Some people are happy to follow their own programme in their own time and place; for those who lack the time, or the motivation, or the energy to train effectively on their own, a Personal Trainer can be the answer. The support, advice and encouragement comes with safe exercise technique to help you avoid injuries.

When you are overweight, when you are underweight, when you are unfit, when you want to get fitter, when you have just had a baby, when you are in training, when you are bored with training, when the kids have left home, when the Jeans don't fit, when you are too busy to keep fit, when you are going skiing, when Christmas has happened, when Summer is about to happen, when aerobics has got boring, when you can't avoid the mirror, when you always avoid the scales, when you want to!

Three times each week should be sufficient for you to start feeling and seeing results. Although, like anything, you will get more out of it if you put more in. Whether you work out with your Trainer every time is up to you, and how motivated you are, how often you can afford to train, what you schedule is like every week.

There is no 'should' - you can achieve results working out in a gym, in the park, or at home. It is more a matter of availability and of convenience for you.

Most Personal Trainers are fully aware that in order to change an unhealthy lifestyle you have to work within it. You will find that many Personal Trainers can give you nutritional and lifestyle advice - whether you take it is up to you. We are only with you a few hours a week, but the fitter you become, the better you will treat your body as a natural consequence.

Unfortunately there is no typical cost, although the range is between £20 and £100 per hour dependent on your location. If you spend £500 a year on gym fees and use the facility once or twice, with no results as a consequence, that is expensive. Although prices range across the country, and will be influenced by the length of each session, skills required, gym fees which may be payable, travel costs and any other number of contributing factors, most Personal Trainers will set a rate which is affordable and effective according to the situation each client is in. And you will be guaranteed results, progress and development.

Housewives, stockbrokers, rock stars, company directors, nannies, coffee-shop managers, bankers, doctors, dressmakers, accountants, firemen, receptionists, PR executives, hoteliers, waiters, newsagents, DJs, journalists, producers, secretaries, actors, sportsmen and women, electricians, anyone who wants one!

Energetic, committed, motivating, enthusiastic, bright, sympathetic, dedicated, understanding, busy, interested, professional, healthy, intelligent, flexible, knowledgeable, approachable, confidential, trustworthy, friendly, ordinary people...

You are the client and so should be able to train when you want. However, do remember that trainers will have existing clients and so your first choice may not be available so it's best to be flexible. If your trainer consistently arrives late or starts cancelling at the last minute you should question whether they are right for you. If you're changing your training time, always give at least 24 hours notice - otherwise you'll be charged.

This will depend on where you've agreed your sessions will be. Trainers may come to your home or office or you may use the local park, swimming pool or be out on a bike. There will normally be problems with taking your trainer to your own fitness centre as they will have their own trainers. However, you may have a trainer who has an agreement with a centre so that you can train there.

The nature of personal training is such that it incorporates your needs, goals and preferences. The trainer will need to ask some initial questions during the consultation, which probe the demands that are placed on you from your job or lifestyle. Typically the first session will include questions about:

• Basic personal details
• Medical background
• Fitness background
• Lifestyle factors (e.g. smoking or drinking)
• Nutritional habits (you may be asked to keep a diary)
• Personal goals and objectives in relation to fitness

So as you can see a trainer looks at more than just the fitness or exercise component of your life. Any professional trainer should be able to provide information and advice about nutrition, stress management, motivational techniques and then be able to refer you on to others where the need may arise (Chiropractics or Massage say).

Depending on your recent fitness and exercise programmes (or lack of) they may ask you for a certificate if they believe that medical conditions and/or past injuries will affect your participation in a training session. If you are under the care of a doctor for any reason or if you are over 40, and starting exercise for the first time, you will be asked to see your doctor to obtain their clearance first.

A personal training session will normally last for one hour. This will follow along the lines of a brief warm-up followed by your main training programme where you will focus on your goals using cardiovascular, strength or flexibility exercises. Finally there will be a cool down or relaxation period. Any programme may vary from one session to the next according to the clients' needs and progress.