I spent eight years training to be a professional figure skater, training with some of the top skating coaches in the UK, until one day I decided to rethink my whole career.
Today thousands of young people across the UK will be opening their A-level results which will be a really life changing day as many of them start thinking about the future. I knew that University wasn't the right path for me so I explored other options and whilst looking into different teaching paths I discovered that there are a lot of exciting opportunities in the sport and fitness industry.
According to a recent survey by www.lifetimetraining.co.uk, 50% of 16-18 year olds, currently in school or sixth form college, feel pessimistic, nervous or scared about their future job prospects. I completely understand how they feel, leaving school and deciding what to do next can be a really daunting prospect, especially with rising youth unemployment figures and higher University fees. I was lucky because I discovered the Lifetime Fitness Academy and enrolled myself onto the Level Two course in gym instruction, which combined home and classroom-based study with practical experience in the gym. I was able to learn 'on the job' and take my first steps into the working world.
Now I run my own Pilates Instructor business in Bristol, Breakout Pilates, which I absolutely love. We provide local businesses with a health and fitness outlet for their employees during the lunch hour or straight after work, along with evening classes in the community for everyone to attend.
Experiencing life in a new city and running my own business has been such a rewarding experience and I love being able to exercise as part of my job. I have met so many interesting characters through teaching pilates and it's a lovely thought to know that my classes are helping to brighten up other people's day. I don't think I would have had the confidence to set up my own business if I hadn't taken on the course and a lot of the people who I've met along the way have really helped to influence and inspire me.
To find out more about courses with the Lifetime Fitness Academy, visit www.lifetimetraining.co.uk