How Debbie changed career to become a personal fitness trainer

“Distance learning has always appealed to me as the convenience of learning at home, at times that fit around my schedule, is the only method of continued learning I can dedicate myself to as a busy parent.”

Debbie, 40, Personal Fitness Trainer & Nutrition student

Debbie is a self-employed fitness instructor, but she didn’t begin her career in this sector.

In fact, Debbie worked in childcare for 19 years, and just before she found out she was expecting her third child at the age of 36, she retrained with a Personal Fitness Trainer Level 3 course via Open Study College.

Now Debbie trains women who are short on time but are keen to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Looking back at her journey, she says: “I completed my first Open Study College course when I was pregnant with my third baby. I then acknowledged the need for fellow mums to find a safe space in which they could work on their fitness, but not have to worry about childcare.

“I run group classes in which the children can play with toys and have lots of activities to keep them entertained in a safe environment, while their mums exercise in close proximity. Ladies are also welcome in my home with their children to train privately.

“It really takes away the concerns regarding leaving children or finding the time to exercise, as my sessions are 20-30 minutes total. Seeing me juggle classes with a toddler, definitely inspires other ladies to push through and give it a go.”

When asked why Debbie chose distance learning via Open Study College, she explains: “Distance learning has always appealed to me as the convenience of learning at home, at times that fit around my schedule, is the only method of continued learning I can dedicate myself to as a busy parent.

“The pressure of attending a class or having to be somewhere is completely removed; I could not leave home for hours at a time to attend an ‘in-person class’, so this method is ideal!

“I also enjoy the convenience of distance learning and the complete control I have over when I study. Time is always a challenge when you have children and work to factor in, but studying something you are passionate about and you have chosen, definitely makes it worth it.

“It's also a huge bonus to have an assigned tutor who you can liaise with when you need a little advice. Open Study College has been very engaging from the start – their communication has been on point, and my tutor is always quick to reply when I have a question on an assignment that needs answering.”

When Debbie is not working or spending time with her children, she enjoys completing research for work, watching documentaries on fitness, reading blogs by sports scientists, and going on long solo walks with her dalmatian, Dexter.

Debbie is now studying her Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health at Open Study College to expand upon her knowledge: “Once I have completed my studies, I plan to offer full wellbeing packages and nutrition advice alongside my current training package.

“I would advise anyone considering home learning to think about what they enjoy in life. When you are invested in the course content, studying isn't a chore.”