Going to the gym can be an intimidating experience but not if James Connelly has anything to do with it.
Tall, chatty and brimming with infectious energy, the 22-year-old personal trainer from Aberdeen is on a mission to help first-time gym goers improve their confidence as well as their physical and mental health through working out.
“People who have not been enjoying the gym come to me, they’re maybe shaking with nerves during their first session,” says James.
“But after a few weeks they gain confidence and they start to see results which is ace.
“That’s definitely the bit I like the most, people seeing a happy and positive change in themselves.”
The power of sport
It was as a young boy that James discovered the positive impact that sport can have on your health.
“I’ve played football since I was very young,” says James.
“My mum put me into football because I had serious asthma and it really helped.
“So I fell in love with football and I’ve played it ever since.
“I went on to play for Montrose FC and that’s when I was introduced to the gym which I loved.”
After leaving school at the age of 17, James initially started an apprenticeship before realising that sport was his true passion in life.
“I started a car mechanic apprentice with Arnold Clark but it wasn’t for me so I looked at universities and colleges,” says James.
“I managed to find a sports course at Dundee & Angus College and I just went for it as I wanted to get my life on track and do something that I love.”
Exercise can change your life
After two years at college, James moved to Aberdeen where he achieved a Bachelor’s degree in sport science from Robert Gordon University.
“While I was at university I worked at Bannatyne Health Club and I loved it,” says James.
“That experience inspired me to take a leap of faith and I went fully self-employed as a personal trainer at PureGym in Rubislaw.”
With his client list growing, James moved to Colosseum, a fitness gym based in Westhill, where he puts people of all ages and abilities through their paces.
“I love being a personal trainer and I love all my clients,” says James.
“I’ve got a big range of clients from a gentleman who is 72 to a younger guy who is 16, it’s great to have such a mix of clients.
“With my personal training sessions I try to be enthusiastic and make it fun for people as if it’s repetitive it can be boring.
“I’ve got people who come to me just for the mental health benefits.
“They see it as an hour where they can chat to someone and switch off while exercising.
“All my clients say they feel a lot better in themselves whether that’s physically or mentally which is always nice to hear.”
New Year New You
With the New Year just around the corner, James is encouraging people to consider investing in their health.
“I would say that if you’re looking to invest in yourself and become a lot more confident and a better version of yourself then I would 100% recommend getting a personal trainer,” says James.
“Even if it’s not with me and you have someone else you trust I would 100% go for it.
“Especially if you’ve got such a busy life with kids and a stressful job, it’s good to take two or three hours a week for yourself.
“It’s good for you and takes your mind off of things”
As well as supporting people who are first-time gym goers, James, who plays football semi-professionally with Huntly F.C, also helps fellow footballers with their fitness too.
And when James isn’t working at the gym, he can usually still be found at the gym or spending time with his girlfriend Megan.
“If I’m not working I’ll be in the gym or training for football so it’s busy but I do love it,” says James.
“I also enjoy spending time with my girlfriend Megan.
“We’ve got a wee one on the way at the end of March so we’re busy preparing for that.”
With his little one on the way, James says life is great.
“It’s really exciting, I’m really looking forward to it,” says James.
“Having our wee one will give me a bigger drive to succeed in the business.”
For more information on James, check out his Instagram page @j.connellypt
Conversation