At Nxtep, we understand the unique dedication and drive that athletes possess, and we are committed to providing specialised personal training programs for athletes to help you achieve your goals.

 

 

Written by

Chris Nicklin is a certified Personal Trainer with over 7 years' experience, and the owner of Nxtep Personal Training. Chris qualified from Edge Hill University with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Sports Coaching and Performance Development, and has delivered over ten thousand one-to-one Personal Training sessions.

Updated 28/7/2023

As a personal trainer, I know firsthand the importance of personalised training in enhancing sports performance. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a passionate amateur, or a rising star in your chosen sport, our personal training for athletes program is designed to cater to your specific needs, taking your athletic abilities to the next level.

 

Check out our great Google reviews!

Paul CorriganPaul Corrigan
12:26 10 Mar 24
Sadly I'm leaving the area and would love to take Nxtep with me. I attend the small classes. Chris has created a unique venue that would be hard to match anywhere. The environment is warm and friendly. The sports science work that Chris does behind the scenes to prepare the classes is immense, so that we don't have to worry about it. Just plug and go. Though education is always at hand if required. The classes can be hard work (results driven) but always fun. The equipment is of the highest standard. I've always been around sports but have never experienced anything so positive and rewarding. At 57 there is no way I would ever have thought I'd lift such heavy weights or complete these vigorous exercises. Chris gets you there incrementally and safely but always with great humour. He uses a truly interactive App that plots your progress. A fitness App that actually works, who knew!!Also the clients are lovely and incredibly supportive of each other. Well bloody done Chris!
Aidan McGearyAidan McGeary
07:50 27 Feb 24
Over the past alomost 3 years, Nxtep has been central to my personal growth. Chris and his clients make up a fantastic community of people who have helped me develop in many ways. No one lifts a single kg on my behalf or runs a step for me, but as part of a positive and nurturing environment I have been able to consistently, week in, week out, exceed my expactations of what I am capable of. The Physical and mental benefits I have experienced since being a part of this community have been game changing and I owe them a great deal. Aidan.
Alana McgladeAlana Mcglade
17:44 20 Feb 24
Chris has been absolutely amazing at supporting me on my fitness journey. Everything is tailored to the individual so it suits everyone no matter what stage you're at. There's a really supportive environment that I haven't experienced elsewhere and the flexibility Chris has shown to me when needed has been amazing. Would never go anywhere else now!
Ashleigh PattersonAshleigh Patterson
20:07 18 Feb 24
CHRIS AND LUCA YOU ARE AMAZING AT WHAT YOU DO.At one point i couldnt walk up the stairs... after been hospitalized and locked in a room for nearly a month at pinderfields I was diagnosed with severe asthma to been under observation for COPD at 30 years old and still living everyday with it now, I decided to make a change. I moved to Cheshire I joined @nxtepknutsford and in a matter of months I was competing at @turfgames with the gym familyI cannot thank everyone enough who has been on my journeyNow at 32 I can lift 110kg on a deadliftI can run .... some sort of distance and always improving as much as my lungs will carry me.Never give up and push to be betterWe saw. We came. I conquered! 🏆
Steven ThompsonSteven Thompson
07:40 15 Feb 24
The model works for me , small group of less than 6 with a dedicated trainer . Have used gyms for many years but this model works for me . Complete professional instruction at all times . All about correct technique and protecting back etc . Plus there is no escape - maximising every session and getting maximum benefits . A real community approach .
deborah walkerdeborah walker
10:08 12 Feb 24
Always a great session with Chris .Come away feeling fab
Iain FountainIain Fountain
12:04 06 Feb 24
Have been training regularly each week since October at Nxtep and just wanted to give some feedback on my experience which has been nothing short than excellent. Chris, Luca and the team have provided one and one expertise, techniques, dietary plans to help with weight loss, build lean muscle and improve fitness. Can’t shout their praises enough. Good job Nxtep.
Hannah ThrelfallHannah Threlfall
14:10 10 Nov 23
I signed up for the 6 week body transformation initially to help me get my pre baby body back after gaining a lot of weight through pregnancy. I lost 8.6kgs in the 6 weeks and have since renewed my membership to continue with my progress and I’m almost down 10kgs in total only 2kgs away from my pre pregnancy weight. I have always hated going to the gym and would dread going initially but now I am 8 weeks in, training 3x per week and feeling fitter and much happier in myself it is something I definitely want to continue. I feel it has really changed my lifestyle and I am making healthier choices everyday with a much more positive outlook, my family have commented that the old Hannah is back as before I felt I’d lost myself since becoming a mum for the first time. Chris and Luca are incredibly knowledgeable about anatomy which was very important to me after having a C-section and I have seen huge improvements in my core and lower back stability. I am also enjoying the new friends I am making from the sessions and never thought I’d say it but I’m looking forward to continuing the training long term and being in the best shape of my life!!
Katie MorrisKatie Morris
