PT Magazine Dec issue

PTmagazine

ÂŁ2

For Personal Trainers and

Fitness Professionals DECEMBER 2012 - ISSUE TWO

Variable Intensity Interval Training with Armageddon Fitness

Get Marathon Ready

with Kristoph Thompson

Training

for a Charity Challenge

EDITOR'S LETTER

PTmagazine

welcome Publisher Myles Davies Editor Jessica Rowley jessica@ptmagazine.co.uk Design Juliet Symes studio@ptmagazine.co.uk Advertising Janet Duncombe janet@ptmagazine.co.uk

ACCOUNTS Julie Johnson julie@ptmagazine.co.uk Subscribe to PT Magazine subscribe@ptmagazine.co.uk @PTMagazine

It’s hard to believe that it’s nearly Christmas time again, and those who are organised (myself not included!) will have their presents under the tree long before you are reading this. As winter draws in, I find myself losing motivation for outdoor pursuits such as running, instead retreating to the warm comfort of a gym for my fitness needs. The question is, how do you stop your clients from hibernating through the winter months? It’s a tricky one, and may require some amount of pondering, but your thoughts are most welcome on this subject, prizes for the most amusing entries! (pg 08) In the spirit of spreading good cheer, we take a look at Charity sponsorship, and how this can help you encourage and motivate your clients to not only help themselves, but help others too (pg 29).

General info@ptmagazine.co.uk

Welcome to the December issue of PT Magazine!

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Cover image Richard Callender, Owner and master trainer at Armageddon Fitness www.armageddonfitness.com Publishers: Magic Fountain Media Ltd, 17 Bruff Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8GT Printed by: The Magazine Printing Company Please note: Points of view expressed in articles by contributing writers and in advertisements included in PT Magazine, do not necessarily represent those of the publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy if information contained in PT Magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for incidents arising from use of information published. All rights, including moral rights, reserved.

COPYRIGHT: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievable system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publishers. ©Magic Fountain Media T/A PT Magazine.

Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company using only paper from FSC/PEFC suppliers www.magprint.co.uk

And just in time for the Christmas festivities, our wonderful friends over at Jordan Fitness have put together an extreme workout for body composition, for you to try out on your unsuspecting clients.

We also welcome ex GB Women’s rowing 8+ Silver medallist Baz Moffet at the start of her series, looking at indoor rowing and the benefits to your clients (pg 31). In this month’s machine showcase we take a look at 6 of the best pieces of equipment available from Matrix Fitness (pg 18) and we also bring you a roundup of the 6 best Protein Supplements on the market (pg 37).

Be sure to check out our website www.ptmagazine.co.uk, follow us on twitter @ptmagazine and like our page on Facebook for great competitions and further editorial features in the interim months between magazines.

From all of us at PT Magazine, have a wonderful Christmas and New Years and we look forward to bringing you the next instalment in February.

Stay Fit, Stay Happy and Stay Healthy,

GIVEAWAYS WIN a Level 2 Gym Instructor Course with Discovery Learning worth £699!

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CONTENTS

Industry Focus News

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Monthly Mailbox

08

PT Magazine Reader Giveaway

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GET MARATHON READY With Kristoph Thompson

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Variable intensity interval training With Armageddon Fitness

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lean women workout Try this for size

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machine showcase With Matrix Fitness

18

Born to be barefoot With Fast and Fresh of Castle Donington

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Functional Training Equipment 21 For your one on one and group training sessions extreme circuit for body composition changes workout Take it up a notch with your clients

Previously worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with professional baseball and basketball teams in the USA, and now runs his own PT business in the UK.

Greg Sellars He has presented in over 40 countries globally in his capacity as a Nike, BOSU, Physical Company master trainer.

Baz Moffat 29

TRX ski workout Get your clients ready for the piste

30

I want to teach the world to row 31 With ex-international rower and personal trainer Baz Moffat PT Magazine survey 2012 In association with Bio Synergy

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Keep injury free with the grid Find out how here

35

recipe of the month The difference a shake can make

36

Best on Test Protein shakes on trial

37

Fit Kids Fun fitness for youngsters

38

40

TAke training to heart 43 Client safety and incident response, and how you can add to your PT portfolio through defibrillator training top 10 tips for social media success

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winter training With Greg Seller

45

a 'hands-on' approach to your fitness career

46

Are you forgetting who your clients are?

48

10 mins with…

Gavin Barry

Kristoph Thompson

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train for a charity challenge What's it all about and how everyone benefits

Lower limb assessments for your clients With Jason Reynolds

experts

50

Ex-International GB rower who now runs ‘Point2 Fitness’, a no-nonsense, supportive personal training company in London.

Jason Reynolds An experienced PT who spent several years working at a top London orthopaedic hospital outpatient department, before moving to Ten Pilates in London.

Mollie Millington Londonbased personal trainer who offers inperson and virtual training support. Twitter (@ PTMollie), or www.ptmollie.com

Simon Burden Is Strategy Director at SizeDigital with 10 years experience of managing Online and Social Media projects.

Kelly Du Buisson Elite personal trainer and Creator of The City Workout online. She trains profile models and TV presenters as well as being a published fitness writer for local and national press.

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05

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industry news/

Wanted – Part-time tutors

Would you like join the highly successful team of tutors at Focus Training? Due to our continued growth we currently have a number of parttime opportunities for enthusiastic fitness professionals in the South of England and the Midlands.

You will hold one or more of the relevant technical qualifications below, be able to demonstrate at least 3 years occupational experience in the fitness industry and hold, or be working towards, the Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievements and PTLLS: Exercise to Music - Level 2 Fitness Instructor - Level2 Personal Trainer - Level 3 GP Exercise Referral - Level 3 Lower Back Pain - Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes - Level 4 Cardiac Rehab – Level 4

Welcome to the News Page, if you have something that you want to announce why not get in touch?

Email news@ptmagazine.co.uk and we will be in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.

Physical Company appointed European distributors as the freeFORM board hits the Continent Following growing success on the UK Group X scene, Australian company fluidFORM Innovations has appointed Physical Company as European distributor for the freeFORM board. With deals already in progress with equipment suppliers for the Germany, France, Greece and Scandinavia regions expect to see the board roll into studios across Europe very soon.

‘Physical Company have been doing a great job getting freeFORM boards and classes into clubs across the UK so we are delighted to have them distribute the board in the rest of Europe,’ says Tony Susnjara, inventor of the freeFORM board and owner of fluidFORM Innovations.

The freeFORM board is an omni-directional rolling platform that engages the user’s bodyweight in functional workouts that strengthen the core while improving muscle control and proprioception, offering many functional benefits and continuous movement combinations that have never before been possible.

Enquiries and applications, including your CV, should be emailed to: danr@focus-training.com

For more information on the freeFORM board go to www.PhysicalCompany. co.uk or call 01494 769 222.

Become a Gorilla Sports Featured PT Become a Featured PT on the Gorilla Sports blog for the chance to share your expertise and promote your business. Every week we feature advice and tips from expert personal trainers on the Gorilla Blog (www.gorillasports.co.uk/blog).

We are actively looking for PTs and fitness experts to share their advice on the blog.

In return we will credit your business in the post, provide you with a Gorilla Sports Featured PT badge to put on your own website or blog, plus promotion through our social media channels and weekly newsletter.

If you would like to get involved simply email your ideas for a blog post or series of posts to marketing@gorillasports.co.uk.

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mailbox Welcome to the Mailb

ox page of

PTMagazine

In our October issue we ask ed you what your favourite piece of training kit is and why. Out of the many answers received we simply could not beat the answer from the tea m at Transform Fitness. They say (would you believe it)…

A Tyre Simple yet ULTRA effective makes me choose a Tyre as my favourite piece of kit.

PT Follow Each issue we will bring you a selection of our favourite followers from the @PT Magazine twitter feed.

Get on-line check them out and don’t forget the #FF.

@_ukactive @jasonreynoldsPT @richcallender @Teddle_UK @Personal_BestUK @KarolMarketing @TheBHF @REPsUK @TRXtraining @hollyjames @JayneNicholls @runclub_co_uk @workplaybags @Dawntuckwell @kellyapf @PtMollie @FlipGym @jordanfitnessuk @MichaelD_PT @payasUgym

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Throw it, Press it, Push it, squ at it, carry it etc...- so diverse and manag eable for 1-2-1 and group exercise sessions. Imp ossible to break and above all else there available FREE OF CHARGE. Unbeatable!

This issue we ask: What is your number one method of attracting new business over the winter months?

Please email answers to winter@ptmagazine.co.uk and we will publish the most inventive.

We’re setting the pace.

Join ukactive and stay ahead.

Benefits include: 50% discount on places at ukactive events, including the Flame conference, The Summit, trade show and convention trips and our seminar series 40 free webinars per year - keep updated on key developments in the sector; login Thursdays at 2pm CPD points available from ukactive seminars and conferences Discounts on products and services provided by ukactive supplier members

ukactive is the not-for-profit body which provides services and facilitates partnerships for a broad range of organisations, all of which support the vision of more people, more active, more often to improve the health of the nation. ukactive’s membership, which stands at over 3,000 members, includes personal trainers and small fitness consultancies, as well as operators of fitness facilities of all sizes, local authority leisure centres, leisure trusts, outdoor fitness providers, ports providers, education and training providers, lifestyle companies, equipment suppliers and charities.

Together as a membership body, we are achieving more and creating a positive impact for the sector and consumers alike.

To discover the benefits of being a ukactive member and how we can deliver a competitive advantage for your business contact the team to find out about our latest membership package for individual members.

