Personal Trainer
“My ultimate goal is to run my own successful personal training and nutrition business, which combines nutrition and exercise and specialising in lower back pain.”
Business Website: itsleahalicia
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At the age of 20, I was diagnosed with Lipoedema, a condition which causes you to have abnormal fat cells that can’t be lost through diet or exercise. Being plagued with insecurities since I was young, I decided to use this obstacle to my advantage. I started to learn about fitness, nutrition, and how this could help my condition. I got into this industry to help other people who once thought it was impossible ever to change and show them it is possible. I continually further my education to ensure I can be trusted, relied upon, and give my clients the best possible experience.
Being yourself is probably the best advice that I can give because your personality and how you are with your clients is arguably the most important thing.
Also, do not be afraid to ask for help. Some of the best advice I have received is from other personal trainers. It's not weak to ask for help; we all have different skill sets.
Leah Paton
I never actually thought I’d be in the health and fitness industry; in fact, if you’d told me at eighteen I’d be a personal trainer, I would have laughed at you.
I’ve struggled with my weight since I was young. I was plagued with insecurities after being called fat, tree trunk thighs, chubby, and the lot. I think I actually went on my first diet at age 12, which is really sad when you think about it. Once my lipoedema condition had been diagnosed, I was sick of being a victim. I was sick of all the fad diets and the yo-yo results, I wanted this to be a lifestyle change. I started to work towards my level 3 PT. I also started my level 4 nutrition diploma and learned how food can heal the body and exercise can make us stronger. How it can make our hearts stronger, our muscles stronger, and our joints stronger. Instead of exercising to be skinny, I now exercise to be strong and healthy. That’s why I got into fitness, to help other people who believe there is no other way.
I started training with Future Fit as my personal trainer did their studying with Future Fit. I have been impressed by how rigorous and thorough the information was in each course and how much detail there is. I have completed my level 2 and level 3 PT and am also working towards my level 4 PT and my level 4 nutrition diploma. I enjoy learning about new conditions and ways to help people.
I am most proud of not only the physical transformation I have undertaken but also the mental aspect too. I am not the same girl I was all those years ago. I now feel fitter, stronger, and, most importantly, more confident. I no longer shy away from mirrors like I used to, and I love seeing my body develop and strengthen.
Of course, every day is a journey, and a fitness journey is not only physical but mental too, and I continue to learn so I can be the best-educated and help others too. I’m also proud about telling my lipoedema story on the radio and in The Sun newspaper.
My favourite thing to cook is pasta. I love cooking a variety of pasta dishes!
My advice would be to just be you. I was plagued with imposter syndrome, never thinking I was meant to be a personal trainer and no one would take me seriously, but I couldn’t be more wrong. If you are authentically you, people will see that and want to listen to you. Being yourself is probably the best advice that I can give because your personality and how you are with your clients is arguably the most important thing.
Also, do not be afraid to ask for help. Some of the best advice I have received is from other personal trainers. It’s not weak to ask for help; we all have different skill sets. Listening to podcasts is also a great way to gain knowledge!
Lastly, continually work on your anatomy knowledge. This is something I still work on to this day! Understanding your anatomy, which muscles move which body part, will help you understand movement and optimal loading patterns. It’s a lot to learn, but it will really help consolidate your knowledge.
I’m proud to be a part of Future Fit because their courses are extremely thorough, and full of information, and I really feel I’m getting the best education. There are a variety of courses and so many chances for me to consolidate my learning further.
I’d go to Australia. I’ve always wanted to go there, it seems so beautiful and the lifestyle seems amazing too.
This is where it all begins. Build a foundation for your fitness career with our Level 2 Gym Instructor Course, and start earning in just 2-3 Months.
Ideal for people who want to build a knowledge base on Nutrition either for personal use or to be able to advise and help their own clients.
Learn the skills and knowledge that will enable you to safely and effectively train clients both during and after pregnancy.
Study best practices for working with clients with a variety of medical conditions, aiding them on their journey to recovery and enjoying an incredibly rewarding element of your skill set.
Help with the recovery of clients with our CPD Accreditation. This blended learning course is endorsed by CIMSPA.
The name says it all. Complete this course to become the best of the best, a highly qualified Personal Trainer with specialist knowledge and the most sought-after skills.
Learn how to apply the principles of nutrition across the life cycle and to a range of clients with different goals. Become a Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) member.
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