I began working in the health & fitness industry at 17 years old (at the gym I now currently run & own), before starting my Business Management degree. This was instrumental in building a well-rounded view of the gym & fitness environment – I saw how intimidating it can be to people taking those first steps through the door. Almost 20 years later I never want to take for granted how daunting it may be to first enter the gym world.

 

After graduating, and trying what I deemed “proper jobs”, I found myself desperately unhappy in an office environment and found my way back to Club Energy. It felt like coming home. To be in an environment that’s so sociable, so focused on helping others & so friendly just felt right. It was here I then started my education in fitness and started to pick up my gym-based qualifications. Having started in the gym environment with no exercise knowledge whatsoever and seeing it from a different perspective for so long allows me to empathise with those who may be a little “gym averse” or intimidated by exercise – I have been in those shoes!

 

Initially starting with group exercise classes (Pound & Boogie Bounce) I realised how much I loved being in a room with so many people making fitness fun, showing that exercise can be for all, no matter your age, size or fitness level and building a strong sense of community. I fully understand that not everyone enjoys the gym and classes are an amazing alternative!

 

Over the years I have been fortunate to come in to contact with some amazing people and learn from some amazing stories. I’ve learnt that fitness is something very different & personal to each individual – it isn’t one rule fits all. It’s my aim to help people find what works for them and to help show people that it really can be for everyone, to show the benefits and help others reap the rewards.

 

The last few years have seen a huge uplift in people becoming more self-aware with their mental health, as well as feeling more comfortable being open about it. When I was at my lowest, exercise was my coping mechanism & it remains that to this day. It helped me get through what was the toughest time in my life and has continually helped me manage my mental health – I want to help people find their coping mechanism too and to realise the vastly positive impact activity can have.

 

Mindset, mood & mental health are huge parts of why I do what I do – not only from my own journey & struggles but by being in the environment that I’m in – I get to see the positive results and impacts from this every single day. Strong body, strong mind.

 

Prioritising your physical & mental well-being is a must and I want to help others do that. It isn’t selfish, it’s a form of self-care and it should be a necessity for everybody.