1. Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Lisa (@lisarabaut), I am 26 years old and living at the Belgian coast. I have a Bachelor in real estate and insurances. After finishing my studies I first wanted to explore the world. I started working as a flight attendant and I have been flying for 5 years now. The irregularity of my job made me realize to take more care of my health, so I started to inform myself more about fitness and nutrition.
Quickly it became a real passion, a passion I want to share with other people. In the near future I will be starting 1-on-1 coaching in combination with my job as a flight attendant. I’m planning to start up with only a few clients so they have my full attention. In the future I am planning to fly less in order to grow my coaching activities!
2. Why did you choose PCA for your education?
I really wanted an accreditation with value and an education which includes everything I need to start as a Personal Trainer. On the market there are a lot of courses available, but the NASM accreditation (equal to EREPS level 4) has the most value and has a high quality standard.
PCA provides this course with theoretical and practical parts given by experienced Certified Personal Trainers. If you want to start 1 to 1 coaching in a fitness facility, they mostly ask an EREPS level 4 qualification. This all made me decide to choose for PCA.
3. What did the NASM accreditation bring you?
First of all, a lot of knowledge. Especially for me because I had no background in anatomy and health science. Of course, as a Personal Trainer you will never stop learning, but the NASM accreditation gave me the perfect basics to start working in the fitness industry.
4. What is your specialization?
I am really interested in hypertrophy, a type of training focused on building muscle mass. It is so interesting to understand why you do specific exercises to target a certain muscle and how you can adapt them to change the focus. You also need the right nutrition and a lot of attention to recovery.
There is so much to take into account if you want to focus on building muscle. That is why I think this is the one of the hardest types of training. And that is why it inspires me so much, because it requires a lot of persistence. In my spare time I also read books about this topic and I would like to educate myself more about this in the future.
5. What is the coolest exercise you like to do with your clients and why?
Split squads, because everyone I know has a love-hate relationship with this exercise. I don’t know why, but they hit differently than other exercises. That’s why I love integrating them in a training program.
I never forget the quote: ‘It’s the exercises you hate the most, that you should do the most’. People tend to avoid exercises they hate. But in my opinion it is these exercises that teach you to never give up when it is extremely hard.
6. What is the most fulfilling part in coaching others?
Seeing the progress your clients make, not only physically but also mentally. It is so satisfying to know that you can be a part of someone else’s journey to happiness and to a healthy lifestyle.
7. What is your favourite quote?
“Do it for yourself.” You only live once, so please take care of your health. Living a healthy lifestyle makes you feel so much better. Fuelling your body with the right nutrition and moving your body by exercising is the best feeling in the world. Nothing can compare that.
