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- Weight loss
- Over 50s training
- Dietary advice
- Fit for the stage
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These days the fitness industry is full of fads and gimmicks. Gyms and personal trainers have to look at ever more ridiculous ways to separate you from your hard earned cash. The reality is that the UK is a ticking time bomb of poor health and excess weight.
This may sound odd coming from a personal trainer but I don't like gyms. I don't like the machines that promote 2 dimensional non-human movement, I don't like the way trainers push weight training methods that will make you heavier and bulkier, and whilst I'm at it, walking on a treadmill (having just driven to the gym) is just plain daft.
Let's get back to basics. The one thing that always works is good old-fashioned calisthenics and circuit based training coupled with a sensible nutrition plan. Nothing will ever beat it. You need very little equipment and you don't need a gym, and you get to train outside in the fresh air.
Exercise needs to be a part of everyone's life. Why make it a chore? Click the right arrow to see how it works.
For your free fat loss report or if you have any questions then drop me an email.
I can make your training effective. Nothing works faster.
"Out of clutter, find simplicity" . . . Albert Einstein
I'll assess your fitness at the start so we keep within your limits.
No heavy weights or silly machines, we use bodyweight resistance moves, boxing pad work, timed intervals and the TRX for a total body workout.
I will monitor your progress and set goals that come with tangible rewards (outdoor training gear, massages etc.).
By addressing the needs of cardio, strength, mobility, flexibility and recovery
you will be able to achieve true fitness that will help you lead a longer, fitter and more enjoyable life.
I will make sure that we address every aspect of your training.
Most trainers just tell you what to do. . . One of the key advantages of booking me as your trainer is that not only will I get you in shape fast, I'll also equip you with the knowledge and skills to put together your own routines in the future, not only does this save you money but it also means that you get to take ultimate responsibilty for your own health which I believe is crucial.
- Fat Blast (ideal pre holiday). We would work together for a month to make a REAL change to the way you look - 10 sessions £450
- Next Level (longer term). More effective, better value, more progress - 20 sessions £795
- Complete (the whole package) Includes complete outdoor training kit*, all weather training jacket, base layer, gore tex training shoes, tracksters, cap, gloves etc. - plus 25 sessions £1250
(sizes required)*
* Alternatively if you want to buy your own gear, I'll happily accompany you (one off fee) to some specialist shops to make sure you are kitted out properly, or email me for some recommended gear suggestions.
I am a REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals) level 3 qualified master trainer who has always preferred training outside. My love of simple training in the fresh air is a throwback to my army days many years ago. Since the military, I spent 10 years as a police officer in London where PT work was also based around a low tech - high effect system of conditioning.
As a professional trainer, I get a great sense of personal fulfillment seeing clients achieve major changes to their health and fitness. Nothing is more important.
Even though I have a busy schedule with clients, I also have a little spare time. I am currently training to be an actor and as part of that, I am also writing a police based drama for television.
I always manage to get in a half hour daily workout for myself, which allows me the freedom to indulge my love of restaurants and wine! I'm a keen traveler and also love hiking. By way of augmenting my professional qualifications in the area of personal training, I am also a qualified Swedish massage therapist.
If you think I can help you, and I'm sure I can, then call me on 07958 505644
or email me at: ford@highgatetraining.co.uk
I really can't emphasise this enough. If you're an actor, singer, musician or indeed a performer of any kind, even if it's within the corporate world performing presentations, you need to avoid traditional weight training routines. I also think that many sports people and athletes could avoid injuries if they trained in a more intuitive fashion rather than relying on weight training. I read recently that David Beckham now avoids weights as they made him heavy and slow and Muhammad Ali never touched a weight in his life. The inescapable fact is that weight training gives you tight muscles which brings tension to the body, when as a performer you need to remain loose and relaxed.
The problem arises if, as a performer you need to lose weight or get in shape for a role. As a master trainer and actor I can put together routines that promote strength flexibility athleticism and weight loss whilst avoiding a stiff, awkward and uncoordinated body.
To discuss your requirements or if you have any questions then call me or drop me an email at: ford@highgatetraining.co.uk

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- Do I need to be fit to start?
- What do I need to start?
- Do I need any specialist equipment?
- What is a typical training session like?
- What if it's raining?
- I can't even do one press-up, I'm worried.
- Do you recommend any special diet?
- Why don't you like gyms?
- What's the difference between your workouts & outdoor bootcamp style training?
- What do you think about yoga and pilates? I hear a lot of celebrities are fans, & they look fabulous.
- What if I can't make a session?
- How do I book?
1. Do I need to be fit to start?
No, but you will need to be eager to let me help you achieve your desired level of fitness or weight loss. Motivation isn't a problem either because a large part of my job is to get you motivated and make you feel a whole lot better. The hardest part is to start, and the sooner we get started the quicker we can get you in shape.
