Kersti Ojalill: a trainer through yoga
Kersti Ojalill is a trainer whose way of speaking combines calm, precision and a healthy dose of humor. For Kersti, working as a trainer is not just about teaching classes but a passionate hobby that also brings fair pay.
The Fitness.ee conversation shows how studies in international business management grew into a long career as a trainer, a love of yoga and a belief that a good trainer never stops learning.
Kersti Ojalill and the start of the trainer’s path
Kersti is a Reebok trainer, an Estonian Olympic Committee level IV aerobics trainer, a second-place finisher at the Fitgirl 2001 aerobics competition and the project manager of the Aerobics Queen event in 2003, 2004, 2005. Kersti is also an instructor for the Estonian Gymnastics Federation and a member of its aerobics examination board.
Today Kersti is the manager and a trainer at the Viimsi Tervis SPA sports club, where they teach power yoga, Les Mills BODYBALANCE, step and BOSU classes. In recent years the focus has shifted more and more toward yoga. Ashtanga vinyasa yoga speaks to Kersti in particular.
Kersti started working as a trainer in 2000. Before that, Kersti had done aerobics for a couple of years and decided to sign up for a trainer course. Kersti also had a good physical background: in childhood, they spent seven years in competitive dance. It gave a sense of rhythm, stage confidence and the ability to listen to the body.
How did Kersti Ojalill learn and develop?
After graduating from J. Westholm Gymnasium, Kersti continued studying at the Estonian-American Business College. The major was international business management and English business language translation. Alongside studies and office work, Kersti took FAF aerobics trainer courses.
A few years later, Kersti felt the need to deepen their knowledge. That led to the physical education program at the University of Tartu. It is a good example of how a trainer’s job does not rest on sparkle and good music alone. You also need an understanding of how the body works, teaching skills and patience.
Over the last ten years, Kersti has traveled a lot for professional development. Stops along the way have included the Miami Fitness Festival, Miami ECA Convention, Rimini Fitness Festival, Ibiza People in Motion Dance and Wellness week, Berlin Turnfest, Munich Pure Emotion Convention and London Multitrax Convention. Experiences like these give a trainer a broader picture: how teaching is done elsewhere, how group training is evolving and how to bring fresh ideas into your own class.
What does a good trainer need, according to Kersti?
A simple truth: trainers are made through learning. According to Kersti, determination, patience and 100% commitment matter. That does not mean everything has to be strict and serious. On the contrary, a good trainer has to be able to really connect with people.
In Kersti’s eyes, the ideal trainer is hungry for knowledge, does the job with great passion, keeps developing, has a spark in their eyes, and is humorous, optimistic, empathetic, a good communicator, sincere and honest. That list sounds long, but in the gym it all shows quickly. Does the trainer notice the person? Do they create a sense of safety? Do you feel better after training?
Kersti’s own motivation comes from the well-being gained through training and from happy, satisfied clients. Good people around them give energy too. Honestly, that is the core of a trainer’s work: you give out energy, but you get it back as well.
Yoga, movement and everyday balance
Outside working hours, Kersti does not stay only in the trainer’s role. When the chance comes, Kersti heads outdoors for a walk in the fresh air, a run in the woods, rollerblading or a bike ride. The sun brings Kersti particular joy, and as a Pisces, Kersti loves being near water.
The goal for the future is clear: to continue on the yoga journey. It does not sound like a grand slogan but like a calm direction. In yoga, progress is often quieter. You do not have to chase a new record every month. Sometimes it matters more to learn to breathe, move and be present better.
Kersti does not take many supplements. Every now and then, Kersti takes various vitamins, for example fish oil capsules. When it comes to nutrition, Kersti goes by the idea that food should be beneficial for the body and varied. The comparison Kersti makes is apt: like a car’s fuel, food should be of the highest possible quality, otherwise the engine may start to sputter.
Kersti Ojalill as a person outside the gym
Kersti considers the worst habit to be sometimes staying up too late at night. That is exactly when the best ideas and thoughts come. Now and then Kersti also likes to indulge in some gourmet treats late in the evening.
For a getaway, Kersti most recently went to the Grand Rose Spa on Saaremaa to enjoy sauna pleasures and body treatments. Kersti loves cooking. Particular favorites are homemade bread and various cheesecakes. Kersti also listens to music and goes to concerts, and the undisputed favorite is the pianist Stanton Lanier.
Kersti reads a lot. From every trip, Kersti has brought back interesting professional literature. As a child, Kersti wanted to become a pharmacist, because an aunt was a pharmacist and took Kersti along to work. The colorful medicine bottles seemed very exciting to the child.
One vivid memory from school PE class is a relay race. In primary school, Kersti ran the final leg and brought the team first place. For Kersti, the ideal shape is embodied by Ain-Alar Juhanson, since triathlon seems like the most challenging sport of all.
Ask which part of their body they are happiest with, and the answer is simple: they love every part of their body equally. And if they could go back in time? They wouldn’t do anything differently. All their experiences and lessons have made them the person they are today.
FAQ
What advice does Kersti Ojalill give to beginner fitness enthusiasts?
It’s never too late to start. Kersti recommends listening to your inner voice and choosing only an activity you truly enjoy and find satisfying.
Is being a trainer a job or a hobby for Kersti?
In Kersti’s own words, it’s a passionate hobby that pays fairly. That sums up Kersti’s attitude well: work should give you a sense of meaning, not just fill your schedule.
What emotions did the photo shoot bring up?
The photo shoot was full of laughs, and for several hours the team roamed around different spots at Viimsi Tervis SPA. They started at the “Rõõmupisik” children’s center, which has themed birthday rooms and an ice rink with a synthetic surface, and finished up splashing around in the pool.
Author:Turg.Fitness.ee
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