Hannah Keech Personal Trainer

Hannah followed her heart by pursuing a career in fitness after working unfulfilling office jobs. She tells Sundried about her goals for next year and her tips for motivation.

Please tell us about sporting events you have taken part in or have coming up.

I recently completed 'Man vs Mountain': a 22-mile run which includes going up and down Snowdon. It was tough but I loved it!

I have just entered Edinburgh marathon 2019 which I am hoping to get a sub 3:45 on.

Tell us about your journey to fitness? Where did it all start?

I was always active growing up; I danced since the age of 3 and loved running at school but it never occurred to me that I might have a career from it one day. It wasn't until my last year of university that I fell in love with health and fitness. I wanted to lose some weight (from the very unhealthy lifestyle of being a student) and become fit again. I joined a gym and started learning more about nutrition, although I was very clueless at the start of my journey, but you have to start somewhere!

Once graduated, I moved home and worked a couple of office jobs unsure of what I wanted to do. My passion for health and fitness grew and I decided this is what I want to do; I wanted to inspire others to become the best, healthiest versions of themselves, to show how easy healthy living can be.

What are your training goals now?

I have been running quite a lot over the summer so for the next 3 months I'm taking a rest and step back from running and getting back into the gym, focusing on building my strength.

Tell us one unusual fact we wouldn’t know about you:

I have a degree in Art & Design.

What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?

Don't believe the first thing you read.

Do you follow a specific nutrition plan? If so, what/when do you eat?

No specific plan. I eat well and give my body what it needs. I enjoy eating healthy foods and love to cook. I keep it pretty simple and don't eat processed food or much junk food, but I still treat myself now and again!

What do you do to keep your clients motivated? Do you have any top tips to keep motivated?

I try to make my classes and sessions fun, I wouldn't want someone paying me for an hour they are going to hate. Fitness should be enjoyable and something you love to do. Best tip to keep motivated is find something you enjoy. You don't have to do something just because someone else is, find what works for you.

Talk us through your training regime.

I usually train 4-6 times a week including running, weights, HIIT and also spend time stretching and working on mobilisation.

How do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?

I read books, blogs and follow many fitness professionals on social media. It's very important to make sure that people you gain knowledge from on social media are trained professionals. I'm also booked onto a couple of courses both fitness and nutrition, and this is something I will keep up with every year.

What are your top 3 trainer tips?

1. Happy and motivating
2. You have to want to help people
3. Being understanding

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Probably pasta!

Why work with Sundried?

As well as health and fitness I'm also passionate about our environment and sustainability. So being able to work with a sports brand that is eco-friendly is great

Favourite fitness quote:

Listen to your body - I'm not sure if this is really a quote but it's pretty important.