Alexander Hughes Personal Trainer
Alexander was a PTI in the British Army before opening up his own business. He talks to Sundried about life in the fitness industry.
Please tell us about sporting events you have taken part in or have coming up.
I represented the British Army in amateur boxing competitions. I am also a qualified ABA boxing coach. I passed the British Parachute Regiment selection course. Entering 1 para - Special forces support group. With a service of 9 years, serving all over the world. Working in hostile environments such as Afghanistan.
I have also participated in endurance events: 10k runs. 20k cross country runs.
I am a Mountain instructor with a fond interest in trekking and climbing mountains all around the world. I spent many years in Wales navigating the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and other exciting locations around the world.
Tell us about your journey to fitness, where did it all start?
My journey into the fitness industry started with a background in boxing, moving into the the British Parachute regiment. After 6 years service I became a military Personal Trainer Instructor (PTI). My responsibility in this role was to keep every soldier's fitness level at the standard required and above.
Furthermore, with finding the love for fitness and instructing, I decided to study nutrition and strength and sport conditioning. I can confirm I am a strength and sport condition certified coach and I am a certified nutrition adviser.
After 9 years service, I decided to part from the military. I studied business marketing and moved to Melbourne, Australia. Whilst in Melbourne, I carried out my studies. I started up a personal training business and bootcamp. I also worked in marketing, before returning to London to start up my fitness business. I am now based in South West London running my fitness business and other ventures.
What are your training goals now?
My current fitness goals are to stay strong and mobile. I apply the previous through various strength and conditions programs and I enjoy doing yoga which I practice once a week.
I also plan to climb Mont Blanc.
Tell us one unusual fact we wouldn’t know about you:
I am currently studying the German language.
What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?
Preparation is key to all.
What do you do to keep your clients motivated? Do you have any top tips to keep motivated?
Everyone has a push spot. I make sure I find that spot. I keep everyone focused on the goal - communication is important. I break the goal down and evaluate regularly.
How do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?
I take regular courses. Read into the area I am interested in. I will take part in classes/events. I will hire a coach with the knowledge I don’t have.
What are your top 3 trainer tips?
- Preparation.
- Nutrition
- Rest.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would pick Lebanese food for sure.
Why work with Sundried?
I was introduced to Sundried through a friend called Hannah Morgan. The material is quality and I like the background of the ambassador team. I see everyone has drive and ambition to push further. I like being part of that engine.
Favourite fitness quote:
"Pain is weakness leaving the body!"
