The 5 best personal trainers in Birmingham who actually make you show up
The first time I decided to get back into fitness, I went all in with new gear and big plans. It wasn’t until I stumbled into a session that felt more like something you’d find in dance studios—high energy but genuinely fun—that things finally clicked.
Turns out, the right personal trainer doesn’t just tell you what to do. They change how you feel about showing up.
Birmingham’s fitness scene is full of trainers with very different approaches. The challenge isn’t finding one. It’s finding someone who actually keeps you coming back, even on those low-motivation days.
So we’ve rounded up some of the best personal trainers in Birmingham. These are the ones people stick with, not just for the results, but because they make the whole thing a lot more enjoyable.
How much does a personal trainer cost in Birmingham?
A personal trainer in Birmingham usually costs around £30–£80 per session for one-to-one training. More affordable options start at £20, and premium or highly specialised trainers go above £80.
1. Shapeshifters
Address: 16 Oak Tree Ln, Selly Oak
Phone: +44 121 471 2300
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
To get a full-on transformation, workouts aren’t sufficient. Structure, accountability, and someone who actually connects the dots between training, nutrition, and recovery also come into play. That’s what Shapeshifters can offer.
We love that they have an in-house nutritional therapist and sports therapist. It’s all under one roof, and that cohesion showed up repeatedly.
The training itself sounds demanding but controlled. You’re being pushed hard, but never recklessly. One person even said he’s discovered muscles he didn’t know he had. It’s a classic sign of structured programming rather than random high-intensity sessions.
On the nutrition side, Adele’s flexibility comes up consistently. Plans are adapted, whether that’s for a busy schedule or something more specific like a vegan diet. These plans are actually sustainable. People mentioned not feeling hungry or restricted.
Several clients also talked about noticeable changes within weeks, both physically and mentally. Maybe you don’t even need a psychologist! Brain fogs and improved moods are some of the reported results.
The Selly Oak location works well if you’re nearby or on a convenient train route, but it’s less forgiving if you’re coming from further out.
The nutrition and lifestyle advice was easy to understand
“I’ve just completed an 8 week program at Shapeshifters and I cannot shout loudly enough about the impact it’s had on my life. I went there to learn how to work out and got a whole lot more than that. The nutrition and lifestyle advice was easy to understand and follow and within a week I started to have more energy and feel happier. Haider knew exactly how to guide, motivate and push me in the training and Adele was always on hand to advise and guide me with my nutrition…”
Mark Cox, Google review
These guys were amazing at helping me really reach my goals
“These guys were amazing at helping me really reach my goals (posture, getting rid of niggling back pain, weight, forming new habits, the lot) over the last 6 months. Adele and Haider were both v approachable, really know their stuff, and were fun to work with too. Would highly recommend”
John O’brien, Google review
2. Body Transformation Personal Training
Address: Brindley Place, 3 Brunswick Square
Phone: +44 772 771 1423
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Everyone has their own goals when starting their fitness journey. So that random program you just downloaded online? It may not actually work for you.
Body Transformation could be a better fit since they really focus on customising programs for each client. We also love that the progress system isn’t guesswork.
There are regular body stat check-ins, app-based workout logs, and technique notes. This means clients can actually see what’s changing, not just hope something is.
From what we’ve heard, clients don’t just receive some technical coaching but also behavioural coaching. One client mentioned struggling with weight for years and seeing results within weeks.
It’s largely because Chris helped reframe how they think about food. For us, that’s not a small thing. Plenty of trainers hand you a meal plan. Fewer actually shift your mindset enough to stick with it.
In terms of results, they’re not just limited to one type of client either. Someone overweight saw consistent fat loss early on, while another (already in decent shape) dropped 10 kilos and built muscle in 12 weeks.
Now, the trade-offs. Pricing comes up as a downside, since they’re more on the higher side.
He is knowledgeable in his field and keen to make a change
“I have been training with Chris for almost a year and I must say he is knowledgeable in his field and keen to make a change. I have been overweight for a very long time and didn’t think it would be possible for me to ever loose a pound because of my habits and stubbornness. Within the first few weeks of training I could see a significant improvement in my weightloss. Chris made me changed the way I think about food which is the main thing to think about when loosing weight…”
Rosie Begum, Google review
Training with Chris has been the best investment in myself
“Training with Chris has been the best investment in myself that I could have possibly made! I had gained weight due to stress and was experiencing health issues. I knew something needed to change. Chris reassured me and supported through getting to the root causes of my weight gain. Through his coaching, I have changed my relationship with food and broken fears about working out. I’ve learned techniques which I can take forward into the gym by myself. I’ve lost 10kg in 12 weeks and feel GREAT!!! Highly recommended!”
Anita Chahal, Google review
3. PHIT Fitness Academy
Address: Unit 1 Priory Rd, Aston
Phone: +44 789 395 1307
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:30 AM – 8 PM
- Friday: 5 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday: 7 AM – 12 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Not a lot of people realise this, but being fit with a community makes wonders. If this is your vibe, PHIT Fitness Academy is worth a look.
