ARTICLES | The Musings of The Angry Vegan

How to Find the Right Personal Trainer (And Why It Matters More Than You Think) - Liam O'Brien

Finding the right personal trainer is a bit like choosing the right boots for a long walk – get a good fit, and you’ll go for miles. Get it wrong, and you’ll be hobbling before you’ve even left the car park.

The truth is, every trainer has their own unique style, a combination of their training background, life experience, and personality. And just like people learn in different ways, they respond to coaching differently too. This means that picking the right coach isn’t just a nice bonus, it’s absolutely essential if you want to make real, lasting progress.

Not All PTs Are Created Equal

The personal training industry is full of variety, some of it useful, some of it more style over substance. You’ve got your shouty bootcamp drill sergeants, the CrossFit coaches who’ll insist on telling you all about it before you’ve even asked (vegans are often accused of the same!), the calm and collected yoga crowd who’ll have you stretching and breathing through your eyebrows, and the Insta-coaches with slick videos, nice lighting, and just the right number of motivational quotes.

Some talk too much, some listen too little, and some seem more interested in their phone than your deadlift technique.

Liam OBrien of The Angry Vegan Personal Training

What really matters, though, is fit – not your waist measurement, but how well the trainer’s approach fits you.

Let’s take us as an example...

My Style: No-Nonsense Coaching That Gets Results

I’m not here to fluff pillows or hold hands through another half-hearted workout. My coaching style is direct and purposeful. I’ll tell you what we’re doing, explain why we’re doing it, and how it connects to your specific goal – whether that’s strength, mobility, body composition, or just feeling better in your own skin.

But once the explanation’s done, it’s time to crack on. I expect effort, commitment, and consistency. You’ve hired me to get you from A to B, not to make you feel warm and fuzzy. You want results? Then I’ll coach you like someone who wants results.

That said, I’m not a robot. I’ll listen, I’ll guide, I’ll adapt – but I won’t sugar-coat things just to keep you happy. That’s not coaching. That’s babysitting.

Fran’s Style: Empathy, Understanding, and Real-World Strength

Fran brings something different to the table, her background as a women's health nurse gives her a depth of understanding that most trainers simply don’t have. Her coaching style reflects that experience, it’s empathetic, thoughtful, and focused on building trust and confidence.

She works especially well with women navigating menopause, injury recovery, or just starting out after years away from exercise. Fran listens – properly listens – and creates an environment where clients feel supported, safe, and empowered.

That doesn’t mean the sessions are easy, far from it. But they’re built around you, your needs, and your real life. It’s strength training with compassion and insight.

Why the Right Fit Matters So Much

Here’s the bottom line, if you don’t feel comfortable with your coach, you won’t open up. And if you don’t open up, they’ll never fully understand what’s going on with your body, your mindset, or your life outside the gym. That means your results will be limited at best – or non-existent.

A good PT doesn’t just throw exercises at you. They coach you. They watch, listen, adjust, and challenge. They tell you when to push and when to pull back. They ask questions, expect answers, and help you take ownership of your own progress. But that only works if the relationship is right.

When the fit is good, trust builds. And when trust builds, real transformation begins.

What to Look for in a Personal Trainer

So, how do you know if a PT is right for you? Here’s what to consider:

❓ Communication Style: Do you prefer straight-talking instruction, or someone who asks a lot of questions and gives plenty of reassurance?

❓ Experience That Matches Your Needs: Are they familiar with people like you – your age, your training background (or lack of), your specific challenges?

❓ Comfort Level: Do you feel relaxed, respected, and able to speak openly – or are you tensing up every time they come near?

❓ Accountability: Are they actually coaching you – or just counting reps?

You should be able to have honest conversations with your PT – about training, about setbacks, about your goals and what’s going on in your life. If you can’t do that, it’s a red flag.

Get It Right and You'll Stay for Years

Many of the people who train with me have done so for years – not because I’ve got some magical workout plan, but because the relationship works. They trust me to steer the ship. I trust them to turn up and do the work. It’s simple. But it only works because the fit is right.

