ABOUT US
Starting my personal journey to improve my own health and fitness inspired me to become a fitness instructor and personal trainer. Life experience and my qualifications have given me insight into supporting people who feel that they have “hurdles” that stand in the way of living healthier lifestyles, whether its illness, lack of motivation or just having ‘no’ time; I’ve been there! My journey has allowed me to spend a lot of time getting to know people of various shapes and sizes, the fit and unfit; from diverse backgrounds with different life priorities and hectic lifestyles. My experiences have led, and still lead, me to gaining the know-how to squeeze in a little time and make it count in order to enable you to become a healthier and better version of yourself, no matter what your excuses are!
QUALIFICATIONS
Level 2 Fitness Instruction
Level 2 Award in Instructing Kettlebells
Level 2 Award in Working with Communities to Promote and Support Active Healthy Lifestyles
First Aid
Level 3 Diploma in Fitness Instruction and Personal Training
TRX / Suspended Movement Training
Boxing for fitness: Ricky Hatton Boxing Academy training
Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral
Level 4 Certificate in Exercise for the management of low back pain
Level 4 Certificate in Exercise and Nutritional Interventions for Obesity and Diabetes
Dynamic Movement Skills Coach
Certified Running Technique Specialist
Completed Exercise based Rehabilitation
MY OWN JOURNEY
We all have our story to tell and sometimes even justify (to ourselves and others) why and how we get to that point where we feel sluggish, unhealthy, unfit and in my case, so overweight. It seemed to creep up on me while I was focussed on living my life. I was working hard, travelling, spending time with family and friends and taking care of others. We all do it and I still sometimes do it as that is what my life is about.
I wanted to be healthy – but looked and tried all the ‘quick win’ options I could find. In my case (this may not happen to everyone), I would diet, lose some weight, stop the diet and then put the weight back on.
When I put the weight back on I was heavier than before. After a few bouts of this (clearly, I took long to twig that this ‘quick win’ approach was not for me), I reached that point where I wanted a sustainable solution.
It all began after my first week at a residential bootcamp. This is where I started my learning how to eat, exercise and maintain the changes I was making. We have to make some changes, but we can still enjoy the indulgences we love. I kept my goals small, realistic and worked at my own pace. Since 2013, I have lost and kept off over 90 lbs. There have been times when I have put on a few pounds (it is normal and realistic for my lifestyle…. I enjoy cooking, baking and yes – eating it too). But I now know how to manage it in a way that works for me.
Now, thanks to very good family genes, there are parts of me that remain hard to change (I have learnt to love these bits). However, I have changed shape…. lost weight… found new muscles…. found new energy…. am more motivated…. am happier…. am healthier….. and was inspired to get qualified and take it up as a profession.
It did not stop there. Once reasonably fit, I took up running - something I had always wanted to do. I want to be able to wake up on a Sunday morning and go for run. When I do, it just sets me up for the week and I am in "world, bring it on" mode. After working my way up to running 10km almost every Sunday, I started to develop an ache in my right hip. I thought it was time to change shoes so I went to buy a pair of trainers, saw the advert for the Running School and came out having signed myself to have my running technique corrected. I was so impressed, I decided to get qualified as a Movement & Running Specialist. Fast forward a bit.... after changing my technique over 2 years ago, I still run without that ache and I now work full time as a PT & Movement & Running Technique specialist. With each session, there is progress. My clients range from 6 to 88 years old, and include beginners, recreational enthusiasts, local clubs, amateur and professional athletes.
Good technique is the foundation of getting the best out of your training. I learnt in all my training and I am quite fussy about it. What a change in technique does for running and speed is incredible. I have experienced it and I see the results with each client. I just love it !