First Step Fitness

Personal training · Strathroy, Ontario

Most people don't need more motivation. They need a plan, a coach, and someone to show them where to begin. I'm Nick, and that's exactly what I'm here for.

Book a free consultation
  • 20 five-star Google reviews
  • One-on-one, small group & team training
  • Free, no-pressure consultation
The training floor at Anytime Fitness Strathroy
★★★★★
  • “Training with Nick has been one of the best decisions I've made!”

    Ravinder P. · Google review
  • “I became stronger, fitter, and more confident thanks to his expertise”

    Deepika R. · Google review
  • “My lower back pain is now a 2 out of 10 instead of a 9.”

    Arden U. · Google review
  • “Since training with Nick, all of my lifts have increased significantly.”

    Chris L. · Google review
  • “Nick was great … made me feel comfortable going in.”

    Pat & Mary S. · Google review
  • “He actually pays attention to what I need”

    Rick · Google review
  • “Each week Nicholas would track and increase the weight resistance”

    Mark F. · Google review
  • “…gone above and beyond for helping me reach my goals”

    Andres O. · Google review
  • “By far the best I've had.” Chris L.
  • “Second to none!!” Laurie S.
  • “One of the best decisions I've made!” Ravinder P.
  • “Made me feel comfortable going in.” Pat & Mary S.
  • “12/10 highly recommended!” Andres O.
  • “An exceptional trainer.” Suman C.
  • “He met me where I am.” Arden U.

01 · Why First Step

You don't have to
figure it out alone.

Here's how most fitness goals quietly end: you walk into a gym without a plan, try a few machines, copy a workout from your phone, feel unsure the whole time, and by spring it's easier to just stay home.

That isn't a willpower problem. It's a guidance problem. And it's exactly why I started First Step Fitness.

When you train with me, you get a coach in your corner, a plan built around your body and your goals, and training that's challenging, genuinely enjoyable and designed to last. Every session has a purpose, every win gets tracked, and you'll always know exactly what comes next.

  • 01A plan, not a guess

    Your program is written for you, so every session moves you toward something.

  • 02Hands-on coaching

    I check your form on every set, so you get stronger without picking up bad habits.

  • 03Progress you can see

    Weights, reps and wins tracked week to week, so you never wonder if it's working.

  • 04Built to last

    Training you'll look forward to, because the plan you enjoy is the plan you stick with.

Five-star Google reviews
20
Ages coached, so far
11–67
Ways to train with me
5

02 · Services

Five ways
to train.

Every service is coached in person and built around the person in front of me. Start with one, or combine them into a package that fits your life.

  1. 01 · Fully personal

    One-on-one coaching

    Just you and me, your plan, your pace. I plan every session ahead and coach it in person, checking your form on every set and tracking your progress week to week.

    • Program written for you
    • Technique coaching, every rep
    • Weekly progression tracking
    Ask about one-on-one
  2. 02

    Small group & partner

    All the same coaching, shared with people who'll push you. Train with a partner, friends or a small group and keep each other showing up.

    Ask about group training
  3. 03

    Nutritional coaching

    Food that fuels your training and fits your life. Practical, flexible guidance built around meals you actually enjoy, with no crash diets and no guilt.

    Ask about nutrition
  4. 04

    Rehabilitation training

    For life after injury, surgery or physio. I'll help you rebuild strength, stability and range of motion at a pace your body agrees with, alongside your doctor's or physio's guidance.

    Ask about rehab training
  5. 05

    Athletic & team training

    Speed, power and conditioning for athletes and teams, in season and out. I coach everyone from individual athletes to dry-land sessions for local hockey teams.

    Ask about athletic training

Nutrition, roughly mapped

Where your numbers might start

Enter a few details for a rough idea of your BMI, the calories your body uses in a day, and a starting split of protein, carbs and fat for your goal.

When we work together, this is only my starting point. I adjust it using your Evolt scan, your training, your schedule, the foods you enjoy and how your body actually responds week to week. If your goal is fat loss, I set a gentle deficit you can live with. If it’s building muscle, a controlled surplus. Then we adjust as the results come in.

