Frequently Asked Questions
About Movement Correction & Training
What makes movement coaching different from regular personal training?
Most personal trainers focus on making you sweat and building muscle. As a movement coach, I first identify why your body isn't moving properly. 99% of people have movement problems, not strength problems. I use comprehensive assessments to find the root cause of your limitations - whether that's poor tracking, muscle imbalances, or mobility restrictions - then build a foundation through Pilates before progressing to strength training. It's like fixing your car's alignment before putting on new tires.
How long does it take to see improvements in movement?
Most clients notice changes within 3-4 weeks, but significant improvements typically take 8-12 weeks. Pat, one of my clients, spent 3 months on basic movements that are now just his warm-up. The improvements are gradual but lasting. You might not realize how much better you're moving until you try something you struggled with 6 months earlier and find it's suddenly much easier.
Do I need to be fit to start working with you?
Absolutely not. I work with everyone from Kerry GAA players to 91-year-old clients who want to maintain independence. We start where you are. Many clients begin with basic Pilates movements before ever touching a weight. The beauty of movement correction is that it works regardless of your current fitness level.
What's included in the 2-hour assessment?
Your comprehensive assessment includes movement screening to identify restrictions and imbalances, tracking analysis to see how your body moves during functional activities, strength testing to find weak links, and a detailed explanation of your findings with a customized plan. Many clients are surprised to discover they're only moving at 40% of their potential capacity.
For Athletes & Sports Performance
Do you work with Kerry GAA players?
Yes, I've worked with Kerry county players including Paidi Clifford. Many athletes come to me thinking they need to get faster and stronger, but discover they have fundamental movement problems. Fixing these issues can unlock 10-20% more speed and power - often more than years of traditional strength training.
Can you help with recurring sports injuries?
Recurring injuries are almost always movement problems, not bad luck. When your body doesn't track properly during movement, certain areas get overloaded repeatedly. I identify these patterns and correct them at the source. As one client said, he never got injured during our entire training process, even when doing movements he thought he'd never do again.
I'm already training with my team - how does this fit in?
My work complements your team training by fixing the foundation. Poor movement patterns limit how much you can benefit from your regular training and increase injury risk. Most athletes see improved performance in their sport within weeks of correcting their movement patterns.
For Women Returning to Fitness
I haven't exercised since having children - where do I start?
This is very common, especially after having children. Like Tara, many of my female clients start with 6 weeks of Pilates to rebuild body awareness and core stability. I know you might want to jump straight into weights, but building this foundation allows you to train safely and effectively later. We then progress to confidence-building gym work in a completely supportive environment.
I'm intimidated by the weights section of the gym - can you help?
Absolutely. This is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I'll teach you how to use the equipment safely and confidently. Many clients go from avoiding that section entirely to feeling completely comfortable there. You'll learn proper form and build genuine strength, not just go through the motions.
Can you help with body confidence after pregnancy/menopause?
Yes, and this goes beyond just physical changes. When you move better and feel stronger, your confidence naturally improves. Many clients tell me they hold themselves differently and feel more capable in all areas of life. We focus on building functional strength that supports your daily activities and the people you care for.
Will this help me lose weight?
While weight loss isn't my primary focus, many clients naturally lose weight as we improve their movement quality and build lean muscle. More importantly, you'll develop a sustainable relationship with exercise and feel strong and capable in your body.
For Active Adults Over 50
I used to be active but feel like I'm losing mobility - can you help?
This is exactly what I specialize in. Like Pat, who came to me with severely limited mobility, we can rebuild your movement capacity gradually and safely. What starts as very basic exercises becomes your warm-up as your body remembers how to move properly. The key is patience and consistency.
Can you help me get back to golf?
Yes! Golf requires good rotation, balance, and coordination - all things that improve dramatically with proper movement training. Many clients return to golf with better performance than they had 10-12 years earlier. We focus on the movement patterns golf requires while building overall functional strength.
I want to stay independent as I age - how can movement training help?
Independence depends on maintaining your ability to move well. Things like getting up from chairs, climbing stairs, and maintaining balance all require good movement patterns. By addressing these fundamentals now, you're investing in your future quality of life. I have clients in their 90s who are still living independently.
Is it too late to start if I'm already experiencing pain?
It's never too late. Many clients come to me with chronic pain that's actually caused by poor movement patterns. Once we identify and correct these patterns, the body's natural ability to heal itself is remarkable. However, if you have serious medical conditions, I'll work with your healthcare team to ensure safe progress.
Practical Information
Where are you located and who do you serve?
I'm based in Killarney and serve clients throughout County Kerry and the surrounding areas. I also offer online assessments and programs for those who can't make it to Killarney but want access to the same movement-first methodology.
What are your qualifications?
I hold a First-Class Honours B.Sc. in Health, Fitness and Exercise from University of Limerick, plus certifications as a Pilates specialist, personal trainer, and strength & conditioning coach. I'm also a Hyrox coach. My approach comes from both academic knowledge and personal experience overcoming my own sports injuries.
How much do your services cost?
Please check out my services pages for the most up to date pricing.
How often should I train with you?
Most clients train twice per week for optimal results. This allows time for your body to adapt while maintaining consistent progress. Some clients start with once per week and increase frequency as they progress.
Do you offer online coaching?
Yes, I offer online assessments and Pilates programs. While in-person coaching is ideal, the online programs use the same movement-first principles and include detailed video instruction and personalized programming.
What should I expect in my first session?
Your first session will likely be very different from what you expect. Instead of jumping into intense exercise, I'll assess how you move, identify limitations, and explain what we need to work on. Many clients are surprised to learn they have significant movement restrictions they weren't aware of.
How do I get started?
Contact me through the website or social media to schedule your initial assessment. We'll discuss your goals, concerns, and determine the best approach for your situation. Whether you're a competitive athlete or someone who just wants to move without pain, we'll create a plan that works for you.