The Fit Coach

Fantastic experience: Successful course run by Dave again. Always giving helpful advice and tips on fitness. Another great course supported by Basingstoke and Deane council. Bring on the next one!

Fantastic experience: Very happy and grateful for the free ‘strength training’ sessions at the Evangelical church community centre in Basingstoke under the supervision of a professional instructor and coach, David Joseph. We have the chance to learn in a group, a variety of different exercises using weights and resistance bands, and safely practice them alongside encouragement, good information and laughter! I have benefited enormously from these sessions and would like them to continue in 2025!

Fantastic experience: Loved these classes. They enabled me to resume strength training after a period of absence. David, the coach, was excellent. His exercises were challenging but really useful. I loved the mobility warm up section at the beginning. He ensured my technique was correct, thereby preventing injury. These classes were subsidised by Basingstoke council. We need more of them. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: A great social group to start your strength or fitness journey. Ideal for those recovering from illness or injury or new to exercise.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been to 3 group sessions and have learned so much! Dave is a clear and patient teacher, who instils an “I can do this” mentality. I am looking forward to doing more of his classes

Fantastic experience: Really well worth the time. Brilliant that it was funded by the council.

Fantastic experience: The beginners sessions have been very helpful in learning step by step how to strengthen muscle groups in my body. The pace had been good , the directions given clear and it had been great to be part of a group where people help each other . I feel much more confident now with how to use basic equipment and how to build up reps as weeks progress. Thank you for these useful sessions. Very grateful also to Basingstoke and Deans for subsidising these sessions for us all. As an older person , these exercises are useful at building up muscle strength which in turn reduces the risk of falls etc.

Fantastic experience: I gave found David to be extremely knowledge and courteous toward his clients. He always finds the time to to go the extra mile.

Fantastic experience: Excellent in all aspects.Dave very good and uses his knowledge of fitness to help everyone.well done Basingstoke for setting up the sessions.

Fantastic experience: I don’t normally join these sort of programs as I’m not very active, But Dave makes you feel comfortable and doesn’t pressure you, I enjoy his classes, He is very approachable, Easy to talk to and hopefully the lessons will continue

Fantastic experience: Great course after nearly 4 years fighting cancer this course has be great for me both mentally and physically. Great coach hard work but fun. Hopefully there will be a follow on. We'll done basingstoke and deane for facilitating this course thanks

Fantastic experience: I have just completed the 8 week council funded strength program with Dave, taking place Saturdays at 9.30am at Oakridge hall for all. I wondered if it would be only suitable for people over 55 but Dave made me feel welcome and inclusive for young and young at heart. Since doing the training I have found my knee injury has improved and I have become more focussed on my fitness journey. Dave is calm, patient and very knowledgeable, answering any questions based on years of experience. If you can’t do something Dave will find an alternative or an adaptation. I’m so happy this course was funded by the council as fitness is what we should all be focussing on and finances or lack of support make this a challenge. I would gladly try other classes if available. It’s good that there are classes available on Mondays and Saturdays so that a mix of people can join. Also very good for getting to know other people. Thanks Dave and hope to see you in the new year! Anna

Fantastic experience: Really enjoying the strength training sessions (I know, who’d’ve thought!) I have a gym membership but never venture towards the weights - so boring. But THIS! Thank you BDBC for funding it, with Dave teaching me how to build strength at home or wherever I may be is really making me see how this CAN be a part of my lifestyle and help me stay stronger and more mobile longer.

Fantastic experience: The classes have been very informative and right level of exercises for beginners. Dave has been very patient with everyone, explaining and showing exercises more than once if needed.

Fantastic experience: I am coming to the end of an 8 week strength training class funded by Basingstoke and Dean Council. This has been hugely beneficial for me as I have several health issues that can sometimes make it difficult for me to do any exercise. Dave is an incredible trainer and explains the exercises and the reasons for doing them very clearly. He also makes the classes fun to take part in. I certainly feel I have really benefited from the classes and hope that more will take place next year. It has also been great meeting so many lovely people. Many thanks to Basingstoke Council and special thanks to Dave for putting up with me.

