Simone began her career as a gym instructor in 1998 at age 18 working at the Fitness Center Ltd, a leading gym in Trinidad and Tobago. Personal Training was not a known career then but as time passed this changed. She saw Personal Trainers Colin Sebright and Marilena Westcot introduce the profession at her gym and this inspired her to become a Personal Trainer.
“As I went along desiring more and more information about how to give my clients the edge, I searched the entire web looking for a certification that could help me understand how my clients can become leaner and more discipline with their physiques. So I found NESTA Physique and Figure Training Specialist certification and dug deeper to find instructor Emile Jarreau to accompany my journey towards earning the certification.”
What motivated you to pursue a career in personal training?
Many things, for one how I was introduced to fitness as a whole. Before becoming a Certified Personal Trainer I was influenced by international presenters found on ESPN TV, the ESPN fitness pros, and fitness Icons such as Gilad, Jane Fonda, and Kendall Hogan to name a few. How they packaged fitness was very premiere and made fitness something important to be a part of and I knew then I wanted to lead in that respect. Right here in Trinidad, we had pros such as Ian Levia, Colin Serbright, Ozzy Birchwood, and fitness Pioneer Mr. Brian Ibrahim, who took fitness to another level. Most of all I love how fitness made people happy, healthy and promoted long mobile lives. Thanks to my sister Vanessa too, who introduced me to fitness as a teen, and I never looked back.
How have the certifications you obtained from our organization helped you in starting and growing your coaching and training practice?
The NESTA Physique and Figure Training Specialist Certification was what I needed to take on a different aspect of fitness. I needed the information to understand what physique athletes may do to attain the body they desire and apply this where necessary for my clients in their goals of healthy living and attaining the body image they may desire. Carnival season is a premier time for ‘looking good’ and thus together with an exercise program, I can advise natural ways to approach becoming leaner and eating better.
Can you share a specific success story or achievement that you attribute to the knowledge and skills gained from our courses?
Team SG for Carnival! My clients since attaining the PFTS have benefitted through my coaching (including group classes) and nutrition advice gained from the NESTA’s PFTS!
What were the most valuable business and marketing skills you learned through our program, and how have you applied them to your coaching practice?
The most valuable marketing/business skill I have learned is the use of technology to deliver instructions and programs to individuals abroad and online. For example, I was introduced to various Apps such as MyFitnessPal to monitor clients’ nutrition and FitnessBuilder to deliver strength programs and the use of Google documents. Since then I have been able to use those apps or ones similar in nature to teach and deliver programs to my clients.
How have NESTA’s support and resources impacted your professional development and success as a coach?
I’m now able to refer to my manual and other articles from NESTA supporting fitness and have Instructor Emile Jarreau as a mentor to learn from.
What advice would you give to aspiring trainers and coaches who are considering pursuing certifications and starting their own practices?
My advice would be to find the certification that is right for you. Ask questions, see reviews about the certification that you may be interested in. Having a certification is definitely a good first step and also find your niche or niches. This helps to attract those whom you may be best suited to train.
In your experience, what are the key qualities or attributes that make a successful personal trainer/nutrition coach/health and wellness coach?
Some key qualities and attributes are being someone who can listen and be empathetic. Being consistent, showing up, and being on time for your clients. Being knowledgeable in your field and staying current and genuine in the delivery of your product. Having an ongoing plan for your clients as they train year after year.
How do you stay updated and informed about the latest trends and research in the health and wellness industry to provide the best coaching services to your clients?
I’m a member of the IDEA Health and Fitness Association and I attend their yearly fitness conferences. IDEA provides webinars and I receive their monthly online articles etc. Attending these conferences also lets you come into contact with various fitness associations and you are kept updated on new research, new fitness tools, nutrition, and many other new ‘inventions’ in the fitness industry.
Lastly, what are your future goals and aspirations as a certified coach, and how do you plan to continue utilizing the knowledge and skills gained from our certifications?
My future goals include reaching the public on a wider level (national television, fitness programs online), to keep part taking in continuing education, and to continue using the info learned to promote healthy living.
Simone is from Trinidad and Tobago and can be found at The Fitness Centre Ltd, Starlite Shopping Plaza, Four Roads, Diego Martin. For anyone who wants to reach out to her directly, you can email Simone at Tenillegonzales@hotmail.com. She is also on Facebook and Instagram as @sgfitnesstt