Sex
Goal
BMI
–
Maintenance
–kcal / day
Starting target
–kcal / day
  • –Protein
  • –Carbs
  • –Fat

Get a plan built for you

This is an example, not advice or a diagnosis. The numbers come from standard formulas (BMI, and the Mifflin-St Jeor equation for calories) and can be well off for any one person. BMI doesn’t tell muscle from fat. Don’t use this as proof of accurate results or as a plan to follow. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or have a history of disordered eating, talk to your doctor before changing how you eat.

03 · Who it's for

Sound
familiar?

Everyone who walks through the door has a different story. These are the ones I hear most, and where I'd start.

  • “I've never really set foot in a gym.”

    Then you're in exactly the right place. I'll teach you the equipment, at your pace, until walking in feels like second nature.

    That's me
  • “I used to be in shape. Then life happened.”

    It happens to everyone. We'll rebuild steadily together, without overdoing it, so this time it actually sticks.

    That's me
  • “I've been lifting for years, but I'm stuck.”

    Fresh eyes on your technique and a program built to break the plateau. Let's find what's been holding you back.

    That's me
  • “Something hurts, and I'm scared of making it worse.”

    That's a fair worry. I start with your health history and work within your doctor's or physio's advice. Gentle, steady and smart.

    That's me
  • “I want an edge in my sport.”

    Speed, power and conditioning built around your season, for you on your own or for your whole team.

    That's me

Somewhere in between? Most people are. and I'll point you in the right direction.

04 · How it works

What training
with me looks like.

No guesswork, no standing around wondering what to do next. Here's what you can expect from me, starting in week one.

  1. 01

    It starts with a real conversation.

    Your goals, your health history, any injuries, and what has or hasn't worked before. No workout, no pressure. Just me getting to know you.

  2. 02

    A plan that's actually yours.

    Built around your body, your schedule and your goal. Never a template, and never someone else's program with your name on it.

  3. 03

    Every rep, coached.

    I'm right there with you, watching how you move that day and adjusting the weight, the reps or the exercise to suit.

  4. 04

    Progress you can measure.

    Everything gets tracked week to week, and the bar goes up when you're ready, not before. Strength shows up first, and the rest follows.

  5. 05

    Food and recovery that fit real life.

    Practical guidance on eating, rest and recovery, shaped around the way you actually live.

  6. 06

    Support between sessions.

    Exercises you can do at home, and I'm a message away whenever questions pop up. You're never doing this on your own.

    Start with a free consultation

05 · The space

Room to
train properly.

I train clients at Anytime Fitness on Front Street in Strathroy: a bright, open, fully equipped floor with free weights, Hammer Strength machines, cardio and a dedicated turf zone for conditioning work. Everything you need, and room to use it.

Open turf area and strength racks at Anytime Fitness Strathroy
The turf
Free weight area with benches and dumbbell racks
The free weights
Hammer Strength machines and turf training space
The machines
Main training floor with benches, dumbbells and cardio
The main floor
  • 24/7Gym access for members
  • Free weightsFull dumbbell range, benches and racks
  • MachinesHammer Strength plate-loaded and selectorized
  • Turf zoneConditioning, agility and athletic work
Address
39 Front St E
Strathroy, ON N7G 1Y5
Getting here
Downtown Strathroy, about 30 minutes west of London, with plenty of parking
Membership
An Anytime Fitness membership is required for sessions

06 · Packages

Packages built
around you.

No cookie-cutter plans. I shape every package around your goals, your schedule and where you're starting from. These are four of the most common starting points.

  1. 01

    Get Started

    For first-timers and anyone coming back after time away.

    Learn the gym, the equipment and the movements properly, with a beginner program set to your level, so you can walk in with confidence.

    • One-on-one coaching
    • Equipment and technique walkthroughs
    • A program you can follow
    Ask about Get Started
  2. 02 Strength first

    Get Stronger

    For anyone ready for steady, measurable progress.

    Ongoing coaching with every session tracked and progressed. Strength shows up first, and everything else follows.