08:05 15 Sep 23
I've really enjoyed the community at Nxtep. I've never been this thrilled get up before 7am to attend the gym. Chris and Luca are brilliant and I feel I've come so far in the year since I started coming. Looking forward to more progress and the pride that comes with working hard
Lesley SneesbyLesley Sneesby
08:04 15 Sep 23
Thank you Chris and Luca for your amazing help, guidance and support in such a welcoming environment at Nxtep
MerelMerel
15:47 03 May 23
I initially joined Nxtep to get a better grip on my fitness levels after yo-yoing for years with sporadic classes and runs. It was an excellent decision as the sessions are three times a week which quickly got me in a good rhythm. Chris and Luca are both fantastic and very patient with a newbie like myself who had never lifted weights before. They have really helped me understand fitness and weight lifting a lot better. They also adjusted any exercises based on my capabilities as I had an injured shoulder for a while, and with the rehab exercises they gave me that’s now back to normal. I can’t recommend Nxtep enough!
CharlotteCharlotte
15:38 04 Aug 22
I've been working with the guys at Nxtep for about a year now; I originally joined thinking it would be a short-term thing to lose weight for my wedding.A year later and I'm married, 12kg lighter than when I first started, lifting much heavier weights and am in much better shape in general. Chris and Luca have been amazing with my training; they always challenge me to try new things and to push further, which is really helpful for someone who's training has always seemed to plateau in the past.They've also taught me about health and fitness as a lifestyle; there's so much more to it than lifting some weights or constantly being on a diet, and they always keep things new, fun and flexible. They're also really helpful and approachable guys; I've messaged them lots of times to ask for training tips and advice when I'm going to the gym outside of training hours, and they're always more than happy to help.
Jackie KingJackie King
19:38 17 May 22
I first met Chris in January 2020. I was 12 weeks pregnant with my first child. As a trained dancer, and teacher I was hoping to maintain my levels of fitness whilst minimising the risks of my pregnancy. My early dance training concentrated on training my limbs, while often neglecting my β€˜centre’ or β€˜core’. It wasn’t until a back injury in 2012 due to weak lower back muscles that my approach to training changed. When I first found out about my pregnancy, I worried about my back and how to keep it strong.Chris helped me through my pregnancy teaching me safe ways of keeping my core strong, helping with my postural alignment as well as addressing some muscular imbalances that I wasn’t aware I had. Most importantly, Chris gave me the confidence to continue training through pregnancy. I knew I was in safe hands. Chris is phenomenally knowledgeable in how our bodies work.May 2022, I am currently pregnant with my second child and still continuing to train with Chris at Nxtep. Luca has also joined the team and is a fantastic addition. They are a great team, and I am very lucky to be trained by them both. I would highly recommend anyone thinking about pre or post natal pregnancy training to consider Nxtep.
Sean WSean W
12:09 02 Apr 22
Before starting at Nxtep I would go through a cycle of starting to get fit, injuring my back, then avoiding exercise for fear of making it worse. The same happened when I started here, with my over eagerness to improve leading to the same old injury. Chris and Luca kept me motivated and coached me through the recovery process, allowing me to strengthen the areas susceptible to injury and enabling me to carry on where I’d previously have given up. Now I’m lifting ~100kg more than when I first started and the past few years of persistent back injury seem a distant memory. The guys have helped me with my nutrition, my outlook and overcoming what I previously thought I couldn’t. I can’t thank them both enough!
Paul KennedyPaul Kennedy
22:59 05 Nov 21
I’ve been working with Chris and the team at Nxtep, and the initially just wanted to get stronger and fitter somewhere local when the gym near work was no longer an option due to the pandemic. I know feel really confident handling weights and my diet. I recently saw myself in a film from before I started at Nxtep and other people couldn’t recognise me from me who didn’t know me well so, it definitely works! Highly recommended.
Jordan CraigJordan Craig
20:45 05 Aug 21
Training at Nxtep during Covid was tricky but Chris and Luca made it work! Started with training outdoors in the carpark before we were allowed to move indoors, it was always fun and I feel I made real progress.It never felt just like a business and always felt more caring, I was also doing it as part of my DofE to which Luca/Chris were very helpful with.I've had to stop due to other focuses in life but I've got some real fond memories of the time and am hoping to go back later if I can!
ryan unwinryan unwin
20:29 28 Jul 21
Great personal trainer, his sessions are great and really push you into great mindset to achieve your goals, great knowledge of the body aswell! Would definitely recommend!!
David VDavid V
17:54 22 Oct 20
Wanted to improve all round fitness especially strength and conditioning so contacted & met with Chris.....was very impressed with his approach and was motivated to getting started & looking forward to the challengeChris was fundamental to me in making the nutrition and exercise changes required to achieve goals.... inspiring, motivational, encouraging & supportive he is great to work with......regular tracking & updates help me to stay focused..... Chris is easy to get along with and the sessions are challenging but enjoyable.....
gabin-vallet-JVnLqWGWVzs-unsplash

