The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

AS a fitness professional with decades of experience, Jillian Bartlett said she strives for nothing but excellence in her field of work.

To be a good example of her profession is something that gives Jillian, who is also known as the “Fitness Warrior”, the edge and the drive to continuously push ahead.

“God has blessed me with many talents; the one I love is motivating others through fitness. Most importantly, when clients search for a trainer of choice, they focus on two things – the right chemistry and hope,” said Jillian.

Why chemistry and hope? Jillian said people work out and train in hopes to get their bodies fit. She said it is good to have a trainer that actually lives the life of health, “which brings wealth”.

“I am a walking advertisement; these are realistic and fundamental tools. A great trainer has a genuine love to see people’s lives change. They are natural motivators, teachers and confidants who eventually form a timeless and positive bond,” said Jillian.

She said a trainer has the right to influence and help clients focus on improving their mental and physical health, which is often overlooked.

“We encourage clients to eat better – not perfect; drink fresher – especially while working; improve their environment, and most importantly, balance a spiritual life style. Having healthy balanced relationships is the key. These are my gifts that I am very happy sharing,” said the fitness trainer.

After 30 years in the field, Jillian said she finds herself in the unique position to help the Bahamas solve most of its societal issues.

“For instance; if you are real with your fitness programmes, you would limit your alcohol consumption and there would be less chances of making wrong choices. If you reduce your bad eating habits, it is more than likely that you can avoid obesity which invokes low self-esteem. That’s the same for greed and drugs. It is all about choices – better choices, better results, better society,” said Jillian.

She said her years of knowledge and experiences has equipped her to help with most fitness challenges. “I am constantly asked how to prevent many issues such as back juries, weight loss, nutrition setbacks or motivation,” she said.

Jillian said over the years she has covered subject areas such as understanding wellness, exercise physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, health screening, fitness assessment, cardio respiratory, muscular strength, endurance programming, applied resistance training skills, flexibility, injury prevention, special population (clients with arthritis, cancer, hypertension, diabetic, nutrition and weight management), behaviour modification, communication skills and the fundamentals of therapeutic massage.

When interviewing perspective clients, Jillian said she looks beyond their present condition.

“As a motivator, I should and have to be ten steps mentally and physically ahead of my clients. My thinking and their thinking about fitness and nutrition should never be similar; if it is the case my services won’t be necessary,” she said.

Jillian said great trainers do not settle for average.
“My mantra for 2014 is I rather be a fitness freak than compared to a food junkie who’s digging an early grave,” she said.

After three decades in the fitness business, Jillian said her goal is still the same – to be disciplined.