Students put fitness skills into action

Hopwood Hall College personal training students; Daniel Singleton Maddison Stothard, Sam Dewhurst, Nazir Hussain, Tricia Roberts, Liam Whalley, Alex Jobson, Paul Ainsworth

Students at Hopwood Hall College harnessed their personal training skills recently when they got to the chance to put some willing volunteers through their paces.

The students, who are all studying for personal training qualifications at the College, were delighted when Acorn, a treatment and housing charity helping drug and alcohol users, suggested that some of their clients would be keen to improve their fitness levels. As a result 23 Acorn residents visited Hopwood Hall College last week for some one-to-one fitness sessions.

In preparation, the students had spent valuable time creating the perfect activity plan for their new clients. The programmes were designed so that they could be adapted to any level of fitness but the emphasis remained firmly on having fun.

After an initial consultation by the students each Acorn client was given a full hour personal training session. Lisa McKay, Hopwood Hall College’s Sports Programme Manager commented: “We were delighted when the Acorn residents said they would be interested in taking part in some fitness sessions and I have to say they all put in 100% effort and worked really hard.”

Not only did the sessions give the students the opportunity to practice their training skills they also allowed the students to practice other skills that they will need to make it in the industry, such as customer service and communication skills.

Ms McKay added: “Activities like this are so important for our students as it gives them experience of what work in the personal training industry will be like. I was really proud of how they worked with the clients, they did an excellent job.”