Your Body is
Changing.
Your Training Should Too.
Expert 1-to-1 coaching in a private York studio — built around the science of what your body actually needs right now. Specialist in menopausal health, lower back rehabilitation, and building lasting strength.
Training for Women in Perimenopause & Menopause
Your body isn't broken. It's changing. And the way you train needs to change with it.
You're doing everything right — eating well, staying active — but your body isn't responding the way it used to. That's not failure. That's physiology. Menopause fundamentally changes your hormonal environment, and a training programme built for a 25-year-old simply won't work the same way anymore.
As an Exercise Referral specialist, Neil designs programmes that work with your changing body — addressing the specific physiological shifts of perimenopause and menopause through structured, evidence-based training.
Book a Free Consultation →-
Bone DensityLoad-bearing work that builds and preserves bone — your long-term protection against osteoporosis.
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Body CompositionAddress hormonal fat redistribution — particularly around the abdomen — through targeted strength and metabolic work.
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Energy & MoodThe right exercise prescription improves sleep quality, reduces fatigue, and stabilises mood — without burning you out.
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Joint HealthTrain safely around the increased joint sensitivity that comes with hormonal changes — protecting rather than aggravating.
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Private & Judgement-FreeA fully private studio with no other clients present. Many women tell Neil this was the single thing that made them finally say yes.
Ready to Train With Someone Who Gets It?
Your first session is free. Neil will talk through what's changed for you and design a programme around your body right now.
Two More Areas Where Neil Excels
Lower Back Pain & Rehabilitation
Lower back pain doesn't have to be your new normal. As a lower back specialist with a full Exercise Referral qualification, Neil has helped hundreds of York clients manage — and in many cases eliminate — chronic pain through targeted movement and structured strength work.
- Evidence-based rehabilitation approach
- Address root causes, not just symptoms
- Safe, progressive loading around your limitations
- Referral-level expertise — not just a PT guess
General Fitness & Strength
Starting from scratch or coming back after a break? The Podfit system gives you structure, expert coaching, and real measurable results — with zero wasted sessions and no gym intimidation.
- Complete beginner to experienced athlete
- Fully private studio — no one watching
- Structured periodisation for continuous progress
- Coaching that actually teaches you something
The Pillar Strength System
Most training programmes chase symptoms — burning calories, getting sore, feeling worked. The Pillar Strength System addresses foundations. Three stability pillars that underpin every movement you make, in and out of the gym.
It's especially transformative for menopausal women — where hip, core, and shoulder stability directly impacts bone health, hormonal response to exercise, and injury risk. And it's the foundation of effective lower back rehabilitation.
Hip Stability
Your hips are the foundation of every movement. Stable hips protect your knees, lower back, and posture — and are critical for menopausal women building bone density through load-bearing work.
Core Stability
Not crunches. True 360° core — deep abdominals, obliques, spinal erectors — the system that transfers force safely and is the single most important factor in lower back health and athletic performance.
Shoulder Stability
Functional upper body strength built on stable, injury-resistant shoulders. Protects your neck, upper back, and makes every pressing and pulling movement safer and more effective.
The 6-Phase Session Plan
No randomness. Every session follows a proven structure designed to get results safely, efficiently, and sustainably — whatever your starting point.
Prehab
Targeted exercises to correct imbalances, activate underused muscles, and reduce injury risk before we load the body. Because your results mean nothing if you're sidelined by pain.
Injury PreventionMovement Prep
Dynamic, tailored warm-up to loosen tight areas, fire up key muscles, and prime your body for performance. Not generic stretching — specific preparation for what comes next.
ActivationResistance Training
Smart, personalised strength work using the right tools for your body and goals. Stronger muscles. Better posture. Leaner physique. Increased bone density. This is where change happens.
StrengthEnergy Systems Development
Cardio isn't one-size-fits-all. From heart-rate intervals to circuit training, we train your energy systems to improve stamina, boost metabolism, and accelerate results — without destroying you.
