A TRIO of trainers will be showing they are fit for purpose after reaching the regional finals of a prestigious contest.
The Darlington College students have fought their way onto a shortlist of ten from more than 100 entrants in the British Colleges of Sport Level 2 Fitness Instruction Competition. The regional final will take place later this year at Redcar and Cleveland College.
Laurence Riley, 26, of Willington, Chris Wood, 17, of Barnard Castle, and Tommy Pattison, 18, of Darlington, will now be tested on their manner and knowledge of personal training, including safety and effectiveness.
All three are currently studying a VTCT Level 3 diploma in exercise, health and fitness at Darlington College, with a view to becoming professional fitness instructors.
Programme leader Simon James said: “There were close to 150 entries from which only ten were selected and we have three in the final, which is unheard of.
“All three richly deserve to be there because they are so passionate about the subject, have become extremely knowledgeable and have a great rapport with people.”
Tommy said: “Effective personal training is so much more than just putting someone on the treadmill. You have to understand the person and what they want to achieve. You have to prepare them emotionally, educate and motivate them.
“The college has been a great surprise to me because I didn’t get on with school. It has given me the drive to make sure I learn the right material and helped me focus on what I need for the future.”
For Chris the course is the first rung of a ladder that could see him open his own gym one day.
“”Most of my family have always gone to the gym and my dad likes body-building, so it would be great to have my own place one day,” he said.
Laurence added: “To win the competition would be extremely prestigious and would look amazing on my CV. It will be strange being in the final with the other lads who are friends but will also be the competition.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College phone (01325) 503030 or log on to www.darlington.ac.uk.