2. What do I need to start?
Not a lot really. Arrange for your mind and body to come for a free session and you'll be keen to work out a personalised training routine. I will obviously ask you some straight forward questions about your current fitness, medical history, diet and lifestyle. Three sessions a week is fine depending on schedules but 2 sessions works well too. Perhaps 3 sessions one week and 2 sessions the next. That way a block of 20 sessions should cover you for 2 months which is enough time to make huge impact on fitness or weight loss goals.
3. Do I need any specialist equipment?
Not really. I would recommend some trail running shoes, the best ones are gore-tex which keep your feet dry and warm and offer more grip. I personally like tracksters rather than running tights and the Ron Hill ones have a finish that repels rain but ares still breathable. A good base layer is a sound investment for winter workouts along with a quality running jacket. The more you spend the better technical kit you get which is breathable but keeps the elements out. On very cold days, specialist running hat and gloves can help. I do however often give clients kit as prizes and incentives once challenges are completed.
4. What is a typical training session like?
That really depends on you, your goals and your initial level of fitness. I am trained to get you working out in a way that won't cause any injuries and will leave you glowing. Each session will build on the last. Don't expect a straight line improvement, the body is a complex and amazing piece of kit, and you will have some sessions which seemed harder than the last, but equally you'll experience sessions that make you feel amazing. We'll do some circuit based training that works the whole body, along with perhaps some skipping and boxing pad work which really gets fast results.
5. What if it's raining?
If you've got the right gear then it doesn't really matter. Put it this way, I've never got home after a run in the rain and thought "I wish I hadn't bothered". It's always a great feeling when you get home after a training session, especially when you've braved the elements a little. Building your motivation and overcoming obstacles will be a key element to your progress.
6. I can't even do one press-up, I'm worried.
Don't be. Press-ups are just one of hundreds of exercises targeting specific areas of your body. There will be just as many exercises you can do well, as do not so well. The emphasis in personal trainer, is in 'personal'. I never use the same routine for two people, and feel assured that there is always someone less fit than you, and always someone more fit. We are all different with different strengths. I have a client that a few months ago couldn't do one press up but can now do fifteen. Her arms and shoulders look amazing.
7. Do you recommend any special diet?
No. You can safely lose 1-2 lb a week without making any radical dietary changes and incorporating some exercise into your life. It may not sound like much but next time you're in a supermarket put 30 packs of butter into your basket. Now imagine losing that from your body in 2 months which should be fairly easy if you follow my recommendations. Of course it is possible to lose weight faster than this and if you're looking to drop weight more quickly, perhaps for a holiday or special event then I can talk to you about some very effective carb cycling strategies. As for me... I would always rather make sure I get my exercise in so that I can still enjoy a beer in the evening.
8. Why don't you like gyms?
Many reasons but the main reason is that I think outdoor circuit training is far more effective and fun. I don't like the way gyms tie you into contracts so you pay for them even when you don't use them. I don't like the way they promote weight and machine based exercise that attempts to isolate individual body parts, ignoring the fact that the body is beautifully designed so that the muscles work in coordination with each other. I don't like personal trainers that are too busy looking at themselves in the mirror rather than focussing on their clients. I think running on a treadmill or sitting on an indoor exercise bike when we have some of Londons greatest outdoor spaces on our doorstep is a little odd to say the least.
9. What's the difference between your workouts & outdoor bootcamp style training?
The key difference is that I work one-to-one which means that the session is much more focussed on any individual improvements clients may need. For example I work with many clients that spend a great deal of time sat down behind a desk. To avoid the hunched physicality that stems from this, (tight pecs, weak lower traps / rhomboids) I use a TRX for lots of bodyweight row type movements which will work to correct this and hugely improve posture. Most bootcamp sessions over emphasise push ups which although a great exercise needs to be balanced with an equal amount of pulling / rowing movements. Don't get me wrong, if money is limited I would always recommend outdoor bootcamps over gym based training but if you can afford it then one to one circuits will always get the best results.
10. What do you think about yoga & pilates? I hear celebrities are fans, & they look fabulous.
Great for flexibility and yoga especially can be a good relaxation method. Nigh on useless for fitness and fat burning though because it simply doesn't burn enough calories. I can supply you with a great stretching routine that won't take up too much time.
11. What if I can't make a session?
Please try to give at least 24 hours notice so that training slot can be filled by another client. Less notice may mean I have to charge you for the session.
12. How do I book?
That's the simple bit! Give me a call, or send me an email. The best way to determine if you want my help is to talk to me first. There is never any obligation, and you can even have your first try out session for free.
Mobile: 07958 505644
Email:
ford@highgatetraining.co.uk
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