Have you set yourself a new fitness goal? Do you need help with your training? Unsure on what exercises you can do at home?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we would like to introduce you to Carly Parker.
Carly is our featured PT within this article. Connect Activity had the opportunity to sit down with her, get to know more about her training and to hear her opinion on the condition of health and fitness in our current world.
See our Q&A session below.
Hey Carly, how are you today?
I am well thank you. A little tired as I was up early this morning doing an online training session with one of my clients before they started work. I do like getting up early though, as it means I can be more productive with my day and then I can get to bed earlier in the evenings. Never underestimate a good nights sleep!
That’s a great point. We need to learn from you and wake up earlier to maximise our day.
So tell us, how difficult was 2020 for you?
2020 has been an extremely difficult year for everyone. For myself, working in the fitness industry has been very challenging, with gyms and fitness facilities being closed for the majority of the year. I am just grateful that I have been able to adapt my sessions to deliver online and I have managed to still maintain a good following.
Did training help you in any way through this period?
Training was definitely one of the main things that got me through 2020. Having faced multiple challenges throughout the year, it was something that kept me motivated during the difficult times.
One of the main reasons I train is for how it makes me feel. I know that it will boost my mood and give me a positive mindset moving forward. If you struggle with motivation, try joining a group session or use an online coach for additional support.
Has your experiences of 2020 changed your approach to physical and mental wellbeing?
My experience of being in lockdown has most definitely highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing and how much we should consider it. It is often something that is overlooked, most probably because it is not something we want to admit we have an issue with or we don’t really recognise the issue. I believe that not being able to see some of our loved ones can be a major factor, as they are often the people we confide in the most.
I believe that exercise is important to both your physical and mental wellbeing. Whether we are going outdoors once a day to exercise or we are doing our indoor sessions, it is important to keep up the exercise to support our physical and mental wellbeing.
So whats new for 2021?
I am seeing 2021 as a fresh start and it brings new opportunities. I have been working on my online training and nutrition programs, which I will be releasing very soon. I am planing ahead for when gyms and fitness facilities reopen and I can take my training programmes to a more professional environment, to progress my clients training.
I was lucky enough to launch my first pop up fitness retreat in 2019, but unfortunately all plans for 2020 were put on hold. I am currently putting together plans for the next location, which I will hopefully be able to launch later this year.
2020 did not start the way many of us would have hoped for. My best advice is to keep looking forward and working on what we can do right now, rather than thinking about what we cannot do.
What can we expect from your online sessions and can anyone join?
My sessions are a variety of bodyweight HIIT and boxing style sessions, as well as full body weight workouts.
Every session is suitable for all levels of participants, as variations and adjustments are provided to meet your needs. I make them fun and engaging so you enjoy what you are doing, but challenging to keep you working hard.
Anyone joining will have a short consultation first to ensure the class is suitable and to ensure I can meet your needs.
How can we follow you and join your sessions?
I am current running my online classes for free throughout January. You can join by adding me on Instagram – @cp_pt_
If you are not on Instagram and would like to join please email me at [email protected]
Thank you for taking the time to speak to us Carly, we wish you the best of luck with everything in 2021.
Thank you for having me, it was a pleasure to share my journey with you.
You can also follow Carly on her Connect Activity profile – @cppt.
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If anybody else would like to take part in our “in the spotlight” interviews, please contact us at [email protected] or message us on social media.
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Thanks for reading.
Keep connecting and stay active.