Fantastic experience: Clear instructions and encouragement at each session

Fantastic experience: I’ve had an incredible experience working with The Fit Coach aka Dave. This was called LIFT OFF - strength training programme for 8 weeks, funded by the Hampshire County Council at the Buckskin Evangelical church and Oakridge Hall for all. I’ve attended 7 sessions at the church and 1 session at the Oakridge Hall for all. There were refreshments at the church’s cafe after the work out to discuss any niggles or just a social banter which was a great way of bonding with Dave & the rest of the group. Dave’s approach to fitness is not just about working out but about creating sustainable, healthy habits that fit people’s lifestyles. I’ve never met a more ALTRUISTIC coach who genuinely cares about their clients’ health issues to tailor advice, workouts and nutrition plans to suit clients’ individual needs. What truly sets Dave apart is his ability to motivate and inspire with a gentle and polite teaching style. Whether it’s through encouraging words during a tough session or celebrating small milestones along the way, he makes you feel strong. He is also extremely knowledgeable, answering EVERYONE’s valuable questions with clear explanations, helpful tips and links to videos and websites. Being in a group actually helped learn other people’s issues and with Dave’s advice, even I can manage them and also help my other friends experiencing the same. He creates a positive, encouraging atmosphere that makes every session enjoyable and motivating. No loud overstimulating noises/shouting ever at all; his cool, calm and composed demeanour as well as good looks add to the motivating factors. Even during challenging workouts, he provides guidance with patience and kindness, ensuring you feel supported rather than overwhelmed. Thanks to his approach, I feel good progress— not just physically but mentally as well. I feel stronger, more confident, and better equipped to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In conclusion, Dave is a coach who is good looking, professional, gentle and polite, supportive, and health & wellbeing- driven.

Fantastic experience: I have been attending this beginners strength training course funded by Basingstoke Council and run by a wonderful instructor. Dave is very good in explaining and showing us the correct way of doing all the exercises. He even modify them to our capability. I have learnt many exercises which improved my health. In past six week attending these sessions I have not only felt better but also made some good friends. It's a shame that this eight weeks course is coming to the end. I wish Council can provide us some more courses like this or fund the current one so we can continue.

Fantastic experience: Have been attending this council funded course run by Dave and thoroughly enjoying it. He is a mine of useful information and is very good at working with us as a group or individually, especially when trying to help people with exercise limitations. In short, Dave is a great fitness coach who is really approachable, funny and effective at what he teaches.Also provides useful updates and exercise videos via WhatsApp

Fantastic experience: Dave is a great coach full of advice and instruction to get the best from you. I took part in the Couch to 2K 8-week course supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council with a great bunch of people. During the session, Dave works on each person’s development with encouragement and advice, leading to improvement and motivation to keep it up.

Fantastic experience: I can't recommend Dave enough as a personal trainer. He is not only exceptionally knowledgeable about the human body, but he also has a unique talent for helping clients understand theirs. I came to him suffering from severe sciatica pain, and his approach has been nothing short of transformative. Dave's personalized training program not only alleviated my pain but also allowed me to strengthen my body to the point where I am now living painkiller-free. His deep understanding of anatomy and biomechanics means that he tailors each session to meet specific needs and goals. Dave is incredibly supportive and motivating, always ensuring that I'm progressing safely and effectively. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain or just looking to get fit, Dave's expertise will help you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: I have been taking part in the Couch to 2k initiative, facilitated by Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council for the last 8 weeks. Our coach Dave, has been brilliant; knowledgeable, supportive and with an empathetic and encouraging coaching style. Dave has provided supporting materials to help aid our development, as well as regular check-in's via the app and email. Whilst I am still very much a work in progress, I've made vast improvements in the last 8 weeks. I have no hesitation in recommending Dave as a coach.

