This blog is going to be in 2 parts….. so here is part 1!

Back in 2013, I took the biggest plunge of my life and retrained via Instructability to be a gym instructor. Before this, I had worked in many industries including Energy, investment banking and Veterinary. Some I enjoyed and others I didn’t. When I left university I was led down the 9-5 office route due to my disability.

Even though I had ambition and went as far as I could in some, an office environment was not for me. Through redundancy in the big banking crash, I got a job at a local vets as a receptionist part time. With my disability I struggled with full time hours. I loved the job, but unfortunately for me, there was no progression to go higher up and this is one thing that drives me, to be the best I can be within a role. I fell back in love with exercise through discovering Zumba and leaving an abusive relationship.

I accidentally discovered Instructability, and applied to do the course which was funded by Sport England. So at the age of 33, I jumped into the unknown and retrained. During my training I was working and for 5 weeks I worked continuously without a day off. When you have a goal, you go out and achieve it.

my instructability group

I passed both courses, and from the 12 week work placement, I was offered a casual contract with my local council. 5 years on I’m thriving in the team I’m now working in. I’ve been given every chance to progress and encouraged too as well. I’ve now been given more responsibility which I’m loving.

As a FITPRO with a disability I have had a lot to prove especially with teaching fitness classes as a lot of FITPROs in my area still do not take me seriously or refuse to have me cover classes for them. One or 2 do, but there is a perception that I just teach low impact classes. If this is the case, then how come those under forty who have been to my regular Zumba class have found it too high impact?! Despite the local FITPRO clickiness, I have actually gone on and proved a lot of them wrong. I have and continue to work with Clubbercise to make them an inclusive brand and train up disabled instructors to teach it.

First training as a Clubbercise Master Trainer

I have become the UKs first ever disabled fitness presenter, presenting at major UK fitness events including IFS, MOVE IT/FIT, LIW, Elevate, and Project Mayhem weekenders. I have been nominated for the UK Active flame award twice….. yes twice for the work I do within the industry to make it fully inclusive, and yes I’m working on my own seated brand & in the process of becoming a qualified fitness tutor!

Presenting at the Project Mayhem Ribby Hall Weekender

Since last September, I have concentrated on projects / work locally and have been inundated with offers for work… it’s not all about being up on the stage trying to be the best you can be nationally – local results can be more beneficial and so much more rewarding, which I have found in the past 10 months!

My Amazing Open Door group – day centre for those with Learning Disabilities.

Life as a fitness presenter is not as glamorous as it is made out to be…… so want to find out more… part 2 is on its way!