Why Work With A Personal Trainer For Athletes?

At Nxtep, we understand the unique dedication and drive that athletes possess, and we are committed to providing specialised training programs to help you achieve your athletic goals.

As a personal trainer, I know firsthand the importance of personalised training in enhancing sports performance. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a passionate amateur, or a rising star in your chosen sport, our personal training for athletes program is designed to cater to your specific needs, taking your athletic abilities to the next level.

Our team of dedicated trainers comprises experienced professionals who are well-versed in various sports and exercise science. We take the time to understand your unique strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, allowing us to design a training regimen that aligns with your individual goals. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, swimmer, or engage in team sports, we tailor our approach to suit the specific demands of your chosen discipline.

Our mission is to empower you to become the best version of yourself, both on and off the field. With our personalised coaching, you’ll experience noticeable improvements in your performance, witness reduced risk of injuries, and gain a deeper understanding of how to fuel your body for optimal results.

Throughout this page, we’ll delve into the many benefits of personalised training for athletes, our training methodology, the importance of proper nutrition, mental conditioning techniques, and much more.Β 

Let’s lace up those sneakers, set our sights on victory, and unleash your athletic prowess. I look forward to meeting you and helping you become a champion in your sport!

chau-cedric–6GinD-1NwE-unsplash

What is Personal Training for Athletes?

Personal Training for Athletes is a specialised approach tailored explicitly to meet the unique needs and goals of individuals engaged in sports and athletic pursuits. It goes beyond generic fitness programs, recognising that athletes require a distinct set of skills and training to excel in their chosen disciplines.

At Nxtep, we believe that every athlete is on a unique journey, and their training should reflect that individuality. Our program is designed to be a catalyst for your growth and progress, providing the necessary tools to reach your full potential as an athlete.

Athlete-specific training goes beyond general fitness workouts. It involves a comprehensive assessment of an athlete’s strengths, weaknesses, and specific sport-related goals. By tailoring training plans to suit your athletic discipline, position, and performance level, we ensure that every minute of your workout contributes directly to your growth and development as an athlete.

