The People's Gym · Cork
Your first personal training session: what to expect
The unknown is the worst part. So here is exactly what happens, minute by minute, when you come in for your free first session at our Douglas or Ballincollig gym. Nothing on this page will surprise you when you arrive.
First session
What actually happens
No fitness test, no weigh-in, no being shouted at, no sales pitch. A conversation, some movement, a real coached session, and then it is up to you.
Before you arrive
You fill in the short form below. We ring or message to find a time that suits and ask if there is anything we should know. That is it.
The first five minutes
You arrive, your coach is expecting you, and you sit down for a chat. What brought you in, any injuries or conditions, what you want out of it.
The next ten
Some easy movement so your coach can see how you move: sitting to a box, a hinge, a reach, a carry. This is not a test. It is how we find your starting point.
The last fifteen
A real, short, coached session at the right level for you. You will leave knowing what training here actually feels like.
What to wear and bring
Anything you can move in and runners. A bottle of water if you like. Nothing else.
Afterwards
We tell you what we would suggest and what it costs. If you want to go ahead, grand. If not, there is no follow-up pressure.
Real Google reviews
From members who started where you are
In their own words, straight from Google.
"I hadn't done any exercise in nearly 2 years so I was really nervous about getting started and was out of breath even just warming up but the team or trainers put me at ease and adjusted each session to suit my fitness level. … Plus, each PT session is 30mins long so its really handy if you are up against the clock - you are in... sweating... and back out in no time at all!"
"Great gym to train in the knowledge the coaches give for each individual person is incredible. As soon as you walk through the doors the welcoming is fantastic and a fun place to be from doing your classes or PT. First class or PT session is free so its definitely worth a visit and hard to go past it after that"
"Highly recommend. All the trainers really know their stuff and genuinely care about every single client. Such a friendly , fun, and supportive atmosphere in there all the time. The app is extremely handy for booking your sessions and even better - the credits don’t expire and your first class and PT are free. You won’t regret it !!"
"I'm only with ATP Fitness for a few months and my first time joining a gym. The minute I walked through the door I knew I picked the right one. The atmosphere, the knowledge from the coaches, the patience, the laughs. … I love coming here."
How it works
The first session at ATP, start to finish
Most people who put off a first session are not worried about the exercise. They are worried about not knowing what will happen: being tested, being weighed, being the least fit person in the room, being sold to. None of that happens here, and the best way to prove it is to describe the session in full.
Before you come in
You fill in the form at the bottom of this page. Someone from the gym rings or messages you, finds a time that suits, and asks if there is anything we should know: an injury, a condition, something your GP or physio has said, a preference for a particular gym or a female coach. That call is short and it is the only contact before you arrive.
The session
You arrive a few minutes early. Your coach is expecting you and knows your story from the form. You sit down and talk for a few minutes: what brought you in, what you want, anything that hurts. Then some easy movement, nothing heavy, so your coach can see how you move and where to start. Then a short coached session at the right level, which for most people means sitting to a box and standing, a row, a press, a carry, and a bit of the bike or rower. The whole thing is 30 minutes. You will not be out of breath on the floor and you will not be lifting anything you are unsure of.
Afterwards
Your coach tells you what they would suggest and what it costs. Sessions are normally 1:2, one coach with two clients, each on your own programme. There is no card on file and no follow-up pressure. Plenty of people sign up on the spot, some think about it, and some decide it is not for them. All three are fine.
Getting started
Your first session is free. Claim it below and tell us anything you want us to know. It is a real coached 30-minute session at Douglas or Ballincollig, no card and no commitment. If nerves are the thing holding you back, our gym anxiety page is written for that, and our pricing page has the numbers.
Memberships & pricing
Simple, flexible pricing
Personal training from €20.56 a session on a rolling membership, €35 pay as you go, and no-expiry packs from €289. See full pricing →
FAQ
First session questions
If yours is not here, give us a ring. We would rather talk it through.
Is there a fitness test or a weigh-in?
No. There is a chat and some easy movement so your coach can find your starting point. Nobody is measured or tested unless they ask to be.
Do I need to be fit before I come?
No. The session is pitched at wherever you are, and most people who come in have not trained in years or ever.
What should I wear?
Anything comfortable you can move in, and runners. That is all.
Will I be sore afterwards?
Maybe a little, the way you might be after a walk you are not used to. The first session is deliberately gentle. Proper training starts once we know you.
Is there a sales pitch at the end?
Your coach tells you what they would suggest and what it costs, once. There is no card on file and nobody rings you three times a week afterwards.
Can I ask for a female coach or a particular gym?
Yes. Say so on the form or when we ring and we will sort it.
How much does it cost?
Rolling memberships start at €179 every 4 weeks for two sessions a week, and our no-expiry packs never lapse. Your first session is free, no card and no commitment.
Get started
Claim your free session
Tell us a little about yourself and a member of the ATP team will be in touch to book in your free session.
ATP Fitness App
Manage your sessions on the go
Book your PT & classes straight from your phone, manage your membership and top up credits any time.
Find us
Two locations across Cork
Douglas
2nd Floor, Unit A1, Donnybrook Commercial Centre, Donnybrook, Cork City
Tel: 087 649 4134
Mon-Thurs: 6:30am - 8:30pm
Friday: 6:30am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Ballincollig
Unit 1A, Link Road Business Park, Carrigrohane, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
Tel: 085 725 2370
Mon-Thurs: 6:30am - 8:30pm
Friday: 6:30am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed