
This week, we chat to personal trainer Deryn Marshall about his passion for fitness and helping people reach their health goals.
Q: What type of training do you offer?
A: I assist with weight-loss training, muscle toning, building functional training, nutrition, and dieting.
Q: When did your business start and what inspired you?
A: I started personal training in the beginning of 2017. I’ve always enjoyed fitness and exercise and I wanted to share my passion for it with others by helping them with their fitness goals and to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Q: Do you have official physical training experience? What experience is necessary for this line of work?
A: I am an accredited personal trainer with NQF 5 level qualification in exercise and nutrition who studied through Trifocus Fitness Academy. I’ve been exercising for the past 18 years, I competed in bodybuilding shows for five years, my last one being the 2017 Arnold Classic qualifier at Tsogo Sun Hemmingways Mall where I placed second in the heavyweight division. For personal training, it is necessary to have experience with exercises, nutrition and a variety of clients.
Q: How many people do you work with?
A: I work alone. Having colleagues takes away any privacy that a client may need.
Q: What satisfaction do you get out of the work that you do?
A: I enjoy seeing people progress and feel good about themselves, watching their confidence grow and their bodies change is the most rewarding.
Q: What do you think makes your business stand out from other similar businesses in the area?
A: What I do isn’t just a job for me. I take the time to get to know the people I work with and be with them on their fitness journeys every step of the way. The training is holistic. If you don’t have someone who is with you, motivating, pushing you and genuinely caring about you and your needs and aspirations, it is easy to give up. People can sense authenticity.
Q: Who is your target market?
A: I work with anyone who wants to change their lifestyle, live healthier, happier, stronger, longer and of course, be in better shape.
Q: What are some of the goals that you are working towards?
A: I want to continue to stay healthy and in shape and maintain a balance in my own life so that I can help others do the same in theirs.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone starting their own business?
A: Persevere, stay humble and never lose the love for what you do.
Q: Where can our readers find you? (contact details/social media)
A: My business is based in Nahoon and anyone wanting to make a change in their life can contact me on WhatsApp at 072-896-7823.