UK Coaching Week - Julia Cross

Julia Cross

Covid Recovery Coach

Back in 2014, after a family bereavement I renewed my membership at Places Leisure, knowing that my fitness had to improve. My journey began partaking in classes, immensely enjoying the Les Mills sessions but I began to plateau. One of the fitness instructors recommended booking in with a Personal Trainer, so I took the plunge and booked a course. After six sessions a little fire in my belly had started to burn! My love for resistance training had been born.  

At the time, I was an Area Manager for a group of children’s nurseries. A colleague mentioned that her gym was hosting a powerlifting competition. Not knowing what powerlifting was, I decided to spectate. Back at Places Leisure, I announced to Iain, my Personal Trainer, that I wanted to compete in powerlifting! This was the start of an exciting journey. Little did I know that it was also the catalyst for a change in career.

My first competition was in 2017, achieving all lifts in my class. The following year saw the launch of a local powerlifting team, as other gym members wanted to give the sport a go. It was at this time, I decided to train to be a Personal Trainer. Shortly after qualifying with a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training, a vacancy arose at Places Leisure. I jumped at the chance and joined the team in 2018.

From the outset I’ve loved every aspect of my role - from teaching gym classes, maintaining the equipment, supporting new members to helping clients appreciate the benefits of exercise on their mental and physical well-being. Training didn’t stop there, I become a certified TRX trainer as well as completing a course in Strength Training in Pre and Post Menopause.

Lockdown was tough, so when the opportunity arose to become a Covid Recovery coach, I jumped at the chance. It’s been immensely rewarding supporting those in the wake of Long Covid. Although there have been similarities with symptoms, my clients have all had individual needs that I have worked through with them. All are progressing incredibly well.

2021/2022 has been an exciting chapter. My proudest moment was when myself and a PT client achieved South East Records for powerlifting in our groups, and next month I will resign from my nursery post and will solely be working at Places Leisure.

If you’re interested in finding out more about our programme, follow the link to our COVID Recovery page.