About your role at Westbank Community Health and Care

Here at Westbank I am employed as an Exercise Referral specialist Instructor and Fitness Instructor. I am part-time and work 3 days a week teaching and training people on fitness classes in the evenings and early mornings. I also train exercise referral clients, write fitness programs and carry out a variety of tasks during the day.

Experience 

Well, I have been lucky enough to have completed a full career with the Armed forces for 37 years reaching the level of Warrant Officer Class 1 first serving with the Royal Engineers and then the elite Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC). I have had many career stand out moments including awards for outstanding contributions and awards for Army Sport and enhancing the prestige of the RAPTC. Gaining a variety of military qualifications including Commando and Parachute qualifications and campaign medals for operations abroad. Finally being part of the team in some major management projects to enhance fitness facilities in the military. 

Qualifications

Sport and Exercise Science Degree (BSc Hons) First Class

Post Graduate Certificate in Further Education

ILM Level 7 Management

Advanced Personal Trainer

Level 4 Low Back Pain Exercise Specialist

Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes Management

Level 4 RSPH Nutrition Specialist

Level 3 Exercise Referral Instructor

Indoor Cycling Instructor, TRX Instructor, Kettlebell instructor, Suppleness and Strength Instructor, Core Training Instructor, Strength and Conditioning, Martial arts and boxing coach

Values

One of my main mantras is “Healthy body, healthy mind” and believe that health and fitness are both essential and fun parts of everyday life. I think fitness should be accessible to everybody and that we should remove any barriers that prevent the everyday person from exercising. As people get older we are not always training to get fit for competition or looking good on the beach but we are training ourselves and other people to maintain and improve their health. This is an important message I believe that we need to get across to the community! If I was asked what my main values are I would say professionalism, empathy, integrity and a commitment to getting people to succeed.

Personal Interests

Outside of Westbank I enjoy spending time with my partner Dee and our dog Bluey. I run weekly Bootcamp classes in the local area and I am also a Tutor and assessor for Future Fit Training travelling Nationwide to deliver courses. I am also a Northern Soul DJ, dancer and record collector. As you would expect I am also a passionate fitness enthusiast in running, cycling, calisthenics and CrossFit. Retired Taekwondo champion but still take an active interest in passive roles.

The best thing about my role at Westbank is the opportunity to use my qualifications and help people of all levels improve their physical and mental health. Also, the huge variety of people that come into the gym need our help. Especially the exercise referral clients who turn up with a variety of medical conditions. I love to see them progress and improve their health, medical conditions and their quality of life. It is so rewarding and satisfying.