I started as a personal trainer on August 15, 2021, and currently, I work with 18 clients, most of whom I see twice per week.
Personal Trainer of the Month: Libby Parkes at Hereford Leisure Centre
At YOUR Personal Training, we’re proud to celebrate the achievements of our dedicated team, and this month, we’re spotlighting one of our rising star—Libby Parkes. Based at Hereford Leisure Centre, Libby has transformed her love for fitness into a successful personal training career. Let’s dive into her story!
Q: Tell us about your background before becoming a Personal Trainer (PT)?
Libby shares, “Before I got into personal training, I was a bit unsure about where my career was heading. I worked in retail and did part-time jobs, but nothing really clicked for me. However, I started enjoying fitness more and more, which led me to take a public service course at Hereford Tech College. That’s when things began to fall into place, and I knew I wanted to be involved in the fitness industry.”
Libby pursued her passion for fitness, earning her NASM Premier qualification, and ventured into the world of personal training. This was also her first time being self-employed, which came with its challenges, but it didn’t stop her from growing and learning.
Q: When did you start, and how many clients do you have currently?
“I started as a personal trainer on August 15, 2021, and currently, I work with 18 clients, most of whom I see twice per week.”
While Libby has grown her client base, she admits that her journey hasn’t always been smooth. “Being self-employed for the first time was a bit of a shock—I had no business background. Thankfully, Sean, my YOUR PT mentor, was incredible. He kept pushing me, even when I didn’t think I could do it. I’m not naturally the most confident person, but with his support, I’ve come a long way.”
Q: Talk us through your launch with YOUR PT—what was it like?
“Honestly, the launch feels like a bit of a blur! I remember meeting with Sean on my first day, and he walked me through everything. We set up my pricing, and he helped me get my name out there and build the confidence to step into the gym as a trainer.”
Through weekly check-ups and continuous support, Libby gained the skills and confidence to take her personal training career to the next level. Now, she can see how important those early days were in laying the foundation for her success.
Q: What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome since starting?
“The biggest challenge for me was getting over my own self-doubt. I didn’t have a business background, and this was all new to me. But with persistence and support, I learned that if you stick with it, you’ll grow.”
Q: What’s your best client result to date?
Libby beams with pride when she talks about one of her long-term clients. “One of my clients has been with me from the start. She just turned 65 and couldn’t stand properly when we began training. For her 65th birthday, she squatted her body weight! It was such an amazing moment for both of us.”
Q: What are your aspirations over the next 12 months?
“I want to keep expanding my knowledge. I’m currently looking into taking courses in nutrition and menopause. Both are areas I think will really benefit my clients and help me offer a more holistic approach to fitness.”
Q: What’s the number one reason someone should become a personal trainer?
“You’ve got to have a real passion for it. When you genuinely care about fitness and helping others reach their goals, it makes the hard work worth it. You’re not just influencing someone’s workout—you’re helping them create a healthier lifestyle. It’s a rewarding journey, and while it’s hard work, you won’t look back.”
Libby Parkes is a shining example of how passion and perseverance can lead to success. With her growing clientele and commitment to self-improvement, there’s no doubt she’s making a lasting impact in the fitness community. Keep an eye on Libby as she continues to inspire her clients and fellow trainers alike!