Personal training in Solihull: costs, options and what to expect

Personal training can sound like something reserved for celebrities or people who already live in the gym. In reality, most people who hire a PT are ordinary adults who want a bit of structure, some accountability and someone to make sure they are doing things safely. This guide covers what personal training in Solihull actually involves, where you can train, what it typically costs and how to pick the right trainer for you.

I'm Max, a Level 3 qualified personal trainer based in Olton (B92). I've written this as a plain, honest overview, with links to more detailed guides on each topic if you want to go further.

What does a personal trainer actually do?

A good personal trainer does three jobs. First, they work out where you are starting from: your goals, your injury history, your schedule and how you move. Second, they build sessions and a plan that suit you, rather than a generic routine. Third, they coach you through it, correcting technique, adjusting the difficulty and keeping you consistent.

In the UK, Level 3 is generally treated as the minimum qualification to work independently as a personal trainer. A Level 2 qualification covers gym instructing and inductions, while Level 3 adds deeper study of anatomy, programming and nutrition. It is worth asking any trainer what they hold.

What a PT should not do is diagnose injuries or medical conditions. If you have a health condition, a trainer should work around it sensibly and point you back to your GP or physio where needed.

Where can you train with a personal trainer in Solihull?

There are three main settings, and each suits different people. As a mobile trainer I work in all three, so I have no reason to push you towards one.

For home and park sessions I bring kettlebells, adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, boxing gloves and pads, a suspension trainer, mats and cones. That is enough to deliver a full strength and conditioning session without any equipment of your own. For gym sessions, get in touch and I'll talk through the options.

If you are torn between the two main models, read mobile PT vs gym PT: which is right for you? For a closer look at the green spaces I use, see outdoor training in Olton Jubilee Park, Elmdon Park and Brueton Park.

How much does personal training cost in Solihull?

There is no official national price list, but published UK guides put a typical one-to-one session at roughly £30 to £60 outside London, with London and premium studios often charging much more. One 2025 price guide lists Birmingham at around £20 to £60 per hour. Block bookings usually bring the per-session price down a little.

My own prices are straightforward:

• First session: £30 (new starter offer)
• Pay as you go: £45 per 60-minute session
• 5-session pack: £210 (£42 each, use within 6 weeks)
• 10-session pack: £400 (£40 each, includes a written programme for the days in between)
• Couples and small groups: £55 per session for two, plus £10 per extra person (2 to 4 people)

There are no contracts and no joining fee, and I ask for 24 hours' notice to cancel or rearrange. For a full breakdown, including a comparison of gym PT, mobile PT, small group and online coaching, read how much does a personal trainer cost in Solihull in 2026?

Who is personal training for?

Almost anyone who wants to get fitter, stronger or more confident with exercise. Some of the most common starting points are below.

Complete beginners

If you have never trained before, or it has been years, a PT takes away the guesswork. The early weeks are about learning the basic movement patterns, building a habit and finding a level that challenges you without leaving you wrecked for days. Our guide to personal training for beginners walks through what a typical first month looks like.

People who want to train at home

Many people never want to set foot in a gym, and that is fine. You can build real strength with a small amount of kit. If you want a plan for the days between sessions, or to try first on your own, our no-gym home workout plan sets out exercises, sets, reps and how to progress.

Couples, friends and family

Training with someone you know can make sessions more fun and easier to stick to, and it shares the cost. I run sessions for 2 to 4 people. See training with your partner: is couples PT worth it? for the pros, the pitfalls and how sessions work when two people are at different levels.

People who want something different

I hold a 3rd Dan black belt in karate, and I offer karate-based fitness and self-defence sessions for people who want conditioning with a practical skill attached. No martial arts experience is needed. Read karate-based fitness and self-defence for complete beginners to see what it involves.

How often should you train?

The UK Chief Medical Officers' guidelines recommend that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a mix), plus muscle strengthening activities on at least two days a week. They also advise breaking up long periods of sitting. The guidelines are clear that any activity is better than none.

In practice, one or two PT sessions a week is a common pattern. The sessions themselves only cover part of the weekly target, so what you do in between matters too: walking, cycling, a sport, or a short home routine. That is why my 10-session pack includes a written programme for the days in between.

What happens when you start with Max?

The process is deliberately simple:

1. WhatsApp me on 07914 046329 with a quick message about what you are after.
2. Free 15-minute chat about your goals, any injuries, your schedule and where you would like to train.
3. First session, which starts with a short movement check so I can see how you squat, hinge, push, pull and balance before we build anything on top.

From there we agree how often to meet and which option suits you. You can find out more about my background on the About Max page.

Is personal training worth the money?

It depends on what you need. If you already know how to train, enjoy it and stay consistent on your own, you may only want occasional check-ins. If you have tried and stopped several times, are unsure about technique, are coming back from time off or simply find it hard to get going, regular sessions can make a real difference to whether you keep at it.

A sensible way to judge value is to look at what you get beyond the hour itself. Does the trainer adapt sessions to how you feel on the day? Do you understand why you are doing each exercise? Do you leave with a clear idea of what to do before the next session? If the answer is yes, you are paying for coaching, not just company.

It also does not have to be forever. Many people use a block of sessions to learn the basics and build a habit, then drop to less frequent sessions once they are confident training on their own.

How do you choose a personal trainer in Solihull?

Whoever you go with, these questions will help you separate a good trainer from a poor fit.

• Are they qualified? Ask for their Level 3 personal training qualification.
• Do they ask about you first? A good trainer asks about injuries, health, goals and schedule before the first session, not halfway through it.
• Are the prices clear? You should know the session price, package terms, expiry dates and cancellation policy up front.
• Are you tied in? Check for contracts, joining fees or minimum terms.
• Where will you train? Make sure the location genuinely works for you week after week.
• What happens between sessions? Ask whether you get guidance for the rest of the week.
• Do you get on with them? You will spend a lot of time together. A short chat before booking tells you a lot.

Which areas does Max cover?

I'm based in Olton and cover roughly a 6-mile radius, including Olton, Solihull, Shirley, Knowle, Dorridge, Acocks Green, Hall Green, Sheldon, Elmdon and Yardley. If you are just outside that and not sure, message me and ask.

I'm also an LTA accredited Level 3 tennis coach, so if you are interested in lessons for yourself or your children, have a look at tennis coaching in Solihull.

Ready to give it a go?

If you have been thinking about personal training for a while, the easiest next step is a free 15-minute chat. There is no pressure to book, and the first session is £30 if you decide to try it. Send me a WhatsApp on 07914 046329 or email maxbrazier@hotmail.co.uk, or head back to the personal training home page for the full details.