Training Philosophy. The fusion of Fitness and Wellbeing. Training with an emphasis on mind / body connection.
When starting out on an exercise program, take small steps first. The first six weeks usually sees psychological changes which people don't relate to unless it's pointed out (less stress, more energy at the end of the day, waking up fresher or better sleeping patterns). Sometimes it may take up to 12 weeks starts to see some physical results. Set short-term goals that are realistic and achievable such as 3 x 10min of exercise a day if you are inactive or unfit.
Training Advice. Keep a training diary of how you felt at end of each exercise session or the next morning. Record what you liked / enjoyed and what you did not. Review it and make changes to the venue, frequency and intensity of your exercise to remain motivated. Have a plan that is fool proof for example: No excuses due to weather always have a back up plan such as an alternate venue. Work out with a friend, buddy or family member for extra incentive. Self reward when you achieve a short-term goal.
Dietary Advice. Follow sound nutritional guidelines. Avoid diets and fad food plans / regimes. We have so many fad diet trends out there at present that people don't know what to eat any more. There are no quick easy fixes to losing weight and people should be encouraged combine a balanced diet along with regular exercise. Lo Glycemic Index rated foods will help you feel full for longer whilst sustaining even energy levels throughout the day. Exercise and a good eating plan go hand in hand.
Challenging clients. I have a broad range of clients from the very fit to those who suffer conditions such as stroke, scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.
These clients require in depth research and liaison with GP’s or Physios. Specific rehabilitation programs are then designed in order to increase flexibility, gain stability of the affected area or site of injury, increase core stability and postural awareness while providing the client with an over sense of wellbeing.
Promotes. A professional personalised service fusing fitness with the mind body connection. Utilising proven tried and true methods of training, with a holistic approach such as tai chi, yoga, pilates and fitball in order to help clients achieve their goals while maintaining, good health, inner power and strength. Promoting and creating lasting lifestyle changes. Educating clients.
Advice for becoming a personal trainer. You need to be passionate about Fitness and People! You need to be a morning, lunch time, evening, odd hours as well as weekend person. Personal training is not as glamorous as it may sound when you add up all your travel, sessions and continued education. It’s not just about you looking great in the gym. Have a genuine interest in fitness and a desire to help people. Keep up to date on industry trends and innovations. Read, rehearse routines, attend workshops, fly to conferences, gain knowledge on a continued basis, and give clients the best you can.
Where WA fitness is headed. Fitness has come such a long way in the last 25 years of my involvement. I think that the most exciting thing about this industry is that it is ever changing. With more knowledge come better methods of training. People have so much to choose from these days and can opt to train smarter, not necessarily harder all the time.
The integration of mind and body, a balanced, more holistic approach to exercise has been adopted by some of the newer fitness centres around Perth. They tend to focus on wellness packages with extra services such as day spas; naturopaths physiotherapists combining fitness with a family oriented lifestyle approach.
Current rises in the obesity levels amongst Australian adults and children will also dictate the need for safe entry to exercise level classes. Carefull consideration of the many existing health problems that relate to this target market will need to be considered in the design of the program.
Our clients are becoming more educated about their fitness, so in turn the requirement for qualified, educated, well-informed trainers will rise.
Early days. 23 years ago disappointed with the commitment to training in team sports, the decision to take responsibility for my own fitness launched my new found interest in “aerobics” as it was known back then. Participating in classes in Tom Price decisions were made to commence instructor training on arrival back in Perth.
Best Achievement. WA Fitness Professional Award (November 2005). Fitness Australia National Fitness Professional Award 2006.
Experience. Instructed all forms of group fitness. Freestyle choreographed classes.Management of fitness facilities. Runs own personal training business. Community work as a fitness consultant. Fitness presenter. Nutritional adviser. Lecturer in Certificate III and Certificate IV Fitness Studies. Gym instruction programs for secondary students. Corporate fitness / lectures.
Hard slog. Was taking 15-20 group fitness classes per week plus another job, sometimes 60 hr weeks.
Innovation. Co – creator of Aqua Pump, A water-based group fitness activity with a difference. Registered marketed and sold to WA fitness centres.
Quirky. Having people check up on what you eat at restaurants and what you have in your shopping trolley – are you true to form! Never forgets one client lifting the lid on her lunch roll, promptly returning it with a quick nod of approval!
Personal fitness focus. Core strength. Body Balance. Lots of Fit Ball. To empower all clients with their own ability to enjoy fitness and a balanced lifestyle.
Daily fitness regime. Can range from 1-3 hours. Teaching classes. Training with clients. Rehearsing routines. Gym work outs, walking. No real set routine.
Fav exercise. Body Balance, x trainer, yoga, pilates , fitball and conquering the spin bike!
Future plans. Continue running own personal training business and recently establishing a new home gym facility. Marg's market research showed many are disenchanted with the prospect of attending large and public gym environments. This unique service will provide clients with the opportunity to enjoy a more intimate training environment.
