I joined the team in 2008, after completing my degree in psychology and working for a couple of years as a Psychological Assistant for HM Prison Service.
My experience in that role taught me the importance of supporting young people in their formative years and educating them to avoid the risk of running into trouble later in life – so when I saw an opportunity advertised at HTP, I decided to apply.
I’ve always had a passion for learning (if I’m honest, I’m a bit of a geek at heart), and I’m fanatical about sport. I was lucky enough to represent my school at almost every sport, and also represented the Isle of Wight and Hampshire for football at a national level. My only regret is that I didn’t try harder at school.
The courses I teach are very practical – and it’s not just about physical fitness, we also focus on factors such as diet, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and skills and knowledge such as customer service, health & safety, safeguarding, communication and much, much more.
I’m constantly inspired by the young people I work with – seeing them succeed gives me such a buzz. Whether that’s getting their first certificate in their lives, losing a stone in weight, nailing that job interview, or simply just having the courage to turn up to education when they’ve struggled before.
But what I love most about the fitness sector is the work ethic. It teaches you that nothing can be achieved without hard work and dedication. If you have a healthy diet and lifestyle and train hard, you can achieve whatever you want. Fitness has the ability to help many health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease, and of course, mental health. What isn’t there to love?
I’ve had lots of advice over the years, but one that always sticks in my mind is from a former football manager “work harder than everyone else, and when everyone else stops, carry on working”. I like it because it works equally well in sport as it does in every other part of life. If you work harder and longer than your competition, you’ll be recognised for your hard work, and the success will come with it…