Network Magazine winter 2014 | Page 39

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