Fantastic experience: Dave has really helped me develop in my training. I have made gains that I would not have achieved on my own, without Dave's expert guidance and tips. I find his explanations clear and concise and I feel comfortable moving to more advanced exercises with his supportive and encouraging approach. I have not trained for years but Dave has focussed on building the basics for me, which has meant I have advanced more sustainably, and this approach has kept me more motivated. I would highly recommend Dave to gym users of all abilities - he has a huge depth of knowledge and experience, but he delivers this in a fun and accessible way to everyone.

Fantastic experience: I have been undertaking a Couch-to-2K course, run by Dave, for the last 7 weeks (next week is the last session unfortunately). This is an initiative by Basingstoke & Deane Council. Dave has been an excellent coach: knowledgeable and supportive and, encouraging the group through both running and general fitness. I would highly recommend Dave as a coach that can help anyone, regardless of their fitness goals.

Fantastic experience: Dave is the best PT anyone could wish for! He’s extremely knowledgeable, very professional and genuinely cares about the wellbeing of his clients. He has really helped build strength and mobility.

Fantastic experience: Never had a massage before but Dave made me feel very comfortable.

Fantastic experience: Amazing sports massage! Made me feel very at ease and fixed my painful problem shoulder! Gave me lots of helpful advice and exercises to do from home to help as well Thanks Dave

Fantastic experience: I had pain in the bottom of my back, After a session with Dave I felt much better

Fantastic experience: I have had the good fortune to have been both trained, and treated by Dave Joseph aka 'The Fit Coach.' He is an extraordinary man; incredibly knowledgeable, warm, inclusive, and thoroughly professional. He constantly works on developing his knowledge base, and this is evident in his abilities and the results seen. I have had long term low back and neck problems - the result of traumatic injuries - and Dave has proven highly effective in reducing the pain and immobility I experience, and in radically reducing the frequency of those episodes. I can not recommend him highly enough. Jeff Sawyer

Fantastic experience: Dave has worked a miracle on my leg, from being not able to straighten it to allowing me to now have full mobility. His knowledge and experience is second to none, which has helped my journey back to the football pitch. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Very professional, positive results after each massage. Excellent advice for after care that has worked a treat. Would highly recommend to anyone who is seeking a sports massage. (Thumps of steel)

Fantastic experience: Gave me confidence after my hip replacement to exercise and keep going

Fantastic experience: Absolutely Amazing! Dave is fantastic person with passion to helping people. Very knowledgeable with a lot of ideas how to personalise programme to your needs. Mobility was my weaknesses and thanks to just one session it improved streight away. Adding exercises from Dave to my regular powerlifting training helped me to perform more.

Fantastic experience: I have been experiencing some patellar tendinitis and Dave alleviated a lot of the pain within our 50 minute session. As a powerlifter, I put my body under a lot of stress during training, so having someone like Dave that I can rely on to keep me feeling healthy during the run up to competitions is essential.

Fantastic experience: I came to Dave as I was experiencing pain in my left shoulder while doing certain exercises. Having done some mobility exercises and stretches, along with a deep tissue massage I haven't experienced any pain since (approx 5 weeks) His knowledge is second to none and explains everything during the process. Highly recommended

Fantastic experience: Dave is an outstanding PT. He offers extraordinarily vast knowledge, extensive experience and a keen eye for detail combined with a positive, thoughtful personality and a passionate interest in his clients' progress. Dave's talent for selecting (sometimes unusual) exercises in the optimum sequence makes the workout programmes he suggests effective, varied and fun. He is also very good at explaining how exercises target specific muscles and how this affects, for example, range of motion and joint stability. When I started working with Dave half a year ago after several months of inactivity while waiting for an OP and recovering afterwards, none of my previously good fitness was left. However, meanwhile I'm stronger and more flexible than in the past, my posture has improved, I know more about anatomy and nutrition, and I've started learning some calisthenic skills I had never even thought of trying. Thanks a lot, Dave! See you in the gym!