Get it wrong, though, and it’s a waste of everyone’s time. You’ll either drift off after a few sessions or slog through a programme that never really clicks. You won’t feel motivated, you won’t feel challenged, and you won’t get the results you’re after.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Pick a Trainer – Pick Your Trainer

Choosing a personal trainer isn’t like picking a tin of beans off a supermarket shelf. You’re choosing someone to help shape your body, your habits, and your mindset. It’s got to be someone you respect – and someone who understands you.

Whether you need a no-nonsense coach who’ll give it to you straight, or someone more nurturing and empathetic, the key is finding someone who speaks your language and helps you become the strongest version of your self.

So don’t settle. Don’t pick a PT just because they’re local or have a flashy Instagram account. Find someone who fits. That’s when the real work starts. And that’s when the real results happen.

New Year, New Goals: Setting Fitness Targets That Actually Work - Liam O'Brien

Ah, January. The time when gyms are bursting at the seams with good intentions, protein shakes are bought by the litre, and running shoes suddenly find themselves dragged out of the back of the wardrobe. It's the season of new year fitness goals. But let's be honest – by mid-February, many of those grand plans will be gathering dust alongside that juicer you swore you'd use every morning.

So, what's the problem? It’s simple: most goals people set are either too vague, too unrealistic, or both. “I want to lose weight.” “I want to get fit.” “I want to look like that bloke from Love Island.” None of these are goals; they’re daydreams. Proper goals have structure, direction, and a fair chance of being achieved. And that’s where the SMART system comes in.

What Is a SMART Goal?

SMART goals give you a framework – a way to turn fluffy aspirations into solid, actionable plans. It’s not revolutionary, but it works. And here’s what it stands for:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-Bound

Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? But let’s break it down and apply it to the fitness world – specifically to people like you: people who want to get stronger, healthier, and maybe surprise yourself in the process.

Specific: Name the Beast

A goal needs to be precise. “I want to lose weight” is as useful as saying, “I want to drive somewhere” without mentioning where. Specific goals give you direction: “I want to lose 10 pounds,” “I want to deadlift 100kg,” or “I want to complete a 5k run without stopping.” These are clear targets, and clarity breeds focus.

For example, instead of “I want to feel stronger,” try, “I want to squat 1.5x my bodyweight by June.” You’ve now defined the beast you’re trying to tame, and that’s half the battle.

Measurable: Numbers Don’t Lie

If you can’t measure it, how do you know if you’ve succeeded? Metrics matter. Whether it’s kilograms lifted, inches lost, or minutes shaved off a run time, numbers give you a way to track progress.

Say you’ve got a goal to lose body fat. Rather than relying on the bathroom scale alone (which lies more often than a Tory politician), track waist circumference or body composition instead. Numbers are your reality check – the thing that keeps your progress grounded in facts, not feelings.

Achievable: Stay Grounded

Now, here’s where many new year goals go off the rails. If you’re setting out to go from couch potato to Olympic athlete in six weeks, you're setting yourself up for failure – and probably an injury or two.

Achievable means being honest about your starting point and your current circumstances. A bloke with a dodgy knee shouldn’t aim to run a marathon in three months; he might be better off focusing on building up his strength and mobility first. Similarly, if you’ve not set foot in a gym since 1997, don’t expect to bench press your bodyweight by the end of February.

It’s not about aiming low; it’s about setting goals that push you just enough – far enough to keep you motivated, but not so far you’ll throw in the towel.

Relevant: Goals That Matter

Here’s a truth bomb: your goals need to matter to you. Not your mate Dave, not your Instagram followers, not some magazine headline. If your target doesn’t align with your priorities and values, you won’t stick with it. Simple as that.

For example, if you’re 45 and keen to keep up with your kids (or grandkids) at the park, chasing a massive squat PR might not be the most relevant goal. Instead, focus on improving overall strength and conditioning – the stuff that makes life easier and more enjoyable.

Time-Bound: Deadlines Drive Action

Finally, give your goal a deadline. A goal without a timeline is just a vague wish. “Someday” isn’t a plan – it’s procrastination in a trench coat. Deadlines create urgency, and urgency gets things done.

