For Dorota Stawinska since 2007 sport has played a massive part in her life. From taking her first steps in fitness instructor training, battling through tough training regimes and investing vast amounts of her time and energy she’s done it all! In March 2014 she achieved one of her lifelong fitness goals when she took part in her first female body builders bikini competitions. And since then, well the sky’s the limit. Dorota has only looked forward and recently qualified as a level 2 Fitness Instructor where she intends to use her personal achievements and fitness qualifications to great effect helping others achieve their fitness goals.
We caught up with Dorota to learn more about her experiences in completing her Fitness Instructor Training Course, why sport is such a passion and what’s next in her exciting fitness career.
Why did you decide on a fitness instructor training related career?
Sport has always been a big part of my life and in March 2014 I decided to compete seriously in my fitness female body builder bikini competition. It was a great experience and also a great opportunity to evaluate my skills and capabilities. The sport body building teaches discipline and gives a chance to get to know your own strengths as well as weaknesses. I wanted to use all the fitness knowledge I knew had gained through body building and develop my practical skills so that I could help others achieve results. I was hungry and wanted to educate myself more. I had a natural curiosity and wanted to understand all the different perspectives of fitness and become a Personal Trainer.
What made you choose to study a Fitness Instructor Course?
Because of my passion for Fitness Instructor training, I now knew I wanted to be a Personal Trainer and that’s definitely where I’m heading. I have always been interested in sports, a healthy lifestyle and ways of taking care of the body. Over the past 10 years I’ve broadened my experiences of many different aspects of exercise including jogging, swimming, fitness, cross fit, cycling, stretching and strength training. As I wanted to work as a Personal Trainer and already had a plan formulating for how to achieve this I thought it would be good for me to start from the beginning completing my Fitness Instructor course and gaining my level 2 qualification. I know that there is no short cut in life and to become something you need to do something…for me it was time to take action!
Why did you decide to study with the Academy of Fitness Professionals?
As I work full-time I was looking for an online fitness course so that I could study at a place and time when it suited me the best. I was seeking many things from my fitness course; a good price, e-learning option to accommodate my full-time work, the opportunity to get support, the chance to talk to my tutor as needed and ask for assistance.
I chose the Academy Of Fitness Professionals because the people working there just simply care. I felt really comfortable from the very first conversation over the phone with my tutor and everything was explained so clearly every step of the way.
What did you think of the Fitness Instructor course?
I’d made the decision to complete my fitness trainer course but it didn’t stop me feeling a little bit scared at the beginning…which is perfectly normal! So I decided to develop a plan so that I could make study work and stick to it. Every module was an achievement as it took me closer and closer to my goal.
The Certificate in Fitness’ Instructing course is a great way of building your career for the future. I found the course very easy and helpful to go through. At all stages there’s instructions, advice, information, life facts all in one place. As much as I don’t like to read I was completely hypnotized reading every module. This has allowed me to gain knowledge not only of exercise but most importantly how to select and prescribe appropriate exercise for different clients.
How easy was it to study and fit this into your lifestyle?
During the first months of my course I was working full-time in a gym as a receptionist. This helped me with my studies as I had a chance to see and understand all their procedures and policies. It was easy for me to get to know how a health club works, how Personal Trainers work and how the organisation functions. Then I had to leave my job to be with my son and I had to devise a new study plan. I decide to use his nap times for my study and work in small chunks at a time.
What was the practical workshop like?
Before the practical workshop I was nervous I thought it would be like an exam in school. But as soon as I saw my tutor and a fellow participant I completely relaxed. I had a great day, really enjoyed working with others and we enjoyed some good laughs along the way. I learnt so much on the practical day as we worked through a series of workshops focused on warm ups, cools downs, cardiovascular exercise, strength training and fitness testing. I had the chance to show my skills delivering my very own training programme and also share my experiences, thoughts and ideas with others. I had a fantastic time and one thing I must say – the tutor had incredible knowledge. It was a great day and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Would you recommend your Level 2 Fitness Instructor Course to others?
Yes, 100% to all who would like to start a career as a Personal Trainer or as a start point if you’re not sure where your fitness career is headed. The Fitness Instructor Course contains so much useful and interesting information that I would never thought about and once qualified you’re ready to start work.
What was your tutor like, did they help your study?
My tutor was always open and helpful. I didn’t need that much support with the course theory but the induction process explained everything really clearly so I knew exactly what was expected. It was helpful to know my tutor was there for me if I needed any help or simply had a question and this made me feel confident and secure along the way.
What are your career goals?
There is nothing more amazing in the whole world than to work in a job you love and for that to give you an income. From day one since I came to the UK my plan was to find a good job at well-known company, to use my multi-language skills and work as a Personal Trainer helping others achieve their own goals. The first goal I have already achieved. The second one I am still working on and mentally I am already there with the third!
Anything else about you you’d like to share?
I follow Academy Of Fitness Professionals on Facebook. Posts are not just random information but carefully selected with a meaning, well worth a look.