The environment here is a strength. The small group setup (and even the larger sessions) seems to hit a sweet spot between personal attention and social motivation.
People mentioned actually looking forward to workouts. Members help each other, coaches remember injuries, and even follow up in later sessions.
The training is also hands-on. Most of the time, the trainers are very dialled in on technique. Here, people say they’re corrected, pushed, and supported all at once.
Some of the clients’ results can back this up. There are clear examples of measurable progress, like someone dropping around a stone and a half in five months. There are also weekly check-ins and Fit3D scans, reinforcing that they really track progress.
The setup can be a double-edged sword, though. Group setups are great for those who have perfected their forms and just want that community vibe.
However, beginners who need constant form correction might feel a little lost in the setting.
Highly recommend if you need that extra push & knowledge
“In just a short period of time(5 Months) from joining up with PHIT I was able to drop around a stone & a half. Joining not just a gym but a community where every single coach pays attention to each detail especially if you’ve mentioned about any injury or discomfort they always follow up the next sessions to check how you’re & will tailor certain exercises if needed. They push you to limits you yourself may not see but all while properly coaching you through it all. Can’t speak more highly of them. Highly recommend if you need that extra push & knowledge”
Theo Hinds, Google review
There is always a warm welcome from both staff and other attendees
“Amazing experience at PHIT. I’m not a gym person, but was recommended to me by a friend who has experienced amazing results. This is no traditional gym. With the Coaching aspect you get a well varied workout, high energy from the coaches, positive feedback, helpful guidance on techniques and loads of encouragement. There is a real sense of community within the groups, everyone helping and encouraging each other. Highly recommend everyone giving this place a try, especially those who find the traditional gym, competitiveness intimidating. There is always a warm welcome from both staff and other attendees.”
Sarah-Jayne Thacker, Google review
4. Train with JJ
Address: Kingdom Gym, 49 Ward St
Phone: +44 796 356 3708
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM
- Sunday: Closed
For women who are more comfortable being trained by a woman, Train with JJ has definitely claimed its place on this list. Julie understands common barriers women face, and that’s how she creates such a comfortable and empowering environment.
We loved how she tailors everything depending on each client. One person mentioned having mobility issues across the board, yet still getting workouts adapted on the fly without it feeling like a compromise.
Another thing that stood out is how often confidence came up. Clients talked about doing exercises or lifting weights they would’ve avoided before.
That’s a very specific kind of coaching skill. It’s not just technical knowledge (though she clearly has that), it’s knowing how to deliver it in a way that doesn’t intimidate. She also explains the “whys” of a workout.
Julie can also adjust sessions around unpredictable hours, which is a huge deal for anyone with a busy schedule.
That said, even when Julie is accommodating, there are instances where clients struggle to book a session with her because of the demand.
She has been amazing in all aspects
“I have been training with Julie for just over a year now and she has been amazing in all aspects. I currently work shift patterns (consisting of early and late shifts) and she has always been flexible and accommodating, making sure we fit our sessions in. This has really helped me maintain a better balance between work, life and fitness…”
Laila Khan, Google review
Julie’s honestly an amazing trainer
“Julie’s honestly an amazing trainer. Every session is tailored to me, and she’s helped me improve my form and confidence so much. I’ve seen real progress since training with her. The gym has such a welcoming, positive vibe too. If you’re thinking of getting into fitness or just want to level up, I can’t recommend Julie enough.”
Zahra Nabeel, Google review
5. BySteve
Address: Clement St
Phone: +44 780 096 2190
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
BySteve keeps things tight with a single flagship offer under “Elite Performance Coaching.” Everything revolves around a fully tailored strength and conditioning programme that evolves with you.
This already includes training, nutrition, and recovery. It’s the kind of setup that suggests you’re not just here to sweat, you’re here to progress with intent.
According to clients, the programming is set up for optimal performance. Workouts are intentional, varied, and creative. Steve also listens carefully and adjusts the plan around real-life constraints, which we appreciate.
And then there’s the accountability side. Clients always receive regular check-ins, fast responses, and a level of support that keeps them motivated.
One client even compared the experience to having guidance at an elite sport level, which says a lot about the standard being set.
That said, pricing sits well above the Birmingham average. So if you’re casually dipping your toes into fitness or just want a few sessions to get back into it, this will probably feel like overkill (and overpriced).
I honestly couldn’t have asked for better guidance or support
“I joined up with Steve because I wanted more accountability and structure with my training and I’ve got all that and more. This is my first time having a coach outside of playing elite-level sport years ago, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for better guidance or support…”
Iman Thomas, Google review
The community he has built keeps you motivated
“Ste is a top grade coach – patient and always supportive! The community he has built keeps you motivated and is great for meeting like minded people. Whole heartedly would recommend. Ste keeps you motivated and holds you accountable – my strength is already improving and I’m seeing real changes both inside and outside of the gym.”
Natalie John, Google review