Get more out of life with a new venture
TRINA ElKINGTON worked as a senior management consultant for 13 years and and had a hugely successful career.
But the high- pressured job involved working long hours and spending a lot of time away from home, and it eventually took a toll on her health. So when she found she was continually stressed out, Mrs Elkington decided it was time to re- evaluate her career.
Having spent years cooped up in an office, she yearned to be more active and decided to become a personal trainer. So two years ago, she enrolled on premier Training International’s diploma course at its state- of- the- art leeds training venue.
Since graduating, Mrs Elkington has set up a personal training business, Fit And Thin, in leeds.
She says: ‘I was spending more and more time away from home, and the long hours meant my health was deteriorating, and I knew it was time to do something about it.
‘part of it was reaching that stage of middle age when you begin to ask yourself: what do I want from life? Am I in control and happy with what I’m doing?
‘I felt I should be doing something that gave me more control and made me feel I was getting something more out of life other than a pay cheque.
‘I’ve always been a keen runner and enjoy aerobics and keeping fit, so I made the decision to turn this interest into a career. It was a daunting decision to make, but I’d researched it thoroughly and knew I wanted to make a go of it.’ Mrs Elkington now provides personal training and corporate work, and runs classes including Zumba and ladies’ Nordic walking. She also teaches people how to swim.
She says: ‘My business is going really well. I especially try to target people who are scared of gyms but want to lose weight, get healthier or just want some motivation.
‘I wanted to help people who were in a similar position to me, people who lead busy lives and don’t have much time to exercise but hate going to the gym.
‘I’ve got a private studio for my clients in my garden, so I work very much on a one-to-one, confidential basis. A lot of my training also takes place outside, at the local park or in clients’ gardens.’
She adds: ‘I really enjoy helping people feel more in control. I came from a position where I was so stressed, I was a good two stone heavier than I am now. I was unhappy and had no energy.
‘I now help people get through those situations. I often get clients coming up to me, giving me a hug and saying: “You’ve made such a difference to my life.” That gives you a real buzz.’