: “It's never too late to start a fitness journey. And there is absolutely nothing that isn't helped by exercise except a broken bone. But even that you can work around if you've got a good personal trainer.”
The benefits extend beyond physical strength: “Your body needs exercise, you need that skeletal muscle, and you will not get it unless you exercise. Particularly as you get older, you lose muscle mass anyway, and that has a knock-on effect on your endocrine system.”
His final message is empowering: “Exercise is a must… you don't have to train like an elite athlete, you just have to get moving and you have to work your muscles. Get to a gym and get a personal trainer—it's never too late and there's no disability, no injuries, no illnesses that aren't made better through exercise.”
