Erle Liivak: An Estonian trainer in Ireland

Erle Liivak is a trainer with Estonian roots who has built her career in gyms and dance studios in central Dublin. This article explores how she came to Ireland, the classes she teaches and what she really recommends to anyone starting to exercise for their health.

Erle Liivak and her journey to Ireland

Erle Liivak (33) is not a trainer who has settled into a single gym and a fixed class schedule. Now in her 8th year of working in Ireland, she teaches at five different venues in central Dublin: Trinity College Gym, Dance Ireland, Ringsend SportsCo, Ringsend Technical Institute and Liffey Trust Dance Studios.

Her classes are as varied as her working week. The schedule includes aerobics, dance, step, reggaeton, total body and Pilates. That means one day can be loud and full of rhythm, while another is much calmer, with more emphasis on body awareness.

She arrived in Ireland in 2003, straight after graduating in sports management and coaching from the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Physical Education. Her reasons were simple: to learn the language, experience another culture and find out what living abroad was really like.

At first, Erle visited Estonia once a year. These days, she makes it home 2-3 times a year. She has no plans to move back at the moment, but in her own words: “never say never”.

How Erle Liivak became a trainer

Erle caught the dance bug in high school while attending Eike Feigenbaum’s classes. She completed FAF’s aerobics instructor training in 2002. From there came the University of Tartu, work as a trainer and an ever-broader range of experience.

She has attended numerous fitness festivals, events and workshops. These include Florence Fitness Festival, Rimini Wellness and Euroconvention, which takes place across Europe. Events like these give trainers something they cannot get from a book alone: a feel for how people in different countries move, respond and learn.

Erle has also taken further training in various disciplines: aerobics, dance, step, reggaeton, spinning, reformer Pilates and Pilates. This broad foundation helps her adapt quickly in class. Some groups need more energy, others more explanation, and others simply a good beat.

Is being a trainer a job or a hobby? Erle’s answer is straightforward: a hobby. She says she is happy and grateful to do work she enjoys. The freedom and variety keep her days from becoming monotonous.

A good trainer does more than teach a good class

For Erle, a good trainer needs to be outgoing, a good communicator and motivating. That sounds simple, but it has very practical implications in group training. A trainer may deliver a technically excellent class, but if they do not connect with people, participants may not come back.

In truth, that is exactly the difference many people notice when they work out. You come to the gym tired after a day at work, not with your head full of training theory. You need clear guidance, a good atmosphere and a sense that you can do it.

Erle also takes opportunities to attend other trainers’ classes. Free time is scarce, but watching other instructors helps keep her own work fresh. A trainer who loses the desire to learn soon gets stuck in a rut.

She also has bigger ambitions for the future. Her main focus is developing Euroeducation – European Fitness School in Ireland, an initiative she has led since 2007. The school has been operating across Europe for over 10 years and was founded by one of her mentors, Guillermo Gonzalez Vega.

Erle has been invited to appear as a presenter at two major fitness conventions in Italy in February next year: Bergamo and Gil Lopes Animal Convention 2012. She sees preparing for them as a goal in its own right.

Erle Liivak: Food, rest and motivation

Erle says her motivation comes from somewhere deep within. She even connects it to her grandmother’s Seto blood. Her grandmother is said to have told her: “Seto or Võro blood does not buckle.” Words like these stay with you, especially when work and responsibilities pile up all at once.

When it comes to nutrition, she does not overcomplicate things. She eats everything and tries to watch what she eats as much as possible. It is easier during the season; during her summer vacation, she needs to be a little more careful. Like many of us, she does not always manage it.

When asked about her worst habit, she points to those moments when she has too many responsibilities and does not know where to start. She then waits for the motivation and energy to find a way forward.

Rest is much the same for her as it is for many busy people: she could do with more of it. One of her favorite ways to unwind is going to the cinema. When responsibilities pile up, she sometimes spends an entire day there. Simple, but it works.

A simple start for beginners

Ask Erle where you should start if you are new to exercising for your health, and her answer is not expensive equipment or a complicated plan. The simplest thing is to get out into nature. It costs nothing and keeps you grounded.

Go for a run in the park, play ball by the sea or ski through the forest. The key is to find an activity you love and enjoy. If you enjoy being active, you are more likely to stick with it.

Erle is understanding towards people who are overweight. She is pleased to see them in her classes, because coming to a workout is already a big step. Being overweight is not always just about diet, so being judgmental does not help.

Asked about the ideal physique, she answers cautiously. There are plenty of women and men in great shape in Estonia and around the world. Personally, she likes Jennifer Aniston.

FAQ

Where does Erle Liivak teach classes?

She works at several gyms and dance studios in central Dublin, including Trinity College Gym, Dance Ireland, Ringsend SportsCo, Ringsend Technical Institute and Liffey Trust Dance Studios.

What types of classes does Erle Liivak teach?

Her classes include aerobics, dance, step aerobics, reggaeton, total body and Pilates. She has also trained in spinning, reformer Pilates and other styles.

What does Erle recommend if you are new to exercising for health?

Start with simple physical activity outdoors. A park, the seaside or a forest are all good options. The most important thing is to find an activity you truly enjoy.

Author: Turg.Fitness.ee

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