Introducing Mollie... I met Mollie through Twitter and on a recent trip to London I met up with her for a coffee (skinny chai tea latte to be exact!) and a chat (loved her American accent!).. she quizzed me [see my interview with Mollie here] and I quizzed her.. and here is her fabulous interview!
Nic: So what inspired you to be a personal trainer?
Mollie: I started off as a Spinning Instructor because I loved indoor cycling and the music selection. Many of my clients were asking me fitness questions and I didn't feel qualified to answer. The opportunity to become AFAA personal trainer certified arose and I signed up immediately. Now I feel confident helping people achieve their fitness goals.
Nic: How did you get qualified as a personal trainer?
Mollie: There was a 3 day course offered on the campus I was working at through the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America. (www.afaa.com). I had to prepare by reading a textbook and learning anatomy and physiology beforehand though. Here in the UK, I am a qualified fitness instructor through Registry of Exercise Professionals (REPs).
Nic: What motivates you to be active?
Mollie: Exercising helps me relieve a lot of anxiety and stress. If I don't get enough workouts in, I can feel overwhelmed. I also feel some pressure from the media on what I should look like (who doesn't?) but I am coming to the realisation that I can't change my apple-shaped body type and I love chocolate too much (as you know) to be smaller than a UK size 10.
[I love my chocolate too - and agree that exercise gives such 'me' time.. it allows you to really think about the day you've had and to plan for the future!]
Nic: How do you maintain a client's enthusiasm to exercise?
Mollie: This is a tricky one! First during an initial consultation, I discuss what activities the client enjoys, which they would like to try, and which to avoid. I then personalise a fitness programme around that information. Setting small SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound) goals also keeps clients on track and helps to monitor their accomplishments. If a person sees achievement, it is very motivating!
[I totally agree - I blogged all about different ways to self-monitor here]
Nic: If you could give 3 top tips to help people to exercise more efficiently/be more active what would they be?
Mollie:
1. Create time to exercise by turning off the television! [LOVE this!!]
2. Remember that the goal is to keep the heart rate up for a cumulative 30 min/day 5 days/week. Take advantage of a little sunshine and simply go for a walk. Exercising doesn't have to be complicated. [Well said!]
3. Enrolling in a group exercise class schedules the workout in for you. There isn't any way to put it off until later. You have to go. Make sure it is something you enjoy!
Nic: What are your top pre-exercise snacks to fuel a workout?
Mollie: I try not to eat a big meal 2 hours before a football game or big workout. My body can't handle it but everybody is different. I keep an apple, high fibre granola bar, and almonds on hand for when I need a little fuel before a workout session. I avoid dairy just before a session too - my stomach just cant handle dairy and lots of bouncing. Each person needs to figure out what works for them for pre- and post-workout.
[I agree that everyone needs to work out which foods work for them.. I like to advocate a small snack such as a cereal bar about an hour before a work-out so you have the energy to perform well. Keeping hydrated is also a must and some people find a low-calorie Isotonic Sports Drink useful for this]
Thank you Mollie! It was lovely to meet you!!
Mollie also gave me a piece of her delicious chocolate-chip banana bread that she had hand-baked.. you can check out her recipe for this [here]. It kept me fuelled on the journey back to Leeds! Thanks Mollie!!
I will be posting more about pre & post work-out snacks later.. this is just a taster - I hope you enjoyed!
Nic x
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| Mollie & Me! |
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