On Fitness: Charlotte Dunnell

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On Fitness: Charlotte Dunnell

An individualised, holistic approach to personal training and wellbeing lies at the heart of Coached by Charlotte

Words by Liz Skone James

Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to launch your business

From 2013 to 2017, I studied at Loughborough University, where I had access to incredible fitness facilities and first discovered my love for strength training. Those years sparked a deep interest in movement, resistance training and wellbeing, and I spent much of my time learning everything I could. After graduating, I started a corporate job but quickly realised that my real passion lay in helping others feel their best. I began supporting friends and family with their training, and by 2019, launching my business, Coached by Charlotte, felt like the natural next step.

What services do you offer to clients?

I offer 1:1 and paired personal training sessions, both in-person (in central London) and online, along with bespoke programmes delivered through my app. Each session is thoughtfully designed around your individual goals, lifestyle and preferences.

Charlotte Dunnell on Fitness Coached
What’s your fitness philosophy?

My philosophy centres around longevity and enjoyment. I help clients build fitness routines that complement their lifestyles and that genuinely feel good, as that’s what makes consistency with exercise sustainable – not just for weeks, but for years. I work with clients ranging from 20 to 80 years old and always remind them that maintaining – and ideally improving – your strength and mobility throughout your life is one of the most powerful fitness goals. I genuinely believe fitness should support your life so you can keep doing the activities and sports you love for as long as possible.

Describe your training style – what can we expect from a session?

My sessions focus primarily on strength training, with elements of Pilates, movement-based work, sport-specific drills or rehab exercises woven in depending on your goals. Each session is completely tailored to you, with adjustments made based on how you’re feeling, how you’ve been performing and what’s going on in your life, taking into consideration factors such as sleep quality and stress levels.

How do you want your clients to feel during and after a session with you?

That depends on the client. Some want to be pushed to their limit, while others prefer a gentler pace – and I fully respect both. My aim is always for clients to feel comfortable but challenged. You should leave a session feeling stronger, more mobile and more connected to your body. Just as much as I want clients to feel challenged, I want them to enjoy the process. Laughter and fun are a big part of how I coach. For many of my clients, training is one of the few moments in the week that’s entirely theirs – so making that time feel positive and enjoyable is key.

Charlotte Dunnell on Fitness Coached Personal Training
What are your personal fitness and wellbeing must-dos and must haves?

For fitness specifically, having a set of resistance bands and adjustable dumbbells at home is an essential. Just these few pieces of equipment allow you to perform a huge range of exercises. Even if you only have a very limited amount of time to exercise, you can still fit in a challenging session at home.

Beyond training, my must-dos are really just the basics – quality sleep, staying hydrated, eating a wide variety of unprocessed whole foods, moving daily and spending quality time with your community. With so many wellness products on the market, it’s easy to get distracted or swept up in the latest fad. The true game-changer is being consistent with the simple foundations.

Community is also a huge part of wellbeing – and one that’s often overlooked in the pursuit of health goals. In the Blue Zones, where people live the longest and healthiest lives, social connection is central to daily life. I always encourage clients to bring friends, partners or even their children to sessions. Exercising with your community can be incredibly motivating and joyful – and it’s something I actively encourage.

Charlotte Dunnell on Fitness Coached
What advice do you have for people wanting to stay active and healthy while on holiday?

Decide ahead of time what your intention is. Some clients see holidays as an opportunity to move more and really focus on their health, while others want to completely switch off. Both options are completely valid – the key is making a conscious decision before you go, so you’re not stuck in limbo or feeling guilty while you’re there.

What’s next for Coached by Charlotte?

I’m currently arranging workshops and collaborations with some of London’s leading nutritionists, physiotherapists and women’s health experts to ensure my clients receive the highest standard of care and a truly holistic coaching experience. Watch this space…