“The Big 4… these produce the biggest metabolic response,” says Personal Trainer Iain Blacow
Meet Iain Blacow, he doesn’t want to stop learning. Find out why.
WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Iain Blacow, originally from the UK via NZ and have been living on the Gold Coast for 6 years. I am the owner of Body Express Personal Training studio in Helensvale, Gold Coast. I work as a trainer and have 3 others working with me. We provide 1 on 1 session and also hold group training classes. We place a big emphasis on nutrition and personalise all our programmes. We also work alongside a musculoskeletal massage therapist so we are a one-stop-shop.
HOW & WHY DID YOU GET INTO THE FITNESS INDUSTRY?
I did my cert 3 and 4 in fitness 7 years ago and have been working in the industry ever since. I have had a passion for fitness since a young age and have played soccer in the UK at a high level in my younger years. It was really the obvious route to take for me after a little bit of persuasion from my wife!
TAKE US THROUGH A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU?
A typical day for me is up at 4.45 am, breakfast etc ready for the first session at 5.30 am. Usually, I do 4-5 sessions up to around 11 or 12, then home for lunch and a nap if possible. I head back to the studio at about 3 pm to train myself and then have another 3 to 4 sessions from 4 pm to 7.30ish. This is the same Monday-Friday. I work Saturday morning then have Sunday off.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES YOU MADE WHEN STARTING OUT YOUR BUSINESS? AND WHAT SHOULD THEIR FOCUS BE?
When starting out in business, my tips would be to do some research before signing any lease on a facility. We had to move from our first studio as it wasn’t zoned correctly as the Council issued us with a show-cause notice. We had to pay for the zoning on the current address we are in. So, contact the council first and they will advise you. Also constantly updating your knowledge as there is new research coming out all the time.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE REASONS YOUR CLIENTS FAIL TO HIT THEIR FITNESS GOALS?
We pride ourselves on our client results as our website shows. The main reason why they fail is being unable to follow nutrition plans we issue them. Nutrition is the most important factor when trying to lose body fat, and people don’t take that on board. I think people are confused about food with there being so many diets/supplements being thrown around. I also believe some clients think having a personal training session once or twice a week is enough to achieve their desired results. That is a starting point but something they need to continue outside of their session times.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE EXERCISES TO DO WITH A CLIENT?
My favourite exercises to do with my clients are the ‘big 4’ I would say. These are the Squat, Deadlift, Bench Press and Chin Up. These produce the biggest metabolic response and achieve the best results. Any successful weight training programme should be built around these.
ANY TIPS / SUGGESTIONS FOR PEOPLE LOOKING TO GET INTO THE FITNESS INDUSTRY?
My tips would be to learn your trade in a bigger gym at first. Usually, you are helped out with leads and are working around many other trainers whom you can learn from. After gaining experience especially in retaining clients then you can think about stepping out on your own.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A PERSONAL TRAINER SUCCEED IN THE LONG TERM?
Long term success as a trainer in my eyes is someone who really cares about their clients. It’s not just about the 1-hour session but also the support you give outside of the session. I like to stay in contact with my clients between sessions quizzing them about food choices etc. It's important they are kept accountable as a week is a long time between sessions. The obvious one is getting your clients to reach their goals. If you can achieve that then they are really your walking billboard!! Also constantly trying to improve yourself in terms of reading and researching the latest information.
ANY USEFUL RESOURCES, TOOLS, OR BOOKS YOU CAN RECOMMEND?
I am a big fan of listening to podcasts! The best I have heard in recent times is Ben Coomber and Phil Learney. These are all about training and nutrition.
WHERE CAN PEOPLE GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?
People can contact me at 0404510246, email: bxpersonaltraining@gmail.com, web: bxpersonaltraining.com.au
