Why I Opened a Private Personal Training Gym in Ashford (And Why It Isn’t Like a Commercial Gym)
- Samuel Constantinou-Coulter
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Why I Opened a Private Personal Training Gym in Ashford
When people hear that I opened my own personal training gym, they often assume it was because I wanted bigger equipment, more freedom or to run my own business.
The truth is, none of those were the real reason.
I opened a private personal training gym in Ashford because I wanted to create the kind of environment I wish had existed when I first started my own fitness journey.
A place where people could walk through the door without feeling judged.
A place where they didn’t have to worry about being watched, compared to others or wondering whether they even belonged there.
Because for many people, taking the first step towards improving their health isn’t limited by motivation.
It’s limited by confidence.
The Problem With Commercial Gyms
Commercial gyms absolutely work for many people, and they play an important role in helping thousands of people become healthier every year.
But they aren’t the right environment for everyone.
I’ve spoken to countless people across Ashford who have told me they avoid joining a gym because they feel intimidated before they’ve even walked through the doors.
Some worry about training in front of experienced gym-goers.
Others hate waiting for equipment.
Some feel self-conscious exercising around large crowds.
Many simply don’t know where to start.
Those feelings are completely normal.
If you’ve spent years struggling with your weight or confidence, the last thing you need is an environment that makes you feel even more uncomfortable.
My Own Journey Changed Everything
This is something I understand personally.
Before becoming a personal trainer, I lost over 11 stone myself.
I know what it’s like to avoid photographs.
To lack confidence.
To start and stop countless diets.
To feel frustrated that nothing seems to last.
I also discovered something that completely changed my outlook.
Sustainable weight loss isn’t about perfection.
It isn’t about cutting out all your favourite foods.
It isn’t about living in the gym seven days a week.
Real, lasting results come from building habits that fit around your life.
That experience shapes every coaching decision I make today.
Why I Chose a Private Personal Training Gym
When I created The Viking Lifts, I wanted every client to feel relaxed from the moment they arrived.
That’s why sessions take place in a private training environment rather than a busy commercial gym.
That means:
No crowded gym floor.
No waiting for equipment.
No people watching you train.
No pressure to keep up with anyone else.
No distractions.
Instead, every session is focused entirely on you, your goals and your progress.
Whether your aim is to lose weight, build confidence, improve fitness or simply feel healthier, you have the space to learn and train without unnecessary pressure.
Coaching Comes Before Equipment
People often ask what equipment I have.
The reality is that equipment isn’t what changes lives.
Coaching does.
Accountability does.
Education does.
Support does.
I’ve coached busy professionals, parents, people preparing for surgery, complete beginners and individuals who had almost given up on losing weight altogether.
Despite their different backgrounds, the thing they all needed wasn’t a fancy machine.
They needed someone who understood their challenges and helped them build a realistic, sustainable plan.
That’s exactly what I aim to provide alogngisde fantastic equipment.
More Than Just Weight Loss
Although many people first contact me because they want to lose weight, that goal is usually only part of the picture.
What they really want is to:
Feel more confident.
Have more energy.
Improve their health.
Keep up with their children.
Enjoy holidays without worrying about how they look.
Feel comfortable in their own clothes again.
Weight loss is often simply the vehicle that helps them achieve those things.
That’s why my coaching focuses on creating habits that people can actually maintain long after they’ve reached their goal.
Why Ashford Needed Something Different
Ashford is home to people from every walk of life.
Busy professionals.
Parents.
Shift workers.
People juggling careers, families and everyday life.
Many of them don’t need another extreme diet.
They don’t need another quick fix.
They need realistic guidance from someone who understands that life doesn’t stop while you’re trying to improve your health.
My private personal training gym was built with exactly those people in mind.
A welcoming, supportive environment where progress matters far more than perfection.
Is Private Personal Training Right For You?
If you’ve ever said any of the following…
“I hate busy gyms.”
“I’ve lost weight before but always put it back on.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
“I feel embarrassed exercising in public.”
“I need someone to keep me accountable.”
…then private personal training could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Everyone starts somewhere.
The hardest part is simply taking that first step.
Final Thoughts
Opening a private personal training gym in Ashford was never about owning a gym.
It was about creating an environment where people feel supported, encouraged and capable of changing their lives.
Because I’ve been where many of my clients are now.
I know how difficult that first step can feel.
I also know just how much your life can change when you stop chasing quick fixes and start building habits that actually last.
If you’re looking for a personal trainer in Ashford who understands that sustainable weight loss is about far more than exercise alone, I’d love to help you start your own journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a private personal training gym better than a commercial gym?
Not necessarily—it depends on your goals and preferences. A private gym offers a quieter, more personal environment with one-to-one coaching, making it ideal for people who feel intimidated by busy commercial gyms or want focused support.
Do I need to be fit before starting personal training?
Absolutely not. Many of my clients begin with little or no gym experience. Every programme is tailored to your current fitness level, so you can build confidence and progress at a pace that suits you.
Can personal training help with weight loss?
Yes. Personal training can provide structure, accountability and expert guidance, but long-term weight loss comes from building sustainable habits around training, nutrition and lifestyle—not following extreme diets.
Where is your private personal training gym?
The Viking Lifts is based in Kennington, Ashford, Kent. Sessions take place in a private training facility, giving clients a comfortable, distraction-free environment to focus on their goals.
Do you also offer online coaching?
Yes. Alongside in-person personal training, I also provide online weight loss coaching, helping clients across the UK and around the world achieve sustainable results with personalised nutrition, training and ongoing support.
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