Today, I truly believe that everything you value deeply will find its way into your life sooner or later… I have always loved everything to do with health and movement, although I only devoted myself to it fully a few years ago.
I went to what is now called Pelgulinna Gymnasium, which was home to the children’s and youth ensemble Pähklipureja. I think that was where my boundless love of movement began: ballet, character dance and folk dance were part of my life for 11 years. Only recently, I remembered that as a child I wanted to work at a cultural center. In my eyes, cultural centers were where people gathered during the Soviet era to dance and do all sorts of exciting things. Conventional fitness clubs didn’t exist back then…
Almost 15 years ago, I felt it would be more sensible to study something serious and complex, so I decided to go to university to become an engineer.
I have always been interested in anything new and unusual, so after graduating from Tallinn University of Technology, I accepted an offer to work in intellectual property without hesitation. Inventions and trademarks were part of my working life for over 10 years, until I made a decision a couple of years ago. Alongside my main job, I worked as a group fitness instructor at various clubs (Keila Tervisekeskus, Arctic Sport Club, PlanetSport, Kalevi Veekeskus), but at some point I felt it was becoming increasingly difficult to consistently excel in two different fields. So I asked myself what work I would do even if I weren’t paid for it. The answer was obvious: I simply couldn’t do without daily workouts and people who wanted to train to become stronger and healthier.
I changed direction completely, left my secure job and began finding my feet in the fitness world. Today, I am at Arigato Sports Club, where my days are filled with a range of activities centered on training people and guiding them toward a healthier lifestyle, helping everyone find their own joy in movement.
Alongside teaching group fitness classes and providing consultations every day, I have devoted myself to the demanding work of a personal trainer, with all the responsibility it entails. Every day, I see how important it is for people to maintain their quality of life and look after their health through recreational exercise. I no longer believe that shaping muscles and improving aerobic fitness are the most important aspects of training. A strong body and a strong mind are equally important. There are many movement practices around the world that bring balance and help you restore your inner energy; you just need to find the ones that work for you. One of these is Qi Gong, China’s oldest form of breathing training. When I teach Qi Gong classes at Arigato, I can feel how everything in your life comes into balance and your energy continues to grow.
A strong family; a comfortable home; work I love; feeling content with myself; helping people; being able to find joy in nature; opportunities to learn new things; friends—these are the things that make my life beautiful.
See you at Arigato!
Author: Monica Lauri
Come work out! ArtGym