Call us on 020 7420 8560 or email info@ukactive.org.uk or visit www.ukactive.com

ukactive logo: Display our individual member logo on your digital and printed communications to let consumers and businesses know that you are helping to get the nation active Free access to specialist resources for your business: Marketing Donut, Start-up Donut and IT Donut Support and advice: We are on hand to advise and support our members on a wide number of issues such as health and safety, funding and training.

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LEVEL 2 GYM INSTRUCTOR COURSE WORTH WIN a Level 2 Gym Instructor Course with Discovery Learning £699 To enter, simply read their article on page 48 and answer a simple question to be in with a chance to win this recognised CYQ qualification. The course includes study materials, online resources, attendance at any of our 10 venues nationwide, exams and certificates. If you sought to then further your study with us you will get an extra 10% off any future courses.

As a fitness professional, when training with a client in the gym would you: a) Listen but also talk to other members at the gym b) Be attentive, listen and remember details c) Give your client exercises to do and leave them to it Email answers (with name and address) to discovery@ptmagazine.co.uk

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giveaway Fancy getting yourself some great free prizes?

We have some great products up for grabs courtesy of our friends from Discovery Learning, Physical Company, Mammoth Sports and Workplay Bags. To be in with a chance all you have to do is email us here at PT Magazine with your name and address.

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WIN The Grid™ and take foam rolling to a whole new level for you and your clients.

Massage any large muscle group and achieve a killer workout with one highly portable piece of kit! Worth £39.99 each!

To enter just visit the competitions page on www.ptmagazine.co.uk and follow the instructions. Closing date 11th Jan 2013, open to UK residents only.

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If you take your training seriously, you need to also take your recovery seriously and the HydraFlex Sport Mattress is a great choice to recover from and maximise the impact of a hard training session. The HydraFlex Sport is developed by Mammoth Technologies whose mattresses have become the product of choice for elite athletes and sports associations.

To win one of these ‘must-haves’ for your training programme send an e-mail to hydraflex@ptmagazine.co.uk a lucky entrant will then be drawn and receive a free HydraFlex Sport Mattress (single, double or kingsize).

Full T&C’s can be found on our website www.ptmagazine.co.uk • Closing date for entry – 11/01/2013, winners will be notified by 30/01/2013 • How to enter - simply email competitions@ptmagazine.co.uk with your name, address and include in the subject bar the competition you wish to be entered into (Unless otherwise directed on the giveaway itself)

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Get Marathon Ready M

arathons used to be the preserve of the super-fit, with only the most committed and experienced runners attempting to conquer the 26.2 mile distance. Nowadays, people of all ages and fitness levels are looking to take on the challenge, often turning to a PT to help them with their training. Whether they just want to jog the whole course, or they are looking to set a new PB, there are lots of different types of training at your disposal.

800m or 1k repeats, or Fartlek training as a shorter, higher intensity workout.

Strength training

Improving the strength and endurance of the core will help your client maintain proper running posture and prevent injury.

Standing exercises that require the core to stabilise are very running-specific, especially if they involve the contralateral arm and leg.

Even the most experienced runners can benefit from strength training to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. Strength imbalances often exist between the left and right glutes, quads and hamstrings and can affect running mechanics, leading to pain and increasing the risk of injury. Baseline and follow-up assessment of strength and endurance combined with unilateral training can help to identify and address these.

Seek advice Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from more experienced runners and coaches when devising and tweaking your clients training programme, or making technical changes to their gait.

Get to the core

Tight, inflexible muscles can severely hinder running performance. The good news is that just a few minutes of maintenance or developmental stretching can pay dividends. Focus on the main muscles involved in running plus any other areas that may be troublesome, such as the calves or IT band.

The majority of marathon training sessions will last for longer than an hour, whereas your client may have only booked 45 minutes of your time. Resistance and interval training are well suited to shorter workouts and compliment marathon training well. You might consider also

Comfortable trainers are nothing without an equally comfortable pair of socks. Since you’re bound to be pounding the pavement alongside your client, SOLE Dual Layer socks are perfect for you and them. They have a double layer of blended Tactel, Coolmax and Lycra to reduce friction and prevent blisters. The super soft wicking materials and seamless design stop any rubbing, keeping feet cool and dry (£11.50 - £13, www.yoursole.co.uk).

Bosu This versatile piece of kit can be used to develop their core strength as well as joint stability. The lightweight, portable nature of the BOSU means you can easily take it with you wherever you’re training and challenge your client with a variety of running-specific exercises for their upper body, legs and core. (£119.99, www.physicalcompany.co.uk)

Flexibility

Up the intensity

Sole Dual Layer Performance Socks

Garmin Forerunner Kristoph has previously worked as Strength and Conditioning Coach with professional baseball and basketball teams in the USA, as well as elite level collegiate athletes.

Kristoph now runs his own PT business in the UK where he continues to train athletes and those of all fitness levels, as well as an increasing number of runners.

The Garmin Forerunner 210 (£230, www.cotswoldoutdoor. com) allows you to accurately measure speed, distance and heart rate. Your client can use the Garmin when training on their own, downloading their workout data and emailing it to you to keep track of their progress.

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He’s one of the most well-known PTs in the business, but media and celebrity has never stopped Richard Callender from pursuing his real passion, and what he does best: helping people achieve their fitness goals. We caught up with him in a rare break in his day to find out more about the new VIIT training from Armageddon Fitness.

Variable Intensity Interval Training with Armageddon Fitness

What’s the best thing about being part of The Biggest Loser?

The best part about being on The Biggest Loser is actually getting to use all your skills as a personal trainer in a controlled environment to get the best out of the contestants, who are wanting to change their lives. I also get to work with my colleagues and friends Charlotte Ord and Rob Edmund.

How did you get involved in the show?

About four years ago I was approached to attend an audition for the original ITV1 daytime version of the show but I could not as I was abroad teaching in Brazil and thought I had missed the boat. But when I got back I met with the producers of the show informally, we laughed, developed a rapport and the rest was history. The

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series producer later told me that I got one foot in the door by being one of the few applicants who did not come in claiming to be ‘one of the best’ or believing my own hype.

Do you get recognised in the street much?/ mobbed by fans?!

Mobbed by fans? Never going to happen is it?! Only as a really random occurrence.

As I travel around the UK there are distinct areas where the viewing figures must have been significantly higher as I will get stopped for photos and then in other areas I will, quite rightly, be ignored as I walk down the street. The only time where it is extremely apparent is at fitness events or shows where the audience are my peers and people with an interest in fitness who would have seen the show and therefore have a slight vested interest.

How long have you been a personal trainer?

I’ve been in the industry 18 years now and a personal trainer for 15 of those years… which suddenly makes me feel either very old or very experienced.

How has raising your profile with The Biggest Loser changed your career?

The Biggest Loser hasn’t really changed my career because it is the kind of show that is aligned with my skill set which is helping people get fitter, become healthier and in many cases lose weight. What it has done is draw more attention to the things I’m currently doing and allowed me to meet and train some individuals that I may not have had the opportunity to have trained before. I’m still a personal trainer, group

fitness teacher and fitness professional comfortable in the knowledge that I am not a celebrity and won’t give up my day job.

How has training changed since you’ve been in the industry?

Training is very much like fashion in that it is always cyclic. Throughout the time I’ve been in the industry I’ve seen fads come and go, new classes and training concepts take over the world and then vanish and many ‹perfect› styles of training fall by the wayside. But the biggest change has to be the level of science based, research driven training programmes out there compared to ten or twenty years ago when it was mostly a back to basics training approach of lift heavy, eat lots to get results. Personal trainers now have more components and avenues in which they can ply their trade and there are so many facets to being a successful personal trainer that it’s hard to fit them all under one single banner.

market for the individuals wanting to stand out by doing their own thing well.

We’ve heard you run a class called Armageddon (sounds painful!) what is it, where is it and can we get involved?

The scariest thing about Armageddon Fitness is just the name. It is an amazing Variable Intensity Interval Training (VIIT™)

class based upon circuit training with bodyweight only, which means using your body as the resistance. Due to its success the class has now become a certified training course and we have hundreds of fitness professionals booking onto courses to become Armageddon Trainers in the UK and teach awesome classes and workouts nationwide.

To get involved just email us at: info@ armageddonfitness.com or visit the site www.armageddonfitness.com

You’ve recently opened your own PT studio, who’s it for and what are you offering?

After many years of deliberation I decided to open my own personal training and fitness studio in Richmond called Richard Callender Exclusive Training. I wanted a training environment that was nonintimidating, fitted in with my ethos of training and was an affordable way of getting in shape effectively. The studio is home to 11 personal trainers who work alongside me using some amazing equipment and space to get results in oneto-one sessions, group and class scenarios.

It’s been open over a year now and is going from strength to strength as we have learned valuable lessons on the way, built new business relationships and have applied them to the business which is growing daily.

What’s your favourite fitness kit?

It’s hard to give just one piece of fitness equipment but if I am allowed to break that question into two then I will say that for my studio, GRAVITY Training on Total Gym equipment has been one of the best gym kit investments I have made because it does so much in such a small space. For my own training I have to go with the TRX because it goes everywhere with me and means I can work out at a high intensity anywhere and keep getting results.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to PTs looking to develop their business?

The one piece of advice I would give to PTs trying to develop their business is to remain unique and try not to follow the crowd because with so many people seeking the reassurance of ‹safety in numbers› toolbox business models it leaves a gap in the

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Join REPs today and maximise your career prospects!

What is REPs? The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) is the independent public Register that recognises qualifications and expertise of exercise instructors throughout the UK.

“REPs is the stamp of approval confirming that an exercise professional can do what they say they can do.”

