ABOUT ME
I have been working in the fitness industry now for over 10 years, starting out working in gyms and expanding into working with athletes from a huge range of sports to improve sports performance.
I started on this path by studying for a Sports Science degree at the University of Leeds. After finishing this I started out as a personal trainer, and embarked upon a Masters degree in Strength and Conditioning. I learnt a great deal through both of my degrees and put all of this to great use every day as a coach! Shortly after completing my MSc I took the test to become a UKSCA Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach. This was a very tough accreditation and takes into account every aspect of an individual’s coaching and training ability, from program writing and session delivery, to lifting ability and theoretical knowledge. I’m constantly developing as a coach and my ideas on best practice are always changing as I learn more and more; this is why I keep totally up to date with the latest thoughts and practices by regularly attending conferences and seminars to make sure I’m always at the top of the game!
I currently work with a great range of people. From men and women looking to get fit, lose weight, get stronger and everything else both in gyms and at their homes. I also work for a great number of athletes from a range of sports looking to improve their performance, at several institutes. These include the University of Leeds where I look after the Badminton, Squash, Waterpolo and Cricket teams and have in the past worked with Athletics and Rowing clubs too. Bradford Esprit Diving Club where I coached all the age group divers looking to compete at the highest possible level. On a 1:1 basis I have worked with a great range of sports but currently coach an American footballer, a cricketer, a UK ranked squash player and the current -63kg sub junior British female powerlifting champion who holds the <16 Squat, Deadlift and Total and <18 Squat, Deadlift and Total British records. She’s currently ranked #2 in the world, and won the European Championship this year (2019)! I train most of these athletes from my own gym, Bingley Barbell Club – Open to membership or Personal Training.
WHAT CLIENT'S SAY
James Jesson
I did a one-off block of 12 sessions with Chris with the specific goals of improving my cross country running and cycling. It made a big difference: at the end of the block I broke my PBs in both events. We did the sessions outdoors and Chris really pushed my fitness and strength to a much higher level. I’ll definitely go back to him for another block when I start training for events this year. Chris is very knowledgeable and the sessions are sociable and a lot of fun, and I’d highly recommend him if your’re looking for personal training in North Leeds.
Jennifer McAnuff
I’ve been having personal training with Chris at my home in Shadwell twice a week for almost three years. We do the sessions in my back yard (in all weathers!) and this convenience and flexibility really works for me. As a desk worker, I’ve noticed a huge difference from the training. I’m in better shape, more toned, much stronger, more flexible, and a lot healthier than I used to be. Chris is great fun to work with and the sessions are always social (and tough!). The added value is that Chris is highly qualified in the science and evidence behind his training programmes. That sets him apart from other trainers. I’d highly recommend Chris as a PT/S&C coach.
Neil and Edward
“Chris has been PT for over 5 years. He has trained us both together twice a week.
Our programmes have been varied, interesting & fun, with great results for us both in positive change in our physique & tone, as well as strength & conditioning. Chris uses his significant knowledge to work us hard & help us to get results we are aiming for. He is reliable, passionate & great to work with.
Thanks Chris.”
Nick Freeman Consultant Anaesthetist at the LGI
“I’ve had a couple of personal trainers in my recent gym life, and Chris Baldwin is definitely the best one! He has been training me for over a year, and has tailored my program to my needs. My initial goals were to put on mass, and then subsequently to fat strip (which were achieved!). Whilst Chris is a power-lifter at heart, he properly listens to my needs and reviews and changes my gym program every 12 weeks to what I need, not to what he’d prefer. Chris has also worked with me to create a 3 to 4 session program, with sessions I am able to undertake myself as well. This has been very useful to improve results. Chris is a very friendly and affable instructor, but will push you hard to achieve your goals. I wholeheartedly recommend him.”
Esther Ralston Head of Sector Client Development at DWF LLP
“Before I met Chris I lacked the willpower and knowledge to exercise effectively – the result was that I was unfit, overweight and suffering from back problems. Over the past six years, working with Chris has transformed me from a reluctant coach potato to an enthusiastic gym goer who actually enjoys working out. Chris has accomplished this by getting to the bottom of what motivates me, and then designing sessions that have variety to keep me interested, push me out of my comfort zone, and most importantly are fun! He has designed various programmes to help me lose weight, get fit, get in shape for my wedding, train for skiing and most recently exercise safely whilst pregnant and get back in shape post baby. I’ve lost 2 stones, got it and my back problems are a thing of the past. Chris is highly professional, motivational and makes our training sessions hugely enjoyable. He’s tough (in a good way!) but recognises that different people are motivated in different ways. His knowledge experience and personality make him an outstanding personal trainer. Whatever your fitness goals, I am confident that training with Chris will ensure you achieve them – I can’t recommend him highly enough”
