1-to-1 Clinical Exercise Physiology in Hampstead — Personalised Gym-Based Exercise Support
- 12 hours ago
- 7 min read
Author: Jamie Pickett, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Health Facilitator, & Founder of My Movement Medicine.
7 minute read
Category: Services, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Heart Health, Cardiac Rehabilitation
Introduction
From October 2026, My Movement Medicine is introducing gym-based 1-to-1 Clinical Exercise Physiology sessions at The Armoury in Hampstead.
These sessions are designed for people who want a more individualised approach to exercise than a group class can provide.
The aim is not simply to supervise a workout. Each session can be shaped around your health history, symptoms, medication, current fitness, confidence, goals and how your body responds to exercise.
For some people, 1-to-1 support will be a starting point before joining group exercise. For others, it may be the best long-term format for progressing strength, cardiovascular fitness, balance or gym confidence.
The goal is to help you exercise at the right level for you — then build from there.
What is Clinical Exercise Physiology?
Clinical Exercise Physiology uses structured exercise assessment and prescription to support people living with health conditions, recovering from illness or cardiac events, or managing reduced fitness and confidence.
It differs from a generic gym programme because decisions can take account of:
Medical and exercise history
Current symptoms
Medication
Previous cardiac rehabilitation
Exercise tolerance
Heart-rate response where appropriate
Borg RPE 6–20
Strength and mobility
Balance
Confidence and fear around exercise
Personal goals
The purpose is to create an exercise programme that is both useful and appropriate rather than simply making the session harder.
Who are 1-to-1 sessions for?
People who have completed cardiac rehabilitation and want more individual progression
People who are not yet confident enough to join a group
People who want to build strength or cardiovascular fitness in a gym environment
People living with long-term health conditions that affect exercise
People who want a more detailed exercise prescription
People who need help understanding Borg RPE, heart-rate response or pacing
People returning after illness, surgery or a long period of inactivity
People who want to learn how to exercise independently in a gym
People who would benefit from exercise testing and re-testing
You do not need to be highly fit or experienced in a gym. The session starts from your current level.
Where do the sessions take place?
1-to-1 sessions are delivered at The Armoury in Hampstead.
The gym environment allows the session to use a wider range of cardiovascular and resistance equipment than is practical in a group circuit, so the programme can be built around the equipment and training method that best suit the individual.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is used to establish a safe and useful starting point.
Discussion of health history and exercise background
Review of symptoms and medication
Current activity level
Exercise goals
Borg RPE education
Heart-rate monitoring where useful
Movement and strength assessment
Cardiovascular exercise
Gym-equipment familiarisation
Initial exercise prescription
Exercise testing is also available and can be included if you would like a more objective baseline.
Exercise testing and re-testing
Exercise testing can be useful when you want to measure change rather than relying only on how exercise feels.
Current exercise capacity
A repeatable cardiovascular baseline
Strength or functional ability
Appropriate exercise intensity
Progress over time
Re-testing can then be used later to review whether fitness or function has changed.
Testing is optional. Some clients will prefer to focus entirely on exercise prescription and gym-based progression.
How are the sessions personalised?
Two people can attend the same gym and complete very different sessions.
One client may need a programme focused on rebuilding cardiovascular confidence after a cardiac event, while another may need more strength work, balance training and functional exercise.
Different cardiovascular machines
Different resistance-training exercises
Individual weights and repetitions
Different exercise durations
Personal Borg RPE targets
Different rest periods
Exercise adaptations around pain or mobility
Progression based on symptoms and recovery
The programme can also change from week to week depending on how you are feeling.
How intensity is monitored
My Movement Medicine uses the Borg RPE 6–20 scale alongside the talk test and, where appropriate, heart-rate monitoring.
Warm-up: begin around RPE 6 and gradually build towards approximately 10–11
Main exercise: commonly work within RPE 11–14 depending on the person and the day
Cool-down: gradually return to single figures and towards RPE 6 where possible
Medication, recent procedures, symptoms and fitness can all affect the correct target.
The aim is not to reach the highest number. The aim is to work at the level that gives the right training stimulus for you.
What can a 1-to-1 programme include?
Cardiovascular exercise
Treadmill walking
Stationary cycling
Cross trainer
Other suitable gym-based cardiovascular equipment
Steady-state exercise
Controlled intervals where appropriate
Resistance training
Machine-based resistance
Dumbbells
Functional strength exercises
Lower-body strength
Upper-body strength
Core and trunk control where appropriate
Balance and mobility
Balance, mobility and functional movement can be built into the session when they are relevant to your goals or health needs.
Gym confidence
For some people, a major goal is simply learning how to use the gym independently. This can include equipment setup, choosing loads, understanding RPE, planning a session and knowing when to progress or reduce the workload.
30, 45 or 60 minutes — which session is right for you?
30 minutes
Best for a focused session with one or two clear priorities. This may suit someone who prefers shorter sessions, fatigues quickly or wants regular targeted support.
