Tom Green – Adaptive Personal Trainer for Disabilities & Chronic Health Conditions
I’m Tom Green, an adaptive personal trainer specialising in supporting people with disabilities, chronic illness, and complex health conditions. Since 2008, I’ve worked in health and fitness through both higher education and professional practice, helping clients rebuild strength, confidence, and independence through safe, personalised training.
What sets my approach apart is simple:
I understand what it feels like when progress seems impossible — because I’ve lived it.
What sets my approach apart is simple:
I understand what it feels like when progress seems impossible — because I’ve lived it.
My Philosophy
Recovery and adaptation are rarely linear. When you live with a chronic condition or disability, doing “too much, too soon” can set you back physically and emotionally.
My philosophy is built on four principles:
My philosophy is built on four principles:
My Story
Why I do this
In my mid-teens and early twenties, I lived with a fatiguing condition that dramatically affected my physical and mental health. At my lowest point, my belief in my own ability — my self-efficacy — was extremely low. I knew that without change, my mental health would continue to decline.
I started with the smallest steps imaginable: standing up from bed a few times a day, then short walks around my local area. Progress was slow, inconsistent, and often frustrating — but it was progress. Over time, those small steps became sustainable habits, and today I deliver up to nine personal training sessions a day.
That journey fundamentally shaped how I work with clients.
I don’t believe in rushing recovery.
I believe in building capacity slowly, safely, and sustainably — especially when chronic illness or disability is involved.
“Question your effort, before your ability.”
I started with the smallest steps imaginable: standing up from bed a few times a day, then short walks around my local area. Progress was slow, inconsistent, and often frustrating — but it was progress. Over time, those small steps became sustainable habits, and today I deliver up to nine personal training sessions a day.
That journey fundamentally shaped how I work with clients.
I don’t believe in rushing recovery.
I believe in building capacity slowly, safely, and sustainably — especially when chronic illness or disability is involved.
“Question your effort, before your ability.”
How I Support Change
My approach combines evidence-based training with psychological understanding.
Behaviour Change Frameworks I Use
– Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change)
Training is adapted to your readiness — whether you’re just considering exercise or already active but struggling with consistency.
– Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) principles
We address unhelpful beliefs around ability, failure, pain, or fear of movement, helping rebuild confidence and autonomy.
This ensures progress is not just physical, but sustainable and mentally supported.
Behaviour Change Frameworks I Use
– Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change)
Training is adapted to your readiness — whether you’re just considering exercise or already active but struggling with consistency.
– Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) principles
We address unhelpful beliefs around ability, failure, pain, or fear of movement, helping rebuild confidence and autonomy.
This ensures progress is not just physical, but sustainable and mentally supported.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your Qualifications & Professional Standards?
Education
– BSc Sport Science, Exercise & Health Management (2010–2012)
– FdSc Sport Performance & Personal Training (2008–2010)
Professional Certifications
– REPs Level 3 Personal Trainer
– REPs Level 3 Programming & Supervising Exercise with Disabled Clients
– REPs Level 3 Advanced Fitness Instructor
– REPs Level 3 Exercise Referral
– REPs Training for Older Adults
Additional Training & Safeguarding
– Emergency First Aid (Sport)
– Enhanced DBS Check
– Childhood Nutrition & Obesity Prevention
– NSPCC Child Protection in Schools
I’m fully insured and committed to safe, ethical practice at all times.
– BSc Sport Science, Exercise & Health Management (2010–2012)
– FdSc Sport Performance & Personal Training (2008–2010)
Professional Certifications
– REPs Level 3 Personal Trainer
– REPs Level 3 Programming & Supervising Exercise with Disabled Clients
– REPs Level 3 Advanced Fitness Instructor
– REPs Level 3 Exercise Referral
– REPs Training for Older Adults
Additional Training & Safeguarding
– Emergency First Aid (Sport)
– Enhanced DBS Check
– Childhood Nutrition & Obesity Prevention
– NSPCC Child Protection in Schools
I’m fully insured and committed to safe, ethical practice at all times.
What Clients Often Say About Working With Me?
Clients frequently describe my approach as:
– Empathetic and understanding
– Calm, patient, and genuinely supportive
– Focused on listening first
– Encouraging without pressure
– Adaptable when symptoms change
I don’t believe in pushing through pain or ignoring setbacks. I believe in working with your body, not against it.
– Empathetic and understanding
– Calm, patient, and genuinely supportive
– Focused on listening first
– Encouraging without pressure
– Adaptable when symptoms change
I don’t believe in pushing through pain or ignoring setbacks. I believe in working with your body, not against it.
Who Do I Work With?
I support clients living with:
– Disabilities (physical, sensory, learning)
– Chronic fatigue and post-viral conditions
– Neurological conditions
– Long-term health conditions requiring exercise referral
– Reduced confidence or fear of movement
If you’re unsure whether training is right for you, a conversation is always the first step.
– Disabilities (physical, sensory, learning)
– Chronic fatigue and post-viral conditions
– Neurological conditions
– Long-term health conditions requiring exercise referral
– Reduced confidence or fear of movement
If you’re unsure whether training is right for you, a conversation is always the first step.
Book a Free Consultation
Blog
My Latest Articles
Why Maintaining Strength Matters More Than Ever if You Live with a Chronic Illness
A 10-Year Personal Training Journey with Down’s Syndrome: Stuart’s Story
When people ask whether long-term exercise can make a meaningful difference for someone with Down’s syndrome, the answer is often best shown—not just explained.
Why Exercise Makes Chronic Illness Symptoms Worse (And What to Do Instead)
If you’ve ever tried to exercise with a chronic illness and felt worse afterwards, you’re not alone.
Many people are told that exercise will help—but when it leads to fatigue, pain, or flare-ups, it can feel confusing and discouraging.