THE KILTED TRAINERS

There’s more to Scotland than lochs, hills, whisky and Ewan McGregor. Personal trainers and vloggers Stephan Clarke and Rab Shields have developed a massive online following as The Kilted Coaches.

DNA: How would you describe your style of personal training? Stephen: We help people who have fallen into the trap of believing that health and fitness is difficult. We focus on making people smile and to laugh first, which makes the brain more susceptible to positive and longterm change.

So, it’s a positive-thinking approach? Rab: It’s a relaxed philosophy to get serious results. We believe in an allround approach that utilises effective training techniques, including the most up-to-date nutrition principles. They are mind-set lessons aimed at keeping people fired up for goals, but doing it stress-free.

How did you two meet?

Rab: It was during our paper round days, when we were about 12 years old. Stephen was going on holiday and needed his round covered so I helped him out!

You have quite a following. What is it that people like about The Kilted Coaches?

Stephen: Possibly our no-nonsense approach, and that we like to have a laugh at the same time. Fitness should be fun and we do our best to deliver it with a smile. We think that works. What is the one best piece of advice you can offer in regard to fitness? Rab: Focus on progression! No matter where you’re starting from, just take the first logical step forward, and then the next. As long as you make progress, you’ll get there eventually. What about grooming advice? Stephen: Always brush your teeth! Seriously though, we feel overgrooming can become a real problem. Focus on how you conduct yourself to be healthy and happy. >>

If we made a movie called Free Willy, it wouldn’t be about a killer whale!