>Strength Roots personal training is designed for women with packed diaries, demanding jobs, and barely a second to breathe — let alone hit the gym for hours. I offer 1-1 and Small Group Training at flexible times to suit your schedule. My clients achieve real results with real support — zero fluff.
I’m based at a local, welcoming and zero judgement gym where you can get strong whilst actually enjoying yourself! This isn’t a faceless class where you get lost at the back. I know your name, your goals, and how to push you (gently but firmly!) to feel stronger in body and mind.
Level 3 personal trainer Pre and postnatal training.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: I’ve never lifted weights before. Will I be able to manage?
Absolutely. Plenty of my clients started as complete beginners. I’ll guide you step by step, focusing on safe, simple movements. Confidence builds quickly once you start.
Q: Will it be all burpees, bootcamps and ‘no pain, no gain?’
Nope. This is strength training, focusing on building muscle for a stronger you. There’s no whooping, hollering, or lycra-clad gym bunnies posturing, either. Just women, like you, getting stronger and healthier.
Q: Won’t I get bulky?
Body building is a specialist thing and bodybuilders dedicate hours and hours to training every day. It’s far harder for women to bulk up even if they want to, due to lower testosterone levels. You’ll get toned and strong, look leaner,and feel great.
Q: Do I have to diet, and eat clean, and cut out treats?
Oh heck no – unless you want to. We’ll support you with healthy eating and suggest protein-rich meals which are great for muscle. It’s all about balance.
Q: I’m really busy with work and family – how will I find time?
You don’t need hours in the gym. Just 2–3 short sessions a week can make a huge difference to strength, energy, and mood. I’ll help you fit training around your schedule, not the other way round.
Q: I’m in my 40s/50s/perimenopausal. Can strength training help me?
Yes. Strength training is one of the best things you can do at this stage of life. It helps balance hormones, protects your bones, boosts metabolism, improves sleep, and builds confidence.
Q: Will everyone laugh or judge me for looking silly or not knowing what to do?
You won’t ever be judged here, and there’ll be no need for laughing – except together. This is a supportive, friendly space, and I’ll make sure you know exactly what to do. Everyone starts somewhere – the important thing is that you start.
Q: Do I need lots of expensive kit and new trainers?
No. Many effective exercises use just your own bodyweight, bands, or simple free weights. If you train with me in the gym, all equipment is provided. Comfy, breathable clothing like leggings and a t-shirt is all you need, and there’s no need to splash out on new trainers.
Q: What if I can’t make a session?
Life happens! We’re flexible – if you need to rearrange, just let me know and we’ll reschedule where possible.
Q: When will I see results?
The results you’ll feel are the most important. Most women notice changes in energy, mood, and strength within a few weeks. Visible changes vary person to person, but consistency always pays off.
Q: How much weight should I lift?
Start with a lighter weight to warm up and get used to the movement. Once you can lift a weight with good form for 12 repetitions, you can gradually increase the resistance. We’ll make sure you progress without ever overdoing it or risking injury.
Q: Should I train with free weights or machines?
Machines are great for beginners learning proper form and free weights: (like dumbbells and barbells) are excellent for engaging more stabilising muscles and mimicking real-life movements.
Q: Do you offer a trial session?
Yes! New clients can book a free, no-obligation consultation or taster session to see if it feels like the right fit. We think you’ll love it – and we know you’ll be better for it.
See my Google reviews here: https://share.google/SHiqyKtjYBpr1wyYF
Sophie Pavey
Location
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N Marie
11 months agoI’ve been training with Sophie’s group sessions for a while now, and I can’t recommend them enough! The sessions are always fun, varied, and challenging in the best way. Sophie creates such a supportive and welcoming environment, making everyone feel comfortable no matter their fitness level. Since joining, I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my strength, confidence, and overall well-being. The group dynamic keeps me motivated, and I love the sense of community—we all push each other to be our best! If you’re thinking about joining, don’t hesitate! Whether you’re new to training or looking to take your fitness to the next level, this group is the perfect place to do it. Thank you, Sophie, for making exercise something I genuinely look forward to! 💚
Kathryn Hatton
11 months agoI have been going to Sophie’s group sessions for quite a while now and can honestly say it has changed the way I think about the gym. The knowledge and support from Sophie and the other group members is amazing. My main goal is to build muscle strength and also to improve my nutrition, I feel I am achieving both through Sophie’s excellent knowledge and advice. My energy levels have definitely improved and I have learnt so much about nutrition . I would definitely recommend the group sessions with Sophie, they have changed my outlook totally on going to a gym .
Toni danielle Mcglynn
10 months agoI joined Sophie’s group sessions October 2024. It’s been fantastic for my mind and body, I’m physically stronger, much more focused on general health and wellbeing. Seeing and feeling the results from group sessions in the gym and home workouts have been amazing. Huge thanks to Sophie for keeping me motivated! Looking forward to more progress ❤️
tracey donnelly
9 months agoI’m 61, and had put on tons of weight after losing my mum and stopping smoking, plus I was mentally not doing great. My daughter found Sophie’s class, I was nervous about joining as I thought I’d feel too conscious, though knowing it was all women made a difference. Now 6 months later (the longest I’ve ever stuck a gym) I do two sessions a week and i love it. Sophie, doesn’t overwhelm you, she works with you at your pace from the training, to the nutrition. The classes have women of all ages, sizes and abilities, it’s so friendly, non judgey and we spur each other on, the camaraderie is a bonus I didn’t expect. Im still a work in progress but look and feel so much better Cannot recommend Strength, Roots Fitness enough
Chloe Murray
a year agoSophie has managed to undo 30 odd years of misunderstanding nutrition and fitness and has enabled me to find a balance of being healthy, strong and happy. Before training with Sophie I lived in a cycle of restrictive diets with bursts of over exercising followed by doing nothing at all for periods. I would lose weight and put it back on and had a terrible relationship with food and exercise. Sophie has educated me and helped me to change my lifestyle so that I am able to fit in a realistic amount of exercise and eat a varied and nutritious diet without denying myself anything. I feel healthier, I have more energy and I am happier in my body and with my appearance. It is possible with the right support and Sophie as a busy mum understands the best way to support her clients and offers realistic and practical solutions to those things getting in the way of changing bad habits. There’s just no way I would have been able to achieve so much positive change without Sophie.