14-15:Inside Pages 11/12/08 15:44 Page 1
A day in the life of a
fitness advisor
Meet Ahmed, a fitness advisor
at the Stokewood Leisure
Centre. Ahmed has been a
health and fitness professional
for over seven years. He has
spent a year in the Egyptian
Army, has a degree in physical
education and further
qualifications on how to train
and advise on nutrition.
January is one of the busiest times of the year with many
people wanting to undo the perils of their festive feasting.
And this year Ahmed expects to be busier than usual.
Stokewood’s gym is re-opening after its £300,000 expansion
and facelift, making it a good choice for those of you who
want to get active.
Whilst the Stokewood Leisure Centre gym has been
undergoing refurbishment, Ahmed has been working in the
Littledown Centre gym where his typical day starts at around
6.30am. During the day Ahmed will be responsible for:
• Welcoming new customers and introducing them to the
gym and equipment on offer
• Carrying out health questionnaires and helping people to
set fitness goals and exercise plans
• Catching up with people on their fitness progress, offering
guidance, encouragement and advice
• Researching industry trends so that he can offer the latest
exercises and fitness routines
• Making sure the gym is clean and in working order.
One of Ahmed’s goals is to remove the perception that gyms
are just for the super fit. He works with many people who
have mobility and health problems, helping them to
rehabilitate, get fitter and lead a more active lifestyle.
Ahmed says: “I know it can be daunting to take that first
step into a gym – especially if you aren’t feeling at your
fittest or most confident. But it’s my job to make your first
steps as smooth as possible. Most gym users have at some
point felt the same, but you soon settle into a routine and
realise that no one is watching you – they are all too busy
getting on with their own programmes!”
As well as using a gym, Ahmed also reminds people to vary
their activities to help keep them interested and motivated.
“Attending group fitness classes, getting outside in the fresh
air for a walk or bike ride, dancing, swimming or simply
putting more energy into everyday activities can all help to
increase mobility, motivation and energy levels – and they
can be great fun too.”
14
FITNESS
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