    • One-on-one coaching
    • Weekly progression and tracking
    • Nutritional coaching and recovery (optional)
    Ask about Get Stronger
  3. 03

    Move Without Pain

    For injuries, chronic pain, life after physio and medical conditions.

    Rehabilitation-focused training that starts with your health history and moves at a pace your body agrees with.

    • Rehabilitation training
    • Works alongside your doctor or physio
    • Home exercises between sessions
    Ask about Move Without Pain
  4. 04

    Game Ready

    For athletes and teams getting ready for a season.

    Speed, power, strength and conditioning, one-on-one or as team sessions, like the dry-land training I run for local girls' hockey teams.

    • Athletic training
    • Individual or team sessions
    • In-season and off-season plans
    Ask about Game Ready

Not sure which one fits?

Take the 1-minute quiz and I'll point you to your starting point.

Five quick questions. No email needed to see your result.

Make it yours

Every package can be adjusted. We'll go through the options together at your free consultation, with clear pricing for exactly what you need. No pressure, and no signing up on the spot.

Format
One-on-one, with a partner, or in a small group
Frequency
As often as fits your goal and your week
Nutrition
Add nutritional coaching built around food you enjoy
Recovery
Mobility and recovery work so you bounce back between sessions
Book a free consultation

07 · Reviews

Don't take
my word for it.

Real people, real reviews, straight from Google. First-timers, people over 60, lifters chasing new bests and a whole hockey team.

“From day one, he told me that I'd notice my strength improve first, and the physical changes would come after, and he was absolutely right.”

★★★★★ Chris L. Google review

★★★★★ Every review that mentions my coaching.

★★★★★

“…this week I dead-lifted 115 lbs 36 times and I'm 63!”

Read full review

Update on Anytime Fitness After 3 months with Trainer Nick!

Here ye, here ye calling all women and men over 60! What a journey, from day 1 to day 90 — this week I dead-lifted 115 lbs 36 times and I'm 63! My lower back pain is now a 2 out of 10 instead of a 9. My joint stiffness is dramatically reduced and I have no more pain shooting down my left leg. I walk straighter, can manage everyday household tasks with ease. Why? Because I'm stronger.

Nick knows how to assess how I move to either increase the weight or the number of reps. The issue with aging is it can be a miserable process as you lose muscle mass and confidence. The key — weights. I can't describe how I feel crawling out of the hole of despair and frustration I was in. I am not over-stating that this is the best investment in yourself — your health and well-being. Don't wait another day — you will not only get stronger, you will get your mo-jo back! […]

Update at the 7 month mark. […] We are now at a place where I am strong. I press 220 lbs, can dead lift 125 lbs and have no more pain in my left leg or my left hip. For months I felt tired after the workout, I could still function at work but I was dragging, and now I go from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm without issue. With time and perseverance miracles happen!

Nick is knowledgeable, fun yet serious when it comes to how I execute my hour. […] As it is said, the comeback is better than the setback — LET'S GOOOO!

Arden U.

★★★★★

“Each week Nicholas would track and increase the weight resistance to slowly but firmly gain me the results I am looking for.”

Read full review

I joined Anytime Fitness in April of this year. I'm 67 years old and have never been a member of a fitness facility before. […]

Since I have never really taken exercise too seriously I decided to book Nicholas for a trainer. This was one of the best decisions I've made! Nicholas, for the eight or so weeks we worked together, had me work with and gain the knowledge of how all the equipment is intended to be used for my best benefit. Each week Nicholas would track and increase the weight resistance to slowly but firmly gain me the results I am looking for.

As well as the physical training Nic would also talk and advise about diet, recovery methods after workouts and exercises I could do at home between workouts. This information alone justified me booking Nicholas. Although I will never forgive for the leg day workouts (LOL) I cannot argue with the results I have achieved due to the guidance and training.

Although it's possible to do this without a trainer I truly believe your results will be better and safer with at least some training and knowledge from a trainer such as Nicholas. […]

Mark F.

★★★★★

“I became stronger, fitter, and more confident thanks to his expertise and personalized approach.”

Read full review

I had an amazing experience training with Nick! From day one, he made every session enjoyable, motivating, and something I genuinely looked forward to. His positive energy, encouragement, and ability to make workouts fun kept me consistent throughout the program.