Dame Kelly Holmes

Established for over 10 years, REPs exists to provide a system of regulation for Instructors and Trainers, protecting the public and bringing credibility to the sector.

Many employers expect their Instructors and Trainers to be REPs Registered, providing assurance that their team has the correct skills to deliver safe and effective practice.

Join REPs and gain access to: • Discounts on products and services • Access to activepassport™ • Opportunities for Continual Professional Development (CPD) • A range of services to support your career and business!

Register today at www.exerciseregister.org

Telephone: 020 7 632 2022 Email: info@exerciseregister.org www.facebook.com/REPSUK @REPsUK

Lean Women

Warm up- Squat and swing arms, arm circles, spine twists and leg kicks reaching to toes.

Repeat for 5 mins.

Workout

Spiderman press up

T

his is a great group of cross rotational exercises that help to flush cellulite, calm the mind and the body whilst also raising the pulse and creating long lean muscles. Smaller muscle groups will activate helping to draw skin to the muscle and shrinking the limbs rather than bulking, helping to create that slim line effect. Can be body weight or use light weights Do 1 min of each exercises x 1 for beginner and 3 for advanced Workout provided by Kelly Du Buisson Owner of Aptitude Fitness PersonalTraining and creator of The City Workout www.aptitudefitness.co.uk

Chest, shoulders, obliques, core and opposite Start in press position. Step one leg forward and leg arm Step do. arm lowering body to floor as you side. other the on t repea back to centre and

Sumo Squat with side leg lift

Cross and Jab with knee to elbow

Pulse raiser, shoulder stability and core Hold fists in front of face and take up a hip distance stance with right toe level with left heel. Cross with left punch then jab with right then draw opposite knee to elbow crunching abs. Repeat.

Back Extension into Parachute Lift

Lower back, lower traps, core Lay on front with arms by your sides and naval to spine. Lift head and chest as you bend knees extending the spine. Take hold of ankles and lift body towards ceiling. Gently release legs and straighten out as you lower to the floor.

Quads, glutes, hip flexors Step feet wide and squat down, drive back to standing and lift one leg out to side of body. Place foot to floor and repeat squat with lift on other leg.

Pike into Split and Reach

TVA, Rectus abdominis, inner thigh, obliques Lay on back with legs straight and arms behind the head. Engage the core as you lift both legs and reach up to ankles.

Open legs to side of body and reach arms through. Control as you bring legs back to centre and lower back to ground.

Dive Bomb

Shoulders, chest, back and core, lats Start in a downward dog position then leading with the nose dive down to floor. Imagine your nose is skimming the floor as you bend the elbows and scoop the chest through the arms.

Straighten the arms as you lift the head and look up to the ceiling.

Cool down- full spine stretch sitting and reaching to toes, shoulder stretch, hip flexors and chest stretch.

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GYM EQUIPMENT//

Vicore Core Bench The Matrix Suspension Elliptical The Matrix Suspension Elliptical models take the natural elliptical motion to another level, offering an extremely smooth, stable workout due to the unique suspension design. The pedals allow the user’s ankles to flex naturally, reducing the foot-tingling sensation produced by other machines, while the dual-action handlebars provide a total-body workout that strengthens core muscles.

The Vicore Core Bench features the patented Body Link System™, a soft surface filled with air to create an unstable environment during bench exercises, forcing the body to engage core muscles and enhance balance for a more efficient workout.

MACHINE SHOWCASE

This month we take a look at the product range from Matrix Fitness, here are 6 of our favourites from their catalogue.

ClimbMill Every product in the ClimbMill line addresses the specific needs of users, trainers, owners and service engineers in an innovative new way. The challenge for the Personal Trainers was to provide truly useful design solutions, not gimmicks. The solution? Dedicated Virtual Active™ for climbing scenarios, Fit Test standard, mileage tracking, and toggle controls for novice users.

This is in addition to the range of features designed to make the ClimbMill more appealing for gym members and PT clients. For example, the ClimbMill’s exclusive step position software ensures steps lock at the lowest possible point for users to easily step on and off the product. Steps are a full 10 inches deep to accommodate a wide range of users, and colour variations help ensure proper foot placement. Plus Ergo Form™ grips include integrated pause, stop and resistance controls that make selections easy at any time during the workout, while multiple handrail positions accommodate a wide range of users and offer increased security.

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The Matrix Ascent Trainer® The Matrix Ascent Trainer® is the first piece of equipment to recreate the experience of running uphill or climbing stadium steps. Because increasing the incline also lengthens the stride length, the Ascent Trainer® provides a superior range of motion – the result is a workout that’s both stimulating and effective.

Other features of this innovative product include an integrated 15 inch screen, plus built in Matrix Fitness Virtual Active™ programming. With Virtual Active™ kit, users not only see their destination in the dynamic video content displayed on the console, but also feel gradual terrain changes under their feet and hear the ambient sounds through their headphones, for near total immersion in awe inspiring landscapes.

Myride® Myride® offers a year-round indoor solution to the ever growing popularity of cycling by combining a cinematic viewing experience with a top-notch workout. Participants can cycle, virtually, through exotic destinations from Hawaii to the Grand Canyon, or recreate the studio experience at the touch of a button.

Functional Trainer The IFI accredited Functional Trainer is a versatile, multi-station strength machine that enables the user to engage in a variety of exercises. The inbuilt accessory station swivels to accommodate more training handles and attachments. The Functional Trainer also features accessible and adjustable pulley heights to ensure ease of reach, and multi-grip position pull-up handles, plus a unique rock climbing attachment.

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I

first saw Vibram Fivefingers in an outdoor magazine in about 2007.

Back then I thought “What a stupid idea. How is a shoe like that of any use?”

When I went to New York in 2009, every sports shop I went in had rows and rows of these weird looking shoes.

Anyone looking for a pair of trainers was trying these on. Every member of staff had a pair. At this point I started to understand what was happening; we were just following something else that the Americans were doing. Over the next few days I did all the usual tourist stuff and inevitably ended up in Central Park.

Born to be Barefoot

Even though it was bitterly cold, there were still dog walkers, ice skaters and of course joggers. More than half of the joggers I spotted were in Vibram Fivefingers. I was starting to see that this might be a bit more than just a craze.

On my way home, whilst perusing the duty free, I spotted a book called “Born to Run”. For those of you that haven’t read it, the book is about a tribe of Mexican Indians who run for fun. Not just a bit of a jog either, we are talking ultra marathons, just for something to do. The author Christopher McDougall decides to run with them, in a bid to find out how they can go for so long, so fast, so often and seem to be uninjured. Not only that but they do it all barefoot.

‘‘

Once we got back to the UK I started to look into minimalist shoe or barefoot running. Running in a minimal shoe forces you to land on your forefoot, just behind the toes. This forefoot landing reduces impact forces through your body by over 50%. As a bit of a runner and a sports massage therapist I have had and treated many running injuries. I thought “maybe this is the answer” and went out, bought a pair and went for a run.

“I was starting to see that this might be a bit more than just a craze”

No one tells you to take it easy, no one tells you of the strain this puts on your calf muscles, no one tells you about learning to run again. I did one mile to start with and suffered the consequences for about a week.

After some more in depth research I tried again. Less distance, short quick steps, no over striding, not so high on my toes, back straight, feet under hips and lean from the ankles. Short, quick and silent steps seem to be the answer. I fell in love with this product and decided to set myself up as a retailer.

In 2010 Fast and Fresh was born. Based in Castle Donington we now stock Vibram Fivefingers, Injinji socks and the book “Barefoot Running” by Michael Sandler.

If you can remember being barefoot as a kid, this is what minimal shoes are like. Give Fivefingers a go and release your inner child.

Martyn Candler

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AB-MXR Pon Pon Hopper

Bring some more fun into your functional training sessions with a grown up space hopper that can be used to improve core stability and give a cardio workout at the same time.

From £13.13 www.physicalcompany.co.uk

As the dark nights draw closer and a trip to the gym doesn’t seem quite so enticing, don’t let your summer beach body go to waste. Continue the good work at home with the AB-MXR and 30-minute total core workout DVD, to blast your abs and tone your body to perfection.

Created by renowned celebrity personal trainer and lifestyle coach Joanna Kabbani; the AB-MXR is a weighted abdominal exerciser which not only offers increased support for the neck and spine during abdominal floor work, but also adds an extra dimension to a full-body workout.

Follow AB-MXR and Joanna on Twitter @Secret_Trainer, or Like AB-MXR on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/ABMXR.

From £60 from www.AB-MXR.com Physical Company Wobble Board This lightweight plastic wobble board can be carried around easily and added into circuit training sessions to add an extra challenge and help strengthen core muscles.

£14.80 from www.physicalcompany.co.uk

Functional

Training Brand New! - QR10 100w PA System - with Headset

A fantastic self-contained portable PA system which is ideal for Fitness Classes, Dance Studios, Educational use or even outdoor demonstrations! Includes a built-in amplifier which operates from mains or internal re-chargeable battery. Also included is an input for iPod, iPad, iPhone, CD, MP3 and more. Overall a fantastic value for money multi-purpose sound system.

Stockist: www.sound-dynamics.co.uk Current Price - £169.99 ex-vat (£203.99 inc vat)

Unikurve Unique, Unisex and Universal Unikurve ticks all the boxes and is taking the PT world by storm.

100% functional, this innovative bit of kit is a mini gym that will give anyone a complete workout. PT readers can also get an exclusive 10% discount on their first order, just quote ‘PT Magazine’ when ordering.

