Deb Pick: Personal Trainer @ Bodysmart Gym, Auckland CBD

Deb Pick is a personal trainer at Bodysmart, but not your average PT. She has a science degree under her belt, along with osteopathy skills, sports diplomas and plenty of nutritional advice. Deb arrived from the UK four years ago where she had completed three sports diplomas at the London YMCA - Personal Training, Massage, and Fitness Instruction. Prior to that she did a masters degree in Chemistry at the University of London.

After working as a health and fitness consultant over there Deb headed to Godzone where all her knowledge has resulted in a personal trainer who can offer a unique tailored programme for anyone wanting to get fit, maintain their fitness, train for a sporting event, undergo rehabilitation work, or lose weight with the aid of a diet plan. At the same time Deb is studying osteopathy papers at Unitec.

Deb can help people recover from an injury, or surgery while getting fit. 'Or if someone has surgery coming up for an ankle, knee or shoulder for example I can work with them leading up to the operation as well as after.' She offers a variety of fitness programmes that include education and of course exercise.

'If a client comes in and they obviously don't look like they can handle a hard work out on that particular day I may do some stretches with them, go for a walk, or give them a massage. It's about being inspiring and keeping it interesting as well as fun and active so they enjoy it.' Deb says it all depends on what people want - sometimes it's cardio or weights, or even nutrition. 'I will push people hard who want me to if that's what it takes to keep them motivated and working on their fitness.'

She says the majority of her clients aren't preparing for a big sporting event or to run a marathon but more along the lines of feeling good about themselves and their fitness. However Deb is no stranger to working with strong athletes as she has also been the stretch instructor for the Auckland Blues rugby team.
Her clients range in ages from teenagers to people in their mid sixties and all are provided with a tailor made fitness programme for their individual needs. Deb says her main aim is to offer choices of exercise and nutrition her clients enjoy as that keeps them motivated.