About Us

Dr Will Rizk  (BSc MSc PhD DipBMP)
Director and Founder

The concept of Physical Independence arose from observing a lack of cohesion between clinical practitioners and personal trainers. Typically, when busy professionals start exercising with a PT, moving well during exercise can be difficult due to chronic muscle tightness (often caused by prolonged sedentary desk work), and would therefore benefit from massage treatments for increasing range of motion and safe progression.The solution? We provide outstanding gym work and clinic work.Whatever your starting point, we are here to help you gain your physical independence.How?Our model has 4 phases described below, each based on your needs.

1: Assessment

Clinical excellence ensured by a dual qualified professional (therapist + PT) using advanced methods and biomechanical screenings, ensuring a rigorous, evidence-based analysis.

2: Clinical Treatment

Before designing an exercise programme, we recommend treatments to address muscle imbalances and prepare the body for resistance training safely. Our modalities can include:    •   sports massage
    •   dry needling
    •   kinesiology taping
    •   instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation
    •   joint mobilisation (grades I-IV)
    •   neuromuscular electrical stimulationWe perform these treatments at Beauty Essence (Well Court, Bank)

3: Conditioning Work

As prep for strength training, we conduct a bespoke conditioning plan, focussing on:    •   low–moderate intensity lifting
    •   improving quality of movement
    •   practising functional exercisesWe use an invite-only, quiet, spacious gym with natural lighting, in the City of London (STONE, Cornhill, Bank)

4: Strength Training

Because our muscles are used collectively in everyday activities, we employ:    •   bodyweight exercises
    •   free-weight training
    •   compound movementsAnd we weave in clinical, maintenance treatments when required to ensure optimal progression.

The Results

Our method produces extraordinary results, including: walking up Mount Kilimanjaro; 100kg+ deadlifts after low-back-pain rehab; and pain-free 5-mile walks.And these results are achieved by mature, city professionals, not young athletes.Clients also report:    •   better sleep
    •   less stress
    •   increased confidence
    •   greater productivity at workAs a result, many clients work with us long-term as an invaluable part of their lifestyle.

Testimonials

"Having worked with Will for 6 months now, I can't recommend him enough.As a 48 year old with no history of gym going or physical training, I had no idea what to expect and was not looking forward to starting, but Will took the time to understand what I wanted to achieve. Not miracles, not a six pack, but to exercise for my health and still be able to move when I'm 60.I couldn't have expected better. He's given me a training programme which is a great balance of challenging and achievable and from which I've seen tangible results in terms of strength and flexibility, with a considerable side benefit in terms of weight loss and feeling better about myself. He's also given me some dietary advice which I've been able to stick to without "dieting".Beyond his professionalism, Will is kind, empathetic and a lovely guy to spend time with!"    -   Matt