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"For many years I was a freelance graphic designer in Israel, but after moving to London and having my second son (they're 16 and 23 now), I needed a change. I wanted to help people be healthy and happy, and I already loved exercise and yoga, so I did a course to become a personal fitness trainer, which definitely made me appreciate my own body more too. Over the years I've had all kinds of clients, but after a while it became clear to me that training older people and those with disabilities is my calling. I find it more rewarding, as sometimes even the smallest movement is a big achievement. But being a good personal trainer isn't only about moving arms and legs. So in the summer of 2019 I started volunteering at JAMI, which provides mental health services in the Jewish community, giving their clients free fitness sessions. I haven't had any specific training in it, but I think I'm blessed with a sense for how to listen and choose the kind of exercise that helps them feel good. I do need to be fully alert, but it's so satisfying too.
"When the lockdowns happened, I moved the sessions onto Zoom. One-to-ones with the clients I already knew were easy enough; remote training with a group I'd never met was more challenging. But the lockdowns were keeping us all at home and away from what used to be our daily routine, so I could guess how they felt. I was happy to help them exercise, and while moving we'd chat, sharing our thoughts, hopes and fears. At the end of each session there were lots of smiles and virtual hugs, and people saying, 'I feel so much better!' and 'Looking forward to our next session!'. I was really looking forward to seeing them again too. Helping others through the lockdowns helped me endure them myself. When you’re connected to other people who have bigger problems than yours, it can inspire you to cope with your own problems better. I was very happy as a graphic designer, but I feel I'm more useful now."
"For many years I was a freelance graphic designer in Israel, but after moving to London and having my second son (they're 16 and 23 now), I needed a change. I wanted to help people be healthy and happy, and I already loved exercise and yoga, so I did a course to become a personal fitness trainer, which definitely made me appreciate my own body more too. Over the years I've had all kinds of clients, but after a while it became clear to me that training older people and those with disabilities is my calling. I find it more rewarding, as sometimes even the smallest movement is a big achievement. But being a good personal trainer isn't only about moving arms and legs. So in the summer of 2019 I started volunteering at JAMI, which provides mental health services in the Jewish community, giving their clients free fitness sessions. I haven't had any specific training in it, but I think I'm blessed with a sense for how to listen and choose the kind of exercise that helps them feel good. I do need to be fully alert, but it's so satisfying too.
"When the lockdowns happened, I moved the sessions onto Zoom. One-to-ones with the clients I already knew were easy enough; remote training with a group I'd never met was more challenging. But the lockdowns were keeping us all at home and away from what used to be our daily routine, so I could guess how they felt. I was happy to help them exercise, and while moving we'd chat, sharing our thoughts, hopes and fears. At the end of each session there were lots of smiles and virtual hugs, and people saying, 'I feel so much better!' and 'Looking forward to our next session!'. I was really looking forward to seeing them again too. Helping others through the lockdowns helped me endure them myself. When you’re connected to other people who have bigger problems than yours, it can inspire you to cope with your own problems better. I was very happy as a graphic designer, but I feel I'm more useful now."
