Personal trainers traditionally work through local fitness centres to help members reach their goals. But Kim Fuchs is among a growing number of instructors promoting a more inter-personal approach to exercise.

A B.C. Recreation and Parks Association certified fitness leader, the Richmond woman believes individuals can better realize and maintain their exercise goals through a program specifically tailored for them. And delivered in the comfort of their own environment.

“The difference going to a gym versus having a personal trainer come to you can be many,” Fuchs said. “The first time you go to a gym you may not know if you’re doing the exercises correctly or know when to increase the weight or when to push yourself. And with (an individual) personal trainer there’s no fear of feeling intimidated.”

As a former high-level college athlete, Fuchs is also armed with the knowledge to prepare the body and mind for high-level competition.

She grew up in a sports-minded family. Her parents and brother continue to be involved in local sports and she played both competitive soccer and softball, garnering a scholarship in the latter. She was a fiercely competitive child, but venturing south to play at Pratt College in Kansas and Union University in Tennessee exposed her to a heightened degree of play—and an understanding of the importance of fitness.

“In minor ball there wasn’t a lot of agility training, which is really important for softball players,” she said. “When I got to university we did it at least once a week. It helps you increase your base speed and you’re able to change directions quicker. And just the practices are intense.”

Not being used to such intensity, or used to lifting weights, which helps to produce more power at the plate, Fuchs was immediately fatigued and mentally exhausted. Over-exertion led to her pulling a quad muscle that took two months to properly heal. That’s because she felt pressured to play.

With the experience of playing college ball and a comprehensive understanding how to prepare the body and mind for high-level competition, Fuchs wants to help others avoid the pitfalls she endured. Whether you’re a softball player, possibly hoping to get a scholarship, or just wanting to get fit or maintain your fitness level, the important thing is finding a training program that’s suited to you. That’s why working with a personal trainer can be so beneficial, she said.

“The main thing is strengthening your muscles to help you prevent injuries,” Fuchs said. “But whether you’re an athlete or not, it’s important that you have someone working with you that can explain the difference between injury pain and pain that’s going to happen just from lifting weights or a certain drill.”

Fuchs, who played on many provincial, national and university championship teams, chose a career as a personal trainer because of her passion for sports and desire to help others. Known for being the consummate team player, she favours working with individuals or groups on their own turf.

“I can encourage and push at the same time, but I don’t have to yell for them to listen. And it’s not going to work if everybody has the same workout. It’s important to ensure everyone has different exercises so they don’t get bored. When you’ve got 10 people together they’re not all going to be able to lift the same weights and they’ll have different strengths. It doesn’t mean they’re weaker.”

Fuchs said many people, especially those who go to a gym, are prone to getting discouraged if they don’t see results immediately. She said it’s easier for them to realize their goals working with a personal trainer who can keep them focused and motivated.

Fuchs can be contacted at kgfuchs@hotmail.com.