Understanding the Unique Needs and Goals of Athletes

At Nxtep, we recognize that athletes have distinct needs compared to the average fitness enthusiast. Whether you’re a competitive athlete striving for excellence or an amateur looking to improve your game, we focus on honing the skills and attributes crucial to your sport. This targeted approach allows us to maximise your potential and take your performance to new heights.

How Athlete Training is different from General Fitness Programs

While general fitness programs are valuable for overall health, they may not fully address the specific requirements of athletes. Our athlete-specific training is designed to enhance your athletic capabilities, including speed, power, agility, and sport-specific skills. By integrating sport-specific exercises and techniques into your regimen, we aim to optimise your performance and make you a more formidable force in your sport.

Through the Personal Training for Athletes program at Nxtep, you’ll experience a training experience like no other. Our dedication to your success, combined with our expertise in athletic conditioning, will empower you to break barriers and achieve feats you once thought impossible. Together, we’ll take your passion for sports and transform it into a winning formula, setting you up for a future filled with triumphs and accomplishments.

runner-getting-personal-training

Benefits of Personal Training for Athletes

Let’s look at the incredible benefits that Personal Training for Athletes brings to your athletic prowess. By choosing our specialised training program, you’ll discover how Nxtep empowers athletes like you to reach unparalleled heights in your sport and beyond.

Improved Athletic Performance

Enhancing Strength, Speed, and Power:

Our tailored training programs focus on building functional strength, explosive power, and lightning-fast speed. With targeted exercises and progressive resistance training, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your physical capabilities, enabling you to outperform your competition.

Boosting Endurance and Stamina:

Endurance is the backbone of many sports. At Nxtep, we integrate specialised conditioning drills to improve your cardiovascular endurance and stamina, giving you the energy to maintain peak performance throughout your games or events.

Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation

Identifying Common Sports-Related Injuries and Risk Factors:

As athletes, injuries can be a hindrance to progress. Our expert trainers are skilled in recognising common sports-related injuries and potential risk factors. By addressing these concerns proactively, we create training plans that reduce the likelihood of injuries, allowing you to stay on track towards your goals.

Implementing Injury Prevention Strategies Through Targeted Exercises:

Prevention is better than cure, they say. We incorporate injury prevention exercises and drills to strengthen vulnerable areas and correct imbalances, reducing the risk of injury during training and competition.

Incorporating Rehabilitation Exercises for Injured Athletes:

In the unfortunate event of an injury, Nxtep Personal Training offers personalised rehabilitation exercises to aid your recovery. Our trainers work closely with you, your physiotherapist, or medical professional to develop a safe and effective plan for your return to the game stronger than ever.

Sports-Specific Training

Tailoring Workouts to the Demands of Individual Sports:

Different sports demand different skills and attributes. Our athlete-specific approach involves crafting workouts that mirror the demands of your chosen sport, ensuring that your training optimally complements your athletic requirements.

Enhancing Sport-Specific Skills and Techniques:

Through focused drills and exercises, we work on refining your sport-specific skills and techniques. You’ll witness a noticeable improvement in your performance as you develop precision and finesse in your game.

Our dedicated trainers will be by your side every step of the way, guiding you to excel, both on the field and off. With improved performance, reduced risk of injuries, and a deeper understanding of your body’s needs, you’ll be ready to conquer any challenge that comes your way.

dushawn-jovic-B3fgTrrgsiI-unsplash (1)

Our Training Methodology

Our athlete-centric Training Methodology is meticulously crafted to elevate your performance and propel you towards your athletic goals. With Nxtep, you’ll experience a personalised training journey that brings out the very best in you as an athlete.

Needs Assessment and Goal Setting

Assessments to Determine Fitness Levels and Specific Goals:

Before we embark on your training journey, we begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand your current fitness level, strengths, weaknesses, and any potential limitations. This evaluation forms the foundation of your personalised training plan.

