Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About the studio
Where is Hannah Martin Personal Training based?
Hannah Martin Personal Training is a personal training studio in Hackney, East London, in the Dailley building on Dalston Lane near Hackney Central. We're right next door to Hackney Downs Overground station (less than a minute walk!) and there’s a bus stop right outside, so it's easy to reach from Dalston, Clapton, Homerton, London Fields and Stoke Newington.
Are you a female personal trainer in Hackney?
Yes. Hannah Martin Personal Training is female-led, and our whole team of trainers is female. If you'd feel more comfortable training with a woman, or you've felt out of place in a typical gym, our small private studio is designed for that. We welcome clients of all genders too.
Do you only train women?
No, Hannah Martin Personal Training trains people of all genders. We're a female-led studio with an all-female team of trainers, and everyone is welcome, whether you're a woman, a man, non-binary or anything else. Our approach is the same for every client: friendly, beginner-first strength training in a private Hackney studio, with no judgement and no gym-bro atmosphere.
Is your studio LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes. Hannah Martin Personal Training is a queer-owned, female-led studio in Hackney, and everyone is welcome, including LGBTQ+ clients, trans and non-binary people, and anyone who has felt out of place in a gym before. In our private studio, you can train at your own pace without being judged, whatever your gender, body, background, age or experience. There are gender neutral toilets and shower facilities available in the building.
What kind of studio is it?
It's a small, private personal training studio, not a big commercial gym. You train one-to-one with your trainer without needing to navigate a crowded gym floor. The space can accommodate two of our trainers at a time. The atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive. The studio is fully equipped with strength training gear including barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and a cable machine.
Training for beginners
Do you offer personal training for beginners in Hackney?
Yes, beginners are who we specialise in. Our trainers focus on beginner-friendly strength training, so you don't need any gym experience, fitness level or prior knowledge to start. Everything will be explained to you in detail as you go, and we welcome you to ask as many questions as you like! We all started somewhere and there are no silly questions.
I've never lifted weights before. Is strength training right for me?
Yes! Strength training is appropriate for everyone, in all stages of life. You don't need to be fit or strong to start - in fact beginners will see the biggest overall benefits from training as little as once a week. We always begin with the basics (movement patterns, technique and sensible starting weights) and build from there. Your trainer explains why you're doing each exercise, so you understand your programme as well as follow it.
What happens in my first session?
Your first session starts with a movement assessment, where we check your mobility and stability (for example in your hips, ankles and shoulders). We review what we find and adjust the plan if needed, then run your first training session. Afterwards, we email you a summary of the assessment findings and your training focus.
What does a typical session look like?
Sessions are full body and usually follow this order: a mobility warm-up and activation, then a main strength section of around six exercises, an optional finisher, and a stretch and cool-down. The main exercises stay consistent week to week so you can see yourself getting stronger. Over time we progress your programme to continue building your strength.
How training works
How do you plan my programme?
Your programme is built in structured blocks of around five to six weeks. Within a block, the main lifts stay the same while we progress load, range of motion, reps and technique, so improvement is measurable. Each new block builds logically on the last. That's what separates personal training from a drop-in class.
How often should I train?
For most beginners, one or two sessions a week is enough to make real progress. That's why our sessions are full body. We'll talk through what's realistic for your schedule and goals, and we can set you tasks to do between sessions if you want more.
Do I need to be fit before I start, or lose weight first?
No. You don't need to get "gym-ready" first. We'll work at your current level, whatever your size, age or fitness. We have many clients work with us who have never lifted weights before, are coming back to exercise following time off for an injury, or have ongoing niggles or conditions they need to work around. It’s our job to deliver a bespoke training programme that works for you - not a cookie cutter plan.
Options and pricing
Do you offer online personal training as well as in-person?
Yes. We offer in-person training in our Hackney studio, online coaching, and a hybrid option that combines both. Online and hybrid clients get their programme through the Everfit app, so you can see your workouts and log your training from wherever you are.
How much does personal training cost?
Online coaching is £99 per month and hybrid coaching starts from £149 per month. The initial In-person assessment session costs £80. Following the assessment our most popular options are the monthly subscription (£67/session) and the 10 pack of sessions (£70/session).
What's the difference between in-person, online and hybrid?
In-person means all your sessions are with your trainer in the Hackney studio. Online means you follow your programme remotely through the app with coaching support. Hybrid combines the two: you have some sessions in the studio, plus a programme to follow in between. Hybrid suits you if you want supervised technique work but need flexibility.
Getting started
How do I get started?
Book a free discovery call. We'll talk about your goals, experience and any worries, and tell you honestly which option suits you best, with no pressure to sign up. Fill in the contact form and we'll get back to you on email to arrange a call.
Do you work with people who feel intimidated by gyms?
Yes, and it's one of the most common reasons people come to us. A private studio, a female team and a beginner-first approach mean you're not performing for anyone. You can ask questions, go at your pace, and get used to training before ever stepping onto a busy gym floor.