TOM BERRY
I am Tom, and from 2011 to 2020 I became one of the leading fitness trainers in New Zealand.
In 2020 I moved back to the UK with my family. After an unexpected stint as a stay-at-home dad during the COVID-19 pandemic, I rebooted To Be Personal Training first in Cambridge and then in Exeter and East Devon.
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I take a holistic, common-sense and no-nonsense attitude to health, fitness and performance. Training sessions are always fun, functional and focused on the needs of the client.
BACKGROUND
Before setting up To Be Personal Training, I attained a First Class Honours Degree in Ancient and Medieval History at Birmingham University and then completed a Graduate Management Scheme with Waitrose.
LIFESTYLE
I believe in practising what I preach. I eat well, exercise regularly and manage my stress levels. I am fit and healthy but not a fitness fanatic. I enjoy recreational track and field athletics as part of a balanced lifestyle that involves spending time with my family, reading, making jam and writing children's books.
ACTIVITIES
In the past, I have been an avid road cyclist, a footballer, a rugby player, a cricketer and a national-standard track and field athlete (age group level; let’s not get too carried away). I have also had lots of fun in the past running obstacle/mud races with clients, many of whom were far faster than me!
QUALIFICATIONS
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Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training
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Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training
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Level 3 Certificate in GP and Exercise Referral
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Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instruction
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Award in Circuit Instruction
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Award in Group Indoor Cycling
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Award in Personal Training Outdoor
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UK/England Athletics Coach
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UK/England Athletics Coaching Assistant
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Current UK Athletics coaching license and insurance
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Enhanced DBS certificate
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First Aid trained
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REPs registered whilst in New Zealand
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Now registered and insured with UK Coaching
COURSES & CONFERENCES
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2023 - England Athletics Event Group Sprint & Hurdles
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2023 - Sportsmith Speed Conference​
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2021 - Safeguarding in Athletics course
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2018 - Rehab Trainer Essentials course with leading Australian physiotherapists
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2018 - Exercise Prescription course with ex-All Black physiotherapist
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2016 - FILEX (Australian fitness industry conference)
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2015 - FITEX (New Zealand fitness industry conference)
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Judged to be one of the best group fitness instructors in New Zealand.​
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2013 - FITEX (New Zealand fitness industry conference)
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Judged to be one of the best up-and-coming personal trainers in New Zealand.​
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WHAT TO EXPECT
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I speak to my clients respectfully.
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I prescribe appropriate exercises for clients' levels of fitness and goals.
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I provide honest, realistic and constructive advice and guidance.
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I understand that there is more to people's health and fitness (and also happiness) than exercise and diet.
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I don't overemphasis the importance of before and after photos in measuring success.
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I understand that there are many reasons to exercise regularly. Weight loss is only one of them.
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I turn up on time (well, 99.9% of the time – see photo) with a plan and a good attitude.
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I understand the limits of my knowledge and I do not step beyond my professional scope of practice.
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I do not look at my phone during training sessions (PT pet peeve number 1).
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I encourage you to take responsibility for your health and fitness. I am a very useful and knowledgeable tool for you to use, but ultimately your health and fitness is your responsibility.
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I practice what I preach and did not become a trainer to motivate myself to stay fit.
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I occasionally dig into my repertoire of dad jokes. What's orange and sounds like a parrot? A carrot.
The time I turned up to the wrong location for a Saturday morning boot camp. My round of hot chocolates.
