Meet our Personal Trainers at the Vale Health & Racquets Club, Stuart and Rhys.
Meet our Personal Trainers Stuart and Rhys to find out their top fitness tips, how they stay focused and more about their day to day routine.
Stuart
What inspired you to become a Personal Trainer?
I hated by office job and wanted to do something which would allow me to be more active, get out from behind a desk, and work with people. I’ve always enjoyed sport, and over the years have fallen for pretty much every fad training and dieting routine going, and was always surprised by the latest get fit quick scheme colleagues would come into the office with. Having done some coaching while rowing at University, I thought there was a great opportunity to re-train and help people, like my colleagues, who were forever trapped in an endless dieting cycle and never saw any results from their training.
How do you stay focused on your healthy eating goals?
I’m a real foodie, so being able to enjoy meals out, even if I’m trying to lose weight is super important. I plan and prep most of my weekly meals ahead of time, and I track all of this using an app called My Fitness Pal which lets me see exactly how many calories are in every meal across the week. This way I know exactly what I’ve eaten, and can then plan for more fun meals and treats throughout the week!
What three key pieces of advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their nutrition?
- Keep it simple; nutrition needn’t be complicated, choose good quality real food, eat plenty of vegetables and enjoy the odd burger to stay sane
- Drink more water; most people are de-hydrated to some level. Staying hydrated will not only improve your performance, but will also keep you feeling full, which is handy when you’re trying to lose weight
- Don’t always believe the ads; supplements should be used to supplement a healthy diet, not replace it.
Quick fire questions
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Empathetic, enthusiastic and fun.
Most interesting place you’ve worked out?
Psycle in London is probably the best training class I’ve ever been to - it’s like spin, only x 100 with an amazing atmosphere; the lights are turned down, the music is turned up and the instructors are something else. I’d love to check out The Rock’s home gym however!
Favourite place to eat out?
Right now, you can’t beat Bar 44 in Cardiff.
Your perfect weekend consists of….?
It would probably revolve around food; so kick the day off with a really good post-workout brunch, maybe from Early Bird in Cathays or Coffee Barker in the City Centre. If the weather is good head out to the coast or Brecon to get some steps and fresh air in, especially if I’ve been in the gym all week. Evening would be a nice meal with friends followed by a film or show if there’s something good on in the Millennium Centre or St David’s Hall.
Favourite motivational quote?
Hard works beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.
Rhys
What inspired you to become a Personal Trainer?
My passion for health and fitness
How do you stay focused on your healthy eating goals?
What’s the point in working hard in the gym if I’m not going to back it up with good nutrition? I always remember my outcome goals and why I’m doing what I’m doing.
What is the hardest part of your job?
Trying to be as energetic as Steve Foster
What three key pieces of advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their nutrition?
- Start a food diary/use an app like MyFitnessPal
- This will allow you to see what you’re putting into your body and where you’re (potentially) going wrong
- Make sensible substitutions - sub fast/processed foods with healthier alternatives- Don’t be super strict (especially when starting out) - balance is key
Quick fire questions
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Honest, approachable, passionate
Most interesting place you’ve worked out?
Hot Water Beach, Coromandel, New Zealand
Favourite type of exercise?
Power/plyometric training
Go to healthy snack?
Yoghurt, banana, peanut butter, oats
Favourite place to eat out?
My nan’s on a Sunday afternoon
Favourite motivational quote?
“We don’t beat the reaper by living longer. We beat the reaper by living well, and living fully”
To book a personal training session with Stuart or Rhys call 01443 627777
