FITNESS TRAINER
We speak to the manager of the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre at the McLaren Technology Centre to find out what his job entails.
First steps
"At 18, I took an intensive Level 2 course in fitness training and started work at a health club. During the next few years I took on more senior positions at a variety of health clubs until, by my early 20s, I was a fitness manager with overall responsibility for the fitness and leisure facility. I studied constantly, with intensive courses in areas such as resistance training, cardiovascular training, nutrition and weight management. By then, I was ready for a Level 3 course in advanced instruction, after which I decided to set up my own business as a personal trainer. This meant I could focus on specialised requirements of each individual. This was a turning point for me. I worked hard on my education with more and more advanced-level courses in areas such as core conditioning and postural rehabilitation."
What is your role?
"I started in May 2006, working with members of the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre - a facility that provides the latest Technogym equipment. As time went by, I got involved with the race and test team, designing programmes that would make them fitter, and strengthen their backs and core muscles. From a small group, it rolled out to all of the race and test team as they recognised the fitness benefits. You never stop learning here, and I've started on more driver-specific programmes. I've also completed studies in stress management, sports massage therapy and visualisation techniques."
What qualities do you need for the role?
"You've got to be very enthusiastic, a motivator, and have a positive vibe. Without that, you won't last long in this business. You must be prepared to put in the effort to keep up-to-date with new research - so that means plenty of study. The most common way is still to complete an intensive Level 2 course as a fitness trainer and start work at a health club. From there, you need to focus on taking courses so that you develop your experience and knowledge in whatever speciality you choose to follow."
We speak to the manager of the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre at the McLaren Technology Centre to find out what his job entails.
First steps
"At 18, I took an intensive Level 2 course in fitness training and started work at a health club. During the next few years I took on more senior positions at a variety of health clubs until, by my early 20s, I was a fitness manager with overall responsibility for the fitness and leisure facility. I studied constantly, with intensive courses in areas such as resistance training, cardiovascular training, nutrition and weight management. By then, I was ready for a Level 3 course in advanced instruction, after which I decided to set up my own business as a personal trainer. This meant I could focus on specialised requirements of each individual. This was a turning point for me. I worked hard on my education with more and more advanced-level courses in areas such as core conditioning and postural rehabilitation."
What is your role?
"I started in May 2006, working with members of the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre - a facility that provides the latest Technogym equipment. As time went by, I got involved with the race and test team, designing programmes that would make them fitter, and strengthen their backs and core muscles. From a small group, it rolled out to all of the race and test team as they recognised the fitness benefits. You never stop learning here, and I've started on more driver-specific programmes. I've also completed studies in stress management, sports massage therapy and visualisation techniques."
What qualities do you need for the role?
"You've got to be very enthusiastic, a motivator, and have a positive vibe. Without that, you won't last long in this business. You must be prepared to put in the effort to keep up-to-date with new research - so that means plenty of study. The most common way is still to complete an intensive Level 2 course as a fitness trainer and start work at a health club. From there, you need to focus on taking courses so that you develop your experience and knowledge in whatever speciality you choose to follow."
