Qualifications
I take a holistic/client centered approach integrating Personal Training with what I have learned during my recent Masters in Psychology, focusing on mindful engagement to foster excellence in amateur exercise; and my time studying meditation, and martial arts in China. I am currently qualified in the following, however I am always looking to learn, and find that my clients are my greatest teachers. Every day is a school day!
Fitness
Lvl 2 Fitness Instructor
Lvl 3 Personal Trainer
Lvl 4 Obesity and Weight Management Specialist (Ongoing)
GP Exercise Referral Specialist (Ongoing)
Advanced Training Systems Specialist CPD
Bodyweight Training Specialist CPD
Kettlebell Training Specialist CPD
Self-Myofascial Release Specialist CPD
Accredited 1-year intensive training in Shaolin martial arts, Tai Chi and Qigong
Fully insured and certified member of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA)
Mindset
MSc with Distinction in Psychological Studies, with a focus on Self Efficacy, Motivation and Mindset Training from University of Glasgow
Awarded 1st for Thesis on encouraging excellence in amateur activity via meditation and mindfulness practices
Nutrition
Qualified exercise nutritionist
3 years experience as a professional chef
Some career highlights include helping individuals and teams to achieve and excel in the the following:
Trained clients for the 4 Deserts, Gobi ultra marathon (client's won the competition's team spirit award)
Led group training classes at Kunyu Shan, Shaolin Martial Arts Academy
Helped client to train and complete SAS Fan-Dance winter load bearing civilian half marathon
Devised a senior’s introduction to weightlifting programme for a client in his 70s
MY STORY
Hi thanks for checking out my site. I’m Nik, I enjoy being outdoors in Scotland’s wonderful wilderness and mountains with my dog Hetty, sailing, and participating in marathons and charity fund raising runs. Another passion of mine is working with people to help them get to where they want to be - physically and mentally. It really is the best feeling to be in someone’s corner whilst they make positive change. Getting to see a person’s pride, satisfaction, and the results which are a byproduct of consistent effort and hard work makes my day.
My own health and fitness journey started over 15 years ago, when I visited China to train with Shaolin monks for a year. Since then I have had the privilege of working with some amazing teachers and inspirational peers and have trained in a variety of disciplines such as ultra-distance running; weightlifting, yoga, boxing, a variety of martial arts, Tai Qi and Qigong.
During my time working as a coach and PT I have trained a variety of individuals and teams to help them push past obstacles and absolutely smash their goals. Whilst doing so I became fascinated with how and why people put mental limitations on themselves when addressing their physical goals. So, when the pandemic hit, I decided that it would be a great time to study the Psychology of motivation, mindset and the mind-body connection. I did my Masters’ in Psychology at the University of Glasgow with a focus on excellence in amateur leisure. I noticed as people were forced out of the gym into new environments/training styles these acted like circuit breakers to usual thought patterns relating to exercise; leading to more enjoyment and quicker progress towards goals.
Since then I have made the following my mission;
To help people find their own unique path to fitness whether they want to train at home, outdoors or in the gym
To support my clients to reach their true potential using a variety of ‘circuit breaker’ experiences
To offer a mental ‘toolkit’ to encourage an unbeatable mindset which can be applied to any domain in life
