FAQ’s with Dan Roberts – The Dan Roberts Group

FAQ’s

Common questions – answered by Dan.

What is the Dan Roberts Method and how has it evolved ?

I started my career focused on one thing: helping clients achieve their goals.

In the early years, much of my work was spent training professional athletes. This required a highly technical understanding of exercise science, performance and athletic development. It taught me precision, discipline and accountability—because at that level, results are non-negotiable.

As my career progressed, I began working with models and actors. The focus shifted.

The emphasis moved towards rapid, visible physical change under significant time pressure. Whether preparing actors for a role within weeks or ensuring models were ready for fashion week, the work demanded efficiency, accuracy and clarity of execution. That environment refined my ability to deliver results quickly and consistently.

THE SHIFT

Over time, my role began to evolve.

It was no longer only about delivering what clients wanted — but understanding what they needed.

Not only transformation, but education.
Not only outcomes, but awareness.

I became increasingly interested in human performance as a whole: how people move, adapt, and develop over time.

My philosophical studies — particularly Zen, embodied cognition, and monism — began to shape not only how I think, but how I train.

They started to influence my beliefs and, ultimately, the structure of my method.

What emerged is a more holistic, integrated approach — one that considers the body and mind as a single, continuous system, and applies that understanding to physical development.

A complete method for long-term change.

CURRENT BELIEF

I believe we are designed to move well—and to move often.

We are capable of far more than we are usually exposed to. This is what I mean when I talk about living an athletic life.

Exposure to a wide range of movement systems and disciplines not only builds a better body—it builds a better mindset.

Training should develop strength, coordination, resilience and character – not just appearance.

It should also be enjoyable, playful and connect us to what is real and important.

TODAY

My Method now reflects this evolution.

Roughly 80% of my work is focused on delivering clear, measurable physical outcomes in strength, cardiovascular performance, body composition and athletic capability

The remaining 20% is dedicated to exploration: movement variety, corrective work, long-term resilience and curiosity within training.

This balance ensures that results are not only achieved but sustained.

PRINCIPLE

Train for results.
Train for understanding.

Because the goal is not only change – it is long-term physical intelligence.

Does he only train Celebrities?

Not at all.

Not at all. Around half of my clients are non-entertainment-industry individuals who simply value excellence, discretion, and expert guidance. Fame has never been a requirement. Commitment and a good personal fit matter far more.

Whether it’s private coaching or one of my programmes, your level of fame (or lack of it) is irrelevant to me. My role is simply to help you as a person: to build your body, develop an athletic mindset, and feel more confident in how you move, train, and live.

How do I apply for Personal Training with Dan

The best — and only — way to apply is by completing the form on my private training page.

The form is completely confidential and designed to give me a clear understanding of you, your goals, and your current situation.

All clients are required to complete it, as it includes the key questions I need to assess whether we’re a good fit to work together.

Once submitted, I’ll review everything personally. Either way, I’ll be in touch — whether that’s with some initial advice, a recommendation, or to arrange a free consultation to explore things further.

How does Dan train Fashion Models?

Hmm… the right way!

Firstly, when working 1–2–1, I train clients as individuals — not as job titles.

However, in the world of fashion, there are certain expectations and realities. Whether it’s achieving the hip measurements required for Paris Fashion Week in an ethical way, achieving a strong, lean, sustainable physique year-round, or developing a physique for swimwear and lingerie season — each outcome requires a different level of specificity.

My role is to use the tools available to create precise, lasting change. I draw from strength and conditioning methods — I use barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, sandbags, and machines. I use elements of powerlifting, bodybuilding, Pilates, yoga, gymnastics-based movement, boxing, and the Alexander Technique. I draw on the work I’ve done with dancers at the Royal Ballet to help with posture, as well as with my experience training competitive triathletes to improve cardiovascular performance. I try to learn from every client so my training is continually refined. In essence, I use my experience and knowledge to do the best I can.

This variety in my private training of models and via MX™ is wholly intentional. I want my fashion model clients to look natural, not like they live in the gym! – I want them to look and feel lean, athletic, confident, and full of vitality.

