How I changed my life to become a personal trainer
As a schoolboy in the 80’s, I was shown a fancy new computer system that promised to predict our future careers. This fab system predicted I would be a designer, a teacher or a counsellor. After dismissing this in the same way as my fellow pupils, I went into the world of work.
Starting my career as a shirt printer, I bounced into a big company and entered the world of merchandise design. I joined a local gym in my twenties, after realising I wasn’t in the best shape, to “do a bit of fitness”. Now, if you’re anything like I was, you headed to the gym, did the same exercises – day in, day out. Then maybe some weights machines and lots of cardio, because it must be doing something right?! To a point it does and then it becomes pretty easy, as it did for me.
Thirty Something
Then, as you reach your thirties, things don’t go as smoothly anymore (a 4-stone weight gain was where I found myself), even if you’re still heading to the gym as usual. I studied others at the gym and observed how members with trainers seemed to do more and look better. Then I studied the trainers themselves. Choosing a trainer at the top of their game, with years of experience, I asked them to give me direction.
My results transformed within six months, and the sessions renewed my passion to train. I found the confidence to begin road cycling as the weight came off. Yes – I’m a dreaded MAMIL (middle aged man in Lycra)!
A tough period of redundancy, failed new venture and work refusals left the gym as my only sanity. It was a lifeline allowing me to focus on my physical health, which in turn maintained my mental health. A discussion with my brother – a trainer with decades of experience – led to the crazy notion of retraining to become a trainer and sports massage therapist. I had to do something, but at my age it was a big change.
I started commuting to London for six months of training and exams, at the oldest PT training centre in the world. As with all new trainers, I started with a couple of friends and studied ALL the time. As my confidence grew, my client base grew too. I realised a PT is there to educate, encourage and even support people from all backgrounds as they face and overcome the challenges of improving their body’s health.
Looking back at that school job prediction, although not exactly correct, it ended up pretty close. I hope my years of life experience and passion for encouraging change can bring benefits to as many people as possible. It just goes to prove that life is, to quote TV talent shows, “a journey”. And I wouldn’t change a thing.
Want to train with me? Get in touch to book a trial session.
