Introducing  our new Gym Manager – Jules Greenaway

We are very happy to announce the appointment of Jules Greenaway as Focus’ new Gym Manager!

For those who’ve been watching our online workouts, and popping along to the Walled Garden for PT sessions – then Jules is already a face you’ll recognise.

We grabbed 10 minutes with him to find out a little more…  

 

  • Tell us about your journey to become a personal trainer? I did my Lvl 2&3 after studying Leisure Management & Sports Studies at university. I got a job at the gym where I was doing my training. A few years later I became the manager. Since having children I have done personal training and group exercise classes to fit around being a dad. I founded Zeal Personal Training in October and started more full time training as the boys are now all older.

 

  • How do you keep your fitness training knowledge up to date? I’m currently studying for a Lvl 3 GP referral qualification and a Lvl 4 Personal Trainer qualification. I also read a few PT and health magazines/books and listen to podcasts.

 

  • What group classes have you taught? Group Cycling, Body Pump, Boxercise, TRX, Kettlebells, Circuits, Bootcamp, Core conditioning and most recently a lot of HiiT!

 

  • Can you walk us through a class from start to finish? Before lockdown I did 9 group cycling sessions, 2 Body Pump, 1 boxercise and 1 circuits class. All classes are different but I always set up and pre-scan each the same, making sure any new participants are welcomed and any injuries or illnesses are checked out. I also always finish by upselling my other classes, welcoming feedback and probably telling a few jokes in between.

 

  • In your group classes, can you explain how you accommodate varying skill and fitness levels? I almost treat each class as mine and the participants first ever. I have a mental script that I go through to make sure everyone is comfortable, excited and ready to go. I talk a lot… ensuring all safety and technical aspects of the class are covered. Whether it’s your first or 100th class…you’re guaranteed to have fun, learn and get a decent workout.

 

  • How important is nutrition to you in creating a client’s regime? Very, but all clients are different. It depends on their goal but normally we go through their daily/weekly diet and see if we can make any subtle changes that could make a big difference.

 

  • What are the key questions you ask your clients? What, why, when and how.

 

  • How do you incorporate fun into your workouts? Variation, music, jokes and having a not too serious relationship with my clients. We always have fun!

 

  • Best thing a client has ever said to you? The little things are the best. Just little bits of feedback like “I’m able to do this now, and before we started I couldn’t” or “great session, thank you” or “Wow, that was tough”. 

 

  • If we asked your friends, what three words define you? Cheeky, passionate, committed. 

 

  • Do you have fitness goals for yourself? If so, what are they? I want to run a marathon. I also want to do an Ironman. I also would love to be able to walk on my hands!!

 

  • What are your fitness struggles? Rugby. I have a love hate relationship with it.

 

  • What is your motto? Do it with passion or not at all.

 

  • How has lockdown affected you? It’s actually been fine. Very different but as a family we’ve embraced it and rolled with the punches. You’ve got to make the best out of any situation. I’ve really enjoyed teaching live classes online. 

 

  • Tell us about your new role at Focus? I’m the new Gym Manager at Focus. I believe we are in a position to offer the best fitness solution in Henley and show to our members how much they mean to us, and show how much Focus means to our members. I’m hoping we can start a real fitness community to support everyone with their fitness goals.

 

  • What are your plans when the gym reopens? Obviously the ‘new normal’ will be very different to what everyone is used to, but we are doing our best to offer more than just a gym experience at Focus when we reopen. We have the space, the facilities and the best instructors and are aiming to offer some epic fitness solutions!