To go deeper into my approach, I’ve created a short guide — “5 Secrets to Getting a Supermodel Body” — which shares my philosophy and insights on fashion model training in much greater detail.

How does Dan Roberts prepare actors for film and television roles?

Physical Preparation & Movement Coaching for Actors

When I first began working with lead actors over fifteen years ago, my role was primarily to get them in shape and, when required, teach fight skills and screen combat. Over time, my work has evolved considerably.

Today, I help actors embody their characters physically.

Yes, there is often a transformative element. An actor may need to become significantly leaner, build muscle, move more athletically, or develop entirely new physical skills. But beyond body transformation, I now collaborate closely with actors—and, when appropriate, with directors, stunt coordinators, and fight teams—to help shape the physical identity of a character.

Movement Coaching

To move well encompasses many things.

Firstly, actors are, in many respects, athletes. Their body is a vital part of their profession, so we must ensure they are resilient, energetic, and physically capable of meeting the demands of filming and performance.

Secondly, they need to look the part. Whether portraying an SAS soldier, a ballerina, or an out-of-shape accountant, the body should reflect the character’s reality.

Finally—and perhaps most importantly—they need to move authentically.

This is where movement coaching becomes invaluable.

Take screen combat, an area in which I have particular expertise. Trained fighters move, strike, and defend themselves very differently from untrained individuals. Their footwork, breathing patterns, posture, and eye contact all tell a story. If those details are wrong, an audience may not consciously know why, but they will sense that something feels inauthentic.

An ex-special forces soldier who gets into a fight moves differently from an ex-MMA fighter. The way a character runs, sits, stands, walks, or reacts under pressure all contribute to believable storytelling.

Movement is character.

The good news is that movement can be taught, refined, and rehearsed.

My role is to help actors physically prepare for their performances. I assess where they are, determine what is possible, listen carefully to their ideas, and work collaboratively to ensure they are fully prepared when the camera rolls.

I have worked with many Hollywood actors in this capacity, including three Academy Award winners, and I continue to find the process endlessly fascinating.

For a lighter look at this world, you can also explore my feature for Men’s Health magazine, where I break down iconic training scenes from films such as Rocky and The Karate Kid and discuss the real exercise science behind them.

What do Celebrity Trainers actually know about training Elite Professional Athletes?!

Well.. not all “celebrity trainers” are the same. It’s more of a job title the media gives you rather than one you study for!

My background is in strength & conditioning, with NSCA certification and coaching experience in powerlifting through Westside Barbell. While the media tends to focus on the actors, models, and popstars, I work with, my foundation has always been in training professional athletes.

I don’t currently work exclusively with competitive athletes, but I do regularly keep them in my environment — it keeps standards high.

Does he work with beginners?

Yes. I work with all levels of fitness, all levels of experience, and all (adult) ages. My expertise comes more from my experience working with a wide variety of clients than it does from reading a lot of textbooks. I coach in a very relaxed, non-judgmental, and encouraging fashion, which naturally suits those of you who are not entirely comfortable with gyms, trainers, or exercise.

How often and how long do I need to work with him to see results?

It depends. When we start working together, we will discuss how to measure progress. My job as your coach is to hold you to high standards and to help you reach your potential. Therefore, you should always expect ‘results’ to be impressive. When it comes to body composition, sustainable results are better than quick results.

Is he expensive?

Private coaching, my immersive retreats, and my consulting work are all highly bespoke services, shaped by a high level of attention, detail, and direct support.

If you can’t work with me 1–2–1 — whether that’s due to availability or personal preference — I created NUK SOO and MX. Both are £50 per month and offer structured, high-quality training at scale.

There are also plenty of free resources, communities, courses, and workouts available if you’re not quite ready for more personalised coaching yet.

In what ways is he different from other Personal Trainers?

I don’t try to be different. I just try to serve my clients as best as I can.

There are many great coaches out there. The key is finding one that suits your personality and needs – and committing to the process.

Is Online Coaching really as effective as face-to-face?