Meet the Instructor – Cheryl from Purely Physical
Are you wanting to motivate yourself and join an exercise class at Gusto House? Well, Cheryl might be able to help you! With an astounding 45 years dedicated to fitness instruction, Cheryl has been guiding individuals on their wellness journeys since the age of 16. Her popular classes, from the revitalising PureStretch: Rise and Shine, to the strength-building Men on Mats and the flowing movements of Tai Chi Fit, are a testament to her diverse expertise. Cheryl's true passion lies in helping people unlock their movement potential and feel fantastic.
Are you curious to know the secrets behind Cheryl's enduring success and the magic she brings to her classes? In this post, we'll delve into Cheryl's background, explore her unique teaching style, and uncover the benefits you can expect from her sessions. We'll also give you a sneak peek into what Cheryl enjoys when she's not in the studio, what makes teaching at Gusto House so special for her, and provide you with a clear picture of what awaits you when you step into one of her classes – plus, we'll tackle some common misconceptions about these disciplines.
Cheryl at Gusto House
What led you to becoming an instructor?
“I first started teaching fitness at aged 16, where I was teaching athletics and gained my awards and qualifications while teaching. While doing this, a friend of mine asked if I would help her teach a discipline called ‘pop mobility’, which is movement to music and my love for fitness just went from there. I became Head of Recreational Department for Nottingham Trent University and my love for sport grew even further, which led to me gaining more qualifications and continued to aid me to teach fitness.”
What can somebody expect when they come to their first class with you?
“So, when you first join a class with me you don’t have to know anything about the fitness discipline you are participating in, and I will completely guide you through it. There are absolutely no expectations, just turn up, bring yourself and a water bottle!”
What inspired you to create a Men on Mats class?
“Men on Mats came about because many of my clients’ partners were watching the exercises they did when they went home and were advised by their partners to do some of these exercises to help build their strength. From that, I got a list of men that were interested in attending a male only stretch class and it started from there. The classes are now full and busy, as everyone knows that we all must stretch as it’s the best thing for your back, hips and knees! It’s a very popular class and is still growing in popularity.
How do you want your clients to feel after one of your classes?
“I love my clients to feel energised, relaxed and keen to come again!”
Cheryl leading a Tai Chi class at Gusto House
Are there any common misconceptions about any of your classes?
“One common misconception is that you must know a little bit about the discipline, but you don’t have to! You don’t necessarily need to be good at stretching or have good balance. I can guide you through everything.”
What do you like about teaching at Gusto House?
“I absolutely love teaching at Gusto House, because the atmosphere is just great, and the space is clean and modern. After years of teaching at village halls where things often don’t work and are outdated, this is just spectacular. It’s got a real lovely vibe and such a nice atmosphere.”
What advice would you give to somebody who wants to improve their overall wellbeing?
“The main I would encourage anyone to do to feel better in their health and fitness is breath control, long controlled breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Everyone can do it, starting right now. Just take a minute out of your day to get your in and out breaths down to six in 60 seconds.”
What do you like to do in your spare time when you are not teaching?
“When I am not teaching, I am usually doing more practice! I love pilates and yoga, and everything I teach I do at home for fun and read up about it. I also have a rescue dog called Montey who is a Springer Spaniel Cross who keeps me busy. I am also lucky enough to do lots of travelling. A few years ago, I cycled, rowed and kayaked coast to coast in Costa Rica, I have also trekked to the Lost City in Columbia and completed a cycle ride from Cambodia to Vietnam. I love that sort of thing! My daughter has horses, so I regularly horse ride too, so all this takes up most of my spare time.
Cheryl with her dog, Monty.
If you would like to find out more about Cheryl’s weekly classes at Gusto House, please visit our what’s on page Events — Gusto House or Cheryl’s Facebook page Purely Physical
Contact Cheryl on kynetik@hotmail.co.uk or 07949260032.