Establishing Short-Term and Long-Term Objectives:

At Nxtep, your aspirations matter. We value your input and actively involve you in setting short-term milestones and long-term objectives. This collaborative approach ensures that your training aligns with your ambitions and keeps you motivated every step of the way.

Individualised Training Plans

Customising Workout Routines Based on your Sport and Fitness Level:

No two athletes are the same, and neither are their training plans. Our expert trainers meticulously design workout routines that align with the demands of your specific sport, position, and individual fitness level. This tailored approach maximises the effectiveness of your training sessions.

Periodising Training to Optimise Performance During the Season:

We understand that your training requirements may vary throughout the season. Our periodised training approach ensures that you peak at the right moments, aligning your training phases with your competition schedule to achieve optimal performance during crucial events.

Strength and Conditioning

Strength Training Programs to Build Functional Strength and Power:

Strength forms the foundation of athletic prowess. We implement structured strength training programs that build functional strength, enhance muscle coordination, and translate into improved athletic performance.

Conditioning Drills to Enhance Overall Fitness and Endurance:

Endurance is a key factor in most sports. Our conditioning drills are strategically integrated to improve your cardiovascular fitness, enabling you to maintain high-level performance throughout your matches or events.

Speed and Agility Training

Drills to Improve Acceleration, Deceleration, and Change of Direction:

Speed and agility are game-changers on the field. We incorporate drills that focus on improving your acceleration, deceleration, and change of direction, giving you a competitive edge over your opponents.

Enhancing Footwork and Reaction Time:

Precision footwork and quick reactions are essential in sports. Our training includes exercises that hone your footwork and reaction time, allowing you to respond swiftly and strategically during competitions.

Plyometrics and Explosive Exercises

Plyometric Training to Develop Explosive Power:

Plyometric exercises are the secret to explosive power. We incorporate plyometrics into your training to enhance your ability to generate force rapidly, making you more dynamic and impactful in your sport.

Safely Integrating Jump Training and Ballistic Movements:

Safety is paramount in our training. Our trainers ensure that plyometric exercises are executed with proper form and technique to minimise the risk of injuries and promote your overall athletic development.

Flexibility and Mobility

Dynamic and Static Stretches to Improve Range of Motion

Flexibility is fundamental for athletic performance. We integrate flexibility and mobility training such as dynamic and static stretches into your training to improve your range of motion, enhancing your ability to move freely and efficiently on the field.

Addressing Muscle Imbalances to Reduce the Risk of Injuries:

Muscle imbalances can hinder performance and lead to injuries. Our trainers identify and address these imbalances through specific exercises, reducing the risk of injuries and promoting overall athletic longevity.

At Nxtep Personal Training, our training methodology revolves around you. With personalised training plans, expert coaching, and a commitment to your success, we empower you to dominate your sport and achieve your own goals.

alice-pasqual-a2scGjpiI5E-unsplash

Nutritional Guidance for Athletes

Every personal training program we offer includes comprehensive Nutritional Guidance designed to fuel your body with the right nutrients, helping you perform at your best and achieve peak athletic results.

Understanding the Importance of Nutrition in Athletic Performance

Nutrition forms the cornerstone of your athletic journey. Properly fueling your body with the right nutrients ensures you have the energy, stamina, and resilience to train and compete at the highest level.

Optimal nutrition supports the recovery process after intense training sessions, promoting muscle repair and adaptation. With the right fuel, your body bounces back stronger, allowing you to continually push your limits.

Tailoring Meal Plans to Suit Individual Caloric and Macronutrient Needs:

Our expert personal trainers and nutritionists calculate your caloric needs, taking into account your training intensity, sport, and specific athletic goals. This personalised approach ensures that your body receives the precise energy it requires to perform at its best.

The right balance of macronutrients – proteins, carbohydrates, and fats – is crucial for athletic success. Our meal plans optimise these ratios, supporting muscle development, sustained energy, and effective recovery.

Pre- and Post-Training Nutrition Strategies for Optimal Energy and Recovery:

Fueling Up Before Training and Competition:

Pre-training meals are carefully crafted to provide sustained energy and prevent fatigue during training or competition. Our nutritionists recommend the right combination of carbohydrates and proteins to fuel your performance.

