Meet the trainers

How long have you been a personal trainer?
I’ve been training for nearly fifteen years. I’ve worked at a variety of different gyms, including Holmes Place and Virgin Active. I’ve been a member of Absolute PT since the start.

What made you decide to become a personal trainer?
It stems from my desire to help people. I see people training with really bad technique in the gym and then losing heart because they’re not getting results. I want to help change that.

How is it different from working at big chain gyms?
There’s a more relaxed atmosphere. You’ve got no one to answer to except your clients, which is how it should be. If they’re happy and they’re feeling fit and healthy, then you know you’re doing a good job.

What type of training do you specialise in?
I have qualifications in many areas. It means I can help people with a wide range of health and fitness needs. Aside from general fitness, strength and conditioning, I specialise in weight loss, nutrition and pre/ post natal training. I also have many clients who I help with injury rehabilitation (eg lower back, shoulder, knee) and corrective exercise (analysing posture and muscular imbalance).

How do you keep yourself fit?
I practice Shaolin Kung-fu four times a week.

What has been your biggest success story as a trainer?
I was training a 60-year-old gentleman with a heart condition. He hadn’t trained for over 30 years and was wearing the same trainers he owned all those years ago. They literally disintegrated on the treadmill a few seconds into the warm-up on his first session! However, we recovered from that dodgy start and he lost over 25 kilos, raising £81,000 for charity. For someone to achieve that, having not exercised for 30 years, was an amazing story.

What’s the most common gym mistake you see?
People using poor technique and not choosing the right exercises for their goals.

What would you say to anyone who thinks they can’t get in shape?
I would say that nothing is impossible. If a 60-year-old guy with a heart condition can lose 25 kilos, then just think what can you do…

And finally… what’s your favourite comfort food?
Crisps. But don’t tell my clients.