Personal Training in Basel: A Client's Three-Month Story
After moving back to Basel, Nacho, 43, wanted to get back in shape while working a demanding job. Three months later he sleeps better, has no back pain at his desk and can do pull-ups with extra weight. Here is his story.
Who is Nacho?
Nacho is 43 and works in a demanding job in Basel. His days involve a lot of sitting, regular travel and meals on the go. He moved back to Basel after some time in Spain. He and his trainer had already worked together for a few months years earlier, so when he returned, he knew who he wanted to train with.
The interview, also available as a video, covers the three months of training that followed. What follows are his words, lightly edited for readability.
Why he started
In Spain, Nacho went to a gym but never really knew what to do there.
“I didn't know how to use most of the stuff, so I wanted to properly learn what works for me.”
He also had a clear reason to get organised about it: “I'm 43, so I'm not that young anymore, so I wanted to learn what works, what I should do to get a bit of strength, maybe lose a bit of weight.”
This is a familiar starting point. A gym membership gives you access, but not direction. If you are at the same stage, our beginner's guide to strength training shows how simple a first programme can be.
What changed
Nacho set out to feel better in his body. What he noticed was that the effects went much further.
“I realize when I'm working 18 hours sitting, I have no back pain. When I sleep, I sleep better than ever. When I wake up in the morning, I'm full of energy.”
He sums it up like this: “It's not about muscles or six packs. It's about feeling better with yourself on everything.”
From one pull-up to ten
Strength progress made the change tangible.
“When I had to do my first set of pull-ups, I was like one. And maybe now I can do ten reps. No problem. I can do pull-ups with the weight, no problem.”
His main lesson: “We are capable of doing things that we cannot even imagine. It's amazing how much your body can develop even when you think, I cannot.” If pull-ups are on your list, the German guide Klimmzug lernen explains the steps.
Training that fits a busy schedule
Nacho describes his work as busy, with a lot of travel and a schedule that is hard to plan. What mattered to him in the coaching:
Flexibility. “I felt like with you it was always very flexible.”
Focus. “You were always on time, not looking at your watch. Just making sure I learned the right things.”
Answers. His trainer answered his questions about how to do more, including how to keep training while travelling.
Football and strength training
Nacho still plays football, which is good for his mind but demanding on his legs and back. Training in the gym gave him a counterweight: working the whole body rather than only the legs. “And also I feel now stronger when I play football.”
How he found his trainer
Through a friend. The friend had never done any sport, and after a few months of training Nacho saw that he looked visibly stronger. He asked what had changed, and the answer was a coach. Nacho tried a session a few years ago and kept training with him for a few months.
His advice if you are still unsure
“No one ever regrets going to the gym. Sometimes you are lazy at home. It's too warm. It's too cold. I'm too busy. I'm too tired. Come to the gym.”
Speaking to his trainer, he also mentions Niki, the second trainer at Kegelmann:
“Do one lesson with you, with Niki, and you will see how good you feel afterwards. And then think, well, if I feel so great after one, how will I feel after ten?”
His final message: “Come and try. Come once. You will love it and come more, and you will see that it's totally worth it.”
What this story shows
Progress is more than muscle. Sleep, energy and a pain-free back count just as much.
A plan beats access. Nacho had a gym membership before. What he was missing was direction.
Coaching can fit a full calendar. Flexible sessions and clear answers make it easier to keep going.
The starting point is not the limit. One pull-up became roughly ten.
Every person and every result is different. If you are new to Basel, our article Personal Training in Basel for Expats explains what to expect from the initial consultation.
Frequently asked questions
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This story covers three months of regular sessions. Progress varies from person to person.
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No. The training starts where you are and is adapted to your level.
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Yes. A good plan is built around your schedule, including weeks away. Ask about it in the initial consultation.
Conclusion
Nacho did not set out to build muscle for its own sake. He wanted to feel better in his body and in his work. Three months in, he sleeps better, has more energy and can do things he could not do before. Do one session and see how you feel.
Want to see how personal training could fit your schedule? Book a free, no-obligation consultation and tell us what you want to achieve. More about our offer: personal training in Basel and client stories (pages in German).
About the author
Matthias Kegelmann has worked as a fitness trainer since 2013 and founded Kegelmann Personal Training in Basel in 2018. In 2016 he earned the Swiss federal diploma as a fitness instructor with top marks.
