Meet Katie – Colets HR Administrator
For women’s month we’re putting the spotlight on inspiring fitness and wellbeing stories from within our own team. Introducing our very own local fitness hero, HR guru and fave mum, Katie!
How did fitness first become a part of your life?
From a young age, I loved being active - whether it was playing in the park, riding bikes, or climbing trees, I was always on the move.
Gymnastics was one of my first passions, and I loved the challenge of mastering new skills. I also spent a lot of time horse riding at Barnfield Stables in Kingston. The horses taught me responsibility, patience, and just how quickly you can hit the ground when things don’t go to plan.
I also joined an ice-skating club and went swimming every week, keeping me active and out of mischief - well, mostly.
Was there a particular sport, activity, or moment that sparked your love for fitness?
Definitely! Hockey was a huge part of my life. I captained my hockey team and toured the UK, where I learned that shin pads are worth their weight in gold. Being part of a team taught me discipline, leadership, and how to feign composure after being hit by a rogue hockey ball.
Turning Passion into a Career
When did you realise that fitness was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
I knew pretty early on. I started as a gym receptionist, soaking in the buzz and energy of the fitness world. By the time I was 18, I’d earned my Exercise to Music and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications. It was the era of big socks and gym thongs - fashion crimes I can never unsee, although I am sure they will be back in fashion again soon.
What steps did you take to turn your passion into a career?
I worked my way to Front of House Manager at Body & Soul, a private women’s-only club in Kingston, to Personal Trainer and studio instructor at LA Fitness. Then came a stint in Gibraltar, where I worked as a PT, and Group Ex Manager in a hotel teaching an array of classes from choreographed step, aerobics, aqua to a quirky class called Kanga with trampoline boots.
I returned to the UK to become Membership Manager at Holmes Place, then regional trainer to new Membership Managers around the UK. When Holmes Place was taken over by Virgin Active I stepped into the world of Operations Management and eventually Club Manager.
But the adventure didn’t stop there! I went Down Under for two years, working at Virgin Active Australia in Sydney, Frenchs Forest. After surviving spider encounters and developing an appreciation for Vegemite (well, almost), I came back to the UK and stepped into various leadership roles at Colets including Operations Manager and project management of our changing room refurb. Safe to say, my fitness journey has been one wild ride - and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What was it like teaching abroad?
One of the best things about gaining fitness qualifications like RPM, Body Pump, Exercise to Music, or Fitness Pilates is that they’re like a universal passport - no awkward visa applications or dodgy translations required. No matter where you are, a squat is a squat, a lunge is a lunge, and burpees are still the enemy.
I’ve been incredibly lucky to teach classes across Europe and Australia, and what’s amazing is that the energy and passion are the same everywhere. From Sydney spin studios to Spanish squat racks, fitness is a language we all understand. Sure, sometimes you might accidentally shout “push harder!” in a questionable accent, but the sweat-soaked smiles are universal.
Have there been any standout moments or achievements in your fitness career that you’re particularly proud of?
Cycling to the top of Mount Ventoux on a second-hand push bike I bought in Germany was a highlight - it took four hours, three pep talks, and one regrettable snack break. But the view at the top was worth every wobble.
What’s the most rewarding part of working in the fitness industry?
Hands down, the people. I’ve made lifelong friends in my 16 years at Colets, shared laughs during the good times, and been a shoulder during the sad ones.
Working in HR is like being a proud parent. I get to watch our team grow, take on new challenges, and absolutely smash their goals. From cheering on someone’s first promotion to seeing a nervous newbie become a confident leader. When I’m not celebrating staff successes, I’m teaching Body Pump classes, hyping up members as they conquer their goals.
Has anyone inspired you in your fitness career?
Wendy Fordham is someone I’ll always admire. I remember watching her through the studio window in her iconic lycra and leg warmers - she had this way of lighting up the room and making everyone feel like they belonged. She inspired so many women to move more, feel better, and have fun doing it. We’ve stayed friends ever since, and funnily enough, her husband Chris is now a member here at Colets and a PT client of Rodney’s! It just goes to show how special and long-lasting these fitness connections can be.
Fitness & Motherhood
How has your approach to fitness changed since becoming a mother?
After having my son, Louie, in 2017, fitness became all about balance. I traded bootcamp classes for buggy walks and learned that chasing a toddler burns more calories than any spin class. It’s less about intense training and more about enjoying movement, preferably with fewer interruptions for snacks and Peppa Pig marathons.
What have been the biggest challenges of balancing fitness, work, and motherhood?
Time management is like juggling flaming kettlebells. Working at Colets, keeping up with Louie, and sneaking in workouts sometimes feels like a logistical puzzle. But I’ve learned that some days you nail it, and others you’re just proud you got out of your pjs.
Has staying active helped you navigate the physical and mental changes that come with motherhood?
Absolutely! Exercise is my mental reset button. Even a quick 20-minute stretch makes me feel like I’ve got my life together… or at least halfway together.
Lessons & Looking Ahead
What has fitness taught you about life, resilience, and personal growth?
Fitness has taught me that progress isn’t always linear. Some days you’re crushing it, and other days you’re questioning why your leggings suddenly feel tighter. But resilience, patience, and a sense of humour make all the difference.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone looking to make fitness a lifelong habit, what would it be?
Find what makes you happy. If you hate burpees (which, let’s face it, most of us do), don’t do them! Whether it’s walking, dancing, or chasing your dog around the garden, it all counts.
What’s next for you on your fitness journey? Any new goals or ambitions on the horizon?
I’m loving my role as HR Administrator at Colets, supporting our amazing team - it’s like a workout for my brain every day! Fitness will always be part of my life, and who knows? Maybe another mountain climb is on the cards - though I might treat myself to a bike that doesn’t sound like a rusty lawnmower on the uphill.
And of course, I’m hoping to gain my HR qualification, so I can keep lifting others up - no squats required!
Then Vs Now: What’s your biggest challenge?
Teaching through menopause is something I have had to quickly adapt to. Because if you thought HIIT classes were tough, just wait until your own hormones decide to turn up the heat - literally. One minute you're leading a Body Pump class, the next you’re wondering if someone cranked the heating up to 40 degrees. Spoiler: it’s just you.
Weight gain? Check. Brain fog? Absolutely. I’ve had moments mid-class where I’ve confidently called a squat track, only to realise I have zero memory of what’s next. My class goers probably think I’m introducing some avant-garde freestyle choreography. Bonus points for creativity, right?
But here’s the thing - fitness qualifications don’t just open up job opportunities around the globe, they also give you a community. I’ve had countless post-class chats with other instructors who are going through the same thing. It’s reassuring to know you’re not alone when your waistband suddenly feels like it's conspiring against you.
So, if you’re thinking about getting qualified, do it! Not only will it unlock doors to teach around the world, but it also means you’ll have the skills and resilience to adapt as your body changes. Plus, you’ll have an army of supportive people cheering you on - because no one understands a mid-hot-flush meltdown like a room full of sweaty spinners.
And if you forget the name of the next move mid-class? Just smile, shout, "And freestyle!" and remember that fitness is all about having fun. Wherever you are in the world - or in your hormonal journey - just keep moving. You’ve got this!