The Kinetics 200w 10” Powered Portable Speaker A beast of a system, with an extremely high quality powerful loudspeaker with inbuilt 200 watt amplifier. Comes with separate volume controls for both music and voice allowing the user to have complete control over both.

A very powerful system, loud enough for some of the largest venues!

Stockist: www.unikurve.co.uk Email: info@unikurve.co.uk

Stockist: www.sound-dynamics.co.uk Only - £169.00 ex-vat (£202.80 inc vat) BOSU Balance Trainer BOSU is perfect for replicating real world and athletic movements to strengthen and condition whole muscle chains. It’s portable, can be used on its own (either side up) or integrated with many other pieces of fitness equipment, including dumbbells, medicine balls, resistance bands and ViPR.

£109.99 from www.physicalcompany.co.uk @PTMagazine

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Innovate your group and one-to-one sessions with the AB-MXR total core workout available from www.AB-MXR.com

A revolution in personal and group fitness

by Kabbani Lifestyle

• Targets the abdominal muscles with

• • • •

increased support for head, neck and spine Portable and easily fits in a rucksack Suitable for all ages and fitness levels Low cost total core workout solution with training bundles available Continued support through training DVD releases

The AB-MXR is available in five weights, from 1-5kg with prices starting from just £60*

call 0800 0029557 or visit www.AB-MXR.com * 1kg AB MXR

ries 107 caelo ing per s r v

£5 OFF

DIET, DETOX & RECOVER Here is a GOOD thing. You can diet, detox and recover your muscles after intensive workout with one 100% natural shake.

Hemp protein is the purest, raw plant-based protein available. It’s full of dietary fibre so you feel simply fuller for longer. It’s also complete with all the essential amino acids, Omega 3 and GLA that are not only GOOD for your body but help you loose weight too. p Hemp protein acts as a building block for all the cells helping your body to repair and recover – faster and naturally.

And because there is no Soya or Dairy, there’s no need to worry about causing a hormonal imbalance, causing bloating feelings in your tummy or a risk of eating GM foods.

And GOOD hemp shake tastes delicious too!

Made from hemp grown in the UK.

Use code PT11 BF11 to get £5 off your first online order + a FREE SHAKER!

www.GOODHempNutrition.com

F

lipGym™ is an innovative concept designed to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Each FlipGym™ card consists of 2 workouts, each containing 6 punchy exercises. FlipGym™ cards are designed so as to give an effective workout in a short space of time, where ever the location. They have been created by PT’s and have been designed specifically to achieve a balanced workout, so there’s some flexing, extending and rotating in every exercise routine. They were initially developed to help clients stay motivated in between sessions and give them some simple exercises to supplement their normal routines. You will notice that each FlipGym™ is a single sheet of A3 paper. With our patented folds and cuts this single sheet becomes two handy workouts, after some nimble fingered folding!! If you have ever struggled to encourage clients / members to do their homework or if you’ve been looking for a handy resource to help add value to your business then FlipGym™ may be able to help.

For the PT FlipGym™ cards can be bought as packs of 3 on line. We also offer a started pack for PT’s which includes the FlipGym™ tower storage system plus 70 cards (10 x Stretch, 10 x Combo Easy / Intermediate / Advanced and 10 x Core Easy / Intermediate and Advanced). This starter pack is heavily discounted so that you can sell the cards onto your client base or simply give them to your clients if you are feeling generous!!

For the Health Club / Gym Would you like your own bespoke FlipGym™ for your business? How would you like to have your logo feature in place of ours and sell the FlipGym™ cards to your members? Or perhaps you would like to use the concept but include your own exercise equipment? If you are interested then please feel free to contact us for the latest licensing deals and the opportunity to boost your revenue streams.

We are looking to expand our range very soon so keep an eye out for further FlipGym™ editions; Pilates, Running, TRX, ViPR, Cables, Stability Ball and many many more...

@PTMagazine

23

Extreme

Circuit

for Body Composition Changes

This circuit uses 8 exercises and requires only basic functional equipment: • Sandbag • plyo box • barbell The exercises are paired together so that the first exercise increases the heart rate and the second exercise (performed straight after) requires some level of core stabilization. It is a short, challenging session that works both the upper and lower body as well as giving you a cardiovascular effect.

Use allocated times for each set, but make sure that the technique remains correct throughout the set. This is a great whole body session for when you are short of time, but want to get maximum benefit. You can perform this 3 times per week for a couple of weeks, then look to change the exercises (keeping the timings the same).

Exercise Session Warm Up – perform a warm up for about 5-10 minutes including some SMFR (self myofascial release) using a foam roller to release any tight fascia. Then some bodyweight exercises to increase the heart rate and temperature for the main session and take the body through some basic movement patterns – such as squats, lunges, lifting and rotation.

Allan Collins, Director of Education for Jordan Fitness, is also the author of 3 books and 80 courses. He is a strength a conditioning coach and a functional training expert and has been in the fitness industry for 18 years and a tutor for the last 10 years.

Main Session. The main session should take only 30mins

Barbell Bridge Press Sandbag Lift to Shoulder Place the sandbag between the legs and grip the side handles then drive the hips forward to lift the bag up onto one shoulder. Drop back down and lift to the other shoulder and repeat.

Keep the chest up and core braced.

Lie on you back with the bar held above the chest. Lift your hips off the ground into a bridge. Lower the bar to the chest and press upwards and repeat. Lower for a count of 3 and then press upwards for a count of 1.

Keep the elbows close to the body.

45 sec

45 sec 10sec change to next exercise

Rest 150s and repeat x once more (2 total) then move onto the next exercise pair

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Jumps onto Box

Wide Grip Deadlift

Stand facing a box/step between shin and waist height. Jump upwards and forwards onto the box and land softly in a semi-squat.

Step/jump back to the start and repeat.

Use the arms for propulsion and land softly using the ankle, knees and hips.

Hold a barbell in a wide pronated grip (hands facing down). Brace the core and lift the bar until you are in a standing position. Push the hips back and lower the bar to the floor and repeat.

Having the hands wide works the muscles between the shoulder blades (for posture) more than usual.

45 sec

45 sec

10sec change to next exercise

Rest 150s and repeat x once more (2 total) then move onto the next exercise pair

Sandbag Slams Lift the sandbag or sandball up with two hands above the head to ‘load’ the core muscles, then accelerate it downwards to the floor releasing it before it hits. Take hold and lift again and repeat. Keep the weight light and only use an AlphaStrong bag as other bags may burst.

Kneeling Hip Extension

Kneel on a sandbag or powerbag and have a partner hold your ankles. Keeping your chest up, bend forward from the waist then (using your hamstrings and glutes) lift your torso back up to upright and repeat slowly.

Keep you thighs vertical and don’t allow your hips to move forwards or backwards.

30 sec

45 sec 10sec change to next exercise

Rest 150s and repeat x once more (2 total) then move onto the next exercise pair

Lateral Box Drives Stand sideways onto a plyo box and place the near foot on top. Push downwards and drive the body upwards into the air so that the foot leaves the platform. Control the landing and repeat as fast as possible. Perform the whole set on one leg and do the other leg on the next set.

Slow the landing with the ‘driving’ leg.

30 sec on RHS

Side Plank Hip Drops Place both feet on top of the box and place the forearm on the floor in a side plank position. Brace the core and lower the hips towards the floor (but don’t allow them to touch) then contract the lateral core to lift the hips back to ‘level’. Perform the whole set on one side and do the other side on the next set.

Keep the chest up and the hips in line so that the body doesn’t rotate.

30 sec on RHS 10sec change to next exercise

Rest 80s and repeat on LHS (left hand side) then you are finished

TRAIN SMART

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REMEMBER TO

REFLECT Ben Nevis Midnight Challenge Climb the highest mountain in the UK and watch the sunrise from the top. Do something amazing to transform the lives of people affected by dementia.

22 – 23 June 2013 alzheimers.org.uk/trekking 0870 417 0192 Alzheimer’s Society operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Registered charity no. 296645

Training for a

Charity Challenge Mollie Millington speaks with some of our readers who themselves have undertaken a challenge, read all about their exploits and pick up some hints in her fantastic article exclusively for PT Magazine.

G

ood causes, such as charities, can be powerful external motivators for personal training clients who need a purpose or goal for their training regime.

This focus can drive people to succeed at things they never thought physically possible.

As a personal trainer, you can help channel this personal connection into motivation for physical prowess and help a good cause at the same time. However, it can be hard to find a charity all of your clients are keen to support. Make sure to ask your clients for ideas and feedback about what events they want to do and which charities are important to them.

The physical demand of an event can also be a motivator. That’s why Jamie Tulloch (www.tullochpersonaltraining. co.uk) and his client, Craig Stewart, decided to complete the Loch Ness Marathon.

Stewart suffers from Friedreich’s ataxia, a genetic disease that affects the nervous system. At the start of their training, Stewart could barely wheel himself to the end of the path outside of his home, but by completing the race, Stewart learned that he can push himself to do things he didn’t think were possible. By overcoming the physical challenges, Tulloch and Stewart are hoping to raise of £3000 for the Highland Hospice (donations are still being accepted at http://www.justgiving.com/ Jamie-TullochPT).

If you don’t have time to hold your own

event, many charities organise their own.

For example, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) (www.bhf.org.uk/events) holds over 25 running events throughout the UK each year.

If you are still working on building up your client base, volunteering can be a great way to meet people. Coppafeel.org.uk is a charity that raises breast cancer awareness, and part of their fundraising campaign is entering teams for Run To The Beat and the City of Bath half marathons.

Planning ahead will give you time to recruit team members, register your team, order branded shirts and of course fund raise.

