The Angry Vegan
PERSONAL TRAINING
Est. 2007
Safe, Supportive Training Designed for Women
I’m Fran O’Brien, a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years in the NHS and a qualified strength coach. I’ve spent my career helping women through every stage of life – from family planning to menopause – and now I bring that expertise into the gym.
I specialise in working with women over 35, including those navigating perimenopause and menopause, to build strength, confidence, and long-term health. Strength training isn’t about lifting the heaviest weights you can find; it’s about learning how to move well, protect your body, and feel in control again.
My role is to guide you safely, give you the structure and accountability you need, and create a private, supportive space where you can focus entirely on yourself.
My Qualifications & Experience
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Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with 20+ years’ NHS experience
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Level 3 Personal Trainer (specialist in strength training for women)
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Extensive experience coaching women 35+, including those in perimenopause and menopause
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Ongoing training in strength, conditioning, and women’s health research
What It’s Like to Train With Me
When you walk into a session with me, you’ll never be left second-guessing what to do next. I’ll guide you through every exercise, making sure your form is safe, your programme is right for your body, and that you’re making steady progress week after week.
My sessions aren’t about punishing workouts or chasing fads, they’re about building strength that lasts, protecting your health, and giving you the confidence to do more in everyday life. Some days we’ll push hard, other days we’ll scale back and focus on technique or recovery, but every session has a clear purpose.
Clients tell me they value the balance of support and challenge – knowing they’re always being looked after, but also that I’ll encourage them to go further than they thought they could. It’s structured, it’s personal, and it’s designed to help you get results you can actually feel.
Client Story - Sarah (52)
"I was nervous about starting strength training in my 50s, but Fran immediately made me feel comfortable. She explained every movement clearly and kept an eye on my form so I knew I was doing things safely. What I like most is the balance, she knows when to push me harder and when to adjust things on days I’m not at my best.
The changes I’ve seen in my strength and confidence are incredible, and for the first time I feel like training is something I can stick with long-term."
Why Women Choose to Train with Me
A lot of the women I work with tell me the same thing – they never felt welcome in a commercial gym. Too many people, too many stares, and not enough real help. That’s why they come here.
With over 20 years as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, I understand the changes women go through in midlife – from shifts in energy and mood to the impact of perimenopause and menopause. I bring that medical background together with strength training expertise, so you get safe, effective coaching built around your needs, not a generic plan.
Some women come to me as complete beginners, others already have exercise experience but want proper structure and confidence with weights. Wherever you start, the gym will feel supportive, private, and never intimidating. I’ll coach you every step of the way – helping you build strength, resilience, and confidence you can carry into the rest of your life.
Who I Work With
Most of the women I coach are over 35, often juggling busy lives, careers, and families. Many are noticing the changes that come with perimenopause or menopause, from fatigue and weight gain to feeling like their body isn’t playing by the old rules anymore.
I also work with younger women who simply prefer to train with a female coach, or who want to build strength and confidence without stepping into a crowded public gym.
Some of my clients have never touched a barbell before. Others have done classes, cardio, or bits of gym work, but never had proper structure or coaching.
Wherever you’re starting from, my role is the same: to give you clear guidance, safe progressions, and the confidence to lift weights in a way that genuinely changes how you feel in everyday life.
How I Coach
When you train with me, everything starts with the basics done properly. I’ll teach you how to lift safely, with good form, and with a clear plan that matches your goals. You won’t be thrown into random circuits or left guessing what to do next – every session has structure and purpose.
I keep group sessions small so you get real coaching, not just someone shouting at the front of the room. In one-to-one sessions, it’s even more focused: just you, me, and a full private gym. I’ll push you when you need it, adapt exercises if something doesn’t feel right, and make sure every rep is building your strength and confidence.
My approach is supportive but firm. I won’t let you drift, skip the hard bits, or talk yourself out of progress. But I also won’t ignore what your body’s telling you. Together, we’ll find the right balance of challenge and encouragement so you leave each session knowing you’ve worked hard and moved forward.
Client Story - Michelle (56)
"I truly appreciate Fran’s patience, understanding, and inclusivity. Living with young-onset dementia brings challenges most people can’t see, but Fran never made me feel limited or patronised. Instead, she found ways to adapt every session so I could keep training, building strength, and pushing my limits safely.
What stood out most was how she gave me confidence again — not just in the gym, but in myself. Training with Fran has reminded me that no matter your circumstances, you can always make progress with the right coach by your side."
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident, I’d love to help you get started. Book your free consultation and first session today – you’ll see exactly how strength training can fit your life, whatever stage you’re at.
More about training with Fran:
Strength training through midlife isn’t just about lifting weights, it’s about taking back control of your body, your health, and your confidence. As a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of NHS experience and a qualified strength coach, I specialise in helping women over 35, including those going through perimenopause and menopause, get stronger in a safe and supportive environment.
The sessions take place in our private gym, away from the noise and distractions of public gyms, so you can focus fully on your training. Whether you’re starting as a complete beginner, or looking to progress with structured, evidence-based strength training, I’ll guide you every step of the way. My coaching combines professional medical knowledge with proven strength methods to improve bone health, protect joints, build muscle, and boost energy.
This isn’t quick-fix fitness, it’s training designed to give you long-term strength and resilience for the life you want to lead.