What is your background with exercise and fitness training?
I have always trained in a variety of sports. I began karate over 40 years ago and have regularly helped my instructors but have never gained a recognised qualification in the teaching of fitness. I thought this was a poor point on my part and stated to look around to gain the required proof of competence.
Why did you choose the course you did?
I completed my Level 2 course with HFE and really enjoyed the whole experience, the support from my tutors was excellent and it was after completing Level 2 I discussed where I felt I wanted my knowledge to go and they guided me to this course as the next step of my journey.
Why did you choose HFE to deliver your training?
I chose HFE because a colleague originally recommended them to me – the advice given to me was spot on! I was told they were the trainers for me and it proved to be correct, so when the progression came it was a natural thing to stay with HFE to complete Level 3 and I already have plans to do exercise referral with them.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
The practical sessions in the gym, while I knew I was being assessed, it was done in a non-intrusive manner which helped my client bond with me (and not an assessor) and so I felt I was delivering a real fitness session where I could motivate my client and push him beyond that which he thought he could achieve.
What did you find most challenging about your course?
I was trying to complete it to take advantage of the funding and I mistakenly thought that I would have to complete it in a short time span. This put me under pressure I felt, I do have to say that it was my misinterpretation, which did this and not any action by HFE.
How would you rate the quality of teaching provided by your course tutors?
I felt that the quality of the teaching was absolutely superb, as it was on Level 2. The calm, structured and knowledgeable tutors were able to stretch your thinking and yet still give a feeling of being supportive. Very good learning environment created by them.
To what extent did you feel supported during the home-study phase of your course?
I felt fully supported during my home study. I am not just referring to my requests to reset mock exams or online knowledge quizzes, I refer to structured ideas to help revise or discuss parts of the syllabus.
How would you rate the teaching and learning materials provided to you?
I thought they were very good, I really recommend the webinars although I used the manuals as well as the online material, I found that I could take the manuals with me and read on my lunch break, I used the audio material whenever I was driving any distance and I went online when I was back at home.
What is your current role?
I currently own a fire protection company, which is being sold; I plan to move into the fitness field when the sale has gone through
What are your future training and career plans?
When my company is sold, I want to spend the remainder of my working life helping people of a similar age to myself to get fit and stay fit. I believe there are a number of people in my age bracket who would feel intimidated by training with younger toned instructors and they may feel more at ease training with someone of their own age. I have already spoken to Gary and plan to enrol on Exercise Referral in October, again with HFE!