FAQ

Where do you conduct PT sessions?
Training sessions are conducted outdoors at local parks around the City of Sydney, namely, the CBD, Inner West and East Sydney. I can also come to the client’s home and conduct sessions there with whatever equipment they may have.

Also, let me remind some, with people now spending the majority of their time indoors, the greatest benefit of training outdoors is simply getting people outdoors.

The other benefit also is avoiding paying for the privilege of being stuffed into a crammed, stale-aired, room full of people doing their best to hog all the equipment you need to train with (a generalization, I admit, but sometimes gyms can certainly feel like this).

What can I expect from your PT sessions?
Expect to be challenged. Expect to grow stronger. Expect to put in physical work that will improve your sporting performance or support your physique transformation.

I do expect a lot from clients, but I’m not into intimidating anyone to do anything they’re not comfortable with. We will work at your pace.

Various modes of exercise will be employed depending on your needs; anything from body-weight training, to kettlebells, intervals, whether strength or cardio, to mobility drills. All are used to efficiently progress your training.
What stands you out from other PT’s?
I don’t have workouts. I conduct sessions; strength, conditioning, mobility, education, whatever. All sessions have specific objectives in line with the overarching goals of the client. All sessions serve a purpose.
My training is simple and efficient, yet, within that simplicity is also endless variety. I recognize many clients don’t want complicated exercise programs or eating plans so I strive to get the most from the least, making it easier to reach a client’s goals. I also won’t give anybody twelve exercises unless it will serve a definite purpose. This ensures clients can train at home far more effectively. I’m also not going to just mindlessly smash anybody with routines of the latest trends doing the rounds in fitness circles and internet forums.

Some sessions can be pretty easy. Of course, its dependant on the clients needs. If a client needs to learn a specific skill, I would rather spend an entire session making sure the client has learnt it, and have them further practice and refine it in their own time, rather than briefly skimming over an essential technique, and wasting time on non-productive training. Remember, success is often in the details.

What is strength & conditioning, and how does it relate to achieving fitness goals?
Strength & Conditioning is generally associated with sports performance improvement and coaching. Strength is the ability to exert force.
Conditioning is, as defined by medterms.com, exercise and practice to build the body up for either improved normal performance, as in physical therapy, or in preparation for sports performance.
Within our context, it simply means the acquisition of strength and improving the qualities of cardiovascular function to increase the capacity for physical work. Combine the ability to perform work with appropriate nutrition, and you have a means for supporting and controlling body composition.

Why use kettlebells?
Kettlebells are cannonballs with handles. They are superior for certain drills eg. continuous weighted movements like swings, snatches and jerks. That continuous weighted movement develops an awesome capacity for work and also exacts a high metabolic toll on the body, essential in forging an iron body. Plus, the kettlebell’s offset weight also makes them feel more live, and challenges stabilizing musculature during what would normally be mundane movements. That is the real gold, otherwise known as “reserve strength”, which the majority of trainers are completely unaware of to begin with. Try an overhead press with a dumbbell, then go and try it with a kettlebell. Note the difference in grip utilization. Kettlebells develop serious grip strength due to their thicker handles. Everybody needs grip. If you can’t hold a weight properly, then how can you lift it?

Plus, you can keep a kettlebell in the car. There’s something satisfying about pulling up at a nice park on your way home and working out in the elements.
Can you help with nutrition?
Certainly, I can guide you and educate you on how to improve your nutrition to achieve your goals. I recommend a common sense approach to nutrition, one that can be actually followed and more importantly adhered to over the long run.

Why should I train with Firebird Performance?
You will reach your goals, and then some. I take a holistic view to reaching fitness goals, and I don’t mean New Age. I find it unacceptable that people in general are moving and living less well than they can. It’s almost as if people have forgotten how to use their bodies. Mindful of this, I structure training with a view to improving functional strength and conditioning, as well as bringing up any weaknesses that may relate to movement quality, posture, and range of movement. I also aim to educate, so that clients can discern for themselves what training practices are best for them, rather than having to rely constantly on a trainer.
If you think this sounds fairly involved, it is. But the quality of the end result is always better than if you just trained ordinarily. It means efficient training and goal attainment.

Can I bring a friend to training?
Of course you can. Be it your spouse, a relative, buddy, I would be happy for you to bring someone with you to train. You can split the payment for the session between you, so it can be an affordable way to employ a Personal Trainer, for what is a reasonable investment similar to group training but with an individual focus. But please do keep in mind that I won’t split sessions. If one can’t make it then that session for that individual is forfeited. Also, the more people training together, the less individual the focus becomes. Pricewise a 35-minute session shared by two people works out at the same price as the majority of bootcamps and group training classes. If you are interested in buddy training then please get in touch with me to discuss your needs.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring a mat. I will supply the necessary equipment, but if you prefer, you could bring your own kettlebell, if you are so inclined.

Bring a bottle of water and a towel. If you like, bring a protein shake or bar with you also.
I would also recommend a jacket for cooler times and sun protection for the warmer months.

Who is your training most suitable for?
My profile may indicate I like to work only with athletes, but I genuinely enjoy training anybody who is interested in self-improvement, with any level of fitness or age, including complete beginners. They have the most to gain. More specifically, I love working with and helping those individuals who are ready to put in hard work, and commit to persistently strive toward their dreams, and help them achieve what they desire.

Do you have free sessions?
I recommend all prospective clients to undertake a session with me with a view to “testing the waters”, so they can see what my training is all about and if it’s right for them, before making a decision to attend more sessions. This is free of charge.

This session is also a great way for me to get to know clients better and assess their needs and capabilities, so that when they decide to train with me more regularly, then I can have an individualized plan ready to go for upcoming sessions.
Do you offer group training?
At present, no, simply because I prefer working one on one with clients.
What do I get for my investment?
-An individualized plan to help meet your goals
-Education in the guiding principles to meet your goals
-Strength development
-Improved posture
-Improved cardiovascular performance
-Improved range of movement
-Improved well-being and mental outlook
-Improved sports performance
-Desirable physique
Depending on what your original goals are, you can expect some or all of the above improvements.

What payment options are available?
Payments can be made via PayPal, direct deposit, or cash.

Do you provide other services?
Yes, I also supply high quality training equipment and kettlebells.
Please contact me via the contact page with any product enquiries you may have.



If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me via the contact page.