For instance, instead of saying, “I want to do 10 pull-ups,” say, “I want to do 10 pull-ups by June 30th.” That ticking clock in your head will keep you moving forward. Just make sure your timeframe is realistic; losing two stone in a month isn’t happening unless you plan on sawing off a limb.

Bringing It All Together

Let’s take a goal and make it SMART. Here’s a common one: “I want to get fitter.”

Specific: “I want to complete a 5k run without stopping.”
Measurable: “I’ll use a running app to track my progress and pace.”
Achievable: “I’ll start with a couch-to-5k programme because I’m new to running.”
Relevant: “This goal will improve my fitness and help me stay active with my kids.”
Time-Bound: “I’ll aim to finish my 5k by the end of April.”

See how much clearer that is? Now it’s a plan, not just wishful thinking.

Final Thoughts

The new year is a brilliant time to start fresh, but don’t fall into the trap of setting goals that are too vague, too ambitious, or not suited to your life. SMART goals keep you on track, hold you accountable, and set you up for success.

So this January, ditch the grand gestures and unrealistic resolutions. Instead, pick a goal that’s SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Then get to work, one step at a time. Remember, it’s not about being perfect – it’s about being consistent.

Because at the end of the day, fitness isn’t just about hitting targets. It’s about building habits, growing stronger, and becoming a better version of yourself. Now, grab your notebook, set your goals, and let’s get to it. You’ve got this.

Embrace Your Strength: Why It's Okay to Be Proud of Your Physique - Liam O'Brien

In the realm of fitness, we're inundated with the importance of prioritising health and functionality over mere aesthetics. While these aspects are undoubtedly paramount, it's high time we address the elephant in the room – there's absolutely nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance!

Indeed, celebrating the physique you've honed through sheer grit, dietary discipline, and unwavering commitment to training is not only acceptable but downright empowering. Let's delve into why it's perfectly fine – and even advantageous – to embrace your own unique form.

Striving for Health and Fitness

Putting Your Wellbeing First: First and foremost, let's lay the groundwork here – when it comes to getting fit, your primary goal should always be looking after yourself for the long haul. We're talking about making sure you're feeling good and living your best life now and in the future.

Getting Strong in Everyday Life

Furthermore, it's about building strength in a way that's genuinely useful. It's not just about looking good in the gym; it's about ensuring you can handle whatever life throws at you without keeling over. That means less chance of pulling a muscle when you're hauling shopping out of the car or throwing out your back when you're doing a bit of light gardening.

The Power of Aesthetics

Feeling Confident: Now, let's talk about confidence for a minute. There's no denying the boost you get from seeing your hard work paying off when you catch a glimpse of those gains in the mirror. It's like strutting your stuff down the street, knowing you look absolutely mint!

Mental Wellbeing

Moving on, here's the thing – chasing those aesthetic goals isn't just about getting a six-pack or toned arms. It's about feeling good in your own skin. It's about boosting your mental health and feeling like you can take on the world because you know you're looking and feeling your best. The world and its problems are easier to deal with when you look and feel strong.

Self-Expression

Lastly, your body isn't just a result of your workouts – it's a canvas to express yourself. Whether you're all about that chiselled physique or rocking a bit of extra padding, it's all about showing off your dedication, discipline, and personal style. So go ahead, own it!

Overcoming Stigma

Challenging Stereotypes: Let's get real here – society loves to dish out judgments about people who care about how they look. But it's time to tell those haters to jog on. Whether you're hitting the gym to sculpt your abs or just feel good in your favourite jeans, it's all valid. So let's flip the script and embrace the fact that fitness goals come in all shapes and sizes.

Normalising Self-Love

It's time to set the record straight – loving the way you look isn't about being self-absorbed! It's about showing yourself a bit of TLC and recognising that you're worth it. So go ahead, take that selfie, flaunt those gains, and remember that self-love isn't selfish – it's essential.

Balancing Health and Aesthetics

Finding Harmony: It's about finding that sweet spot between wanting to be healthy and wanting to look good naked. It's all about balance, like mixing the perfect cuppa – not too much milk, not too much sugar, just right. So whether you're smashing out deadlifts or enjoying a cheeky slice of cake, it's all about finding what works for you.

