“ T
he only
exercise
worth doing
is the kind of
exercise you
can maintain –
and enjoy.”
That maxim is from
award-winning coach and
personal trainer Andrew
Beech. His work is all about
encouraging people into better
daily habits – and improving
their all-round well-being in
the process.
Andrew picked up UK
Coaching’s award for
Community Coach of the Year
thanks to his work as a personal
trainer and as a coach on
Enable Leisure and Culture’s
Active Wellbeing programme,
providing one-to-one guidance
and support for people
“
It’s little
things –
what are
your goals
that are
achievable?”
with severe mental health
conditions, making sure each
programme is tailored for each
person’s long-term needs.
“I wasn’t very good
academically, but I was always
good at being outdoors,” he
recalls, adding that he would
always be happy to join in an
impromptu game of any sport
– and that mindset now guides
his coaching.
“I like simple things,” he says. “If
I’m hanging out with kids and
someone throws a ball, let’s
do that, let’s regulate it, let’s
stand against a wall and play
dodgeball – something they’d
actually be interested in.”
Many of Andrew’s sessions
are based around circuit
training, which he changes for
each person he works with
– and encouraging them to
“
Taking
your kids
to school
– that’s
athletic as
well.”
understand what they’re doing
as they’re doing it.
“I’ve got a really short attention
span, so I attack it like that,” he
says. “I’d rather be like, ‘Right,
pick up the ball – throw the ball
at the hoop – keep throwing
it – how can you change it,
because you’re not hitting the
hoop? So what do you have to
do? Bend your knees a bit more,
jump up a bit higher, and throw
your hand up a bit higher’.”
Andrew Beech receives his
Community Coach of the Year award.
@REPsUK
FM 17