Ellie@One KX
Ellie Rowles moved to London in 2009 after completing her degree in Nutrition in 2008 with hopes to enter into a career in Health and Fitness. Ellie found a job as an Outreach Worker for the North London Waste Authority, but she soon found she was missing the focus of health and nutrition. Ellie got involved in PAPA training in 2009 and went onto volunteer for several months on the outdoor gyms around Camden. Ellie completed several training courses with Camden Council including Gym Instructor and Walk Leader training and is currently progressing within her career path working as a gym and studio instructor at One KX and doing freelance nutrition work.
"I find that volunteering continually helps me to learn as I am constantly being faced with new situations."
What motivated you to start volunteering as a PAPA?
When I moved to London I was keen to enhance my knowledge and experience within health and Fitness and I looked into various types of training I could do which would supplement my degree. I found out about Walk Leader training which was run by Camden Council. It was on this training that I found out about the PAPA course and applied to get involved. I was keen to get involved because I am into health and fitness and am always reading about it and encouraging my friends. The community aspect of this project also really interested me.
What did you do in your role as a PAPA?
Being a PAPA involved completing a number of training sessions which prepared us during the outdoor gyms sessions. Sessions generally involved approaching people and talking to them about the gym, the benefits of exercising and how people can use the outdoor gyms, and offering advice about good / safe exercise methods on the gyms. I met lots of new people, and learnt about different ways of approaching people. I was also able to take on more of an advisory role, which increased my confidence as I had to offer people advice and engage with a range of people. All my training had prepared me for this, so I felt ready.
What do you get out of volunteering?
Loads… Mainly I have increased my confidence. This is partly due to having to approach people when on the outdoor gyms and whilst instructing classes. I find that volunteering continually helps me to learn as I am constantly being faced with new situations.
What advice would you give someone interested in becoming a PAPA?
Definitely give it a go!! Do the training and some sessions to put what you have learnt into practice. The training definitely exceeded my expectations. There was a great atmosphere, really informative and great mix of theory and practical work. As well as I have made some great friends!
What is your favourite volunteering memory or experience?
It was a day in spring and it was really sunny. We were doing an outdoor gym session in Kilburn. I was working with a really great PAPA colleague and the whole session was great fun and great atmosphere. I found my colleague to be fun to work with and very inspiring. The session was well attended with a mixture of participants; some who regularly work out and some who have never worked out. Lots of people were asking for advice and guidance, so I felt like it had been a great day!
