YOUR PERSONAL TRAINER
Name: Sam Higginbotham. Where can we find you? DW Macclesfield, Silkworks, Pickford Street, SK11 6JD. How did your journey as a PT begin? I’ve always enjoyed helping others, which inspired me to use my passion – fitness – to pursue a career in this industry. I have been working as a PT at DW Fitness Club for the last two years and I’m qualified as a fitness instructor and personal trainer, with certifications in spin (cycling), boxing, circuits and group sessions. What are the best and worst parts of your job? Best: Meeting new people and being able to see clients achieve their goals and become more confident. Worst: You have to be prepared to give up things you’ve previously enjoyed. Do you specialise in anything? I specialise in muscle and strength building, rehabilitation from injury and lifestyle guidance. My services include: strength and conditioning sessions, fat loss programmes, nutrition plans and personal training. I also offer discounted training packages throughout the year which include sessions, nutritional plans and weekly reviews and guidance. How do you stay motivated? It’s not always plain sailing – I’ve suffered setbacks myself but my advice is to set an achievable goal, break it into small targets, write them down, track your progression and hold yourself accountable. Only you can truly change yourself but remember to enjoy the journey! Don’t sacrifice happiness for results. Do you have a favourite motivational saying? It doesn’t matter how many mistakes you’ve made, it’s about learning from them – you’re only human. Do you ever indulge in cheat meals? Yes I do. It is important to enjoy yourself and live a balanced lifestyle. I have been guilty in the past of overindulging – but who hasn’t? You don’t want to restrict yourself or you won’t enjoy the process. My favourite cheat meal at the moment is homemade nachos (which I have been perfecting for some time) along with caramelised onion burgers and sweet potato fries. Do you have a favourite healthy eating restaurant? When I have time in the morning I like to visit Plums Kitchen in Macclesfield. They do a great variety of freshlymade, healthy breakfast options. What is your favourite song to workout to at the moment? MK - 17 What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a PT so far? Time management – this is due to having a busy and often unsociable schedule. I work long hours, train, complete courses and manage my clients’ progression – all while trying to have a personal life with my friends, family and girlfriend. What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt so far? Not to judge anybody – no matter their circumstances. We’re all at different levels and what may be simple and easy for some, others may find difficult. Any pet peeves? People who believe there is a short-term fix – especially for long-term problems. This hasn’t been helped by the emergence of fad diets and fad programmes which, on the outside, may look appealing. However, it doesn’t take long for the results to wear off. As the saying goes: ‘Nothing worth having comes easy.’ Think about your long-term health. Any plans for the future? In the near future I’m hoping to reach out to more people. I’m currently working on a separate business idea called ‘Time 2 Change’. It’s a corporate organisation that targets, initially, local companies with the idea of helping bring fitness and education into the workplace to people who can’t or don’t want to go to the gym. How can our readers find out more about you and your services? Search ‘Sam Higginbotham PT’ on Facebook, ‘Sam Higginbotham’ on LinkedIn and sam.higginbotham on Instagram.