The results exceeded my expectations — I became stronger, fitter, and more confident thanks to his expertise and personalized approach. Nick knows how to challenge you while keeping the atmosphere light and enjoyable.

If you're looking for a trainer who is knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely fun to work with, I can't recommend Nick enough. Thank you for making fitness such a rewarding experience!

Deepika R.

★★★★★

“Nick was great and helped me get started using the equipment and made me feel comfortable going in.”

Read full review

I joined Anytime Fitness a couple of months ago. As this was my first experience of ever being in a gym I was quite nervous feeling like I didn't belong because of my age and not knowing how to use any of the equipment. I signed up to have a Personal Trainer (Nick Hobbs) show me how to get started and feel confident in going to the gym. Nick was great and helped me get started using the equipment and made me feel comfortable going in. Workouts are going great and to also know he is still willing to help out if needed and answer any questions I may have.

Pat & Mary S.

★★★★★

“Nick's been awesome to work with. He actually pays attention to what I need, pushes me when I need it, and keeps every workout productive. Highly recommend him.”

Rick

★★★★★

“He has really helped me gain more confidence in my lifts.”

Read full review

[…] I have had the opportunity and pleasure to work with one of their trainers Nicholas Hobbs, training with Nick has been such a great experience. From never having a trainer and learning on my own, to training with Nick. He has really helped me gain more confidence in my lifts, really challenging me to try new workouts but ultimately helping me reach my fitness goals. Nick is outgoing, always making sure you're having fun in your sessions but most importantly he's wanting to make sure you reach your training goals. […]

Aaliyah C.

★★★★★

“The trainers were positive and motivated the girls extremely well.”

Read full review

We have brought our U11 and U13 girls hockey team to the gym for dry land training many times. They have a great area in the back of the gym to push the athlete to their fullest. The staff and trainers (Bry and Nick) were wonderful to organize the sessions. The trainers were positive and motivated the girls extremely well. I can't wait to bring our upcoming team back. Thanks to the staff for having us.

Tyler S. Girls hockey, U11 & U13

★★★★★

“Trainer Nick Hobbs provided an excellent overview of the equipment and designed a beginning program appropriate to my current fitness level and goals.”

Caroline Z.

★★★★★

“Nick is by far the best I've had.”

Read full review

I've been training with Nick Hobbs at anytime fitness for the past three months, and it's been an amazing experience. From day one, he told me that I'd notice my strength improve first, and the physical changes would come afterward and he was absolutely right.

Since training with Nick, all of my lifts have increased significantly. He constantly provides positive encouragement, takes the time to answer every question I have, and always brings a positive attitude to every session. He's introduced me to a variety of new exercises, helped improve my form, and has made every workout challenging and enjoyable.

I've worked with several personal trainers in the past, and Nick is by far the best I've had. If you're looking for a knowledgeable, supportive, and motivating personal trainer in the Strathroy area, I highly recommend Nick.

Chris L.

★★★★★

“Training with Nick has been one of the best decisions I've made!”

Read full review

Training with Nick has been one of the best decisions I've made! He's incredibly knowledgeable, motivating, and has a great way of making every workout both challenging and enjoyable. No two sessions ever felt boring, and somehow he always made hard workouts fun.

The progress I saw was amazing, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Nick genuinely cares about helping his clients succeed and celebrates every milestone along the way.

If you're looking for a trainer who will push you, keep you motivated, and make fitness something you actually enjoy, Nick is the one. Highly recommend!

Ravinder P.

★★★★★

“Nick is thorough in his explanations, and really listens to what I need to make progress.”

Read full review

… I worked with Nick as my trainer to increase my gym IQ and get started on regular fitness management. Nick is so helpful and informative. I learned about proper use of all the machines and weights. Nick is thorough in his explanations, and really listens to what I need to make progress. Thank you Nick!

Charlene P.

★★★★★

“Every workout is well planned, challenging, and tailored to my fitness goals.”

