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UK FITNESS SCENE
Balanced Body® open UK showroom for Pilates equipment and instructor training BALANCED Body®, global leaders in Pilates equipment and education, continues to expand its UK operation with the launch of a west London Authorised Training Centre from which to showcase its equipment and professional education offerings. The Balanced Body Authorised Training Centre has been established in Putney as a shared space with Balanced Body Authorised Training Centre myPilates London, founded by Pete Pallai, a two-time Olympian and Balanced Body Educator. Ken Endelman, founder
and CEO of Balanced Body, said: “The UK is an exciting, high growth market that really recognises the business potential of Pilates. “We have had an absolute boom in demand for Pilates equipment and instructor training. By opening the Authorised Training Centre in London, we are able to optimise engagement and establish closer connections with our UK business and consumer audiences.” As well as being the location for Balanced Body Education® in the UK, the new Training Centre
showcases some of its leading Pilates equipment including seven of Balanced Body’s bestselling Allegro® 2 Reformers, a Studio Reformer® with Tower, a Reformer Trapeze Combination, a Combo Chair, a Ladder Barrel, a Pilates Arc®, an Exo Chair split pedal, an Ultra-Fit Circle® and much more. This opening comes a year on from Balanced Body bolstering its UK presence with a direct equipment supply and distribution network, storage facility and education provision that serves the UK audience directly.
Joy Puleo, director of education at Balanced Body, added: “Our new training centre will host our Comprehensive Pilates Training and our new Group Reformer for Fitness Professionals, a course recently launched and endorsed by Active IQ®. “This new education programme is designed to upskill commercial fitness club instructors, providing them with the Pilates training, tools and class development resources to be immediately successful in delivering innovative, effective Group Reformer classes.”
Katie Bulmer-Cooke the profession. Equally crucial is establishing boundaries to prevent burnout. Despite our passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals, personal trainers are not immune to the physical and emotional toll of constant exertion. To safeguard against burnout, I’ve learned (the hard way) to prioritise self-care by scheduling regular days off, establishing “office hours” to limit client communication outside of designated times, and carving out personal time away from my phone.
By sticking to these boundaries, I’ve found that I’m better equipped to deliver high-quality service to my clients while maintaining my own well-being. Another key aspect of longevity in the personal training industry is great, open communication and asking for feedback from clients. Understanding their needs, preferences, and goals allows me to tailor my approach to better meet their expectations. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions not only demonstrate my commitment to their success but also provide valuable insights for refining my how I run my business.. Diversifying my offerings within my area of expertise has been instrumental in sustaining my career over the years too. Recognising that different clients have varying preferences and requirements, I’ve expanded beyond traditional one-on-one training to include options such as small group sessions, large group classes, and online coaching programmes. This versatility not only broadens my client base but also ensures that I can accommodate individuals with a range of schedules, budgets, and goals.
Finally, I’ve embraced the concept of outsourcing tasks that can be delegated to others, allowing me to focus on what I do best—training clients and delivering results. Hiring a virtual assistant to manage things like admin-type tasks and social media content has been a game-changer for me. Not only does this free up valuable time, but it also enables me to scale my business and provide a higher level of service to my clients. Achieving longevity in the personal training industry requires a very broad approach that prioritises self-care, ongoing education, client satisfaction, diversification, and delegation in the right areas. By embracing these principles, I’ve not only sustained my passion for fitness over the past two decades but have also positioned myself for continued success in the years to come. As I look ahead to the future, I’m excited to continue evolving as a personal trainer, making a positive impact on the lives of my clients, and contributing to the health and well-being of our communities. n Katie Bulmer-Cooke is an awardwinning fitness trainer, speaker and consultant.
A strategic approach is the key to longevity By Katie Bulmer-Cooke
AS A seasoned professional in the health and fitness industry, with 21 years of experience under my belt and 16 years dedicated specifically to personal training, I’ve learned that longevity in this field requires more than just passion for fitness— it demands a strategic approach to self-care, continuous learning, and client satisfaction. Reflecting on my time so far in the industry, I’ve identified several key things that have enabled me to not only sustain but thrive in the wonderful world we call the personal training industry. First and foremost, the commitment to lifelong learning has been instrumental in my longevity as a personal trainer. Our industry moves at a crazyfast-pace, and staying up to date with the latest research, trends, and techniques is super important. Whether it’s attending workshops, pursuing more qualifications, or dedicating time to education ensures that my knowledge remains current and my skills refined. Not only does this benefit my clients by providing them with the best possible service, but it also revitalises my own enthusiasm for