Questions for a Manager who is on their way up in the leisure industry:
Manager of Fitness Training for Steiner
Q: What attracted you to the leisure industry?
A: I finished High School with two strengths. Computer Training and Physical Fitness and Development. I think what finally drew me to the leisure industry was one amazing staff member at my local gym who inspired me with his personality and knowledge.
Q: How did you get to this point in your career?
A: In one word, Passion. I took chances, and worked as hard as I could, not because I had to but because I wanted to. I studied a Certificate in Sport, Fitness and Leisure, and then a Diploma. I started working at my local fitness centre while I was studying and then went on to manage a small gym at my college, teaching classes and personal training around several centres, and doing volunteer work running a fitness centre for people with disabilities. I did my big OE and was luckily enough to start working onboard cruise ships in the gym in 2001. After my first contract I was asked if I would start a new role and train the other fitness staff in the program that I had developed onboard. I then went on to become a Spa Manager. After 4 years I came back to land and started managing gyms with the same skills that I had used onboard ships. And finally in 2006 I was offered the position I had worked towards for 6 years; Manager of the Training, Development and Education program for Steiner Fitness.
Q: What do you think are the advantages of working in the leisure industry?
A: The personalities that you meet in this industry are the best by far, being paid to be fit and healthy, and the rewards you get from seeing how you have helped change people lives and achieve something that makes them truly happy.
Q: And the disadvantages?
A: I'd say money. I don't think fitness professionals get paid anything close to what they are worth for all the knowledge they have.
Q: What's the most important skill to possess in your business?
A: The ability to transfer your knowledge to your clients.
Q: What ambitions do you have, both in your career and personally?
A: Personally, I want to finish my book on the effects of fitness on disease. In my career, that's more difficult because most of the roles I move into are created by me. So I know I want something, the problem is I don't know what it is....yet.
Q: What will your next career move be?
A: I can honestly say that I haven't had time to even think about what's next, and I love that because it means I'm 100% focussed in my job.
Q: What did you want to be when you were a child?
A: Cowboy
Q: What do you do in your leisure time?
A: Workout, read, and cook......my other passions.
Q: What advice do you have for people wanting to work in the leisure industry?
A: Learn from as many different "experts" as you can. Don't put all your eggs in one basket and become a clone. No one knows it all despite what they tell you.
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