How a 50th birthday gift from the wife launched a whole new life for Colin.

Working 12 hour shifts – night and days – for 30 years, for the same company, Colin inevitably looked forward to the time when he could retire from his job. But turning 50 ended up marking a bigger change than this production team leader for global pharmaceutical giant GSK could ever have imagined. “My wife gave me a YMCAfit Gym Level 2 course as a 50th birthday present,” says Colin, “I enjoyed it so much that when I achieved my gym instructor qualification I immediately decided to sign up for the YMCAfit Personal Trainer course." Colin says he didn’t hesitate in signing up as “YMCAfit tutors are right at the top of the game and the methods they use certainly work for me.”

Following a year of intense training and study, Colin achieved his PT qualification and made a major life decision. “I took an opportunity to have early retirement so that I could set up my own fitness business.” Colin, who lives in Greenhithe, Kent, is now a full-time free-lancer, renting a place in a local gym for his PT clients. He also teaches circuit classes, both in the gym and in clients’ homes, and runs fitness sessions in the park, every day of the week, including sessions specifically for older people.

As well as loving the feeling of working for himself, Colin feels his life has been re-invigorated on every level. “Being out in the fresh air, exercising daily, sleeping better, having more fun.... what can I say? I’m loving every moment.” Find out more about Colin’s training and fitness services at: www.cfitness.co.uk