Trainer Q&A: Helen
It’s time to hear from another of our personal trainers as part of our Q&A series – say hello to Helen!
How and why did you become a personal trainer?
I did lots of sports at school (cross country, hockey, swimming…) then, in my 20s, I got into kickboxing and running and I taught Jazzercise part-time. When I was having treatment for breast cancer, I found that exercise was a great focus – I want to help other people feel that way. So, after moving to London, I got my personal training qualification and I’ve been a PT since 2017.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not training KBPT clients?
I do lots of running and I take part in ultra-marathons both in the UK and abroad. I also enjoy cycling, boxing and dancing. I’m really into fashion and I still help to raise money for breast cancer charities.
What is your philosophy on health and fitness?
You only live once so try to make exercise part of it. Don’t see it as a chore, see it as something that can help you to live a longer and fuller life. It’s all about balance. I do lots of workouts during the week but, unless I’m training for a race, my weekends are more chilled.
What inspires you – both personally and professionally?
Having my friends and family around me and seeing how well everyone is doing.
How do you motivate your clients?
I try to make it fun. I’m not a “shouty” trainer, I’d rather be silly. My clients see me having fun and they have fun too! We also track their progress, through measurements and fitness tests – seeing positive change can be very motivating. And, if that doesn’t work, I threaten them with burpees 🙂
What lessons have you learned as a personal trainer?
The main thing is that getting your professional qualification is just the start – you have to keep improving how you train your clients and how you understand their bodies. I find it really interesting working with clients who are recovering from injury and using physio notes to help them. Having had injuries myself, I can relate to them.
Bonus question… if you could be an animal, what would you be?
A giraffe! I saw them in the wild in Tanzania and I love the way they run. I’ve got a giraffe tattoo, stuffed giraffes, a giraffe onesie…
If you’d like to discuss how the KBPT team can help you, email Kate at kate@kbpersonaltraining.co.uk
