Phillip Groves has always been a fan of health and wellness and its unique ability to transform lives. So it came as no surprise when he decided to tap into this niche, making significant contributions that would bring about a positive change. Today, the personal trainer shares his journey into the field of fitness.

“My own fitness journey taught me the value of consistency, discipline, and self-care, and I wanted to help others experience those same rewards. So about 10 years ago, I realised that fitness was more than just a hobby for me; it was my passion. Friends and family would come to me for advice, and I saw the impact my guidance had on their progress. I decided to turn that passion into a career so I could help even more people,” he told Lifestyle.

With persons unlocking their potential, gaining confidence, and feeling stronger each day, this has inspired him to share his knowledge and help others achieve their goals. “Watching my clients push beyond their limits and achieve what they deemed as unimaginable or impossible has been truly rewarding. Helping people understand that fitness is a lifestyle, not just a quick fix, is a challenge I enjoy. The joy and gratitude clients express after seeing progress keep me motivated,” he said.

Groves leads by example, working out five to six days a week, with each session lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. His daily routines incorporate a combination of strength training, four to five days a week on different muscle groups, cardio or high intensity interval training (HIIT), two to three times a week for endurance and calorie burn and mobility or stretching, which is done daily for recovery and injury prevention.

“Typically, I focus on compound movements, high-intensity interval training. Having a steady routine keeps me physically fit, mentally focused, and serves as an example for my clients. Fitness is my lifestyle; it’s how I maintain energy and balance in my life,” he shared.

When asked how he describes his training style, the professional explained that it is educational, practical, challenging, supportive and results-driven.

Meeting clients where they are, their plans are designed to fit into real-life schedules and goals. The focus is on teaching proper form, nutrition, and healthy habits. Clients are supported every step of the way to reach their potential, while their limits are always respected, “My ultimate goal is to help clients achieve measurable progress,” he highlighted.

Some common misconceptions about health and fitness include the belief that long hours at the gym are necessary, that women will automatically get bulky from weightlifting, and that carbohydrates are bad choices for a healthy diet.

“Additionally, persons tend to focus too much on the scale rather than other progress indicators. There is also a matter of overtraining without adequate recovery, as well as following fad diets instead of sustainable nutrition plans,” Groves reveals.

What his personal and professional experience has taught him is that consistency trumps perfection, everyone’s journey is unique, patience is essential, and building habits is more important than chasing quick results.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com

SIX TIPS FOR FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS

Watching his clients grow stronger – both physically and mentally – has brought him immense joy. Riding on this wave of success, he now shares a few tips for fitness enthusiasts looking to embark on their wellness journey but unsure where to start:

Focus on small, sustainable changes rather than drastic measures.

Prioritise strength training and protein to preserve muscle while losing fat.

Stay consistent: progress takes time, but every small effort adds up.

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a professional to stay on track.

Exercise is the best prescription a doctor can write.

Don’t use someone else’s progress as a measuring stick for yours.