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.
- 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.
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.
