Trainer Q&A: Lauren

How and why did you become a personal trainer?

I did lots of different sports from a young age – soccer, basketball, lacrosse – and I then got a sport scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley.

When I came to the UK in 2010 to do my Masters in Theatre, I came across KBPT and Kate trained me for about a year. It was then that I realised I should be a personal trainer too! I qualified in 2012 and started working for KBPT.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not training KBPT clients?

I have to do a lot of rehearsing as I’m also a burlesque performer and magician and I still act and do voiceovers. I do fire poi spinning and I’m a vegan foodie – I’ve got my own YouTube channel (called Just Veganin – please check it out!), where I look at different aspects of the vegan lifestyle and review vegan restaurants.

And, of course, there’s my dog Berkeley. She’s a puggle and she lives with my family in the US but, thanks to our webcam, I can see her all the time and even feed her treats remotely!

What is your philosophy on health and fitness?

If you dream it, you can do it. Whatever your age, just put one foot in front of the other and give it a try. You just have to believe that you can make that change.

What inspires you – both personally and professionally?

I try to live every day to the fullest – we’ve only got one life after all! I set myself goals and I like to achieve them.

In terms of personal training, I’m inspired by giving people a positive space and helping them to have an hour to focus on themselves. It’s not just about the physical health benefits, it’s about boosting their mental health too. I love it when my clients feel challenged but also leave their session with a smile on their face.

How do you motivate your clients?

I always say to my clients, let’s put the batteries in and start doing it! When you invest in personal training, you want to see results – they might be small to start with but they’ll increase over time. I also try to discover what they enjoy doing, which can jump start them and inspire them to do other physical activities.

You get to know your clients really well when you train them regularly and I’ve become friends with all of them. That close bond is really important. I want them to know that I’m there to champion them and help them to achieve their goals.

What lessons have you learned as a personal trainer?

When it comes to getting fitter and healthier, so much is about mind over matter. I’ve seen tremendous change for many of my clients. It goes to show that if you put in the work, you’ll see the results.

Bonus question... if a song could play every time you walk in a room, what would it be?

Girls by Pitbull or Good Feeling by Flo Rida.

If you’d like to discuss how the KBPT team can help you,

email Kate at [email protected]