Cardio & FitnessCore
We train your entire core — not just abs. The full 360°: obliques, back extensors, deep stabilisers. Because a strong core supports every movement you make, inside and outside the gym.
Core StabilityRegeneration
Expert-led recovery: stretching, mobility work, breathwork. Not optional — essential. Leave each session feeling better than when you arrived, ready to adapt, recover, and come back stronger.
RecoveryYour First Session is Free
Come and experience all six phases for yourself. No commitment — just a genuine taster of what structured training feels like.
Three Phases. Constant Progress.
Your strength training changes every month to keep your body adapting and your progress moving. No plateaus. No boredom. Just a structured system that builds on itself.
Speed & Power
Build explosive strength, fast-twitch muscle activation, and athletic capacity. Develops the neuromuscular qualities that everything else builds on — and keeps your body reacting fast as you age.
Strength
Progressive overload in the 3–6 rep range. This is where you build real structural strength — dense muscle, strong connective tissue, and the bone density that protects you for the long term.
Endurance
Higher rep ranges build muscular stamina, improve cardiovascular efficiency, and burn more energy. Consolidates the strength built in Phase 2 and prepares your body to repeat the cycle at a higher level.
How the cycle works: Each phase lasts approximately one month. At the end of Phase 3, the cycle resets — but you're stronger, fitter, and more capable than when you started. That's structured, evidence-based periodisation — not just showing up and working hard.
York's Go-To Trainer for People Who Need More Than Just a Workout
Neil has been York's go-to fitness expert for over 15 years — helping hundreds of people get fitter, stronger, and more confident in their bodies. His impact goes beyond his own clients: the owners of many of York's other PT studios — including Daym Fitness, Transform Personal Training, Tom Stewart Personal Training, and Complete Life Fitness — all started their careers at Podfit.
His background isn't a typical PT story. Before founding Podfit, Neil spent 12 years as a PE teacher and School Sports Coordinator, teaching examination-level physical education across East Riding schools. That teaching foundation means Neil doesn't just put you through your paces — he makes sure you understand what you're doing and why.
As a lower back specialist with an Exercise Referral qualification and a specialism in adaptive exercise for older adults and menopausal women, Neil has won awards for the quality of his work and his commitment to his clients. Whether you're a complete novice or an experienced fitness enthusiast, it's never too late — and Neil will make sure you feel confident from day one.
Exercise Referral Level 3Musculoskeletal, cardiac, respiratory, diabetes, mental health, lower back
REPS Level 3 PTAdvanced personal training qualification
New Business of the Year 2015York Press Awards
NHS NDPP DeliveryNational Diabetes Prevention Programme (XYLA)
Ex PE Teacher12 years, East Riding Council — examination PE
Menopause SpecialistDedicated training approach for hormonal transition
15 Years of Expertise. One Free Session.
Whether you're navigating menopause, managing a lower back issue, or just want to get seriously fit — the first step is a conversation.
Real People. Real Change.
These are a few of the people who decided to train differently.
"Since starting at Podfit 5 months ago I have seen a big difference in myself. I see muscle tone in places I didn't know I had muscles! I definitely feel fitter and stronger, my inner confidence has grown too. Never liked the thought of going to the gym before as I felt intimidated — Podfit is perfect. Neil is amazing and has made exercise fun. He tailors fitness sessions for each individual. I would highly recommend Podfit to everyone whatever your goal is."
"Fun workouts — Neil has gone the extra mile for me to help with the injuries I have. Helping me fix things to be able to carry on training."
"It's good — I've learnt a lot and everyone is really nice and friendly. They also have a lot of helpful online resources. The location is good and the space is nice and private and has air con!"
Common Questions
Book Your Free Session
Fill in the form and Neil will be in touch personally — usually within 24 hours. No scripts, no pressure, no sales pipeline. Just a conversation about whether Podfit is the right fit for you.
///hush.swung.watch · Through the carpark from Millie's, 160 yards north east on St Benedicts Road
