Catarina Barbosa, 33 originally from Brazil has always had a passion for sports and fitness. “Being Brazilian I love to keep active – it’s a huge part of Brazilian culture and who I am. From a young age I’ve played for football teams and I love to dance at any opportunity!”
Catarina worked for a number of years in the hospitality industry but always knew she wanted to pursue a career in the health and fitness industry, and wanted to encourage others to find a love of exercise.
After becoming a mum, Catarina was given the motivation she needed to follow her dream career and began researching fitness qualification training providers. She already had friends working in the growing health, fitness and wellness industry health, fitness and wellness industry and they all recommended Focus Fitness UK. In April 2022, Catarina finally took the plunge and enrolled on the Level 3 Active IQ Diploma in Personal Training with Focus Fitness.
“Focus Fitness UK has an incredible reputation and was recommended to me by friends who were already working in the health and wellness industry and the course, training and teaching staff didn’t disappoint. It’s an amazing education provider; from the high-standard of the course content to the delivery of the lessons, which were all really engaging and hands-on, I can’t recommend Focus Fitness UK enough for anyone wanting to become a PT.
“For me, the incredible support I received from the tutors made studying as a single parent possible. They helped me to manage my time around child-care commitments and were always on hand to offer support throughout every stage of the course. This extended to the career advice on offer throughout the course too. Focus Fitness UK has amazing connections with over 20 gym operators like Pure Gym and David Lloyd and they also have regular career events to help you get your PT journey off to the best start. You can really tell that all the tutors want each student to succeed and achieve to the best of their ability and this shines through from day one.”
After completing her initial Diploma in Personal Training with Focus Fitness UK, Catarina secured a job as a personal trainer with Virgin Active in Islington. While working as a PT, Catarina has gone on to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral as well as the Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy, all with Focus Fitness UK. “The number of courses I’ve done with Focus Fitness UK is testament to what a fantastic training provider they are! Learning with them is an absolute pleasure and I’m furthering my career prospects by becoming a more knowledgeable PT. I’m also due to start the newly launched Level 4 Diploma In Sports Massage later this year and I can’t wait to get stuck into learning again.”
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a career as a personal trainer?
The best advice I can offer is to have a plan – create a solid financial roadmap, set meaningful goals, and commit to them with unwavering dedication. Seek out a reputable training provider too and make the most of every resource they offer. Stay consistent in your efforts and never stop learning, both inside and outside the classroom or workplace. But above all, discover your ‘why.’ Knowing the purpose behind your actions is the secret to long-term success. While passion and consistency are powerful, it’s your well-crafted plan that will keep you on the path to achievement. So, envision your goals, chase your dreams, and watch your journey unfold with purpose and determination!”
Catarina’s journey is just one of Focus Fitness UK’s many success stories, with over 5,000 learners graduating with us and an impressive 93% achievement rate for 2022/23.
To find out more about our government-funded courses, please contact us on: 0208 920 2114 or email: enquiries@focusfitnessuk.com