Read full review

I've had a great experience training with my gym coach, Nicolas Hobbs. He is knowledgeable, motivating, and always make sure I use the correct form to avoid injuries. Every workout is well planned, challenging, and tailored to my fitness goals. Their encouragement and positive attitude keep me motivated to stay consistent. I've noticed significant improvements in my strength, fitness, and confidence. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional and supportive personal trainer!

Navia J.

★★★★★

“Nick the trainer has especially gone above and beyond for helping me reach my goals and push past them.”

Andres O.

★★★★★

“If you need an extra push or want to train harder Coach Nick is second to none!!”

Read full review

[…] If you need an extra push or want to train harder Coach Nick is second to none!! I think Coach Nick is just as excited to see your growth or reaching new personal bests as you will be. The spirit of the gym is contagious!!! I HIGHLY recommend it here!!!

Laurie S.

★★★★★

“He's amazing, and will work with you no matter what your goal is while making you feel the most comfortable!”

Taylor P.

★★★★★

“Nick is an exceptional trainer - friendly, professional, motivating, and consistently encouraging. Highly recommend!”

Suman C.

★★★★★

“Nick is a great personal trainer. He is knowledgeable, motivating, and makes workouts enjoyable. I had a great experience and would definitely recommend him.”

Jamie

★★★★★

“Nick was a professional and respectful as a personal trainer. I would recommend him for any workouts.”

Hillen N.

★★★★★

“The personal trainer Nick is very nice and is great at training you.”

Garin R.

See every review on Google

Every one of these stories started with one conversation. Yours can start today.

Book a free consultation

08 · About

Hi, I'm
Nick.

Nick Hobbs, founder of First Step Fitness, at Anytime Fitness Strathroy
Nick Hobbs · Founder & coach

I started First Step Fitness because I kept seeing the same thing: good people with real goals, giving up because nobody showed them how.

Before I ever coached anyone, I was the one under the bar. I have years of experience in the fitness environment, a lot of it as a lifter myself, so I know what it feels like to be stuck, to wonder if you're doing it right, and how good it feels when a lift finally moves.

My clients have taught me even more. I've coached 11-year-old hockey players, people in their 60s walking into a gym for the very first time, and lifters chasing new personal bests. Add my experience in personal training, recovery and nutritional coaching, and here's what I've learned: the right plan is never the hardest one. It's the one built for you.

The best program in the world is useless if you dread it. So everything I do is built to challenge you and to be something you genuinely look forward to: the kind of training you're still doing a year from now, not quitting by March.

If you've been thinking about it for a while, consider this your sign. You don't need to be ready. You just need to start, and I'll be right there with you.

Nick Founder & coach, First Step Fitness

  • EducationPersonal TrainingProgram design, technique and safe progression
  • EducationRecoveryRest, mobility and coming back from setbacks
  • EducationNutritional CoachingEating that fuels training and fits real life
  • ExperienceYears in fitnessAs a lifter myself, plus everything learned coaching clients aged 11 to 67

09 · Health

Training around
your health.

A lot of people arrive with more than a fitness goal: a back that's been bugging them for years, stiff joints, an old injury, or a condition they're managing with their doctor. If that's you, you're in good company.

None of that means you have to wait. It just means we plan smarter. I work with people living with all kinds of medical conditions, and the approach never changes: understand your situation first, then build from exactly where you are. You'll never be pushed into something your body isn't ready for.

How I keep it safe

  1. 01 I start with your health history, not a workout.
  2. 02 I work within your doctor's or physiotherapist's guidance, and ask for medical clearance when it's needed.
  3. 03 I start where you are, and progress at a pace your body agrees with.
  4. 04 I watch how you move every session and adjust load, range and exercise choice to match.

10 · Getting started

How we
get started.

Starting is the hardest part, so I've made it as easy as it can be. Here's exactly what happens.

  1. 01

    Say hello

    Fill in the short form below. It takes about a minute, and I read and reply to every message personally.

  2. 02

    Let's talk

    We meet at the gym and talk about your goals, history and anything that's held you back. If you'd like, we finish with a quick Evolt body scan so we have a starting point. No workout, no pressure, no sales pitch.

  3. 03

    Your plan

    I'll recommend a package built around you, with clear pricing. Take it, tweak it, or take some time to think it over.

