Bloggers
MALCOLM MCPHAIL, LIFE LEISURE CEO
“Having held a number of high profile roles within the UK health and fitness industry – including the position of Sports Director for Next Generation – the former Scottish 400m hurdles champion still enjoys his track time. Currently the 100m Masters Champion in Scotland, the North and the South of England, Malcolm also reached the semi-finals of this years’ European Championships..”
ADAM HEYWOOD, FITNESS MANAGER
“Having been in the fitness industry since 2006 both as a personal trainer and a manager I have seen and heard many different “fads” come and go. My blogs are designed to give you the facts so you can make your own mind up about things. I am a qualified Personal Trainer with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Performance Coaching and a Master’s degree in Strength and Conditioning. My passion is coaching and I love my job with Life Leisure as I get to help people every day. Alongside my career with Life Leisure I work as a performance coach advising and coaching athletes of all levels.”
ANDY BROOKS, FITNESS MANAGER
“I started in the fitness industry 20 years ago whilst at college. I’ve stayed in the industry since through various roles; managing facilities, coaching sports and working in and around the gym environment. I love sports and fitness and have competed to a high level in various disciplines from a young age. I am still constantly learning new things and have an open approach to new ideas and experiences.”
MARK MELLORS, FOOTBALL COORDINATOR
“I graduated from Edge Hill University with a degree in BSc Sport and Exercise Science, I have since worked in the leisure industry for 7 years and have recently joined the Life Leisure team as Football Coordinator at Stockport Sports Village. I love working within the leisure industry as it is so diverse and you get to meet some great people. I am an avid golfer outside of my career. ”
MICHELLE CHILDS, HEALTH DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
“After graduating from Loughborough University with my BSc Sport and Exercise Science, I wanted to work in an industry combining exercise with medicine. I’ve been fortunate to do that for the last 8 years of my 13-year career with Life Leisure. I have developed many health-related programmes within Life Leisure, specialising in those with chronic health conditions to become more active. I’m a big fan of technology and love running, playing hockey and golf.”
NICOLA FARRELL, SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS COACH
“I’m a Health Coach, Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor and have worked in the industry for 14 years, my last 2 have been at Life Leisure, the best yet! I enjoy taking part in events from marathons to obstacle courses. I’m passionate about living a healthy and balanced life and believe fitness should be enjoyable. I’m committed to helping people find their way in fitness and ditch the yoyo/fad diets. Compare yourself to who you were yesterday not the person next to you!”
ROSS MCGUIGAN, ADULT PARTICIPATION OFFICER
“I studied at Salford University where I gained a Degree in Applied Sports Science. During this time, I built my experience in community sports coaching and sport development work before commencing a Master’s Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science. After leaving University, I worked for the local authority in Manchester as a member of their physical activity team and after a year of setting up my own community interest company I was appointed two and a half years ago as Adult Participation Officer at Life Leisure.”
RUTH LYNCH, HEAD OF HEALTH, FITNESS AND COMMUNITIES
“I’ve been in the fitness industry for 20 years. I started as a trainee fitness instructor and progressed by doing various fitness courses. I always knew my passion was with group exercise. I completed the NVQ level 3 in coaching, teaching & instructing. I’m now the Group Exercise Master Trainer at Life Leisure where I oversee studio timetables, recruitment and training as well as keeping up with industry trends. I strive for excellence and encourage others to be their best.”
SARA DIXON, AQUATICS MANAGER
“My passion has always been in swimming and synchronised swimming. I have worked in swimming for 20 years firstly as a teacher and a lifeguard whilst at college and university, and then as a Pool Coordinator and for the last 9 years as an Aquatics Manager. I have aquatics qualifications in swimming teaching, teaching people with disabilities, coaching synchronised swimming along with being a National Judge for synchro and a Senior Assessor.”
SEB ROWE, STOCKPORT TOWN FC CHAIRMAN
“I have worked for Life Leisure since 2009, initially as Football Development Officer. I’ve played at Bury FC and Nevada Wonders (USA). In addition, I have also been Secretary of a National Futsal League team, Stockport Futsal Club and I am currently Chairman of Stockport Town FC. I’m a Level 2 qualified football coach, and also an FA Tutor. I gained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Management as well as a National Diploma in Applied Sports Science.”
GUEST BLOGGERS
ANDREAS MICHAELAS, BRITISH WEIGHT LIFTING DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
“I started in the fitness industry 25 years ago. I’ve worked for Life Leisure for 3 years and have been with British Weight Lifting (BWL) for 20 years starting out as a GB athlete and now the Regional Development Officer for the North West. I’ve been coaching weightlifting for 17 years and authored the BWL Technique Handbook and wrote the 2014 Editions of the BWL Level 1 and Level 2 Coaching Weightlifting Qualifications.”
BETH SCHOLEY, PERSONAL TRAINER/NUTRITIONIST/HEALTH COACH
“I’m Beth Scholey, I’ve worked in the fitness industry for over 5 years now, initially as a fitness instructor, and now a personal trainer, nutritionist and health coach. I have competed in many sports at a high level including athletics, football and currently I compete in boxing. I have always had a huge passion for gym training, general health and wellbeing and I constantly expand my knowledge in these areas undertaking courses, working with mentors and reading around fitness topics. Getting a client results is the most rewarding feeling, knowing I’ve helped them to better health, and that’s why I’ve chosen a career in fitness.”
CHRISTOS CHRISTOFIDES, SPORTS THERAPIST
“I specialise in muscle and joint problems, sports injuries, back pain, postural alignment and headaches/migraine. I have an MSc (PGD) in Biomechanics, a BSc in Sports & Exercise Science and a BSc in Sports Injury & Rehabilitation. I have also published papers in human DNA, knee injuries and back pain. My experience includes medical/therapy roles in professional sport and private practice. I founded Olympos Sports Therapy, and train the next generation of sports therapists the ethos of providing clients with pain-free living.”
LAURA LATHAM, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, STOCKPORT CCG & ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR
“I’m a mid-30s professional who is passionate about life, work, fitness, my health and wellbeing and my family and friends. I’m proud to work as Associate Director of Corporate Governance for the NHS at Stockport CCG, providing leadership across a range of corporate functions and act as Secretary to the Governing Body. I enjoy the challenges of working in an ever-changing health service. Since January 2017 I have been a Zumba Instructor and I love inspiring others to achieve their fitness and wellbeing goals, delivering fun fitness classes with a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of laughter and an abundance of passion.”