Meet the Trainer: Chris Norris

By Krista Harris | 22 December 2021
4 Minute Read

Get to know our main man, Chris Norris, gym manager and face of Instinct.

Fancy an insight into Chris’ life outside of the gym? Keep reading to find out about his motivations, hobbies and favourite treats  – and yes – he actually does eat treats!

Tell us a little about you…

I am recently engaged to Liz Poole (the other face of the gym) and I am proud to say I am born and bred in Tarporley, and apart from my 3 years at university, I have spent my whole life here. We bought our very first house in the village last year, and I can’t see us going anywhere anytime soon as we both love it here.

I played rugby at Chester since the age of 10, it has been a massive part of my life and I have made some amazing friends over the years. More recently I have had a pretty serious ACL reconstruction that has kept me away from playing but there is still hope to get back on the field next year. 

Outside of work, gym and rugby I have been getting into poker for the social side of the game, but I have enjoyed learning about it as well. As I have been studying poker I have realised, like most things, the more you know, the more you realise how much you don’t know… So, I have realised that I’ve got a lot to learn!

Why did you decide to become a PT?

I generally always loved sports as a kid, (things haven’t really changed much since) and PE always seemed to be the one subject that I could rely on to look good on my school report. 

Naturally, I found myself taking A Level PE, and it happened to be the only subject that I didn’t have to resit multiple times. This led me to the easy decision to study Sports and Exercise Science at Leeds Met.

Once completing my degree I knew that I wanted to stay in this industry so I continued to develop, first of all as a Sports Massage Therapist and then finally, as a personal trainer. I ended up meeting Dan shortly after at instinct and the rest is history… 

What do you love about your job?

Most people spend their day frantically running around after their children, loved ones and work. This is often the only hour within that they are doing for themselves and I love that I get the opportunity to be a part of that one hour, where I can try to make an impact on their day.

What is your favourite exercise?

It’s got to be a Pull Up!

In my opinion it’s the ultimate upper body exercise, it’s all about power to weight ratio with a lot of grit and determination. 

As an added bonus there is very little room for “cheating” you can either do it or you can’t.

What is your least favourite exercise?

Nordic Hamstring Curls.

If you have ever tried them you will 100% understand why… as soon as you start it feels like your hamstrings are either going cramp up or tear and then you’re falling to the floor face first, it’s just a horrible combination.

What motivates you?

I genuinely like helping people, I get a real kick out of people succeeding. There is nothing better than someone changing their lives and being able to play a role in that transformation. 

Quote to live by…

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, 

our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking,

so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were all meant to shine as children do.

It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give

other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our fear,

our presence automatically liberates others.”

What is your favourite treat?

Hmm such a difficult question… 

My top 3:

  1. Mars Ice Creams

  2. Popcorn (but the big share bag size of Sweet & Salty) 

  3. Extra Cold Pint of Guinness 

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