SERIES TWO – EDITION TWENTY TWO
In the latest edition of our ‘Faces behind the Business’ series, we caught up with Jay Harris, aged 28, a Personal Trainer; currently located at Crew 42.
When did you first get into the industry?
I first got into the fitness industry over 8 years ago now. I left school unsure on what I wanted to do. I have always been keen on sports and as a child was forever in the local sports centre doing different activities so I thought that may be a good road to go down. I completed a sports coaching qualification and was asked if I would like to do a Personal Training qualification. I hadn’t really been around the gym environment and it wasn’t something I could see myself doing as a career but after a few weeks into the qualification, I knew it was something I would pursue.
How long have you worked as a PT?
I have now been working as a PT for just over 8 years. I got my first job as a Personal Trainer in a gym called Ben Dunne which is now JD Gyms. It really opened my eyes to the fitness industry and I learnt a lot from the 2 years I worked there. I then moved onto some independent small business gyms which suits me more.
What is your ethos?
I’d say my ethos is how approachable and considerate I am. I make it an aim of mine to say hello and goodbye to every single face that comes through the gym door. Whether that’s my client, other PT’s client or gym members in general. A simple ‘hello’ can put someone at ease straight away as the gym can come across as an intimidating place for some and I understand how difficult it can be for someone to sign up, let alone turn up to the gym.
I work extremely long hours and have done ever since I began this job because I love what I do. For instance, I have recently started a peri/menopause gym class for women who are going through the menopause right now. This is based down at Crew 42 Gym, by Costco, where I am currently based. This class has been up and running for a month in which we play something I created a while back called Fitness Bingo. We also play for prizes, we sing, we dance and we laugh and it’s one of the best things I have ever provided. I am helping so many women at the moment with their sleeping, their mindset and more importantly, their mental health. This is a class that myself & Lindzi Germain sat down and said, ‘let’s give it a go’ – With the backing of the fantastic Michelle & Jonathan (owners of Crew 42 Gym), this has gone down better than I expected so early on.
What’s the best bit of advice you could give to anyone looking at working in your line of work?
The best bit of advice I can give anyone who is looking to get into my line of work is be realistic, be sensible and be humble. You really have to work for your clients and put yourself out there. For me, I think times have changed massively in regards to promoting yourself. People still use business cards and flyers in gyms, but for me, it’s social media. You need a social media presence. Learn what to post, when to post and how to post. Don’t be afraid to do the odd job here and there for free, either. During lockdown, I done over 100+ free online workouts (before Joe Wicks, may I add) for kids without any Physical Education. As a former PE teacher, I know just as much as anyone how important Physical Education is. 30mins/45 mins of exercise can go a long way for children these days as they have so much technology that is pretty much stopping them from going outdoors and getting some fitness.
What do you love most about Liverpool?
The best thing about Liverpool is that I get to call it home. I have never seen myself working away from here. We back each other more than any other city!
You can follow Jay Harris on Instagram @jayharrispt
Are you a business in the Liverpool City Region and want to feature in our Faces Behind the Business series? Contact us now by emailing hello@explore-liverpool.com or get us on WhatsApp on 07568 532 537.
