What do you do?
I’m a group fitness instructor and a mother of two adorable little girls.
Which gym do you work at, and what classes do you teach?
I teach classes at FITCLUB in Haapsalu: BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, aerobics and indoor cycling.
How did you become a trainer, and how long have you been doing it?
I’ve always been active. At school, I regularly did aerobics and loved running. When I moved to Haapsalu, I started training enthusiastically at the only fitness club in town. At some point, they needed someone to help out, so I began studying. I’ve been an instructor for 5 years, and I’m a huge fan of my work. I’m incredibly happy to be able to devote myself to health and encourage others to take better care of theirs.
Where have you studied, and what qualifications and experience do you have?
I gained my first in-depth knowledge of working as a trainer through EFTE (Estonian Fitness Trainers Education) courses. I really valued the EFTE educators for their passionate, versatile, modern and open-minded approach to teaching, and I’m sorry the school no longer exists. I’m a level I trainer certified by EKFL (the Estonian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation), have pursued further studies in physical education at Tallinn University’s Institute of Health Sciences and Sport, and regularly attend fitness conventions in Estonia. Alongside all this, I’m studying for a master’s degree at a Tallinn University college to qualify as a primary school teacher and a basic school English teacher. To keep learning every day, I love reading articles, books and opinion pieces about health, nutrition and training.
Is being a trainer more of a job or a hobby for you?
I’m happy to be able to say that my job is my hobby. My job is to train other people and teach them to exercise safely and effectively. My hobby is keeping myself physically fit and looking after my health. I love my work and put my heart into it.
What do you think makes an ideal trainer?
An ideal trainer is knowledgeable, open to development and positive, loves people and their work, communicates well, speaks clearly and shows empathy. It’s a profession where there’s always something new to learn and always room to grow—that’s what I like about it!
Are you always in the trainer’s role, or do you take part in other sports too?
With a high training load during the season and children who are still small, I unfortunately don’t have time for other sports. But I enjoy running on my own, playing golf with my family and attending other instructors’ classes. I’d describe myself as someone who enjoys being active rather than a recreational athlete.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to keep doing what I do: get other people hooked on being active and encourage them to eat more healthily so they can live healthy, happy lives. I’m not a competitor, and titles don’t matter to me.
What do you do outside the gym?
I have lovely little daughters, aged 1 and 4. Right now, I can say that almost all my time outside training is devoted to them and our home. I’m a homebody—I enjoy doing things around the house and cooking whenever I can find the time.
How did you train during pregnancy and after giving birth?
Since I was in very good health during both pregnancies and the babies were doing well, I continued with the same amount of training as before pregnancy. You tend to be more cautious and apprehensive during your first pregnancy, so I stopped doing more demanding workouts two months before my first child was born, though I now believe there was no reason to. Exercise poses no risk if the mother has previously exercised regularly and knows how to listen to her body. During my second pregnancy, I kept training as usual right up to the last day. The birth was easy and quick, and recovery happened like magic. Both children are wonderful and really enjoy singing and dancing. I started Bodypump two weeks after giving birth, and with light training I was almost back in my previous shape within two months.
How would you rate the average Estonian’s interest in exercising for health?
It seems to me that awareness is growing slowly but steadily. The desire to look after our health is increasing, and more people are getting active every year. But I think there’s still a lot of work to do to raise awareness of the need to exercise regularly and frequently.
Where do you find the motivation to push yourself, and the energy?
My love for my work! My body produces plenty of feel-good hormones when I exercise. My workouts give me energy. Afterwards, I’m happy, cheerful and ready to get things done—or so tired that I get the best night’s sleep.
How much do you use supplements, and what does your daily diet look like?I don’t take supplements. I try to eat as varied a diet as possible, as regularly as possible and at least 4x a day. I really do enjoy healthy food.
What’s your worst habit?
That takes some thought—my first answer would be my appreciation of chocolate and good red wine… [laughs] Actually, I think my worst habit is leaving things until the last minute. Life has taught me to live one day at a time and not worry too much about “tomorrow”, so all too often I only remember things that need doing at the very last moment…
How do you relax and unwind?
I unwind with BODYBALANCE, reading and walks in the fresh air. Cleaning the house helps me relax too.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I was a passionate animal lover—I wanted to look after animals, but I couldn’t bear to see an animal that was ill, dying or dead. My mother says I wanted to be a vet but worried that I wouldn’t be able to do the job if I couldn’t speak the animals’ language. I’ve also always liked children… It never occurred to me to dream of becoming a trainer.
Does any particular moment from school PE stand out?
I liked the Cooper test. PE was generally one of my favorite subjects.
Who embodies your ideal physique?
Estonian fitness athlete Liisa Otsus—feminine and well-proportioned.
Which part of your body are you happiest with?
I’m happy with it [laughs].. I really am.
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently in your life?
Honestly, I wouldn’t do anything differently. Thanks to my actions, both bad and good, I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m happy and content. I really like my life!
What advice would you give someone who’s just starting to exercise for health?
It’s never too late to start! Your body needs physical activity to live life to the full!
Author:Turg.Fitness.ee
Come and train! ArtGym