  4. 04

    The first step

    Then we get to work, week by week, and you'll see the progress for yourself.

Your starting point, measured

The Evolt 360 body scan

At your consultation you can step on the Evolt 360, a body composition scanner at the gym. You stand on it barefoot, hold the handles, and in about a minute it sends a small, painless electrical signal through your body. How easily that signal travels through muscle, fat and water gives an estimate of what you’re made of, not just what you weigh.

Why it matters: the scale can’t tell muscle from fat. Two people can weigh the same and look and feel completely different. The scan shows me where you’re starting, so I can build your plan around it, and we rescan along the way to see what’s actually changing.

  • Body fat & muscleBody fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass, including a left/right and upper/lower breakdown
  • Visceral fatThe fat stored around your organs, the kind the scale never shows you
  • MetabolismAn estimate of how many calories your body burns at rest, which feeds into your nutrition plan
  • Your own appI set you up with an account on the companion app, so your scans and progress are on your phone and you can track them between sessions

The Evolt 360 gives estimates for fitness tracking. It isn’t a medical test, and it’s optional. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, or you’re pregnant, we skip it.

  • Free. The consultation costs nothing.
  • No obligation. You decide if and when to start.
  • Personal. You talk to me, not a sales desk.

11 · FAQ

Questions,
answered.

Still on the fence? Totally normal. Here's what people usually ask before they book, and if yours isn't here, bring it to your consultation.

I've never worked out in a gym. Is this for me?

Absolutely, and you'd be in great company. Plenty of my clients started right there, including people in their 60s walking into a gym for the very first time. I'll show you how every machine and movement works, and we'll go at your pace.

Who will I be training with?

Me, every session. I'm Nick Hobbs, founder of First Step Fitness. I have years of experience in the fitness environment, a lot of it as a lifter myself, I've coached clients from 11 to 67 years old, and I'm experienced in personal training, recovery and nutritional coaching.

Should I get in shape before I start with a trainer?

Nope. That's what I'm here for! You don't need to be fit to start; you start to get fit. We'll begin wherever you are today and build from there.

I've been training for years. Will this still help me?

For sure. Experienced lifters come to me to break through plateaus, sharpen their technique and get a program that's actually built for their goal. A second set of eyes and steady, tracked progression can take you further than training alone.

How much does personal training cost?

It depends on what you need, which is why I build every package around you: the format, how often you train and extras like nutritional coaching. At your free consultation you'll get clear pricing for exactly what fits, before you commit to anything.

I have an injury or a medical condition. Can I still train?

In most cases, yes, and it's often one of the best things you can do. I start with your health history, work within your doctor's or physiotherapist's guidance, and progress at a pace your body agrees with. Mention it in the form so I can plan ahead.

What happens at the free consultation?

We meet at the gym and just talk: your goals, your history and anything that's held you back. There's no workout and no pressure. If you'd like, we do a quick Evolt body scan so you know exactly where you're starting from. At the end I'll recommend a package, and you can decide in your own time.

How soon will I see results?

Everyone's different, but there's a pattern I see again and again: strength shows up first, and the physical changes follow. As one client put it, “he was absolutely right.” I track everything, so you'll see it happening week by week.

Where do sessions happen?

At Anytime Fitness Strathroy, 39 Front St E, right in the centre of town with plenty of parking.

Do I need a gym membership?

Yes. Sessions take place at Anytime Fitness Strathroy, so you'll need an Anytime Fitness membership. Not a member yet? No problem at all. Book your free consultation and we'll sort it out together.

12 · Contact

Your first step
starts here.

Tell me a little about yourself and what you'd like to work on. Mention any injuries or health concerns too, so I can plan ahead. You'll get a personal reply from me by email to find a time that suits you.

  • Experienced. In personal training, recovery and nutritional coaching.
  • Free. The consultation costs nothing.
  • No obligation. You decide if and when to start.

“Training with Nick has been one of the best decisions I've made!”

★★★★★ Ravinder P.
Best time to reach you optional

Find your starting point

Question 1 of 5

What's your main goal right now?
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