When you do participate in an event with your clients, remember a few useful tips to make the day a success. Set a meeting time and place that is easy to find. Be sure if you meet offsite that there is enough transport to get everyone to the race.

Have bottled water, light snacks, and fruit available before and after the race to help fuel your team. Ask a friend of staff member to take photographs for your website, Facebook, and newsletter, as well as watch everyone’s bags.

Charity events are a win-win tool to motivate clients. It will focus their training, provide motivation, and support a worthy cause. Make 2013 the year you and your clients take on the challenge, have fun and be proud of the work you are doing for a wonderful cause.

@PTMagazine

29

Winter Sport Workout T

RX, created by Randy Hetrick, US Navy Seal, has become the choice of fitness fans and professional athletes across the world, in sports as diverse at football, rugby, triathlon, tennis and athletics.

In a few short years, TRX Suspension Training has become renowned worldwide, and this year for the first time ever, according to American College of Sports Medicine, body weight training entered the top ten trends for 2013.TRX Suspension Training is a superb way to build muscular strength as well as improve core stability and posture.

With the Ski Season fast approaching, TRX

Master Trainer Matt Gleed, shares some key TRX moves to get your clients in great shape. “There is a big emphasis on form and technique throughout this theme. This is to ensure skiers are ready for the impact forces placed upon their joints as they begin to build their cardio and leg strength, helping their transition from the training floor to the slopes.�

There are many advantages of having TRX Suspension Trainer as part of your training arsenal, including the need for minimal equipment which makes it an inexpensive and versatile way to train your clients effectively. TRX are now also offering

Education Courses in the UK, to enable TRX fans to use the TRX Suspension Trainer to its full potential. With industry indications predicting further growth of body weight training, the TRX Suspension Trainer is certainly a product to keep on your fitness radar!

The complete line of TRX products, training programs, education and accessories can be purchased directly from TRX online at www.trxtraining.com/uk. For more information on TRX products call 0800 458 5558.

TRX Lunge

Reps: 15-20 reps | Rest: 10 secs | Reps: 2-3 times each leg Exercise Description: Stand Facing Away from the anchor point with one foot in the cradle at mid calf height under the anchor point, Drop down into a lunge while reaching back with the suspended leg.

The front knee will lower to 90 degrees before driving through the floor to extend up.

Exercise Benefits: TRX Lunge will challenge your balance and gain some often needed control while skiing. Challenging your core strength and leg power is a great way to condition yourself for a testing ski trip.

TRX Squat Jump

Reps: 15-20 reps/30 secs | Rest: 10 secs | Reps: 2-3 times Exercise Description: Stand Facing the anchor point, holding your handles at mid strap length keep elbows under shoulders and palms facing each other, lower down to floor and drive up through the feet.

Exercise Benefits: TRX Squat Jumps are a great way to condition your body ready for the intensity of being in a Ski position. This exercise will add strength to your body so you can maximise your skiing time without fatigue.

TRX Front Squat

Reps: 15-20 reps/30 secs | Rest: 10 secs | Reps: 2-3 times Exercise Description: Standing Facing Away from the anchor point, Lengthen & place straps under arms, bring handles to both sides of your chest and rest body weight with a 45 degree angle. Feet shoulder width apart drop down into a squat and drive up through the balls of your feet.

Exercise Benefits: A great exercise for strengthening the leg muscles used in skiing while replicating the action used while taking your hips, knees and ankles through movement. This exercise allows the action of skiing to be replicated.

TRX Side Plank

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Reps: 10 secs up | Rest: 3 secs down | Reps: 3-5 times each side Exercise Description: Lie Sideways to the anchor point, place both feet in foot cradles which will be at the middle of your calf, with the top leg forward, align shoulder over elbow and lift hips up with a head to toe alignment Exercise Benefits: The TRX Side Plank will allow you to strengthen your core assisting with turns, twists and the endurance of the slopes, this exercise will challenge your oblique muscles and help you challenge your whole body.

I’d like to teach the world T

to row...

here are many techniques out there on how to use an indoor rowing machine – some more entertaining than others and some so extreme that even the hardiest of souls can only sustain a 1 minute effort.

Follow these basic guidelines and you’ll be off to a great start

We thought there must be an easier way and so hunted out ex-international rower and personal trainer - Baz Moffat. Baz represented GB in the women’s 8 and has run Point2 Fitness for the last 4 years, where she has made it her personal mission to teach the world how to row – properly.

Match the strokes per minute to the type of session you’re doing Endurance work should be done at 20-24 SPM, Lactate intervals at 24-28SPM and flat out tests at 28-34SPM. When teaching beginners always start with low ratings around 20SPM.

Baz has identified a gap in the market which PT’s can fill, as “a lot of people don’t know how to row properly but want to learn”. Here are some top tips on how to improve your technique and get yourself some new clients.

Focus on split Make sure the units show split per 500m, the faster you go the lower the split.

The quickest way to learn how to row is to download the free App, RowActiv. It’s full of videos and training programmes which will get you off to a great start.

Be Consistent You should see the same split and stroke rate every stroke – a tough challenge, but worth persevering with to improve pacing and fitness.

Next you need to start teaching your clients they’ll love it because they’ve never done it before and so will see rapid improvement. They can also easily monitor progress and it uses their whole body– which ticks a lot of boxes.

Gearing Have the fan on 4 or 5, 10 is not better! The scores on the screen are what count not what gear you’re in.

If you’ve got any questions or want Baz to come in and teach you and your colleagues how to row properly then please contact her at baz@point2fitness.co.uk

@PTMagazine

31

PT+ BIO-SYNERGY EQUALS ULTIMATE TRAINING “

Partnering with Bio-Synergy has fuelled me and my clients through our High Intensity Training workouts, allowing us to push for peak performance while building an Ultimate Body and developing my successful business.

EMAIL pT@BIO-SYNERGY.cO.Uk TO REcEIvE YOUR

35% pROfESSIONAL dIScOUNT

Avaliable online and at all leading retailers www.bio-synergy.co.uk + www.facebook.com/BioSynergy

®

”

SURVEY 2012 PT Magazine has teamed up with Bio Synergy to invite you to take part in a quick survey. You will get a £10 voucher to spend at www.bio-synergy.co.uk and one lucky winner will receive a Pilates starter kit, and £200 of nutrition products of your choosing.

Bio-Synergy has been at the forefront of the UK sports nutrition industry since 1997 developing innovative and award winning products, many of which have become industry standard products.

As a personal trainer your main goal is to build your client base, and word of mouth advertising is one of the best ways to bring in new business. Your clients can become walking examples of what can be achieved, living advocates of your service that will refer friends, family & colleagues.

So how do nutritional supplements and Bio-Synergy fit in to this?

A key factor in Personal Training is obviously exercise, and this is where your expertise is vital. Ensuring the correct programme is followed will allow your clients to achieve goals and perform exercises safely and effectively. However, as you will know, 70% of achieving a fitness goal is ensuring your client has the correct diet. What you put in as fuel, and how often, is a big determining factor to physical wellbeing. The final piece to the jigsaw is supplementation.

The right supplements can make a vital difference to your clients, giving them the extra fuel needed to facilitate their desired results. Whether it is a fat burner to provide an additional boost to weight loss, protein to aid muscle recovery and improve strength or creatine to allow for more intense training sessions, the right suppliments will assist you and more importantly your client in achieving their goal.

Bio-Synergy are proud to work with a number of personal trainers including Matt Roberts, Dan Chapman, Victoria Herman and Cengiz Halabi to name but a few, and we want to gain insight as to the importance of supplementation to you as an individual and as a fitness professional. As such we invite you to take this quick survey and you will get a £10 voucher to spend at www. bio-synergy.co.uk, and one lucky winner will receive a Pilates starter kit and £200 of nutrition products of your choosing.

Just go to www.ptmagazine.co.uk and select the ‘PT Survey 2012’ link on the home page to take part

Train to be a Bollywood Dance-Fitness Instructor

- Just Jhoom! Instructor Nathalie, Basingstoke

Performance... is nothing without recovery

Clinically proven to restore healthy magnesium levels up to 5 times faster than oral supplementation.

For further information visit:

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“I can highly recommend the Just Jhoom! training course - not only is it extremely professional and of a very high quality, it is great fun too and the “aftercare” service is second to none... It really has been quite life changing for me and I would advise any fitness professional to do it!”

• Comprehensive training with unrivalled support • The FIRST and ONLY accredited Bollywood dance-fitness course • Enhance your ETM/dance classes with new and exciting choreography • Fantastic training and marketing resources • Inspirational, energetic and invigorating!

The

Grid K

eeping your clients injury free is of the utmost importance for any successful PT. An injured client can’t train, and if they pick up an injury in your session they might not come back once they’re recovered!

Happily, there are some simple techniques you can add to your workouts to help prevent injury and keep your clients at the top of their game.

Massage is an essential part of any athlete’s training regime, but with most sports massage costing in excess of £80 per hour it’s a luxury most exercisers do without. The

Grid offers a way to give clients some of the highly effective benefits of massage and myofascial release within your PT session.

The first thing you’ll notice about The Grid compared to a standard foam roller is the Distrodensity™ Zones. There are three different types of zones to use, designed to replicate the effect of massage with the knuckle/elbow, fingers or palm. The hard plastic cylinder and foam are designed to withstand constant, heavy and repeated use without losing shape, which means not having to replace your squashed old foam

roller every few months.

The SMRT-CORE programming available from Triggerpoint offers ways to introduce integrated myofascial release and core strengthening workouts into your sessions, designed to improve biomechanical function while strengthening the entire body, so your clients get more out of their precious PT time. Use the opportunity to display your knowledge of how muscles grow and how to prevent injuries, and your clients will thank you for keeping them fit to train without pain.

