MEET THE TEAM

What has been your biggest challenge and success to date since you took over as manager?

My biggest challenge is restoring the damaged part of the building and making it fully operational. My greatest success is creating an inclusive community centre that welcomes and supports people of all ages and abilities.

If you weren’t a qualified gym instructor what would you be doing?

I became a gym instructor to inspire and empower people to live a fuller fitter life, helping them achieve their goals and build confidence through fitness.

Do you have a gym pet peeve?

Where do I start…

A random fact about me:

15 years ago I was afraid of flying but now I’m pursuing my pilot licence proving that fears can be conquered.

What inspired you to become a gym instructor?

I decided to become a fitness trainer while recovering from knee surgeries – I found body mechanics and human anatomy interesting and wanted to learn more.

If you weren’t a qualified gym instructor what would you be doing?

I’d like to be a pilot because I love flying around the place.

Do you have a gym pet peeve?

When someone leaves a pool of sweat on the bench and leaves it there. Bum sweat EWWWWW!!

A random fact about me:

I won the All Ireland playing the flute and won the Desmond League on the same day. Win win!

What inspired you to become a gym instructor?

My interest in sport was the main reason for selecting my Bachelor’s degree course. During my studies, gym instruction was one of our modules and I carried on from there. What provided me inspiration along this journey was my battles with injuries, among other challenges. I realised how important fitness was not only for my physical health, but my mental health also.

If you weren’t a gym instructor, what would you be doing?

Well, I’m a qualified Psychoanalyst, so you could argue I really should be doing that right now. My coaching style is a wellness-based approach. I’ve a keen interest in all areas of well-being, so perhaps a hybrid system of helping people’s physical health and their mental health is something I’d like to pursue.

Do you have a gym pet peeve?

Not really. I just do not like training in a busy gym. In fact, I usually won’t. Quietness and space is a key ingredient for me.

A random fact about me:

I don’t have as many hair products as people think!

What inspired you to become a gym instructor?

I decided to become one during lockdown. I was going through a tough time with anxiety and just feeling lost, so I was meditating daily. I qualified when I was 35. It was scary because you don’t see many gym instructors living in larger bodies. But I consider it my USP (unique selling point). I wanted to show people, especially women, that the gym is a place for everyone, and it’s absolutely ok to take up space.

If you weren’t a gym instructor, what would you be doing?

I genuinely have no idea! This is the only job I’ve had where I’ve felt “yes, this is what I’m meant to do”. Although I wouldn’t say no to a job with cats, I love them!

Do you have a gym pet peeve?

Oh lads I’ve a few! People not putting their weights back is a big one. If you’re strong enough to load it, you’re strong enough to unload it. And people who wear jeans in the gym. Why like??

A random fact about me:

I’ve a phobia of bats and I hate onions

What inspired you to become a gym instructor?

I always loved helping people. I was previously a swim instructor for a few years and felt that becoming a personal trainer was the next step forward.

If you weren’t a gym instructor, what would you be doing?

I would have always loved to work with animals and become a dog groomer or vetinary nurse.

Do you have a gym pet peeve?

People who don’t put their weights back after themselves.

A random fact about me:

I play and write my own music on the piano.

What inspired you to become a gym instructor?

I wanted a job that was active and involved working with people.

If you weren’t a gym instructor, what would you be doing?

Working with computers.

Do you have a gym pet peeve?

When people don’t return their equipment after use.

What inspired you to become a gym instructor?

To use my passion for exercise and wellbeing to help others feel better and be active!

If you weren’t a gym instructor, what would you be doing?

I’d work at Spotify making playlists.

Do you have a gym pet peeve?

Muddy shoes and not putting back weights

A random fact about me:

I don’t drink tea or coffee