Enhancing Recovery with Post-Training Nutrition:

After intense workouts, your body craves nutrients for recovery and growth. Our post-training nutrition strategies supply your muscles with the necessary nutrients, facilitating faster recovery and adaptation.

Hydration Guidelines for Peak Athletic Performance

Proper hydration is non-negotiable for peak performance. We emphasise the significance of hydration and its impact on energy levels, focus, and overall well-being.

Our hydration guidelines offer practical strategies to maintain proper fluid balance during training and competitions, ensuring you remain hydrated and at the top of your game.

At Nxtep Personal Training, we believe that proper nutrition is a powerful tool to unlock your athletic potential. Our nutritional guidance, backed by scientific research and tailored to your individual needs, complements your training efforts and propels you towards excellence.

Remember, your nutrition is as unique as your fingerprint, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s fuel your ambition, nourish your body, and conquer the field.

james-barr-ooGh9jAP5l8-unsplash

Mental Conditioning

Mental Conditioning is an essential aspect of athletic excellence that sets champions apart. As you strive for greatness, we are here to fortify your mental resilience and equip you with the tools to conquer the mental battles that accompany your athletic journey.

Understanding the Influence of Mindset on Performance

In the realm of sports, mental fortitude is as vital as physical prowess. Our training acknowledges the profound impact of a strong mindset on your performance, empowering you to channel your inner strength when faced with challenges.

Confidence is your armour on the field. Our Mental Conditioning strategies help you to instil self-belief, helping you unleash your full potential and perform fearlessly under pressure.

Techniques for Enhancing Focus, Concentration, and Confidence

Mindfulness and Visualisation Techniques:

Mindfulness and visualisation are powerful tools to enhance focus and mental clarity. We guide you through techniques that improve concentration, boost mental acuity, and enable you to visualise success in vivid detail.

Goal Setting and Positive Self-Talk:

Our trainers work closely with you to establish clear and achievable goals. We foster positive self-talk to cultivate an empowering inner dialogue that reinforces your capabilities and self-worth.

Addressing Performance Anxiety and Managing Competitive Stress

Performance anxiety is a common challenge in sports. We provide coping strategies to manage anxiety effectively, enabling you to stay composed and perform at your best when the pressure is on.

Competitive stress can impact your overall performance. Our stress management techniques equip you with practical tools to navigate stress and maintain mental equilibrium throughout your journey.

At Nxtep Personal Training, we understand that true excellence stems from both physical prowess and mental strength. Our Mental Conditioning strategies complement your physical training, empowering you to approach each challenge with unwavering confidence and unwavering determination.

Monitoring and Progress Evaluation

At Nxtep, we believe that regular assessment and tracking are essential for your growth, ensuring that every stride you take leads you closer to your athletic aspirations.

Our expert trainers utilise a range of performance metrics to measure your progress accurately. From strength gains and speed improvements to agility and endurance benchmarks, we leave no stone unturned in monitoring your development.

Periodic Assessments

Periodic assessments serve as milestones on your journey. We conduct regular check-ins to evaluate your strengths, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your training plan accordingly, keeping you on course to achieve your goals.

As your performance evolves, so do your training needs. Our trainers dynamically adapt your training plan to match your progress, ensuring that your workouts consistently challenge and elevate your abilities.

Goal Refinement and Setting New Targets

Your athletic journey is a continuous evolution. We work with you to refine your goals and set new targets as you surpass milestones, inspiring you to reach new heights and achieve feats beyond your initial expectations.

Your dedication and hard work deserve recognition. We celebrate your achievements and progress, acknowledging the sweat and sacrifice that drive you towards greatness.

At Nxtep, we foster a supportive and motivating environment where every accomplishment, no matter how small, is celebrated. We believe that encouragement and camaraderie are essential components of your success.

Quick Enquiry

Have a question? Ask us anything here.