COMMUNITY
MEMBER
PROFILE:
KRISTA DENNIS
PT AND POLICE OFFICER, TAS
One of my days last week went a little like
this: get up at 5:45am to train myself at the
gym. After that, head home at 7:20 to feed
Maverick, our baby, before returning to the
gym to instruct a session at 9:15am. This was
followed by a quick coffee with the gym girls,
after which my afternoon was dedicated to
looking after Maverick.
What skills are needed in your role?
Where do you live and work?
I live in Hobart, TAS, where I work at Hobart
Police Station and also at Citywide Fitness in
the nearby suburb of Mornington.
What fitness qualifications do you hold?
Certificates III and IV in Fitness.
What’s your main role in fitness?
I take indoor boot camp and small group
training sessions.
How did you arrive at where you are
today in your fitness career?
I’ve always been an avid gym goer with
a great interest in health and fitness. I
decided that if I enjoyed exercising so
much then perhaps I should become
qualified and be able to teach sessions
as well. Currently, I work casually as a PT,
taking a few sessions a week. I’ve also
returned to work part time in my policing
role after the birth of my first baby.
Describe your typical day
In a word, BUSY! Juggling my policing and
personal training roles, looking after our
9-month-old baby and training myself seems
to fill every waking moment – but I’m loving
the work-work-life balance I have!
I believe that communication and interpersonal
skills will get you far in life, whatever you
choose to do. Being able to explain things to
clients in a manner they understand is a great
asset. I’m also a big believer in the power
of organisation: having sessions planned,
ensuring your equipment is ready and having
the knowledge to be able to adapt something
if necessary will make for a happy life!
What are the best and worst aspects
of your job?
I LOVE the buzz of taking sessions and
helping others challenge themselves to
reach their health and fitness goals. It’s
amazing how people work that bit harder
when you are there behind them pushing
them. The only downside is that I feel like I’m
missing out when I take sessions – I always
want to jump in and train too!
What’s your main focus now and what
are your goals for the future?
My focus currently is looking after my baby
and maintaining my happy work-life balance.
In the future I plan to increase the number of
hours I work in the fitness industry.
Who has inspired you in your fitness
industry career?
I’ve been lucky to have great mentors in
James and Racheal Kerrison, the owners
of Citywide Fitness, who assist me in
continually learning new skills. They are top
trainers, smart people and a lot of fun to
work with.
What motto or words of wisdom sum
up your fitness/life philosophy?
I love the quote ‘Go confidently in the
direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve
imagined’ from Henry David Thoreau.
As I see it, there’s no point in doing
something half-heartedly so you may as well
give it a red hot go!
What has been your greatest career
challenge to date?
I’ve not yet faced any major challenges. I love
what I do find it so rewarding to train people
who smile back at you and appreciate your
assistance.
And your greatest highlight?
It’s amazing to receive feedback that you’ve
changed someone’s life. I got an email from
a client only last week saying how happy
they were that I had returned to training – it’s
such a nice thing to hear.
Want to be profiled in the next issue? For details
email [email protected]
NETWORK WINTER 2014 | 39