As a personal trainer, you provide personalized guidance to vacationers and island residents. What can your clients expect when they book a one-on-one training session with you?
Personal training is very individualized. It depends on the specific goals clients come to me with: weight loss, body toning, pain relief, stress reduction, or simply preventive health promotion. First, I discuss the client’s goals with them and then develop a training plan based on that. Of course, I also ask what they’re willing to do. If someone wants to lose ten kilos but isn’t willing to change their eating habits, that’s going to be difficult. I offer personal training to both hotel guests and island residents.
Which area is closest to your heart?
I love everything I offer as a self-employed professional. Yoga is particularly fulfilling for me because it’s the best way for me to connect with people. It’s about flexibility and strength, but above all, it’s about the mental aspect. Here, everyone can find themselves, practice mindfulness, and reconnect with their “center.” Seeing the happy faces after a yoga class makes me feel very grateful.
How many classes and personal training sessions can you realistically handle in a day?
Actually, my job has physical limitations. More than three classes isn’t ideal, because I always give it my all. That’s the only way I can motivate the participants. I see myself as a role model in that regard—and more generally, when it comes to lifestyle. Three components are crucial for a healthy lifestyle: nutrition, exercise, and mindset. But I certainly don’t live an ascetic life. For me, enjoying life is part of a healthy lifestyle. I always try to find a balance. Of course, I’ll have a pizza or a glass of wine every now and then. Luckily, I can treat myself a little more here and there since I’m very active (laughs).
As the mother of a five-year-old son, how do you balance work and family life?
Being self-employed is ideal as a mom. That way, I can decide for myself when and how much I work. It’s important to me to spend enough time with my son. Two evenings a week, my husband helps out and holds down the fort at home. That way, I can also offer evening classes. I’m passionate about my career, but my son is still my number one priority. I think it’s important to take care of yourself and make time for yourself regularly. For example, every year I go somewhere all by myself for a few days. I don’t make any plans—I just go with the flow and do whatever I feel like doing.
Many people exercise in their free time to relax. You’ve turned this hobby into a career. How do you unwind in your free time?
Definitely no exercise (laughs). When I want to unwind, I meet up with friends and enjoy good conversations. Sometimes I treat myself to a massage. I also like to spend time on my own. Then I sit on my windowsill and look out at the ocean.
Do you have a favorite spot on the island?
There are three places I really like. Most of all, I just love being by the sea and letting my gaze wander. I especially enjoy hanging out at Alex’s beach bar. I also love sitting with friends on the waterfront terrace of the Steigenberger Hotel. And I like Café Knatter, too. The sunsets here on the Achterwasser are priceless.