We had the opportunity to sit down with Lena, course graduate from the Body + Soul Fitness Personal Training Certificate, to hear about her background in fitness, her experience in our course and how it’s influencing her future career in occupational therapy.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background before joining the course?
Lena: I started working as a personal training intern at Body + Soul Fitness back in October 2024. I actually pursued the internship after reaching out to the team to explore opportunities in the fitness industry. After I started, I was invited to join the certification program to deepen my understanding of personal training, with the goal of becoming a full-time trainer.
Q: What initially inspired you to pursue personal training?
Lena: I’ve always had a passion for fitness, especially how it supports physical, emotional and mental well-being. So, I wanted to find ways to share the positive impact that exercise has had on my own life with others.
Course Experience
Q: How did you find the learning process (structure, materials, instructors)?
Lena: Overall, the course was well done, truly excellent. Coming from a non-kinesiology background, I appreciated that it was approachable and manageable. Having both in-person and virtual components really helped me absorb everything, and it was great to learn from different instructors who each brought unique perspectives.
Q: Were there any challenges you faced during the course? How did you overcome them?
Lena: At first, I found some of the technical terminology a bit overwhelming, especially when reviewing the online material. But I flagged anything I didn’t understand and brought those questions to the in-person sessions. There were lots of opportunities for discussion
and hands-on learning, which helped me build confidence and eventually feel like I had a solid grasp of everything. It really just took time, repetition, and asking questions.
Q: What was your favourite part of the program?
Lena: I really loved learning how to do a full fitness assessment and use the results to create personalized programs. It was a bit of a learning curve, but it’s such a valuable skill. Unlike cookie-cutter routines, this approach tailors training to each person’s needs, helping them progress safely and confidently.
Advice for Future Students
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about taking this course?
Lena: If you’re interested in functional movement and helping people reach their unique goals, this course is absolutely worth it. It’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll leave feeling competent, confident, and ready to make a difference in people’s lives – whether as a full-time trainer or integrating the skills into another career path like I’m doing.
Q: Any tips for success during the program?
Lena: I have two main tips:
Make sure you make the most of the online content. Watch the videos before the in-person sessions, it will help you feel more prepared. Even after the course, you’ll have access to those materials, and it’s an amazing resource you can keep coming back to.
Ask lots of questions and get hands-on. The practical component is where you’ll learn the most. Step out of your comfort zone, embrace all of the new materials and you’ll make the most out of the experience.
Q: Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to add?
Lena: Getting certified through this course really opened up new possibilities for me. It’s given me flexible ways to bring exercise into both my personal and professional life. Whether I’m helping friends, supporting rehab, or just encouraging long-term wellbeing, it’s reinforced how powerful movement can be in helping people feel their best.
If you’re interested in exploring a career in health and fitness, learn more about our personal training certification program.