All About Me
Not your (Neuro)typical Personal Trainer
Hello, I'm a unique personal trainer dedicated to supporting neurodivergent, mentally ill, and chronically ill clients. I was born in Tunbridge Wells in 1979, so I'm part of that infamous Gen-X crowd you might have seen on TikTok. Before finding my calling in fitness, I wore many hats: sales assistant, cashier, petrol pump attendant, administrator, bar manager, researcher, and even intelligence officer.
Back in school, I dreaded PE. I was overweight, asthmatic, and couldn't stand most forms of exercise, especially outdoors. I eagerly awaited the day I could leave it all behind and believed I never would look back.
However, everything changed in my early twenties when I joined a Karate class. Despite being a slow learner, I fell in love with Karate. This passion ignited a desire to improve my fitness and health. Through my journey, I gained extensive knowledge about fitness and nutrition, but it took some time before I turned this passion into a career.
In 2006, at 27, I faced a significant health challenge: cancer. Fortunately, surgery quickly addressed it, but during a routine follow-up, I discovered I had Crohn's disease, a lifelong autoimmune condition. This diagnosis compelled me to manage my physical and mental health through exercise. Despite the challenges, I persevered and earned my black belt in December 2015.
Due to frequent organizational changes at the Environment Agency, I worried about job stability. So, in 2016, much to my boss's dismay, I took a lengthy leave to complete an intensive diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training. After qualifying, I began training clients part-time, and by 2018, I became a full-time personal trainer—just before the global pandemic hit.
In 2023, I received a late diagnosis of ADHD. This revelation provided a deeper understanding of my personal journey and the unique challenges I've faced. It also reinforced my commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive fitness environment for neurodivergent individuals. My experience with ADHD has given me greater empathy and insight, enabling me to tailor my approach to meet the diverse needs of my clients.
I specialize in helping those who, like me, may have hated PE in school and struggle to find enthusiasm for exercise. My approach is rooted in empathy, patience, and creating a safe, comfortable environment. As a #CROHNSWARRIOR and chronically ill trainer, I understand the need to build fitness at a pace that suits your condition and confidence level while providing just the right amount of challenge to keep you progressing.
If you're ready to embark on a fitness journey that respects your unique needs and challenges, I'm here to help you find the joy in exercise and achieve your health goals.