"I particularly enjoy the role of personal trainer, you build a strong relationship with your clients and can make a real difference to their lives."

Gym Instructor My name is Richard Hill and I am a Gym Instructor at a five star hotel on the outskirts of Leeds. I have been in hospitality all my life since I started out as a kitchen porter when I was about 14. That gave me the bug and from there I decided this was to be my career. I started out a Birmingham college doing two course, one a very practical one in the kitchens and working behind reception. I then did a two year management course looking at finance and human resources and that led me to start a graduate programme with Grand Metropolitan hotels.

A Day in the Life

I get up at 8.00am. I may do some personal training first before I go on to run a class in Khai-bo or aerobics and then do a couple more personal training sessions.

I'll more than likely have to pop out to update the reference literature, print out new work cards and sort out other administration. I have among other things to co-ordinate all of the aerobics classes in the centre.

We've gone from 15 to 33 classes per week.

You can find out a lot more about me from my website www.richardhill.org.uk.

Background and Training

• BTEC in sports science diploma from Wakefield College
• RSA in exercise to music at Thomas Danby college
• Studied and travelled around fitness centres in USA in West Virginia to find out how they do it over there.

Career Progression

I am on contract to the leisure centre for so many hours a week and I rent the facilities to run my own fitness training. I operate as a limited company.

At the moment I employ two other personal trainers. I would wish to employ two more plus a nutritionist and extend my activities into corporate training.

Qualifications Needed

No set minimum qualification required although for specific areas of instruction evidence of competence is required.

Also as on the job training will be given leading to nationally recognised vocational qualifications NVQ/SVQ.

Qualities Needed

Good communicator with a high level of fitness who enjoys working with people.