COMMUNITY
MEMBER PROFILE :
SAGA WESSMAN PERSONAL TRAINER , NSW
What fitness qualifications do you hold ?
My qualifications include Bachelor of Sport Science and Diploma of Fitness .
Where do you live and work ?
I work and live in Neutral Bay , NSW .
What is your main role in the fitness industry ?
I am a personal trainer at a boutique PT studio . My main role in the fitness industry is to promote and grow the sport of kettlebell in Australia . As a member of the national team , my role is to make sure our community learn to move in a more efficient way with the help of kettlebells . I also do strength and conditioning programs for runners and a Paralympic swimmer .
How did you arrive at where you are today in your career ?
I got into the fitness industry after being a tennis player for nearly 10 years . I wanted to coach people into healthy habits and teach movement for life . After working in the tourism industry I wanted to have a career where I could see results and make a positive impact on people ’ s lives .
What does your typical day look like ?
I wake up around 5am , ready to coach clients at 6am . I usually work until midday at the gym and then start my university studies . In the afternoon I head back to the gym and finish work around 7:30pm . In between clients I squeeze in some kettlebell sport training to prepare for my next competition .
What skills are needed in your role ?
I think that it ’ s important these days to be able to assist clients with injury rehabilitation , and to help older clients safely improve and maintain their strength and mobility . In this industry you need to be a people person and an active listener .
What are the best and worst aspects of your job ?
The best aspect is that you get to see real results and discover how small improvements can make a big difference in someone ’ s life . I don ’ t think there are any bad aspects in a job you love to do .
What has been your greatest career challenge to date ?
My biggest challenge has been to finish my degree in sport science , while also training clients and training myself to make the national kettlebell team !
And your greatest highlight ?
My greatest highlight was representing my country at the World Kettlebell Championship
2016 in Kazakhstan , alongside some of the world ’ s greatest athletes . I have also coached an athlete of the national swim team to not only reach the Rio Paralympic games in 2016 , but to win a medal !
What ’ s your main focus now and what are your goals for the future ?
My main goal is to do a Masters degree in the next few years , and also to qualify to travel to the World Kettlebell Championships in Korea this year !
Who has inspired you in your fitness industry career ?
I get inspired by all the top coaches in strength and endurance who are able to build strong athletes in any given sport .
What motto or words of wisdom sum up your fitness / life philosophy ?
Even if you feel like you fail in something , it ’ s never a fail – it ’ s always a learning curve , and the only thing we can do is to work on our weaknesses to achieve our goals !
And finally , who would be on your ultimate dinner party guest list ?
Ksenia Dedukhina , one of the best female kettlebell sport athletes of all time . Roger Federer , because I love his tennis skills . Alyssa Azar : she summitted Mt Everest this year and I love climbing mountains just like her . And then Ryan Gosling , just because , you know … he ’ s hot !
Want to be profiled in a future issue ? For details email editor @ fitnessnetwork . com . au
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