Calf Thruster Targets core and shoulders while massaging calf muscles.

Placing The Grid beneath both calves, lift off the floor with hands slightly in front of the hips. With shoulders and neck neutral, thrust hips and chest forward and up. Relax the feet and point toes to release the soleus. If lifting the hips is too difficult, simply slide back and forth with legs parallel to the floor to execute the massage.

Lat Roll Targets and massages lats.

Lie on one side with The Grid beneath upper lat area, arm outstretched. Hold The Grid with the other hand while rolling forward and back a few inches.

Stack knees for greater range of motion.

Hamstring Roll

Quads Progression Targets core while massaging quads.

Maintain shoulder and hip stability and alignment with The Grid beneath both quads, between knee and mid-thigh. Hold a plank position to apply static pressure.

Push body away from elbows, with The Grid rolling up the quads. Roll until shoulders pass elbows by 1-2 inches.

Targets core while massaging hamstrings.

Position The Grid beneath one leg, midway between knee and glute. Pull opposite knee towards the body with hips back 2-3 inches and roll back and forth to massage mid hamstring. Toes point forward and pull back while rolling. To massage high hamstring, move into hurdles stretch position with The Grid beneath the outstretched leg near base of the glute. Engage the core and lengthen spine while rolling a few inches forward and back.

@PTMagazine

35

NUTRITION//

EAT

FIT

As we go into the winter months, try these healthy treats out on your clients to help them beat those festive food cravings the protein whey!

The difference a shake can make!

• • • •

2 scoops of preferred protein powder 1 banana a handful frozen strawberries 1 cup skimmed milk

Substituting a smart protein shake for your standard breakfast has a number of beneficial effects:

Per SERVING: 128 calories, 8.26g protein, 35g carbs, 1.17g fat

Cinnamon Protein Apples

This is a great way to make a delicious snack with extra protein. A perfect filling power packed treat.

Ingredients 3 Apples 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 1 scoop Whey Better Vanilla Directions • Cut the three apples into chunks or slices and place them into a plastic bag.

• Add the cinnamon and the protein powder into the bag.

• Seal the bag and shake vigorously.

Serve now or place in the refrigerator to chill for a few minutes.

Enjoy! This may very well be your new favorite treat.

Per MUFFIN: 237 calories, 16.47g protein, 23.09g carbs, 9.67g fat

BLUEBERRY power protein muffins Muffins are a tasty breakfast favorite or afternoon snack. This recipe packs all the flavor with a fraction of the calories.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

3 egg 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil 1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream 5 scoop 100% Whey Better Vanilla 2 tsp Baking Powder 1/3 cup Brown Sugar 1 cup Fresh Blueberries 1/2 cup Fat Free Cream Cheese 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Directions Preheat oven to 375 F Line 9 muffin tins with muffin liner cups, then give them a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray.

Mix cream cheese and cinnamon into a small bowl.

Mix eggs, oil and cream into a separate bowl.

Add protein powder, baking power and sugar (or sweetener) into the cream mixture, mixing thoroughly.

Combine both mixtures along with the berries into the muffin tins.

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Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the muffins begin to brown at the top.

• A complete breakfast kills food cravings later in the day so you can stop snacking.

• Replacing a carb- or fat-based breakfast (think cereals, bacon rolls) with a protein shakes can eliminate up to 250 calories from your morning.

• Activate contains a premium protein blend that creates a longer-lasting feeling of fullness in addition to promoting the development of lean muscle, which in turn elevates your metabolism.

• Activate contains Green Tea Extract to boost your metabolism and more efficiently process the food you eat.

• Activate also contains an extensive vitamin complex (Zinc Citrate, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D3, Folic Acid) which have been shown to sustain healthy metabolic systems.

• A speedy shake takes no more than 5minutes to produce and consumer, saving valuable time in the mornings and avoiding unnecessary morning stress.

• A quick and convenient shake can encourage a more regularised intake of breakfast which avoids binge-eating and excessive snacking on unhealthy food throughout the day.

The cumulative effect of these changes can produce a sustained weight loss when complemented with a sensible nutritional intake and moderate exercise a few times a week. Protein shakes can provide the support your clients need to hit their goals.

Thanks to Daniel Herman of Bio Synergy for this months recipes.

Best on test This issue we are taking a look at protein shakes; and with so much choice on the market, where do you start with choosing nutritional supplementation for you and your clients?

Gorilla Sports Vanilla Whey

Combines a great taste with high protein to support you with your training goals. This vanilla shake has all the qualities we would expect from a high quality protein shake. Great, fast, and fantastic aid to any training plan. www.gorillasports.co.uk Protein Per 30g serving: 22.2g Price: £19.99 (1kg)

High5 Protein Recovery

As far as recovery goes, no one does it like High5. Their range of sports products has set them apart in the endurance scene for years. This high quality Protein Recovery shake not only tastes great but packs a punch in supplying you with your nutritional needs. www.highfive.co.uk Protein Per 66g serving: 18g Price: £41.99 (1.6kg)

Maximuscle Cyclone

High protein shake for those wanting to train hard and archive real muscle growth.

Mixes well with water, not powdery once mixed and very filling. Supports training as a pre or post session shake. www.maximuscle.com Protein Per 60g serving: 30g Price: £55.19 (1.2kg)

PHD Pharma Whey HT+ 908g

A high protein dietary supplement designed to support the growth of muscle mass and the maintenance of lean muscle tissue. This nutrition supplement is one of the best tasting on the market, the perfect combination of protein and nutrients in a smooth, tasty shake. www.phd-supplements.com Protein Per 25g serving: 18.5g Price: £37.19 (908g)

Good Hemp Fit Shake

Don’t let the name fool you, while pitched as a fit shake, Good Hemps strawberry shake is a fantastic option to complement your training goals. Supporting your nutritional needs and helping to maintain a healthy diet. www.goodhempnutrition.com Protein Per 30g serving: 13.9g Price: £15.29 (500g)

Bio Synergy Whey Better

Best on test for Protein content based on a 30g serving

As expected from nutritional experts Bio Synergy, this is a very high quality whey protein shake. Designed to support you in your goals, while not losing any of its fantastic taste. A high percentage of protein per serving, not only keeping you full for longer, but also aiding muscle growth. www.bio-synergy.co.uk Protein Per 30g serving: 26.1g Price: £23.98 (400g)

@PTMagazine

37

Fit Kids fun fitness

W

for youngsters

ith obesity rates rising in children as well as adults, there has never been a better time to promote physical activity as a means of improving the health of our children.

You will also gain the underpinning knowledge that will ensure safe and effective sessions, learning about health, safety and welfare and discussing safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The CYQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing – Exercise and Physical Activity for Children is suitable for anyone who wants to work with healthy children aged between 5 and 15.

Feedback from previous courses includes:

You will learn to plan and deliver sessions for children and teenagers in a range of settings all the while promoting the benefits of being active.

To appeal to children there always needs to be a fun element and our experienced tutor will make sure you enjoy every step of the course. Be prepared to bring out your inner child!

Types of sessions include: Imaginary play for the younger age group (when a ‘trip to the park’ results in an Overall Muscle Health session) Introducing equipment e.g. hoops, bean bags and a parachute to maintain fun and add variety to your sessions Learning how to integrate all fitness levels into your play using non-competitive games Basic Gym programming for teenagers... and lots more! You will not only gain this valuable qualification but be equipped with games and idea’s to keep your classes running for years!

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“I felt very at ease and was more comfortable at putting myself into things that are usually out of my comfort zone” “Tutor was amazing, made the whole three days very fun and couldn’t wait to learn more” “A really good introduction to specific requirements for instructing groups of children of various ages”

Working with children is hard work but great fun and ultimately very rewarding. If you think you’re up to the challenge and would like more information please contact enquiries@fitnesswales.co.uk or call 02920 575155 and speak to a member of the Fitness Wales Team.

Instructors who already hold a qualification in Gym or ETM can access the course with no other pre-requisites however if you are new to the industry you will also need to complete the relevant Level 2 Units which cover anatomy and physiology and unit worksheets.

How Ice Bandage works Cooling – The cooling effect results in a nar-

rowing of blood vessels, restricting blood flow through the specific area and reducing swelling and bleeding. This also cools and stabilizes Muscle strains, collagen, the protein that forms joints in the Sprains, Bruises, body.

Ideal for:

What is Ice Bandage?

• Use to cool and help cure injuries; Swellings, reduces swelling & relieves pain Contusions Compression – A constant and equal pressure is applied to the injury, so the blood • Use on muscle strains, sprains, bruises, is prevented from gathering and swelling is deswellings, contusions creased. Immediate compression helps to bring the • No need for refrigeration injury swelling down and the cooling relief speeds • Reaches a constant, ideal cooling up the healing process. temperature within a few minutes • Can go in a sports bag or first-aid kit Apply Ice Bandage whenever you • Small and ready to se in an emergency have an injury that needs cooling • The 1.5 meter bandage is ideal for treating ankles, wrists, elbows, hand and heads • Stays cool for 2 hours, much longer than ice packs, gels & sprays • Clinically proven that ice speeds up the PT Magazine healing process for To receive 100 free samples, visit our website shop and enter special offer sprains, strains, shin voucher code ICE100 at the checkout... but get in quick as splints and other Buy 5 get 2 free, Ideal once they are gone, they are gone. minor injuries for carrying with you to group or one on one session’s.

