GETTING the French into shape is a challenge fitness instructor Becky Jeffery is ready to accept.
A former graphic artist in London, Becky is now a personal coach for the people around the village of Labastide Murat in the Lot region.
And with a purpose built gym at her disposal the chance to try out her fitness and pilates training in France was a chance not to be missed.
“When my family decided they wanted to head to France they found this gîte complex, which had a gym under the main house,” said Becky.
“But when I actually got to see it there was a studio for ten people, a weight training room and a sauna and massage area.
“It had been used before by the locals and when they saw we were re-opening it they were very keen to start the fitness classes again.”
Becky had worked on the BBC’s Radio Times magazine as well as a variety of cycling titles, but the office world was getting her down..
And this allied with the cost of property in London meant she trained as a fitness coach and headed back to Derbyshire where she built up a strong client list.
But setting up her business in France has not been a simple matter.
“One of the problems I’ve found is that the authorities are not sure which category to put a personal fitness instructor in,” explained Becky.
“And the pilates qualifications I’ve got are not recognised even though they are through the international organisation.
“I’m sure that bit by bit I will get it all sorted out, with a little help from French friends.”
The fitness classes are also proving a benefit to both Becky’s clients as well as herself.
“I had done A-level French before I came out but I’ve soon picked up a lot more by listening to people in the class when they help each other,” said Becky.
“What is amusing is when I try to explain the movements in the pilates class as they are more internal and deeper, so I’ve put together a cheat-sheet to help me out.
“But the clients have been great and many turn up week in week out, so they must be happy.”
Although the complex has a gîte, which is being overseen by her family, Becky’s own plans revolve around the fitness world.
“I would love to be able to provide cycling holidays, pilates sessions and fitness and nutrition breaks for people in this beautiful area,” Becky said.
“It’s all there in my head, I will just take things step by step but I’m sure it will happen.”
Comments
5 responses to “Putting the fitness into France”
hiya, was wondering if your able to help, im currently doing a BTEC National Diploma in Sports Science and want to be a fitness instructor, my family is moving to France when i finish college, i was wondering if you are able to tell me what qualifications i need to be a fitness instructor in France and how to go about it.
Thanks Joanna
Hi Becky..
My name is Rob i have been in the fitness industry for around 17 years i recently bought a house in the Dordogne region of france, my family has really settled into the village where we live, so with persuasion we are currently living there on a permanent basis. My experience is extensive in the fitness industry from client based personal training to working with groups of top sporting athletes. I certainly have not taken early retirement at 34 (i wish i could afford to) but due to this new move to France i am trying to look at my options in working here. If you have any advice it would be most helpful.. and if i can be of any help in return ..then great!
Kind Regards
Rob
Hi Becky, I’ve just read your article and the other posts…I’m afraid I have a very similar request. I’ve qualified with YMCAfit in Studio Instructing and Fitpro for Pilates and we are moving back to France next year. Although I used to live and work in France 8 years ago, it was in a totally different industry.
What kind of diploma is required to teach fitness independently in France? What about Public Liability Insurance and PPL?
Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Justine
Hi Becky,
I am a French teacher in the State of New Jersey and I just read your article on French
fitness.
I am trying to increase the enrollment for the
students in my high school to take French since
the enrollment in studying French has gone down due to everyone wanting to learn Spanish.
The communinity where I teach is mostly Hispanic speaking. In the past I have been an
aerobic instructor. I am trying to set up a
club at the school called “French Fit, le FFC”
Several students need to lose wait and I thought if we had a club with a French accent it could help me increase my enrollment.
Do you have any ideas where I can get help with French expressions in the fitness industry. thanks and good luck to you.
gail aka giselle
Hello Becky!
I am actually from France but have been leaving in canada for the last 26 years.
I am a fitness instructor and personal trainer.
I would like to teach in France.
Do you happen to know if they would except my Canadian/American certifications there?
Thank you for your answer