Fantastic experience: I'm really glad I found Dave, he has been my personal trainer for 8 months. I started with Dave back in August to help with rehabilitation for some back and hip problems I had for over 12 years, within a month the problems were gone! All the previous times I've "tried being fit" over the years by buying a gym membership, I would always get bored and stop going within a few weeks but thanks to Dave, gym has now happily been part of my routine for 8 months. I really appreciate Dave's care in planning and teaching exercise programmes. The exercises themselves are interesting, complex, varied, and effective. Dave supports me through the week with reviewing my nutrition and workouts, providing encouragement and support, and answering questions or concerns I have with my health. I'm really pleased with the progress I have made over the last 8 months, and very happy that fitness is now firmly integrated within my life. Thank you Dave

Fantastic experience: I was struggling to find extra stamina, motivation and fitness during the winter months for my bike racing. I enlisted Daves help for a couple of months to help push me through. He was very patient, understanding, positive and encouraging. He understood my limitations and worked with me to get the best from me. I learnt a lot of new exercises and nutritional information, which he was extremely knowledgeable. The app was a little tricky at first but Dave was always very quick to offer help and support and talk you through things. Would definitely recommend Dave to anyone who needs that little bit extra from their regular training.

Fantastic experience: 5* - Suffered a bad lower back injury in the past month. Dave's sports massage helped to ease the pain and gave really good advices and exercises on how to keep the pain away! I highly recommend his services to anyone!

Fantastic experience: I can honestly agree 100% will all of the 5* comments Dave has received here. I've been working with Dave now for 3 months, where we've been focusing on flexibility, core strength, and support for my lower back. Dave is very calm, methodical, and has excellent knowledge of the human anatomy, I'm always testing him, and amazed at this depth of all round knowledge. Dave also has excellent and varied massage techniques, and again, his knowledge and body understanding servers him well when delivering a top massage, cheers again Dave.

Fantastic experience: I've been a client of Dave's for a number of months and cannot recommend him highly enough. Having previously been a regular gym user I found myself bored of the routine and wanted to change it up, but I was also struggling with some pain. I soon realised that I had picked up some bad habits in the gym which was causing the discomfort. With Dave's patience and coaching, I now have some great and enjoyable routines, along with some valuable eduction around healthy lifestyles in and out of the gym. As a result I'm feeling stronger and healthier than ever. Thanks Dave!

Fantastic experience: I have been working with Dave for 6 months, as someone who hasn't been to a gym before Dave has been instrumental in building my confidence. Dave has great knowledge and has helped me build up over time, tweaking the routines to match my progress. Aside from strength training Dave has supported me with an injury providing exercises to assist recovery. Dave is easy going, friendly and always ready and willing to help.

Fantastic experience: On behalf of the dinosaur Paul lol, brilliant pt has helped me so much, thank you.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been working with Dave for the last couple of months, primarily on improving my mobility and full range of motion strength. In addition we’ve experimented with a combination of therapies to address some pre-existing niggles, these included Myofascial Cupping, K-taping, and Trigger-point Release. I’ve found Dave to be extremely knowledgeable and professional with the ability to tailor his programs to meet the specific needs of his clients. I would recommend him to anyone looking to get a bit more out of their training.

Fantastic experience: I'm a keen amateur who's made good progress at the gym over the years, mainly focusing on strength & muscle building. I've gone to Dave for rehab & "corrective" work & I've found him to be both friendly & approachable but also vastly knowledgeable in this area. He's helped me work through "niggles" & ongoing pain issues. I'll be a regular with Dave as long as he'll have me!

Fantastic experience: Dave Is a superp PT. He is also more than that hes a coach. I went to Dave with an injury and he completly turn my injury around whilst improving my overall fitness and mobility. Dave is known as the guru and alot of PT's go to Dave for his expertise. His training i can guarantee will be something you have never tried before its absolutely fascinating. If anything Dave is wasted and should be swallowed up by big professional sports teams. But to be fair to Dave he prefers personal relationships with his clients where he can really look after them.

Fantastic experience: Dave was great at helping me achieve my goals. He was flexible when I changed my goals halfway through my programme too. He regularly contacted me between sessions and made me feel at ease. Many thanks.

