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Introducing our Studio Coordinator: Katy Thomas

7 December 2016

Tell us a little of your background. What is your experience of the leisure industry?

As a teenager and still at school, I started going to Group Exercise classes and that’s where my passion for it began. I remember standing in a class looking at the amazing instructor and thinking “wow, I want to do that!” I’m a very creative and energetic person and whilst following that path at Art College I also trained in Exercise to Music and started covering classes in my early 20’s. I carried on teaching classes whilst working full-time and then, after having my two children in 2003 and 2005, I built up my classes again, adding a few more as the children grew and started school.

I trained in several Les Mills programs, have since undergone advanced training with them in nearly all my programs, and I am now teaching between 20-25 classes a week. I’m a very familiar face at Robinson Pool in Bedford, SNAP Fitness at St Neots and DW at Milton Keynes to name a few of the clubs I teach at.

I love the buzz of Group Ex and I love helping people get fitter, stronger and reach their goals.  It’s definitely the class members that keep that fire burning for me and I’m looking forward to bringing my energy and passion to Club Towers.

 

What attracted you to the position of SC at Towers Health & Racquets club?

I absolutely LOVE what I do and as an experienced instructor it’s the next step up for me. I’ve been teaching classes for 20 years now and coupled with my experience of organising launches, assisting with timetables and special events, I know what works and what doesn’t work. This role means I can continue to teach fantastic group ex classes but also manage three studios, lead and support a team of great instructors and with the help of the Fitness Manager create the best Group Exercise facility in the area!

 

When recruiting your instructors, what will you look for?

I have a very high standard when it comes to delivering Group Ex classes so I will be looking to recruit some great instructors. Enthusiasm, reliability and commitment are keys things I’ll be looking for. Many members come to classes for the instructor themselves, so it’s essential we are consistent with staff so that we can provide our members with the best studio experience possible. As we will be running a variety of classes, including Les Mills programs, experience in several class disciplines would be an advantage. I believe instructor development and support is a must so I’ll be looking for candidates to keep up to date with the industry and I aim to help them do this.

 

What is your biggest achievement in the industry to date?

As an instructor it would have to be being talent spotted by the Les Mills trainer team at a One Live event two years ago and this helped me develop and really refine my teaching. I know my class members have benefitted from this and it’s definitely increased the enjoyment factor for us all!

From a personal point of view I would say it would be seeing some of my class members take the next step and become instructors themselves. I feel proud to have inspired them and it’s been a pleasure to help them on their journey.

 

What is your favourite food?

I am always hungry! I love creating healthy food and snacks myself so I’m always in my kitchen creating high protein, energy providing delights that will fuel my busy days. I love the saying ‘you are what you eat’ and whilst I eat fairly clean, I have been known to destroy a burger in seconds!

 

What do you like to do when not working?

I love being Mum to my two boys aged 11 and 13, and they keep my busy and challenged when I’m not working. I am lucky that my job keeps me very fit but I do love to train myself whenever I get time. I get a great buzz from exercise and I’m a strong believer in ‘train to teach, don’t teach to train.’ I’m not one for keeping still for very long that’s for sure!

 

And finally…. who has been your biggest influence?

I had a very supportive childhood and was always encouraged to follow my dreams and work hard. My parents always showed me how proud they were and this helped me grow even more.

I’ve met some amazing people through my job and a few in particular have influenced me by sharing their passion for the industry. When I was 18, I met an instructor who inspired me and encouraged me to be where I am today and she’s actually been my best friend for years now. I hope I can continue to influence others too and I will certainly be bringing this attitude to Club Towers!

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