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for lower limb your assessments clients L

ast month I discussed the importance of Pre-assessment of our client’s, prior to prescribing exercises. The first assessment area to be discussed is the lower limbs. You will need to know about a client’s prior injuries, their activity levels and which movements affect the injury.

Setting some SMART goals will be helpful to track the client’s progression. If the injuries have occurred due to sedentary movements, then a static assessment is likely to be enough to work out the source of the problem (muscle imbalance, etc).

An overhead/standing squat assessment would be suitable to check the biomechanics of the hips, knee and ankle and confirm a prognosis.

A check of lumbar/thoracic spine movement is also recommended, due to the effect they can have on pelvis positioning. If a client’s injury has come as a result of being active, then we need to use a technique that involves the client being active. Most active sports will involve a walking/running motion, so we will learn most about a client’s injury from an active assessment of a functional movement, the most notable of these being a GAIT analysis.

GAIT analysis is the easiest way to assess a clients (lower body) biomechanics and imbalances during a functional movement such as walking. Gait analysis can be as

‘‘

complex as using infrared cameras with the client wearing “markers” to replicate the movement onto a computer screen in 3D. This is the most thorough way of looking at a client’s movements, but is pretty much unavailable to 99% of trainers on an everyday basis. So we can use a 2D option, filming a client walking on a treadmill in both frontal and sagittal planes, then assessing the movement.

GAIT cycle (stride length) is also considered.

When we are able to see the body move we can tell which muscles are not working, and can therefore prescribe exercises that will activate/strengthen/loosen the right muscles to remove an imbalance and reduce the impact on joints and muscles.

Proper analysis allows the trainer to provide exercises that strengthen the appropriate muscles and enforce good movements, therefore preventing re-injury.

A clients GAIT can be affected by an array of variables- both environmental and physical.

A clients GAIT can be affected by an array of variables- both environmental and physical. Footwear and clothing can make a difference, male/female anatomically and biomechanically different at the hips (especially pre/post natal), height and weight also play an important factor in a persons movements, as do previous injuries.

When assessing a client’s movement using a GAIT analysis, we start from the Hip joint and work distally, checking factors including trendelenburg hip position (frontal plane), medial knee shift during foot strike (frontal), heel strike(or lack of) & (over)pronation. The swing phase of a

Ice Bandage We know that when a trauma occurs the sooner we start the system of RICE- the sooner pain, swelling, inflammation and tissue damage is decreased.

Ice bandage is a product that combines the ice/compression parts of the RICE acronym and should be a staple of any gyms/clients first aid equipment.

Waiting to leave, get home then administer ice and compression will reduce the impact RICE will have.

So keep an ice bandage in your gym bag and be prepared.

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Take Training to heart Alex Blackwell, Pool Programme Manager at the IQL UK, speaks about client safety and incident response, and how you can add to your PT portfolio through defibrillator training.

F

ollowing a number of high profile cases of Sudden Death Syndrome in the last couple of years, the fitness industry is beginning to recognise the importance of defibrillators being present in leisure facilities. The Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS UK) and IQL UK have introduced a stand-alone defibrillator course, giving you the knowledge and practice to use a defibrillator if an incident should occur.

Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) are non-invasive devices that use electrode patches placed on the chest to deliver a controlled electric shock to restart the heart. Although CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can buy you time while an AED is fetched, it is defibrillation that reverses cardiac arrest, and it is essential that there is no delay in its administration.

According to the European Resuscitation Council, there are on average a staggering 400,000 deaths per year caused by outof-hospital cardiac arrest. According to the British Heart Foundation, for every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by 14%. In situations where casualties have access to swift AED response and trained personnel, the number of fatalities is significantly reduced.

A clear illustration of the positive benefits of the use of AED is multisite operator, David Lloyd Leisure, with 78 clubs in the UK and 10 in Europe. Survival rates of cardiac arrest incidences that occur in David Lloyd clubs are 86%, and the company reported 100 lives saved in the past year through the administration of AED. Caleb Brown from the Health & Safety team at David Lloyd Leisure explains: “Effective use of AED to save lives is based on three key factors; having a good quality AED, qualified and competent staff, and a quick response.”

With regards to the IQL UK defibrillator qualification, Dr Handley says: “Using an AED is simple and safe, but to be most effective the rescuer needs to be trained in the latest guidelines, as taught in the IQL Qualification course.

AEDs in leisure centres have been particularly effective in saving lives, and having staff with the NPLQ AED qualification will significantly increase the chances of further successes in the future.”

an incident occur. Leisure facilities and operators alike are also beginning to see the merit of employing staff with these qualifications as their key skills can be utilised across their facility.

As strong advocates for the presence of AEDs in all leisure facilities, the RLSS UK are breaking down barriers to make adopting AEDs and taking part in training more affordable, giving you the confidence to deal with a real situation calmly and effectively. The course costs just £16 and is completed over 4 hours. During the course the trainer will assess candidates for their competency.

To find out more about how you can take part in an AED course please visit the Royal Lifesaving Society Website, at www. lifesavers.org.uk.

Having credible incident response training, including knowledge of how to use an AED, will help to set you apart as a trainer and make a positive difference should

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Top 10 tips

for social media success

“Size Digital are responsible for the PT Magazine Twitter and Facebook portals. In the month since Simon, James and their team have taken over we have seen an increase of over 450 followers! If you are looking at a targeted campaign to drive your traffic and increase your local business make sure Size Digital are on the list of companies to consider” – Myles Davies (Publishing Director – PT Magazine) For a free consultation on how the Size Digital team can help you please email: simon@sizedigital.com

W

e often speak to Personal Trainers who are unconvinced about the impact Social Media such as Twitter can have on their business. We see a high number of PT Companies that have an account, but have very few followers and have very little engagement and influence with those followers.

However, we also work with Social Media savvy personal trainers that significantly boost their real-world profile by interacting effectively on Twitter. It’s easy for you to join them!

The biggest barrier to successfully developing a powerful presence and building your brand on Twitter is the “blank canvas” that is a new Twitter account.

Who to follow? How to present yourself and your business? What to say? When? As with all use of Social Media in business, you need a strategy to be most effective.

Our Top 10 Tips

1. Our businesses are built on personal

relationships. So build a personal account, not just a brand account. Add a picture of yourself.

2. Contribute to the conversation. Twitter

7. Find out which of your current clients are on Twitter. Interact with them here rather than email or text sometimes, showing the rest of the world that you’re approachable and human (no sensitive material though!).

8.

is about human interaction and real conversations, not sales messages. It’s ok to tweet about a special offer you may be running… but not if that’s ALL you ever tweet! Add value with your content.

Retweet interesting tweets posted by others, it’s a great way to build a following.

3. Listen to what’s being said in your

as TweetDeck to manage your twitter activity, it’s much easier!

particular fitness niche and location. There are great Twitter services available to search topics and specific cities.

4.

Strike a balance between linking back to your own blog content and pointing out cool content from other sites and blogs.

5.

Ask questions of your target audience.

Find out how you can help them with your specific skills. Great market research!

6. Use #HashTags to comment on specific

topics and events that are of interest to you and your target audience. This will help you get noticed.

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9. Use a third party platform such 10.

Monitor your brand name and that of your competitors, respond personally where it makes sense. UseTwitter Search for this.

Winter Training A

s the winter months set in, it’s inevitable that outdoor training attendance drops off to some extent. Even the most loyal clients will face decreased motivation to leave the comforts of their home or work to brave the elements with you. If you’re a trainer who uses outdoor facilities to train or run boot camps, it’s obviously a seasonal fluctuation that affects your income.

What are the options to keep income steady?

Educate At Nike, we have a saying that “the training doesn’t change; only the clothes do”. If you could spend the next couple of weeks educating your clients as to proper winter training clothing, then there’s no reason why they should stop training just because the temperature drops. Ranges such as the Nike Pro Hyperwarm kit for men and women are specifically designed for outdoor winter training. “Being cold” should never be an excuse. The show must go on if training is a part of a client’s lifestyle.

‘‘

The Training doesn’t change, only the clothes do Change the Story Give them a reason to continue with you when the going gets tough. This is the time to invest in small equipment such as kettlebells, skipping ropes, ladders, ViPRs and BOSUs to name just a few. The addition of these into your outdoor sessions will keep their interest and give them a new reason to continue training. Get marketing flyers together outlining the new additions starting in the New Year. Highlight your mission to further their training and increase the fun factor. All they have to do to return your investment is show up each week. Get them to sign a ‘commitment of attendance’ to make them accountable for their actions.

Programme Accordingly Think about the structure of your session and ramp up the intensity in the first 10 minutes. A faster jog, some quick full-body mobility drills and getting straight into the harder intensity complexes you had planned, is going to elevate the body temperature much faster. Once the core temperature is elevated, all thoughts of being cold are replaced with thoughts of cooling down.

Hit the ground running (literally!) and come out of the blocks a lot faster and harder than what you might normally during warmer months.

There’s a lot you can do to keep the numbers up over winter. There’s no need to admit defeat by taking the sessions indoors, or to accept that people suddenly switch off their desire to train because it’ a bit dark and cold. If you’re smart about your timing and educate and market in a powerful way, people will make your outdoor sessions a mandatory part of their week – come rain, hail or shine.

Greg Sellar Greg recently received the International Recognition Award from the International Fitness Showcase. He has presented in over 40 countries globally in his capacity as a Nike, BOSU, fitness fx, Fitness Industry Education, Indoor Cycling Group and Physical Company master trainer. He runs a fitness consultancy via his website WWW.GREGSELLAR.COM and can be contacted through Facebook (Greg Sellar) and Twitter (@gregsellar).

