Network Magazine autumn 2015 | Page 52

GO FOR IT FitnessU Learner (student) Robin Waerea and Pro-Trainer Adriano Meli share how the fitnessU mentoring program helped Robin go for it to qualify as a personal trainer. When Robin visited fitnessU HQ late last year, he had the proud moment of receiving his qualification and comparing his first certificate in fitness with his updated one: 21 years later Robin Waerea, NSW “I did my course 20 years ago but had some personal challenges so decided to start again. I was matched up with my Pro-Trainer, Adriano, who helped me pull the main concepts of the course together in a really practical way. We met up at his gym and he took me through the different exercises and movements, which helped me understand anatomy much better. Having the face-to-face connection with someone who knows what you need in the real world is really important. We went through some PT sessions with me playing the role of Adriano’s client so I could learn which questions to ask – I struggle with trying to remember lots and cram too much into the session! He told me to focus instead on a few basic essentials. I feel like I’m sometimes slow in learning, but Adriano and the online trainers really connected with me. Now I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen how truly wonderful the fitness industry is! I really feel like things have come full circle.” Adriano Meli, Bee Active Personal Training, NSW “Robin was my first fitnessU Learner. I’ve had some experience working with older adults and learning to understand their needs, so I was really happy I could help him work on skills that would enable him to pursue his passion for helping other older adults get fit and live better. We got together for sessions at the gym and on the phone. Learners often need help with the technical practical aspects of becoming a personal trainer, as that’s where you pull together everything you’ve learnt to actually run a training session. You need to make sure you’re strong in exercise selection and demonstration. Whilst I’ve been a PT for a while, and completed my Masters in Exercise Physiology, being a mentor is the next level: you learn how to give feedback and develop strong mentoring skills so that other people can learn actual, real-world skills from you. I didn’t expect all the different insights and perspectives I would gain as a Pro-Trainer: textbooks say one thing, experience tells you another! I really love challenging myself to stay ahead of my game and help people find their niche.” We're always looking for great Pro-Trainers around Australia. Find out more at fitnessu.com.au/mentoring 1300 00 FIT U fitnessu.com.au