‘Heart and soul’ approach has firm in rude health

Fitness training – personal training and group training sessions. I mainly do what is called ‘functional training’. This means the workouts are designed with the idea that you should be training movements that mimic the ones you use in life and in sport.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up doing what you are doing now?

When I left school my first job was working as a trainee gym instructor in a bodybuilding gym in London called Wag Bennetts. I really loved the work and thought it was something I would like to do at some stage in my life. I’ve had many different jobs over the years but not one that I could say I really loved, so I decided that as I was going to have to start from scratch again I would put my heart and soul into a career that I loved rather than just doing a job I had to do just to pay the bills.

Did you always want to run your own enterprise?

I can’t say it was something I thought about doing when I was younger but with very few job opportunities around I decided to give it a go.

What skills/qualifications do you require for the role?

Level 2 Gym Instructor, Level 3 Personal Trainer, Kettlebells Instructor and Suspension Training Instructor.

Has your business been affected by the current recession?

The leisure/fitness industry has not really been affected as people still want to keep fit. All my classes are £3.00 and that is competitively priced compared to others. People keep telling me to increase my prices but I want to keep them low and affordable for everyone.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when setting up and what support did you get?

Without the help and support from Alan (Hamilton) at Carrickfergus Enterprise I don’t know where I would be, he helped me create my business plan and also with setting up my business.

What three tips could you offer those considering starting their own business?

1. Don’t quit. 2. Be stubborn, if someone says no find someone who will say yes. 3. Don’t try and do everything yourself, seek help.

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

Just to build on what I have already been doing and try to get more clients through the door.

What do you get up to in your free time?

Spending time with my family and also keeping up my own personal training programme.

If you could swap places with anyone who would it be and why?

Don’t want to sound big-headed but I can’t think of anyone, I like being me.

Series in association with Carrickfergus Enterprise (tele: 02893 369528).