What is your background with exercise and fitness training?
About four 4 years ago I fell in love with Zumba fitness. I have so much fun it doesn’t even feel like I’m working out. I loved it so much that I became a qualified Zumba and Zumba Kids instructor. Before Zumba the only fitness training I had done was many years ago in the form of aerobic dance classes.
Why did you choose the course you did?
The Exercise To Music course would give me the right nationally recognised qualification to enable me to develop as a Zumba Instructor and to give me an insight into other areas of fitness nstructing.
Why did you choose HFE to deliver your training?
I was recommended to do my ETM training by a friend that had recently taken a course with HFE. On contacting HFE the careers advisor was very friendly and answered all of my questions well. I was even advised that potentially some funding for the course maybe available to me.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
What I enjoyed the most was the amount I learnt. I now know a lot more about the anatomy and physiology of the body, which helps enormously when planning and delivering safe and effective fitness classes.
What did you find most challenging about your course?
To be honest, I found the first practical weekend tough. There was so much information to take in and put into practice that at the end of the first two days my head was spinning. However I persevered and I am so glad that I did. Our tutor Karen was excellent and very supportive, she kept me motivated.
How would you rate the quality of teaching provided by your course tutors?
The quality of teaching on the course was fantastic. Very friendly and motivational.
To what extent did you feel supported during the home-study phase of your course?
With having two young children, home study worked perfectly for me. I was able to study at my own pace and in my own time. Whether it was by phone or email, everyone I contacted was quick to answer any questions/queries I had. Great service!
How would you rate the teaching and learning materials provided to you?
The teaching materials provided to me were good. Being honest I found the Fitmix CD not great to use. However, HFE’s e-learning is excellent. I found being able to download the books as audio files particularly useful as I could listen to them on the go.
What is your current role?
At the moment I am supporting and covering Zumba classes.
What are your future training and career plans?
I hope to be launching Zumba Kids and Juniors in schools in my local area very soon. The ETM course has also sparked an interest in aerobics and strength training so I’m hoping to take this further.