Nigel Groeneveld has been a permanent fixture at Happy Bodies for almost ten years. He is one of the longest-standing employees at our own locations, and we are incredibly proud of that. He started as a coach at Happy Bodies in Amstelveen, but he has now been a club manager in Overveen for five years. What drives him and why does the Happy Bodies concept suit him so well? He tells it all in this blog.
Helping people
I started my career with a game design education, but I soon discovered that sitting behind a laptop all day was not for me. When I was 21, I started thinking: what do I really like? I came to the conclusion that I love helping people. Then I thought that becoming a physiotherapist might be something for me. That is why I started studying Sports and Exercise, followed by Exercise Education. In 2015, I started studying physiotherapy, but at the same time found a job as a coach at Happy Bodies in Amstelveen. Working and studying turned out to be a bit too tough a combination. I had to choose: do I go for my studies full-time, or do I focus on my work? I chose Happy Bodies, because the concept appeals to me so much. Here I can really help people, and that is what I wanted all this time.
From coach to club manager
During his time as a coach in Amstelveen, I was given the opportunity to become a temporary club manager in Amstelveen. That went so well that I became an interim club manager and was promoted to club manager after only two months. When my old club manager returned, we noticed that two captains on one ship does not always run smoothly. Fortunately, an opportunity arose to become a club manager at Happy Bodies in Overveen. I grabbed that opportunity with both hands, and now Overveen has become my club.
Why I believe in Happy Bodies
Why does the Happy Bodies concept appeal to me so much? I think that the gym or fitness industry is mainly focused on people who are already extremely motivated. People who really enjoy sports, who like to stand in front of the mirror, who are attracted to loud music and environments with a high testosterone level. In short: athletes who want to show themselves. At Happy Bodies, that is completely different. People come here who want to work on their health, but in a safe way, in an environment where they feel comfortable and at ease. Happy Bodies creates exactly that environment, and I fully support that.
Training accessible to everyone
A unique part of the Happy Bodies concept is the Milon circle. This consists of twelve computer-controlled devices that automatically adjust to the athlete's body measurements. The resistance is determined by means of a strength test, which allows us to put together a very precise personal program. A training session in the Milon circle only takes 35 minutes, twice every ten days. During the training, the athletes are continuously monitored. In addition, we evaluate the progress and look at the results every month. What is also special is that the return movement is made extra difficult. This ensures that you achieve an optimal result faster. In my opinion, this is an incredibly easy and effective way to train.
Guidance that really works
I have been working at Happy Bodies for ten years now and during that time I have seen so many different athletes, all at their own level. What they often tell me is that they have been able to keep up their sports with us for so long for the first time. Our coaching trajectory also contributes to that. We start with two personal training sessions of sixty minutes. During these sessions we fully participate in them. After that there is a monthly evaluation. In addition, we schedule fifteen motivational sessions. In this way we are on top of things to ensure that the sports rhythm is built up properly. Because once that goes well, it becomes a habit. And then training actually becomes self-evident, a fixed part of your week.
Balance is everything
I do strength training four times a week. I like to challenge myself with more difficult exercises. And even though I didn't finish my game design education, I still enjoy a good game of gaming. My favorite is League of Legends. In the summer I go to a festival every now and then, and I like to have a drink with friends in a cafe every now and then. For me it's all about balance, which is also what we talk about regularly at Happy Bodies communicate.
A look into the future
When I look to the future, I see myself as a franchisee at Happy Bodies. At the moment I am a club manager, but I think it would be great to have my own club one day. That is what I am working towards now. Who knows what the future will bring!
Knowing more?
Want to know more about how to stay fit and active after your workout by training twice 35 minutes every ten days, under the guidance of your own personal lifestyle coach? Even if you have physical complaints? Then do the membership test and sign up for a free personal introductory meeting and tour of the club. Want to bet that you are immediately sold?
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