Fantastic experience: David could not have been more professional and informative regarding an injury I sustained at work. I was convinced I'd ultimately require an operation, but with his sound advice and understanding of the injury we managed to work through a tailor made programme that he gave me to follow. Within weeks I was back to normal. I truly would recommend David to any potential client, very professional and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you David. Regards, Mick Boychuk.

Fantastic experience: I worked with Dave at the beginning of the year, initially approaching him with an ankle sprain. After he’d helped me with recovery from my sprain, we worked on my primary goal of weight loss. Dave introduced me to new ways of controlling calorie intake such as intermittent fasting as well as new machines at the gym which I never thought I’d have the confidence to use. After weekly PT sessions and nutrition calls I lost a stone within the first 4-6 weeks, and because Dave taught me how to change my habits, I’ve managed to keep this off over lockdown which was no mean feat when I was stuck indoors all day with a desk job. Dave is really knowledgeable due to his background in coaching in the industry and willing to help you achieve your goals in whichever way works for you as well as being very responsive to messages outside of the gym, which I found super helpful as it wasn’t just paying to see a trainer once a week at the gym for an hour and having no other form of contact to help me progress. I really enjoyed my time with Dave and would recommend him to anyone looking to reach their goals, whatever they may be :)

Fantastic experience: I’ve been lucky enough to receive PT sessions with David during the past months within this pandemic. David has ensured we can train safely outside and when able, at the gym. This has been such a benefit and support not only to my fitness and building strength but my wellbeing as a whole! I’ve found David to be extremely patient, knowledgeable and confident when training. I’ve found his insight into understanding how mind and body are connected has aided me to build upon a better foundation so I can better understand why I want to exercise that helps even when I’m not feeling motivated. He also supports me in between sessions with little prompts by using a helpful app that has reminders of exercises to help me be more accountable which is great! David has supported me in building confidence in my workout abilities and pushing me to use equipment that I would otherwise shy away from! Highly recommend! A great trainer and his passion for what he does shines through!

Fantastic experience: Dave was extremely knowledgeable. He gave a completely new and insightful way to exercise. It makes you think about every move and how to make the most of each movement. I thoroughly recommend this course to everyone.

Fantastic experience: I can highly recommend the fitness programmes run by Dave Joseph. Last year, regular training sessions with Dave both improved my fitness for sport and visibly improved my posture.

Fantastic experience: This class is really useful!

Fantastic experience: I have attended three of Dave's workshops. A back pain class, a lower body fitness workshop and upper body fitness workshop. I was impressed how much knowledge goes into the understanding of how something like massaging behind your ear affects the mobility of different limbs. The results of what he showed us gave immediate improvements. I highly recommend David Joseph as a personal trainer. Dave also sends a pdf of the exercises which have been done in class.

Fantastic experience: Having attended a few of Daves instant fitness workshops I am truly astounded at the potential he has helped me unlock! I’ve spent 25 years with my toes too far to reach and within 10 minutes I could touch them comfortably without bending my legs! Dave is super friendly and a true professional, his incredibly deep knowledge is only eclipsed by his passion for helping people see the results they want! I’d highly recommend to anyone no matter their fitness goal

Fantastic experience: I attended several of Dave's Instant Fitness workshops, and learned some practical advice for testing and activating muscles. I've been implementing many of them before all of my cardio sessions since! It's clear that Dave knows his stuff, and I'm keen to find the time to do some one-to-one's with him to work on alignment and mobility, which was highlighted as a weakness of mine in one of the workshops.

Positive experience: The session with Dave was different from other back fitness sessions I have attended in the past. Dave's focus was on relaxing muscle groups before exercise to minimise an potential injuries. I found the session intriguing, certainly a unique approach which I taken and incorporated some of the elements into my daily routines.

Fantastic experience: Dave was my PT in both a gym environment and a home setting to improve my fitness and overall strength. Dave spent time to understand my personal situation and current capabilities before moving into a regime. He worked hard on getting the correct mobility with joints then set a programme accordingly. Dave’s flexible approach is his strength. Whether using a formal structured gym or improvising on a home setting he managed to maximise the benefit obtained. I would highly recommend Dave as a PT