My fitness journey: From unfit Mum to Personal Trainer in Helensburgh
I wasn’t always a Personal Trainer. Oh, no. I was where a lot of my clients find themselves when they first come to me for help. Where you did PE at school, and then left exercise behind because, you know, life. And then eventually it all catches up with you…
I’m Mary-Anne, and this is my fitness journey from an unfit Mum to a qualified personal trainer, gym instructor and black belt in Taekwondo.
Back at square one. Again.
For me, my ‘help!’ moment was after my second baby, when I found myself in that not-great place many mums know too well.
Three stones overweight. Unhappy with my fitness. Disappointed with how I looked.
The yo-yo cycle had started after my first baby when I gained three stones. Clearly, I hadn't learned my lesson because here I was, back at square one again.
Finding my running legs.
Thai boxing used to be my fitness passion, but with no time for scheduled classes, I gave it up and tried running instead. It was easier to fit round the kids.
I joined a local jogging group first. We met weekly, guided by experienced runners. After gaining confidence, I took a scary step – joining a ‘proper’ running club.
I worried they'd laugh at my slower pace and tell me I didn't belong. I couldn't have been more wrong.
The experienced runners doubled back to run with me. They offered advice, help, and sometimes the kick up the backside I needed to push beyond my limits.
Stepping into the gym world.
As I progressed from 5k and 10k runs to half marathons (and even full marathons), I realised I needed more variety in my training.
That's how I found myself at the gym, facing another mental barrier.
I'd always told myself certain things about fitness:
"I'll hate that class," or
"The gym isn't for me," or
"I can't do that."
But, you know, what is there to lose? Try something for an hour. Don't like it? Don't go back. At least you've exercised and you can try something else next time.
Discovering unexpected joys in Helensburgh.
For me, the surprise was spin classes. I'd always said, "I hate the exercise bike, why would I willingly do a whole class of it?"
Turned out, I loved it.
Well, let’s be honest - it was torture. But the temporary pain always transformed into enjoyment.
Between spin, kettlebells, and metafit classes here in Helensburgh, I finally found courage to step onto the open gym floor – something else I swore I'd never enjoy.
Conquering gym anxiety.
The gym feels intimidating when you lack confidence. Everyone else seems to know exactly what they're doing – they were born planning workouts, right?
That's exactly how I felt. And how most people feel when they first walk into a gym.
The different this time was that I decided to ask for help. See that person in the gym uniform? It's literally their job to help – and they're waiting for you to ask. Really.
Embracing (and loving) weight training.
This led to my next fitness lesson: weight training. Again, sometning I never thought I’d do.
"You want me to go into the weights area with all those bodybuilders?" I nervously asked myself.
(Yes, I talk to myself a lot.)
Take a peek around that corner of the gym. There's nothing to fear. Today, it's not all pecs, guns, and guys grunting while lifting enormous weights.
More people now understand how crucial weight resistance training is for EVERYONE – especially women.
Important truth: Resistance training won't make you look like Popeye. It's essential for healthy bones and muscles, and burns fat more effectively than cardio.
Two BIG lessons from my gym experience.
Nobody's watching or judging you. Most people focus on their own workouts. If anyone watches, they might be looking for inspiration.
Experienced gym-goers won't laugh at you. Just like my running club, most people willingly share advice.
Returning to my Kickboxing roots in Helensburgh.
While I was discovering running and gym workouts, my husband and kids had fallen in love with Taekwondo at Steven McLaren's club in Helensburgh, which also offered kickboxing.
I couldn't resist returning to the sport that first sparked my fitness interest.
Joining the kickboxing class felt like putting on a familiar pair of gloves. I was hooked again immediately.
Taking the leap into teaching.
When the club expanded into its own space, Steven asked if I wanted to run women's classes.
I was stunned. I was unsure about teaching but felt curious about stepping further out of my comfort zone. So I signed up for some courses and gave it a go.
My first class was as daunting as that first gym visit, except I couldn't show my nerves – I needed to be the confident one in the room.
I took a deep breath and projected confidence. And loved it! I’m also happy to say that some of my students from that very first night still train with me, all these years later!
From student to Personal Trainer in Helensburgh.
Getting into coaching and having responsibility for other people’s' exercise made me hungry to learn more about health and fitness.
I'd lost weight by then but wanted to understand more about true health. Weight loss doesn't always equal health – you need to consider food quality, not just quantity.
I began wondering: Rather than the office 9-to-5, could I make a living doing something I love?
With support behind me, I booked a gym instructor course and became a student again.
Between work, classes and weekend courses, I was exhausted but happy. Very happy.
Career transformation.
The course qualified me to work in a gym – a role reversal! Now I'd be that person in uniform waiting to help others.
I completed more certifications for fitness classes, including spin. I became an instructor and took a position as a relief fitness instructor.
Completely immersed in the fitness world, the next logical step was personal training certification.
This required serious commitment – was I ready for a career change? I'd come so far that turning back made little sense.
When life gives you the nudge you need.
By this point I was established as a class instructor at SMMA in Helensburgh, and with access to premises, I was able to start with a few PT clients. But time was an issue as I was still working my full-time job, too.
The thought of becoming a full-time personal trainer felt like leaping into the unknown. Should I do it?
Then life helped make the decision for me. The pandemic hit, and I was made redundant from my day job. It became now or never. With the support I'd received along my journey, I took a deep breath and dived in!
Embracing the unexpected.
Meanwhile, with my family already deep into the Taekwondo world, I did something else I always said I wouldn’t do. I found myself at the back of the class in my "pyjamas," facing yet another challenge!
I don't do things halfway. Soon I was learning to coach Taekwondo, particularly with kids – a completely different experience with unique rewards.
And then Steven asked me to help manage the club. I immersed myself in Taekwondo and SMMA while building my personal training business in Helensburgh. Busier than ever but happier than ever!
Who knew "work" could be so enjoyable? It's never felt like work – I love it!
Where I am today as a Personal Trainer in Helensburgh.
SMMA outgrew our premises as the club expanded – something I'm proud to have contributed to. Now I conduct in-person training and fitness classes at a fantastic Helensburgh gym while growing my online coaching business.
I continually build knowledge through various physical activity and coaching courses.
The club? We grow daily. We've built an amazing, supportive community I couldn't manage without. Taekwondo changed my life again, taking me in an unexpected direction. I'm a first dan black belt and counting, loving both coaching and learning simultaneously.
What I hope you'll take away.
I really believe that my own experience with health, weight and fitness - and confidence - makes me a better personal trainer. Because I’ve been there, I can understand. I know what it’s like to have desperately tried fad diets and slimming classes, endless cardio and not knowing that the gym and martial arts are great, confidence-building and welcoming places to be. So if you’re new to exercise or feeling a bit apprehensive or overwhelmed by the whole fitness thing, here are some things I learned that might be helpful to you:
Don't limit yourself – you're capable of anything. Really.
Always ask for help – if you don't get it, you're no worse off.
Stay open to new experiences – try everything once, you never know where it might lead!
Embrace your support network
Stepping (sometimes being nudged) out of my comfort zone wasn't easy or comfortable, but it was absolutely worth it.
If it all goes wrong? At least I'll know I tried and enjoyed the journey.
And if it all goes right? Its already given me a career I never knew I wanted, living the dream as a personal trainer in Helensburgh.
Want to start your own fitness journey in Helensburgh? I'd love to help! Get in touch to learn more about personal training, getting started in the gym, sensible nutrition and weight loss, and more. Contact me