What is your background with exercise and fitness training?
I originally trained in dance and currently teach contemporary dance to professional dance students in training, and occasionally in schools as a freelancer. I qualified as an instructor of Budokick (freestyle kickbox aerobics) in 2004 and practiced that for a few years in Blackpool, before moving out of the area. I currently train regularly, in ballet classes and at the gym.
Why did you choose the course you did?
I thought it’d be another ‘string to my bow’ as the work I do can sometimes be very busy, but also I can have quiet periods, so it could lead to the sort of work that may be handy as an extra income.
Why did you choose HFE to deliver your training?
I was referred to HFE through a fitness instructor friend.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
I thought the assessor/course tutors were excellent and enjoyed seeing how they worked.
What did you find most challenging about your course?
Theory-wise, I sometimes questioned ‘why do I need to know some of this?’. For example, the way the heart works and some of the lesser known body parts etc. I found the way that the manual was written and some of the e-learning didn’t explain why and how the body does what it does, which would have helped me to learn the theory (eg it took me a while to figure out that the lungs oxygenate the blood.) – The tutors helped a lot with this though, and I would have helped myself by looking at the theory earlier than I did.
How would you rate the quality of teaching provided by your course tutors?
Excellent!
To what extent did you feel supported during the home-study phase of your course?
I didn’t ask for much support, but I knew it was there if I wanted it.
How would you rate the teaching and learning materials provided to you?
Good – If I have one niggle, it’s a niggle I have with most textbooks – I’d like it to be written in layman’s terms more; more conversationally, as that’s how I learn most effectively.
What is your current role?
I teach contemporary dance, I run a film/theatre company called Rotten Park Road (making new British film and theatre productions) and I occasionally act, when I’m successful in getting a role in something.
What are your future training and career plans?
I plan to do my Level 3 Pilates (which would compliment my contemporary dance) and possibly, for the future, this will enable me to give up any teaching in schools and deliver Pilates classes regularly.