Today, I’m bringing something new to the blog, an interview with someone I greatly admire, my long-time friend and personal trainer, Rhianne Feser. This week’s post highlights her advice for fitness newcomers and what has and continues to motivate her to get stronger, healthier & happier!

1.What inspired you to become a Personal Trainer?

My interest in fitness first sparked after battling my own insecurities pertaining to my weight and struggling to find a healthy balance in life. After realizing I had a passion for the fitness industry and a desire to help others achieve their goals, I made the decision to take my personal training certification and start my own training business.

2. What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is just beginning to work out?

Just because something works for someone else doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you. Make an effort to discover what motivates you and is attainable for your body, it’s crucial that you enjoy the process! Whether it’s lifting weights, swimming, running, powerlifting, etc, find a type of exercise you’re passionate about. If you enjoy doing it, you’re more likely to stick with it!

3. What is an obstacle you encounter while training yourself and others?

Training people who aren’t easily motivated or committed enough to see results is a common obstacle I often encounter. However, I find that these feelings can be combatted by encouraging my clients and myself to surround themselves with positive people who will support them in achieving their fitness and health goals.

4. What are a few common fitness mistakes?

One of the most common mistakes I see with individuals who are just beginning their fitness journey is that they quit before they ever see results, causing them to feel discouraged. In my opinion, it’s always the hardest in the beginning. Once you’ve made fitness a priority, it becomes a habit and before you know it, working out and eating nutritiously becomes a part of your lifestyle. Another common mistake is taking advice from people who are unqualified or inexperienced. It’s important that you learn the proper and safest way of working out from the start. This can be achieved through seeking professional help in the beginning stages of your fitness journey.

5. What are your favourite super foods?

My favourite super foods include, avocados, spinach and any kind of berries.

6. What is your favourite body-weight exercise and why?

Push-ups! Pushups are a full body challenge, not just your chest and arms!

7.  What is your favourite exercise in the gym and why?

Deadlifts! I think having a strong back and core is super important, and doing deadlifts helps strengthen both.

8. What is your favourite cardio exercise and why?

Sprints! Interval training is most effective when it comes to cardio and burns more calories than steady state.

9. How do you stay motivated?

I stay best motivated when I surround myself with likeminded, fitness focused people. I also make an effort to follow other fitness entrepreneurs on social media to keep me inspired! If I’m lacking motivation I like to read my goals to remind myself why I’m making my fitness a priority and when I don’t feel like working out, I tell myself “you’ll feel better afterwards” and I always do!

10. What are your short-term/long-term fitness goals and how do you maintain them?

Short-term:

• I’ve recently gotten into power lifting and love it! My most recent goal is to compete in July 2016 with hopes of placing in the top 3 of my weight class.
• In terms of other short term goals, they’re changing on a weekly basis! It depends on a whole variety of things but, I try my best to maintain them by breaking them down into strength, weight and nutrition goals to help me stay motivated and focused!

Long-term:

• I really want to focus on expanding my personal training business by hosting more boot camps and taking on more 1-on-1 clients.

If you’re interested in seeing more of Rhianne’s fitness journey, check out her Instagram here. For information on 1-on-1 training sessions or weekly bootcamps, you can email rhiannefeser9@gmail.com.

“When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.”