Interview: Christian Finn, Personal Trainer: 17th June 2004

What's your background?

As certified personal trainer, I've spent more than a decade working with people of all shapes and sizes, as well exercising regularly myself for over 15 years. I hold a masters degree with distinction in exercise science. I've also lectured at a number of universities and private training organizations around the United Kingdom on fitness training, weight loss and the effective use of nutritional supplements.

What are you best known for?

Giving people easy access to tested and proven information they can use to lose fat and build muscle without wasting time or effort.

What motivates you?

I enjoy what I do very much - providing people with what I believe to be high-quality fitness information they can use and act on.

What do you consider to be the highlights of your career?

If there has been a highlight over the past few years, it's when I felt able to spend a few hours each week doing something that was just for me, rather than feeling guilty because I wasn't working all the time. So, I decided to learn to fly a helicopter. I've done around 18 hours of flying so far. It's great fun!

Why is balance between work and leisure so important?

I have yet to find this balance. I don't really place a lot of importance on it. That's because I think there
needs to be an imbalance in order to get anything done.

How did you create you niche?

I started the site about three years ago, after I became frustrated by the lack of reliable information about nutrition and exercise. At the time, I was lecturing around the country for a company responsible for training personal trainers. I had also spent a few months lecturing at a university.

Much of the information I was teaching was hopelessly outdated or just wrong. Because I was training people to pass an exam, rather than teaching them how to become better trainers and instructors, I felt like I was wasting my time.

And the worst thing was that nobody seemed to care!

Most of the information in books and magazines seemed subject to commercial pressure from advertisers. There didn't seem to be anywhere to go for reliable, unbiased advice.

To what do you attribute most of your success to?

Hard work, being around the right people, and luck! I've had one two-week holiday in the last decade, and I can count on one hand the number of days in the last six years where I haven't been working. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I feel guilty when I take time off, and I find it very hard to relax, as I feel there is much more work to be done.

Who has been most supportive of your career? (training partners, sponsors, "x" media??? etc etc

My girlfriend Maria is the most supportive. She always tells me how much faith she has in me and the work I do.

How political is your business and the professional sports sector, and how do you work this to your advantage?

I don't know anything about the professional sports sector, so I can't comment. The fitness and nutrition industry is heavily influenced by money and I use this to my advantage because we're not influenced by any external source.

What's your definition of success?

If you wake up in the morning and feel excited about the day to come, and go to bed happy and satisfied.

Who were your mentors?

I listen to a lot of educational cassettes and CD's. Plus, I read a lot of books. I learn what I can from the experiences of people I consider successful. I also have some good friends and business colleagues whose advice has been invaluable. I owe them a lot.

What should one look for in a personal trainer?

Someone who can give you what you need. If you need motivation, find someone who is good at that. Look for someone who is in shape themselves. I don't subscribe to the notion that a personal trainer can be effective if they're out of shape themselves. They should be a good role model.

How may hours per week do you train?

4-5 hours a week on average.

In what ways does the internet assist you and your operation?

The Internet is vital to the company! The website is not just another course, diet or exercise program. It probably couldn't exist without the Internet. It's constantly developing and growing.

We need to find out, what's your take on the movie, "Supersize Me"?

I haven't seen it. I hear that it's about some guy who ate a lot of junk food in a 30-day period, and got fat and ill because of it. I think it's good that the easy availability of junk food is being considered as a public
health "issue", but I don't think it will change much. Most people don't care too much for their health until it's taken from them.

What is your favourite food?

I love food in general!

What do you do to relax?

Sleep!

What's your motto?

I don't have a motto. As I mentioned earlier, I like very much to improve things and move ahead.

...end.

Editors note: Christian is a no nonsense guys who really knows his stuff.

Links

Christian Finn official website

The Facts About Fitness