Celebrating Progress

Now, here's the fun part – celebrating those gains! Whether it's feeling those biceps a bit tighter in a t-shirt, seeing the hint of a 6 pack coming through or simply feeling more energised than ever, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. It's not about being vain or cocky; it's about recognising the hard work you've put in and giving yourself a well-deserved high-five. So go ahead, crack open that bottle of bubbly – you've earned it!

Embracing Compliments

Accepting Recognition: When someone tells you that you're looking fantastic, there's no need to blush and brush it off. Own it! Accept those compliments with a smile and a thank you, knowing that it's a nod to all the hard graft you've put in. So next time someone tells you that you're looking good, take it as a badge of honour and strut your stuff! Be proud!

Inspiring Others: Now, here's the kicker – by flaunting your progress and showing off your gains, you're not just boosting your own ego, you're inspiring others to jump on the fitness bandwagon. So go ahead, be a beacon of motivation and show the world what you're made of. Who knows? You might just be the kick up the backside someone needs to start their own fitness journey.

Conclusion:

Your fitness journey is like a personal quest – it's all about the ups and downs, the triumphs and challenges, and the transformations both inside and out. While keeping your health and functionality in check is crucial, there's absolutely no harm – and a lot of good stuff – in feeling proud of the way you look.

So go ahead, embrace those gains, celebrate your victories, and own your unique brand of strength. Whether you're smashing it in the gym or strutting your stuff on the street, remember that there's nowt wrong with wanting to look and feel your best. Keep pushing those boundaries, sticking it to the stereotypes, and embracing your strength – inside and out. You've got this!

Battling the January Blues: A No-Nonsense Guide to Keeping Your Fitness Ship Afloat - Liam O'Brien

Right then, we’re three weeks into the New Year, and it’s high time for a proper sit-down. You’ve probably noticed that your initial burst of January enthusiasm might be waning a bit, like a sparkler slowly fizzling out on a damp Bonfire Night. It’s dark, it’s cold, and the sofa is looking increasingly appealing. But let’s not forget why we started this journey, shall we?

The January Slump: As Common as a Rainy Day in Huddersfield.

It’s no secret that motivation can start to dwindle as January trudges on. The festive cheer has faded and the reality of cold, dark mornings is biting hard. But why does it happen? Well, it’s a mix of waning novelty, the return to routine, and yes, the downright dreary weather plays a significant part.

Lifting Spirits and Weights: Combating Exercise Woes.

First, let’s talk exercise. It’s easy to lose sight of your fitness goals when your bed is warm and the gym mist definitely is not, but just like the seasons need to roll on relentlessly, so too does the journey of strength training and personal growth! Here are a few strategies to stay on track:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Like a good Yorkshire pudding, your fitness goals should rise to the occasion but not be so ambitious they collapse under their own weight!

2. Embrace Variety: Mix up your workouts. If the gym seems too much, try home workouts, go for a brisk walk, or lift kettlebells at home. Variety in training is the spice of life, remember the only workout you regret is the one you didn’t do.

3. Buddy Up: Find a training partner. Accountability and camaraderie can be powerful motivators when things get hard.

Nutrition: Keep Calm and Carry On.

Now, onto nutrition. The festive indulgence might’ve set a precedent, but it’s time to get back on track. Eating well is crucial, not just for fitness but for overall health, especially during these winter months.

1. Plan Your Meals: Failing to plan is planning to fail. Prep your meals with clear purpose and strategy! Just keep things simple, the less you have to think the less opportunity there is to make bad choices.

2. Balance is Key: Don’t deny yourself a treat now and then – a life without the occasional bit of chocolate is like a pub without ale, but balance it with nutritious, wholesome foods.

3. Hydrate: Keep hydrated. It’s easy to forget but staying hydrated is the oil to this new fitness machine!

Stick to the Path, Rain or Shine.

In conclusion, don’t let a bit of post-New Year gloom throw you off course. Stay the course, remember your goals, keep things fresh, and if you need a bit of extra support, we’re always here. Let’s face this year head-on, no matter what the weather throws at us!