The Very Passionate Selina Wright Is Our Personal Trainer Of The Day
Selina Wright, owner of red e personal training (www.redepersonaltraining.com.au) is our personal trainer of the day. She describes herself as ‘passionate’ and that word is even an understatement! She has been motivating and changing people’s lives for 11 years, read her full interview below.
TELL US YOUR STORY, WHO ARE YOU AND HOW DID YOU START IN THE HEALTH AND FITNESS INDUSTRY?
I developed a passion for health and fitness right after I finished high school. I was known as a “Fitness Fanatic” to my family and friends. I was a Premier League netball player and a long-time member of my local Road Runners club. In 2003 I was living in Canada on a work visa (I actually had a gym membership there before I had a job!) when I made the decision that once I returned to Australia, I would complete my certifications and work in the industry I was passionate about. In 2004 I started at Red E Personal Training Mackay as the head trainer and within a few months, I was the owner of the business! As of this month (January 2015) I’ve been a Personal Trainer in my business for eleven years.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES YOU MADE WHEN STARTING OUT IN THIS INDUSTRY?
I’d have to say doing too much!! I said yes to everyone at any hour of the day and it didn’t take long before my doctor told me I’d be in the hospital, burnt out. Looking back, it was a matter of trying to please everyone and not wanting to say no to anyone. Once I put myself on set hours, and that was all I was available for, I got some balance back in my life.
WHAT IS THE MOST ABSURD EXCUSE YOU HEARD FROM A CLIENT AND HOW DID YOU RESPOND TO IT?
“I need to get fit before I see a Personal Trainer.” I hear this quite a bit! I kindly explain to them that that is exactly what we do… if they just start they will soon get fit, as opposed to just waiting to for it to happen! I also like to tell stories of clients who have been in their same position – may be a little scared or intimidated, nervous and apprehensive to get started. I understand that daunting feeling, so do my best to make them feel comfortable.
WHAT MAKES YOUR GYM/FITNESS CENTER DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
I offer a private studio facility where all training is done one-on-one with a trainer. We pride ourselves on going ‘above and beyond’ to give an exciting and fun experience each time our clients' train. I also offer outdoor Bootcamps which are women’s only, and from day one these have been a popular and exclusive way for women to train. The community we have built and the friendships the ladies have made over the years are really special to see. We have a twice-yearly “Challenge Week” event, where all clients – PT & Bootcamp – are put into teams and they can earn points through individual and team challenges as well as for attendance and wearing their team colours. This really helps solidify the team and ‘we-are-in-it-together’ aspect with our clients, whilst getting them results in a fun, challenging and unique way! We make fitness fun!
We are also very passionate about fundraising and through holding large-scale community events we have raised over $35,000 for national charities, including Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Leukaemia Foundation as well as various local charities.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST GUILTY PLEASURE WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD?
I love all food! And I don’t feel guilty eating any sort – I believe in moderation. If I want something, I’ll have it. That way I don’t crave it until it’s unbearable then go crazy! I believe that nourishing our bodies from the inside will help us look and feel great on the outside to follow the 80/20 rule!
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BEST EXERCISE/WORKOUT TIPS?
Just.Get.Started! If you wait for the conditions to be perfect they never will be! Just do something small each day – start with a 20-minute walk. If you are “too busy”, well that’s even more reason to MAKE the time, as all the busyness and stresses of your day-to-day living will be easier to handle. We all have the same amount of hours in a day, so instead of saying that you have no time to exercise, MAKE the time! You will feel better for it and the benefits are just too big to ignore!
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS OR PLANS THIS YEAR?
To continue offering a variety of services to my clients, as well as internal social events. I currently have online programs which I would like to develop further and get out into the broader community to serve as many people as I can, not just on a local level!
I’m also passionate about learning more and growing further on both a personal and professional level. There are a few courses I’m interested in doing this year, and I have heaps of books I’m slowly making my way through We can never stop learning!