Personal training can be a great way to get fit and stay healthy, but if you have a disability, it can make it difficult to exercise on your own. At Nxtep, we pride ourselves on inclusivity and accessibility for all, and our personal trainers are trained to work with people of all abilities, no matter what. Your personal training plan will be designed especially for you and your individual abilities and goals. You will receive dedicated instruction and close guidance from your trainer, and includes a bespoke meal plan designed especially for you and your goals. Choose from 1, 2 or 3 training sessions per week.

 

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 1/11/2022

What is Personal Training for People With a Disability?

It can be difficult for a person with a disability to get the necessary exercise to keep healthy, for a variety of reasons. A person may feel their disability means they just cannot exercise. Or perhaps they may lack access to appropriate equipment or skilled trainers, or they may feel reluctant to exercise in public.

Personal training can give those with a disability the tailored assistance they require to meet their fitness objectives. Our trainers will analyse your requirements and create a safe and effective fitness plan for you.

Personal trainers provide support, inspiration and motivation, which can help keep you on course even when progress feels impossible. We often find that individuals lacking in confidence feel more confident and independent after engaging with personal training, and we love to see it happen!

 

Check out our great Google reviews!

Patrick SmithPatrick Smith
06:47 05 Jun 24
Joined Nxtep under the 6 week transformation plan and had great results. Chris is a great PT with plenty of experience and skill.
Sarah RaoSarah Rao
07:30 30 May 24
A EA E
20:41 07 May 24
The “personal trainer” at this establishment is very unprofessional and will fat shame people. I do not recommend you will be judged.Edit: No email was left to contact. Leave an email so we can discuss further thank you.
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 ‘centre’ or ‘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.....
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Why Train With Nxtep?

Our goal at Nxtep is to deliver high-quality personal training to those with disabilities. We consider you as an individual, not just your disability. If you’re looking for a personal trainer with experience in training people with disabilities, or if you have any kind of disability and just want to get in shape, you’ve come to the right place.

Each disability has its own challenges. Because the amount of ability or symptoms of each individual with a disability might vary greatly, we cannot simply follow a pre-written PT plan. To get the most out of our sessions together, we must carefully examine, adjust, and design unique tasks for you. This is why everyone that comes to Nxtep has an assessment, in which we figure out what you can accomplish, we listen to your goals and what you want, and from there we develop a personal training plan with you. We love getting people exercising, no matter what their level of ability.

We are not trying to cure your impairment – that is not the aim or the point. We’re here to assist you in exercising despite your disability. No matter what, you’ll always see an improvement in your strength, balance, coordination, body composition, and overall physical aptitude by sticking to a personal training regime.

We have wheelchair-friendly access to the studio via Egerton Square and throughout the gym. Please be advised however, that there is no access via King St due to a staircase.

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Your Consultation

The first step is to set up a time to talk with one of our personal trainers, who will do a free Initial Consultation (this can be done online, over the phone, or in person) to figure out your basic training goals, needs, and anything else we need to know.

The next step is to come in for a more thorough, all-around physical consultation. We’ll ask you to do some basic movements and exercises to see how fit you are and discuss your physical limitations or injuries. We’ll also talk about your lifestyle, diet, goals, and more. If you come to your first appointment in person, you may be able to do your Comprehensive Consultation the same day.

The Comprehensive Consultation will help your trainer figure out where you are now, where you want to go, and how best to help you get there, so that we can make your Personal Training Plan. This thorough meeting will go over the following:

  • Your Personal Goals
  • Current Lifestyle
  • Exercise History
  • Your Disability or Impairment
  • Body Composition Analysis
  • Functional Movement Screen
  • Postural Assessment
  • Nutritional Analysis
  • Identification of Barriers
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The Benefits of Exercise For People With Disabilities

People who regularly exercise benefit from a broad array of physical, mental, and emotional benefits, and the benefits of exercise for individuals with disabilities can be huge, especially if the person in question is living a more sedentary lifestyle than they would like to.

We believe it is important for everyone to get into the habit of exercising, including those with disabilities. It is not just the important physical aspect of exercising though; exercise can also benefit your mental health.

These benefits can come from as little as 30-60 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as cardio or from muscle-strengthening activities such as working with resistance bands. But – it can be very hard to anyone, of any ability, to get started and then stick with an exercise regime on their own, with no external help or guidance. This is where personal training is so helpful.

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How A Personal Trainer Can Help

For people living with disabilities, a personal trainer can be a great way of improving and maintaining physical and mental health.

Here are 5 ways we can help:

1. Getting You Motivated

People with disabilities often feel like they don’t belong in gyms because of the equipment and space requirements, and there can also be concerns about being judged by others. At Nxtep, we will make sure that these issues never come up. Once you’ll feel safe and comfortable in your environment, that can be a big hurdle to overcome. From then on, our job is to keep you enjoying your sessions and therefore keep the motivation to keep going!

2. Helping You Overcome Barriers

Despite the many benefits associated with exercise, there are often barriers that keep individuals with disabilities from getting the recommended amount of physical activity.

The main barrier is usually simply finding the confidence to start and commit to your first session, or just coming along for the first chat and your assessment. At Nxtep we will put you fully at ease, show you around the facilities, and explain the process fully to you before you commit to start. We even offer free trial days so you can have a go without signing up to see if you’re comfortable.

The next barrier is usually the actual exercise, which can be scary to anyone who hasn’t attended a gym before – whether you have a disability or not.

But as soon as you get started, you will start feeling the benefits of a good workout – and any kind of workout can be beneficial, physically, mentally, and even emotionally.

3. Building Your Confidence

Many people with disabilities face challenges in life. Personal trainers can help build confidence by helping you to achieve goals, no matter what they are. For example, perhaps you are partially sighted and find the idea of a gym intimidating. At Nxtep it will just be you and your personal trainer in the studio, meaning we can give you our total attention, guiding you through your entire routine, without the worry of other people in the room.

4. Improving Your Strength and Flexibility

People with a physical disability may struggle with general fitness, strength and flexibility, depending on their disability. Personal trainers are able to focus your sessions on building the muscles you are able to use, and improving your range of motion. We teach clients how to use proper form while doing exercises, taking into account your physical abilities or limitations.

In terms of pure physical strength, strength and resistance training helps you gain lean mass and improves bone density, which may help avoid falls by increasing core strength balance, if this is a risk.

5. Improving Your Fitness and Stamina

Cardio exercise strengthens your heart, improves circulation, and reduces blood pressure, but the benefits of cardiovascular exercise are not just better physical health; experts have linked substantial health benefits with regular physical and social activity. For certain kinds of disabilities, improved physical and cardiovascular health may make a substantial difference in the quality of life. For example, a wheelchair user may benefit from increasing core strength and improving their cardiovascular health, or someone who now has reduced mobility may find they get out of breath more easily than they used to.

 

 

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