F I T N E S S a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e
Meet the Personal Trainer Want to hit your fitness goals? These guys can help you make it happen... with mild to moderate mental health issues as well as chronic pain and fatigue.
EMMA CRESSWELL
Verity Eaton
What sets you apart? I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years, am educated to degree level and competed at national level in two sports. I have helped thousands in their journeys. I’ve helped people lose weight and maintain it, trained people to reach elite level at their sport, and helped people with injuries where their training has allowed them to return to health and live a better quality of life.
What sets you apart? I prefer a person-centred and holistic approach to personal training. My passion lies in helping individuals to stay happy and healthy, both mentally and physically. I can be flexible in my approach and I understand that maintaining a healthy lifestyle with many other demands can be challenging. I strive to help clients find sustainable strategies that fit into their lives and suit them as an individual.
Emma Cresswell Personal Training; 07966 075536 www.perfectbalancept.co.uk
What area of fitness/training do you specialise in? I have a passion for strength and conditioning. This passion carries over into my work, mainly because it gets great results! What would you say to anyone who might feel too intimidated to hire a PT? Don’t worry! The majority of people feel this before starting. A good personal trainer will be able to adapt the workout so it’s bespoke to the client, and the right workout will challenge the client at their level of fitness. Top training/fitness tip? Whatever your goal, focus on getting better at the workout you do. Monitor your progress – seeing yourself getting better will do wonders for maintaining your motivation!
Synergi Personal Training 07525773340 www.personaltrainer-cardiff.com www.synergiweightliftingclub.com
Do you specialise in a particular area of fitness or training? Training, like all aspects of life, is about balance. I combine mobility work and technical drills to ensure a client’s safety before engaging in any new or strenuous exercises. Depending on the client’s goal, a session can involve anything from basic bodyweight movements to well-executed barbell compound movements. I have a keen interest in back pain management through exercise rehabilitation, as well as the use of exercise to manage mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. I believe my previous role as a Health Coach has given me valuable experience working with those
54 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
What would you say to anyone considering hiring a PT, but who might feel intimidated? I completely empathise with some clients’ hesitation to want to set foot in a gym when engaging in activities they may have never ever done before – but I am yet to know a single client who has regretted the decision to do so. As your trainer and coach, it is my job to guide you through every step of your fitness journey, ensuring you achieve your potential and dispel any misconceptions you may have of the industry. Top training/fitness tip? Really take time to think about the ‘Ws’: Why are you making this change, why is it important to you? What will exercising more and eating healthily give to you; how will it make a positive difference to your life? Who is going to help you stay focused and offer support when making such changes? When is the best time for you to start making change, when can you realistically fit it into your schedule? Finally, Willingness… What are you willing to do/not to do? Are you willing to experience thoughts and feelings that might hold you back from making change, and take positive action anyway? You are bound to experience feelings like nervousness, apprehension, tiredness, feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious. You may have thoughts such as “I’m too tired”; “It’s too hard”; “I haven’t got time”; or “I look like an idiot”. It’s about not letting such thoughts and feelings boss you around – show up, work hard and have fun.
Justyna Wyszynska
Cardiff Pilates Studio 07707 750 740 www.cardiffpilatesstudio.co.uk What sets you apart? As a Pilates teacher, I don’t think in terms of training my clients, but rather helping them to learn how to move (and breathe!) safely and efficiently. We focus on postural and general strengthening work, as well as addressing specific issues with minimum impact on joints. Undertaking a new physical activity might often feel intimidating and overwhelming, especially after injury or a long break – that’s exactly how I felt when I first started Pilates. I thought I would just give it a go and haven’t stopped since! Top training/fitness tip? If I could offer one tip for those considering starting any form of physical activity, I would suggest trying different things, to find something that is right for you.