Meet The Trainer: Rich Read (aka Big Man Rich)

The man, the myth, the legend – Big Man Rich, or BMR for short.

If you’d like to get to know Big Man Rich and pick his brains for his wisdom and his motivations, you have come to the right place…

Why did you decide to become a PT?

You could say that I am a case of ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’ when it comes to me being a PT. Two years ago I decided to take redundancy from the job I was doing and so I was spending a lot more time in the gym. I’d been a client of Dan and Chris’s for a couple of years and I had really enjoyed taking part in the sessions they ran. Especially giving encouragement and support to my fellow clients in the sessions I was in.

Not long before Christmas 2019 Dan asked whether I had ever considered being a personal trainer as he had seen how involved I got in sessions, and it didn’t take me long to realise that being a PT would be just the thing for me. 

I started my training pretty much straight away, however, lockdowns meant it took me a little while to finish my training and so I started coaching here at Instinct when we  opened in April 2021.

What do you love about your job?

I get a real buzz from seeing a group of people going for it in one of our classes and the energy that they give off is really special and gives me such a boost for whatever I am doing.  Seeing them laughing and smiling through the session and leaving with a grin is such a special feeling knowing that I have encouraged them to do their best and work hard. 

Another thing I love, is helping people who are maybe new to the gym or haven’t been for a long time develop, not just in terms of their physical fitness, but also seeing their confidence rise.  I am a keen advocate of people nourishing their mental health as well as physical health so this is something really satisfying to see.

Favourite exercise:

I do love a Barbell Deadift.

On the surface a deadlift looks quite straightforward, and I suppose it is, but it really does take a lot of concentration and effort to perform properly.  I love that it makes me think carefully about my technique every rep that I do, and that it works so many muscles in the one exercise (leg, bum, lower and upper back – and not to mention those abs!). 

For me it is a go to all around exercise.

Least favourite exercise:

Turkish Get-ups.

Unlike a Deadlift, for me Turkish Get-ups are a complicated exercise that is difficult to complete properly.  It is the only exercise that I have found that takes me from the floor to standing upright in the most awkward way ever – google it to see what I mean!

What motivates you?

Primarily, I think that my main motivation is playing a part in helping people to be the best that they can be when it comes to their fitness and overall health goals.  Seeing folks enjoying themselves and having fun whilst exercising and pushing themselves as hard as they can is really satisfying. 

I really do feed off the energy that is created in our sessions by our clients and it does give me a massive boost coaching them all.  At the end of the day working with our clients is as good for me as it is for them, win:win.

Quote to live by:

“Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.”

I only came across this quote by Mahatma Gandhi a year or so ago. For me, it really captures how our beliefs are the fundamental foundations of everything we do. Whether that is how we treat others, our own fitness journey or how we accomplish our work.

Favourite treat:

Difficult to choose – I would say that I probably have three favourites:

1. Chocolate biccies

2. 5 guys burgers are the best

3. Beer – I do like a nice pint!

Tell us a little more about you…

I’m married to Jane and we have two kids Tom and Martha and two crazy doggos Bob and Archie.  I have lived in Tarporley for just over 10 years now and I love being part of this great community.

I grew up in Yorkshire, but have lived all over the UK since I went to university more than 30 years ago! I played a lot of Rugby Union until injuries forced me to stop, and am still a passionate supporter of Harlequins. I also am a big motorsports fan and spend as much time as I can traveling to circuits around the UK and Europe watching action on 2 and 4 wheels.

Apart from working out in the gym I also spend time cycling with Delamere Cycle Club, getting out as often as I can.

Lastly, I can often be found tinkering with my beloved Land Rover Defender. Which keeps me amused and frustrated in equal measure.

 

If you would like to come along to one of Rich’s sessions, email info@instinct78.co.uk.