45 minutes
A balanced option for most people. There is enough time for a gradual warm-up, a meaningful cardiovascular and/or strength block, and a proper cool-down without making the session unnecessarily long.
60 minutes
Best when you want more time for assessment, a broader programme, additional strength work or a more detailed combination of cardiovascular, resistance and mobility training.
Making the most of your booked session
If you are comfortable exercising independently and have already been advised that it is appropriate, you are welcome to arrive early and complete some of your warm-up or cardiovascular exercise before your booked session begins.
For example, you may choose to spend some time walking on the treadmill or using a stationary bike before the appointment.
This can allow more of your booked 30, 45 or 60 minutes to be used for individual exercise prescription, strength work, technique, progression, testing or other areas you would like to focus on.
This is completely optional.
If you would prefer your warm-up to be supervised, are new to exercise, have recently had a cardiac event or procedure, or are unsure what intensity is appropriate, your warm-up can remain part of the booked session.
The aim is to arrive gradually warmed up, not fatigued. A harder cardiovascular workout before the appointment is not necessary and may reduce the quality of the session.
October 2026 Discounted Starter Pricing
The prices below are introductory rates for the launch of the new 1-to-1 service.
Prices may increase in the future. However, anyone who gets started during the first month and remains an active client will keep their original starter pricing, even if the public price later increases.
The four-session Trial package is available as a lower-cost way to experience the service before committing to a longer package.
Package | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 60 minutes |
PAYG – 1 session | £70 | £80 | £90 |
Trial – 4 sessions | £200 (£50/session) | £240 (£60/session) | £280 (£70/session) |
4 sessions | £240 (£60/session) | £280 (£70/session) | £320 (£80/session) |
8 sessions | £440 (£55/session) | £520 (£65/session) | £600 (£75/session) |
12 sessions | £600 (£50/session) | £720 (£60/session) | £840 (£70/session) |
Package prices are paid for the stated number of sessions. The price in brackets shows the equivalent cost per session.
Why choose a package?
A package makes progression easier to plan because the programme can be reviewed across several sessions rather than treating each appointment as a one-off workout.
Repeat key exercises
Progress weights gradually
Build cardiovascular duration or intensity
Review recovery
Re-test where useful
Move towards greater independence
How does this compare with MMM group sessions?
MMM group sessions are already individualised through exercise options, step heights, weights and Borg RPE targets.
A 1-to-1 session allows greater depth. Instead of adapting one station within a group circuit, the entire appointment can be built around one person’s goals, health needs and progression.
Some people may use 1-to-1 sessions temporarily before moving into a group. Others may combine both.
Other ways to work with My Movement Medicine
Not everyone needs a full 1-to-1 session.
Small-group Clinical Exercise sessions for 2–5 people at The Armoury
Home Visit Clinical Exercise sessions, subject to location and availability
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have a heart condition?
No. The service is suitable for people who want clinically informed exercise support, including those living with long-term health conditions, recovering from illness or simply wanting a more individual approach.
Do I need gym experience?
No. Sessions can include learning how to use equipment safely and confidently from the beginning.
Do I need exercise testing?
No. Testing is available and can be included if desired, but it is not compulsory.
Can I arrive early and warm up before my session?
Yes, if you are comfortable exercising independently and have already been advised that it is appropriate.
A gentle independent warm-up or some easy cardiovascular exercise before your booked time can leave more of the appointment available for individual exercise prescription, strength work, technique or progression.
If you are unsure what to do, your warm-up should remain part of the supervised session.
Can I combine 1-to-1 sessions with group classes?
Yes. Some clients may use 1-to-1 sessions to work on specific goals while continuing group exercise for regular activity and community support.
Will I always have to stay in 1-to-1 sessions?
Not necessarily. One aim may be to help you become confident enough to exercise independently or move into a group setting.
What happens if prices increase?
Anyone who gets started during the first month of the service and remains an active client will keep the starter pricing shown above.
If a client stops and later returns after a break, the current public price at that time may apply.
How to get started
The first step is to choose the session length that feels most appropriate or make an enquiry if you are unsure.
You do not need to know exactly which exercises you need before booking. That is part of the assessment and prescription process.
Summary
The new 1-to-1 Clinical Exercise Physiology service is designed for people who want a more detailed, individual route into exercise.
Sessions take place at The Armoury in Hampstead and can include gym-based cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, balance and mobility work, Borg RPE and heart-rate guidance, optional exercise testing and a programme that progresses with you.
The discounted starter pricing is available for the first month of the service, and clients who start during that period can keep those rates for as long as they remain active clients.
The aim is simple: understand where you are now, choose the right exercise dose, and help you move forward with confidence.
References and useful links
This health guide was written by Jamie Pickett, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Health Facilitator, & Founder of My Movement Medicine & My Movement Medicine C.I.C.
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