Reebok brings over pro muscleman to head up personal trainer team - writes Louise Emery in last weeks The Wharf.

With his soothing New York burr and encouraging words, Reebok Canary Wharf’s new personal trainer genuinely had me believing I’d got off lightly during my session.

He even spotted me on press-ups which convinced me I could manage three sets of 10 and barely break a sweat.

It was only two days later as I struggled to get out of bed that I realised I’d been given a thorough workout.

I should have known that anyone with biceps bigger than my waist was not going to be a push over.

Ulisses is the reigning Musclemania Pro World Champion and former Musclemania Pro Superbody Champion

Considered one of the top personal trainers in the world, Ulisse’s client list includes Russell Brand, Caroline Flack, Giselle and Harry Connick Jr.

He is the reigning Musclemania Pro World Champion and former Musclemania Pro Superbody Champion.  He has worked for the top gym chain in the States and owned his own studio.

Before exercising we ran through a few questions concerning my current regime, which has fallen by the wayside of late, and what I wanted to achieve from personal training.

We started with a jog on the treadmill to warm up.  Ulisses said he did not believe in stretching before a workout as when the muscles are cold they are more likely to sustain injuries.

We followed that with a couple of mini circuits, the type of exercise Ulisses suggested would get me the best results.

Three reps of squats, lunges, press-ups and kettle bell, crunches were among the tasks, and although performed in short bursts were quite a challenge.

Ulisses said that the US was still ahead of the UK when it came to the latest in fitness trends and he would be bringing plenty of state-side influences with him.  Classes like Zumba and Crossfit and kit such as TRX which are all still big news over here are well establised across the pond.

Stretching my hamstrings rounded off the session and maybe it was the shoulder massage that made me underestimate the intensity of the regime.

If I had come to the gym on my own chances are I would have done half an hour on the treadmill and a few sit-ups.  Personal training focuses on what suits your body and offers alternatives to old habits.

Ulisses will be heading up the Reebok personal training team from May 4. To book an introductory session call 020 7970 0915 or email pt@reebokclub.co.uk.