Katrena Tenno is a 31-year-old fitness club trainer whose days revolve around workouts, clients and one simple truth: being active is a way of life, not a hobby. She is 166 cm tall, weighs 54 kg and has a background in athletics and physical education studies. In this interview, she talks about how she became a trainer, what gets her out of bed in the morning and the advice she gives anyone looking to get in better shape.
Katrena Tenno’s path to becoming a trainer
Becoming a trainer came naturally to Katrena. Sport had been close to her heart since childhood, and as her school years drew to a close, studying physical education seemed the only logical choice. Three years of undergraduate study, two years of master’s studies — and before long, she found herself working at a fitness club.
She has tried a long list of sports over the years. Gymnastics in grades 1–2, karate in grade 3, basketball from grade 4, and then, in grade 7, she found her favorite: athletics. She continued with it until the end of upper secondary school, before moving on to the gym and group exercise classes.
Asked about her greatest achievement, Katrena laughs: “At 31, I’d like to think I’m still chasing it. Life needs to stay exciting — ask me again when I’m 100.” Honestly, that answer sums up her whole philosophy: for her, sport is about continually moving forward, rather than reaching a destination.
What motivates her and how she unwinds
Katrena has plenty of sources of motivation. The biggest? Her morning alarm, which won’t let her sleep any longer. Then there are people — determined, ambitious people with a clear goal in mind. “A goal combined with motivation brings the best results,” she says. What works for you is individual, but the combination is the same for everyone.
To unwind, she needs a break from her usual routine. Travel lets her truly switch off and give her body time for recovery. Closer to home, she opts for a trip to the cinema, a massage or catching up with friends. Simple things, but they work.
Everyday life: how Katrena Tenno trains and eats
As a trainer, Katrena burns several times as much energy as the average person — which also gives her more freedom with food. During the week, she tries to eat every 3–4 hours. There is always a snack in her bag: an apple, a banana or a kiwi. She doesn’t stick to a strict calorie target and doesn’t feel she needs to.
She considers every meal important, along with taking vitamins. She takes vitamin D and B vitamins daily — there are no other supplements in her cupboard. Choosing a favorite food is always difficult when you eat everything. “I just love eating, and all my friends know it,” she admits with a laugh.
Her training changes with the seasons. Autumn and winter mean more time indoors — at the gym, in group exercise classes and in the pool. In spring, she takes up running and cycling again. Summer brings a mix of everything, indoors and out. “Sport is as important to me as breathing, and I can’t imagine my life without it,” she says.
She finds role models across many sports, but doesn’t single out one name. She admires one person’s strength, another’s intelligent approach to training and a third’s personality. Her inspiration comes from different qualities in different people, rather than from any one individual.
Three tips for getting in better shape
Katrena’s advice is brief and practical — so brief that you can remember it after a single read.
- Train consistently. One solid workout a week won’t get you far; a regular routine matters more than occasional heroic efforts.
- Keep your diet balanced. Neither starving nor overeating — just eating sensibly and regularly.
- Rest and sleep. That’s when your body recovers, not at the gym.
The truth is simple: there are three things to get right, and you need all three. None works on its own.
Frequently asked questions about Katrena Tenno
Where can you follow Katrena Tenno?
On Instagram at @katrenat and on Facebook under her name: Katrena Tenno.
What is her educational background?
Three years of undergraduate study and two years of master’s studies in physical education — followed by a job at a fitness club straight away.
What supplements does Katrena take?
Vitamin D and B vitamins daily. She doesn’t use any other supplements — food does most of the work.
Author:Turg.Fitness.ee
Come work out! ArtGym
