TGtS Meets... Angela Lintern

In our latest TGt Meets we've been speaking to fitness and nutrition expert Angela Lintern, one of Next Generation's leading Personal Trainers.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at Next Generation?

I have been involved in elite sport since the young age of 15 and dedicated to sport and fitness most of my life. Spending many years competing for the Karate Austrian National Team with great success at national and international levels including World, European and National Championships. I also very much enjoyed working with all abilities and ages from children, complete beginners as well as experienced athletes.

Beside that I’ve worked within the banking industry for the last 14 years, before I decided last year to go back into what I loved to do the most which is motivating, inspiring and challenging people to set and achieve their fitness goals. I love working with people of all fitness levels and ages, from all walks of life, and being a Personal Trainer at Next Generation allows me to do exactly that. There is nothing better as to get up in the morning and not feeling you are going to work, because you love what you do.

How do you stay fit and healthy?

Life can be busy sometimes but I always try to set new goals and take on new challenges – this keeps me motivated. This year I’ve decided to do the Bristol 10k, Bristol Half Marathon and Tough Mudder. I also try to manage my diet, along with my husband’s much to his annoyance!

How did you turn your passion for fitness into a career?

With great support from my husband I had the opportunity to do my qualifications here in England.

Do you have a motto or favourite motivational quote?

To be inspired is great, to inspire is incredible!

Always believe in yourself, stay focused and never give up.

What are your tips for people looking to get into shape?

Start today not tomorrow.  Start with changing little things you do daily because the secret of your success is found in your daily routine and simple lifestyle changes can make a difference!

What are some mistakes people make when working out?

Skipping warm up/cool down & stretching:

The warm-up and cool down are equally important. The warm up prepares the body for exercises by gradually increasing the heart rate and circulation, this will loosen the joints and increase blood flow to the muscles while the cool-down after a hard lifting or cardio session allows your body to slowly return heart rate to normal and provides an opportunity to flush waste products from the muscle back into the circulator system.

Stretching the muscle prepares them for physical activity and good flexibility not only increases athletic performance but also plays an important role in helping you stay injury free.

Not hydrating:

Water is the most abundant nutrient in the body, not to mention the most important. Whether you’re a serious athlete or recreational exerciser, it’s important to make sure you get the right amount of water before, during and after exercising. Water regulates your body temperature, lubricates joints and helps transport nutrients for energy and health. If you’re not properly hydrated, your body will be unable to perform at its highest level.

Routine on repeat:

When you continue doing the same thing over and over again, your body will adapt to it. You need to change your work out plan from time to time. Modify your workouts in a few weeks or months. You can change the type of exercise you do, the length, the amount of weight lifted, or the number or reps all depending on your goals you want to achieve.

Are there any exercises you advise against?

Anything that the person’s mobility or strength levels are not ready for as the risk of injury becomes greater.

What music do you listen to when you work out?

Fitness Beats, Running Tracks, Club Mix etc.

What foods are always in your fridge?

Full fat natural yoghurt, organic whole milk, eggs, chicken and ‘cheesecake’.

What's been the most rewarding part of your job?

Having grateful, happy and tired customers!