Hi Everyone!
I’m thrilled to announce and welcome Alex as the newest member of the Forever Active team! With his impressive background in sports science from the University of Innsbruck and passion for personalised fitness, Alex brings valuable expertise to our community. Our clients are already experiencing his thoughtful approach to training, and the feedback has been incredible!
I invite you to get to know Alex better through this in-depth introduction where he shares his philosophy on fitness, health, and the joy of staying active at any age.
Take good care!
Uli
Hi Alex, we'd love to hear what inspired you to become a personal trainer, and what's your overall philosophy on health and fitness?
Hi, I’m Alex, a Sport Scientist and Personal Trainer from Austria. While I haven’t quite reached 40 yet, I fully understand the importance of staying fit at every stage of life. With over a decade of experience in coaching and training, I’ve dedicated my career to guiding people on their individual fitness journeys.
Sports have always been a huge part of my life. I grew up playing tennis and swimming, then moved on to soccer, skiing, snowboarding, and gymnastics. Over time, I realised that fitness isn’t just about performing well in sports—it’s about staying active and healthy at every age. That’s why I pursued a degree in sport science at the University of Innsbruck, focusing on training science and biomechanics.
My philosophy is simple: fitness should fit you. As we age, staying active becomes even more crucial, but it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. I use my knowledge of movement and biomechanics to tailor our sessions to your goals, ensuring they’re both effective and enjoyable. Whether you’re aiming to maintain independence, keep up with your grandkids, or simply feel more active, I’m here to help.
What advice would you give to someone hesitant to start their fitness journey?
I completely understand—starting or restarting your fitness journey, especially after 40, can feel daunting. You might think it’s too late or that the journey ahead is too challenging. But in Austria, we have a saying: “Von nichts kommt nichts,” which means “From nothing comes nothing.” It’s never too late to begin. Taking that first step is the hardest, but once you do, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your body responds. You’ll start feeling stronger, more confident, and more energised. Whether you want to move more in daily life or take on a new physical challenge, I’ll be there every step of the way.
How do you ensure your clients' fitness journeys are sustainable and enjoyable in the long term?
To make fitness sustainable, it has to align with your life and your goals. Most of our work happens in the gym, where we focus on building strength, improving mobility, and addressing individual needs. I create personalised programs that are challenging but always within reach, keeping sessions engaging and varied so they never feel repetitive.
Outside the gym, many of my clients enjoy activities like hiking or playing sports. The gym is just the foundation—I aim to give you the strength and stamina to enjoy those activities, making fitness a natural part of your everyday life.
How do you motivate clients who have lost their way or are struggling to maintain their fitness routine?
Motivation can come and go, especially after 40, when life gets busier. I create a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their challenges. Together, we set short-term goals that are achievable, even if we have to work around aches or adjust for busy schedules.
I remind my clients why they started their fitness journey in the first place. Having a clear purpose is key. Whether it’s to feel better, reduce pain, or gain energy, our workouts are stepping stones to those goals. And it’s not just about the big wins—it’s about celebrating the little victories that move us forward.
How do you approach creating personalised fitness plans for clients with diverse goals and needs?
I start by assessing each client’s unique goals, fitness history, and personal preferences. With that insight, we create a clear path forward. The big goal is always in mind, but I make sure every session is both effective and enjoyable. Challenges are important, but they should always feel achievable.
Feedback is essential. We constantly adjust the plan based on what resonates with each client. I want fitness to be part of their daily life, whether they’re in the gym, skiing, or hiking. Ultimately, the goal is for gym workouts to enrich life outside of it, making every adventure more enjoyable.
Can you share a success story of how you helped a client overcome a significant health or fitness challenge?
Of course! A few years ago, a client came to me with persistent knee pain. Her doctors recommended strength training to improve her condition, and her main goal was to ski with her family. At that time, she could only manage about three hours of skiing twice a week, and even then, it was painful.
We committed to a consistent training plan over nine months, and the results were amazing! After her February vacation, she came back to the gym glowing. She had skied five and a half days out of seven without any pain! She laughed and said, “I told my family I needed a break, but honestly, I just wanted to enjoy the spa!”
It was such a joy to see her progress, and that’s exactly the quality of life I aim to help my clients achieve.
What strategies do you use to help older adults over 70 regain independence and vitality through exercise?
For clients over 70, the focus is often on regaining strength and mobility. I prioritise functional exercises that improve everyday movements, like getting up from a chair or climbing stairs without pain. These might seem like simple tasks, but as we age, they become crucial for maintaining independence.
By focusing on balance, flexibility, and strength, I help my clients stay active and confident in their daily lives. It’s all about maintaining quality of life and continuing to do the things they love.
How do you adapt your training methods for clients with health conditions or those who need to make lifestyle changes due to medical advice?
I started my career as a training therapist in Austria, helping people with joint and muscle issues. Seeing clients regain their health and happiness has always been incredibly rewarding. When working with clients with specific health conditions, I always begin with a thorough assessment and, if needed, consult medical professionals.
Each program is customised to accommodate their needs, focusing on low-impact exercises that build strength without adding strain. Regular check-ins ensure we’re making the right adjustments as needed.
What's your approach to injury prevention and recovery in your training programs?
Injury prevention is key, especially for older adults. Every session begins with a proper warm-up and ends with a cool-down. I incorporate mobility and flexibility exercises to reduce the risk of injury, and I teach clients to listen to their bodies. For those recovering from injuries, we focus on gradual progression, always prioritising confidence and safety.
How do you incorporate mental health and wellness into your fitness programs?
I believe in the strong connection between physical and mental health. A strong body leads to a strong mind, and vice versa. I encourage balance and adaptability in workouts, recognising when clients need to ease tension or push themselves for that personal best. Sometimes, a workout can even be an escape from a tough day!
What are you most looking forward to as you join the team at Forever Active?
I’m excited to meet new people, help clients achieve their fitness goals, and work alongside Uli! The gym is fantastic, and I’m looking forward to supporting everyone to the best of my abilities.
Any closing thoughts?
Let’s get started—I can’t wait to work with you on your fitness and health goals!
...
On that note, if you'd like to meet Alex and experience his training approach firsthand, feel free to book your complimentary consultation right here