Making an exercise in self-belief pay off
JAMES SMITH had wanted a career in the Armed Forces since he was in his teens.
The 24- year- old, from East Grinstead, West Sussex, originally aimed to become a pilot with the RAF, but was deemed to be too tall.
A career as a paratrooper beckoned, but his severe asthma prevented him from passing the medical examination.
However, James didn’t let the disappointment deter him and discovered a new career in the fitness industry after a friend encouraged him to pursue his passion for sport. He has gone on to become a rising star within The Gym Group, the UK’s fastest growing low-cost gym chain.
Since joining the company in 2011 in a work experience role, he is now a general manager and looks after a team of 14.
James says: ‘After my first few weeks, I just knew it was a career I would stay in, but I never expected to have developed as many skills as I have and to have moved through the positions this quickly.’
James began his work experience and a Personal Trainer Level 2 course at The Gym Brighton Madeira Drive in 2010. After nine months, he completed his Level 3 Personal Trainer course.
A year later, he joined the team at The Gym Crawley and was later promoted to assistant general manager of a gym in Vauxhall, London.
A spokesman for The Gym Group says: ‘Flourishing in the fitness environment and showing real potential, James was recruited to help with the opening of The Gym East Croydon.
‘He was then offered the position of trainee general manager, where he attended different sites and assisted with new gym openings across London.
‘It was at this point that James’s positive and strong work ethos was realised and he progressed to his current role as general manager of The Gym Eastbourne, where he oversaw the opening the site in April 2015.’
James adds: ‘I have always kept my head down and worked hard. I’m going to continue to work hard and look forward to developing my rewarding career at The Gym Group for many years to come.’
Meanwhile, Paula Hamilton, 53, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, was a stay-athome mum for 17 years.
After her marriage broke down in 2011, she spent some time reassessing her life and as she had always had a love for fitness, she decided to become a personal trainer.
Paula retrained with Premier Training International in October 2012 and set up her personal training business, the No 1 Ladies Fitness Agency in January 2013.
She says: ‘The course with Premier was really informative and gave me the confidence to set up my own business.’