A ‘Hands-On’ Approach

‘‘

to Your Fitness Career

Focus training is to Launch Quality Sports massage courses in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Sports Massage

As the fitness industry continues to expand, the role of a Personal Trainer has certainly followed suit. Far from solely providing nutritional and exercise advice, 21st Century Personal Trainers are slicker than ever, and widening their skillsets to offer a variety of specialist services to cater for the ever-demanding client.

These days, clients dont just want Personal Training sessions. They want variety, specialist services, and to have a go at whatever training regime the A-List are currently undergoing for the body beautiful. It’s this surge in expanding services that has seen those fitness professional that specialise in a niche area, often find it easier to generate new clients, and on average have a higher earning potential.

For those serious about making a successful business as a fitness professional, having just a basic qualification in the industry sadly isn’t enough to cut the (lowfat) mustard.

Many Personal Trainers may not have considered sports massage or soft tissue therapy as an option when building the crucial knowledge and experience required to stay ahead in the competitive fitness But it’s clear to see how it goes, literally, hand in hand with overall professional training programmes and can offer that expert edge to what’s on offer when

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building a personal training business.

A Level 3 Certificate in Sports Massage (Soft Tissue Therapy) equips fitness leaders with the knowledge and skills required to provide sports massage to a range of clients, who may otherwise part with their hard earned cash and loyalty elsewhere!

For those serious about making a successful business as a fitness professional, having just a basic qualification in the industry sadly isn’t enough to cut the (low-fat) mustard.

Be in it at the start and contact us now and help to ensure that when organising these courses that they are delivered in a way that best suits your needs On completion of the qualification, professionals can apply for full membership of the Sports Therapy Organisation (STO) where credibility can instantly be boosted with the consent to use the title ‘Registered Sports Massage Practitioner.’

The course covers:

• Anatomy and physiology for exercise and sports massage • Principles of exercise and fitness • Sports massage techniques

• Assessing clients and treatment planning • Assisting tissue repair • Providing professional practice • Providing post-treatment care completed through a 4-6 week home study followed by 4 weekends of attendance.

For those with the drive to further put themselves on top of the professional fit-list, many qualified Sports Massage Therapists may also go on to complete a Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training, Level 4 Sports Massage or Level 4 Practitioner.

For Personal Trainers currently striving for success in such a heavily competitive market, it’s no longer a case of popping up posters or relying on word of mouth.

Professionals in the fitness industry that understand their own unique selling points, and know how to use them, are the ones that will reap the rewards. And those with more to offer, will naturally, win more clients.

What do you think of Sports Massage Therapy? If you’re interested in boosting your credentials, speak to Ben Jackson (01204 388330) about getting ‘hands on’ with your career!

For more information visit: www.focus-training.com

BodyPower is back...

Let the countdown begin!

T

he UK’s number one fitness, sport and nutrition exhibition is gearing up for its fifth instalment in 2013. Derived from humble beginnings, the BodyPower Expo has grown exponentially since its conception in 2009. Now welcoming just shy of 40,000 fitness enthusiasts, BodyPower has well and truly stamped its name on the domestic and international fitness market.

Year on year the show builds on resident talent, welcoming masses of international athletes and fitness industry renowned experts. BodyPower organisers have already confirmed some big name signings from the bodybuilding community in the way of 212 Mr Olympia James ‘Flex’ Lewis, British Grand Prix Open Champion Shawn Roden and the bodybuilding godfather Ronnie ‘Big Ron’ Coleman. Dozens more are to be announced over the coming months, as well as building on the established show features such as The Super Gym, The Supp Store, Endurance City and the first ever national fitness competition Fit Factor. It is easy to see why next year’s show is billed as the biggest show to date!

some fantastic new feature areas and lined up some great special guests to appear.

BodyPower 2013 can’t come quick enough, I can’t wait!”

BodyPower have also announced that their sister show B-Fit will be co-located at this year’s expo. Showcasing the latest group exercise classes, B-Fit will enable enthusiasts and fitness professionals to try out what’s new in the fitness world!

Additionally, for the first year ever, BodyPower introduces an Industry and Preview day; welcoming delegates to network with the leading names in the fitness and leisure industry. This will take place on Friday 17th of May and will include a selection of seminars and trade conferences. For further details ring 01926 485423.

Tickets for BodyPower 2013 are now available from £19.50. Book now at www.bodypowerexpo.co.uk or call 0844 338 8000.

Commenting on plans for BodyPower in 2013, marketing director and show cofounder Ollie Upton said, “BodyPower has now grown into the UK’s staple fitness expo. We have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure all visitors, consumer and trade, have a reason to attend. We have increased the floor space, added

@PTMagazine

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Are you forgetting who your clients are?

‘‘ A

s a fitness professional, growing your client base is very important, but it can be a mistake that many trainers make, investing time and money into this one project alone and forgetting about everything and everyone else. Whilst growth is essential for any business to succeed, this shouldn’t take the focus away from the clients you already worked so hard to get.

Retaining your current clients and gaining new referrals through them is a key aspect to your success in the industry, so it is worthwhile focusing on this aspect of your business and thinking of new ideas to keep them loyal. Compared to the money you may spend on extra marketing trying to entice new customers, maintaining your existing client relationships costs very little money, if any at all.

It’s a fairly obvious statement to make, but giving your client 100% of your attention when training with them is vital Showing your clients you care about helping them reach their fitness goals makes them feel like an individual and will ensure their return.

It’s a fairly obvious statement to make, but giving your client 100% of your attention when training with them is vital. There is nothing worse than seeing trainers scoping the gym for potential clients or being distracted by phones or the TV during a training session with a client. It’s important to listen to your clients when they talk instead of just nodding your head, they will feel more valued if you can listen and remember and can refer to something they said the next time you see them. It shows you are interested in your client and the more you know about them the better your understanding of them will be, enabling you to improve your coaching abilities toward them. Aside from your client feeling appreciated by you, many other opportunities can arise from finding out more information from your client such as recognition of birthdays – how much would it cost to offer a free session to them on their birthday? You will certainly earn brownie points if you can go the extra mile.

For example, if you feel it would benefit your clients to learn about the different aspects of health and fitness, why not suggest you get them all together for a coffee morning and give them a free seminar on nutrition showcasing your knowledge and offering tips to enhance performance on workout days.

After each session try to always spend a few minutes reflecting on performance and successes so far with your client. However small that milestone may be, recognising it will instil confidence and boost motivation for next time. You can always ask your clients for their feedback too on how you are doing as a trainer ensuring you progress too.

If you would like any more information please contact info@ discovery.uk.com or call 0208 543 1017 and speak with our team who can help with any questions. Alternatively follow us on Twitter (@PT_Courses) or Like us on Facebook (Discovery Learning)

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THE CUMBRIAN CHALLENGE

2013 TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE 17TH–18TH MAY 2013

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THE CUMBRIAN CHALLENGE 2013 IS A DEMANDING 7–13 HOUR HIKE THROUGH THE STUNNING LAKE DISTRICT COUNTRYSIDE. Get your hiking boots at the ready and your strongest team members in place to join our expedition teams for a fantastic weekend of scenery, sweat, fresh air and fun!

There are two challenge route options depending on your level: The Tough: A 20k hike over 5 peaks.

The Tougher: A 33k hike over 10 peaks.

Take part in the inaugural Walking With The Wounded public event. Start a team of four and get fundraising for the charity.

For more infomation please contact Freddie Smith on +44 (0)20 7422 8271, freddie.smith@captiveminds.com or visit wwtw.org.uk

10mins with//

h it w w ie v r te in te u in 10 m

Y R R A B N I V GA Trainer Personal

>

For many the New Year brings fresh career aspirations; this month we hear from Gavin Barry about his leap from the police force to Personal Trainer.

Why did you decide to retire from the force and re-train as a Personal Trainer?

A former Physical Training Instructor (PTI) at the Scottish Police College, I led a very active lifestyle helping colleagues and friends to maintain their health and wellbeing and achieve their fitness goals.

Many commented on my passion and ability to motivate others and so, after 30 years with the Police I retired and began to consider a career as a PT. How did you gain the necessary qualifications to change careers?

In 2008 I enrolled onto Lifetime’s Fitness Instructor Level 2 course (lifetimetraining.

co.uk). I can honestly say this qualification was my passport to a new career and it enabled me to become REPs qualified and to start training clients professionally.

In 2010 I took over as Gym Manager at Energy Gym in Edinburgh.

How has the business progressed under your management?

In the space of twelve months, the number of gym members increased from 29 to 300, and we now employ 10 Personal Trainers.

Previously it was a very small affair; we needed to build its reputation through an injection of expertise. In addition, I employ three Personal Trainers who work with a local hotel training guests and staff.

What advice would you offer to someone that is looking to make a career change?

To be successful in any business you need to be 100% committed and have a true passion for the sector. The ability to communicate is vital for a successful PT, along with the desire to help others achieve their fitness or weight loss goals.

How do you think Personal Trainers can differentiate themselves from others?

Simple – it’s all about personality. PTs need to make their clients feel special and that their health and fitness needs are being taken into consideration and as a result a tailored programme is being offered.

Tell us about your aspirations to help the young and unemployed achieve a career within the fitness sector…

I offer work experience roles where young adults can shadow our gym staff to understand exercise programme delivery and the daily activities carried out within a gym setting. It is an unpaid role, but a vital one to gain on the job experience and to stand out from their peers. On completion of the two week programme, I recommend the Lifetime Level 2 course; it changed my life and I want to support others to achieve their dreams.

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Gavin was a finalist at the 2012 Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards. To find out more about fitness industry qualifications visit www.lifetimetraining.co.uk

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