Helen Kukor Personal Trainer
Helen comes from a background playing football but has found her passion in strength and conditioning. She talks to Sundried about motivation and life as a PT.
How did you find yourself in the world of fitness?
I have always been a keen sportswoman and have played football for many years. This lead to studying Exercise and Sports Science at Exeter University and from there I decided to train to be a personal trainer.
What do you do to keep your clients motivated?
It’s normally gentle encouragement and sometimes a bit of persuasion! I usually get my clients involved in Facebook groups to provide some accountability and support. They upload meals they’ve cooked, exercises that they’ve completed, and I can send them articles and tasks to complete.
Talk us through your training regime.
I’m currently training with a strength and conditioning coach so we’re concentrating on Olympic lifting, deadlifts, and squats. We also do some conditioning work, accessory exercises, stretching and foam rolling. We usually train 4 times per week around clients.
Do you follow a specific diet?
I wouldn’t say I follow a specific diet. I teach my clients to eat real, whole food in the correct quantities so I follow this as well. It’s not strict so I do allow myself the occasional treat and meal out!
How do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?
I follow a lot of top coaches on Facebook and Twitter so I usually read what they post. I work with two top coaches as well so I listen to what they’re saying and what they’re telling their clients.
How do you balance work and a social life?
I try to keep my weekends as clear as possible so that I have time to do the things I want and see the people that I want to see. However, being self-employed it is a lot easier for me to take time off if I wanted to. I like to spend as much time with my family and friends as possible!
What are your top 3 trainer tips?
- Quality over quantity.
- Make sure that your weight loss is balanced and sustainable.Â
- You need to enjoy the exercise that you’re doing so try to find ways of getting fit that you find fun. You’re more likely to stick at it this way. Â
If you could only give your clients one exercise, what would it be?
I’m a big fan of the front squat. I think that the squat is a fundamental movement and the front squad adds a bit of instability and a core workout.
What are your training aspirations?
My training aspirations are quite simple really, I want to lift heavier things! I would like to improve all of my PBs by the end of the year in the deadlift, squat, bench press and clean.
Why work with Sundried?
I wanted to work with Sundried because their clothes have an ethical footprint, they look great, and I’m a massive fan of their brand values.