Fitness

Growing up I never used enjoy exercise or sporting activities, however, finding myself looking somewhat flabby in the early 1990’s I joined an exercise class that I thoroughly enjoyed! The class was actually circuit training, it did not involve any complex moves or dance routines, just pure exercise and stretching. After about 6 weeks - no more flab, I was really pleased to have a toned figure again.

As I enjoyed the class and the results I was getting I continued to attend. I also found myself thinking ‘I could do that’ and looked into courses to train to become a fitness instructor. Eventually I found a course at the I.W. College which I attended in January 1998 and qualified later that year. As soon as I qualified I began to teach in local venues and attended further courses in advanced instruction and personal training to increase my knowledge and understanding so I could give an improved service to clients.

In 1999 I became ill and was diagnosed in 2001 with Fibromyalgia, this is a painful condition which affects the muscles, causes tiredness and poor sleep patterns. As a result of this I had to take 9 months off work. I doubted at this time that I would work in the fitness industry again. However with the support of my G.P. and other healthcare professionals I became well enough to return to work and manage this awful condition.

I found that physiotherapy was beneficial, my physiotherapist noted that I had no muscle tone, this was due to a specialist advising me not to undertake any exercise for 3 months. The physiotherapist referred me to the back clinic to regain muscle tone, not because I had back problems. When I arrived at the back clinic I was advised that the regime was Pilates, I had not heard of this form of exercise before.

I found that this aided me immensely and I rapidly gained results. My muscle tone was restored and I found that this gentle exercise helped me to relax and sleep better. The physiotherapist at the back clinic knew that I was a fitness instructor and encouraged me to teach Pilates myself. I attended a course in 2003, passed the exams and practical and began to teach this beneficial exercise immediately.