Meet Rach
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Hi,
I'm Rach, a qualified Gym Instructor, Personal Trainer, Sports Massage Therapist. However my learning and knowledge does not stop there.
I am always looking to build upon the tools and skills I have to offer my clients and am currently studying qualifications that are specific to training and coaching women of all ages, as well as continued professional development (CPD) courses that are specific to exercises and massage which include:
Training using Bodyweight Exercises
Kettlebells Training
Medicine Ball Training
Suspension Training
Using Advanced Training Systems
Hydration and Exercise
Taping and Strapping for Joint Support
Self Myofascial Release
To further my understanding of women, and particularly how we change through menopause, I am a frequent attendee to the CPD opportunities that the Harley Street at Home (https://www.harleystathome.com/) company offer health and fitness professionals, and often work in collaboration with Zoë Phoenix, a Woman's Mind and Body Coach (https://zoejphoenix.com/) including participating with four other brilliant women as expert speakers in a Menopause Summit.
Click below to see the next exciting collaboration that I am supporting Zoë with as a women's fitness expert.
A little bit about me . . .
A little bit about me . . .
I have always been passionate about sport, health and fitness, whether that be my own, friends and family or installing the foundations for a healthier future in the thousands of teenage girls I taught for over two decades.
I have always been passionate about sport, health and fitness, whether that be my own, friends and family or installing the foundations for a healthier future in the thousands of teenage girls I taught for over two decades.
Since an early age, I have been running around doing something, starting with Netball which soon grew into more sports such as Judo, Squash, Athletics, Rounders, Badminton, Tennis and even the odd Gymnastics club at school.....anything for a badge and certificate!
Since an early age, I have been running around doing something, starting with Netball which soon grew into more sports such as Judo, Squash, Athletics, Rounders, Badminton, Tennis and even the odd Gymnastics club at school.....anything for a badge and certificate!
As I entered my later teenage years, the gym became a safe haven for me and I was never one to follow the "norm" when it came to female fitness. While I did like grinding out the miles on the treadmill or bike, I was happiest on the machines or throwing the free weights around, working on my strength and never feeling intimidated by the often overpowering masculine energy the weights sections in the gym could perspire, especially in the 90's.
As I entered my later teenage years, the gym became a safe haven for me and I was never one to follow the "norm" when it came to female fitness. While I did like grinding out the miles on the treadmill or bike, I was happiest on the machines or throwing the free weights around, working on my strength and never feeling intimidated by the often overpowering masculine energy the weights sections in the gym could perspire, especially in the 90's.
I have played a high level of hockey (National League Division 2), being the crazy one having balls fired at her while she tries to stop them hitting the back of the net. However nowadays I much prefer being the one who is doing the hitting and scoring goals.
I have played a high level of hockey (National League Division 2), being the crazy one having balls fired at her while she tries to stop them hitting the back of the net. However nowadays I much prefer being the one who is doing the hitting and scoring goals.
No matter what new hobbies and interests have come my way, fitness and the gym have always been there at the core of my weekly routines. Never has that been the case more than now. I have always ensured time is MADE for exercise and when children became a part of my life, this meant finding time for me when others got their rest in bed. Now, as as a woman in her mid-40's and a single mum to two incredible daughters, I adapt and change my once regimented 4:30am workouts, to exercising either at home while they sleep or grabbing the hours in the gym in-between clients. Of course, I am always happy to dual train with my clients so that they push me just as hard as I challenge them!
No matter what new hobbies and interests have come my way, fitness and the gym have always been there at the core of my weekly routines. Never has that been the case more than now. I have always ensured time is MADE for exercise and when children became a part of my life, this meant finding time for me when others got their rest in bed. Now, as as a woman in her mid-40's and a single mum to two incredible daughters, I adapt and change my once regimented 4:30am workouts, to exercising either at home while they sleep or grabbing the hours in the gym in-between clients. Of course, I am always happy to dual train with my clients so that they push me just as hard as I challenge them!
My Journey.
My Journey.
I started my journey into personal training 20 years ago by simply making that big step to work with one myself. I have worked with both male and female PTs and have had their pros and cons. What was most important for me was finding someone who got me at that specific period of time, my goals, needs and would push me to train harder and in ways that I wouldn't normally do myself. All the trainers I have worked with have always been fab in terms of this. However there was never anything in-between sessions whether they were weekly or monthly. My PT was just someone I saw at the gym.
I started my journey into personal training 20 years ago by simply making that big step to work with one myself. I have worked with both male and female PTs and have had their pros and cons. What was most important for me was finding someone who got me at that specific period of time, my goals, needs and would push me to train harder and in ways that I wouldn't normally do myself. All the trainers I have worked with have always been fab in terms of this. However there was never anything in-between sessions whether they were weekly or monthly. My PT was just someone I saw at the gym.
Much like the reasons I became a teacher 25 years ago, and off the back of my own experiences and passion for fitness, I really began to think that being a personal trainer was something I could do myself....helping others, particularly women, not just in actual training sessions but in-between, offering accountability as well as compassion and motivation . . . a spark was ignited!
Much like the reasons I became a teacher 25 years ago, and off the back of my own experiences and passion for fitness, I really began to think that being a personal trainer was something I could do myself....helping others, particularly women, not just in actual training sessions but in-between, offering accountability as well as compassion and motivation . . . a spark was ignited!
However, my career in teaching was on a positive trajectory into senior leadership, and for those in education out there, you will know how "safe and comfortable" a career in teaching can make you feel despite the negatives that can come along with it. So with a young family to support and being a home owner and everything else that comes along with those responsibilities, timing was never on my side to be able to step away, especially with all courses, learnings and workshops being in person 80 miles away.
However, my career in teaching was on a positive trajectory into senior leadership, and for those in education out there, you will know how "safe and comfortable" a career in teaching can make you feel despite the negatives that can come along with it. So with a young family to support and being a home owner and everything else that comes along with those responsibilities, timing was never on my side to be able to step away, especially with all courses, learnings and workshops being in person 80 miles away.
Then in 2020, my personal circumstances changed, losing my home and becoming a single mum, and the world in general changed and online platforms became a common practice. So with time becoming more available during various lockdowns, and not having my children 100% of the time, and in receipt of an insurance payout that aided hugely towards courses, I looked into gaining my qualifications.
Then in 2020, my personal circumstances changed, losing my home and becoming a single mum, and the world in general changed and online platforms became a common practice. So with time becoming more available during various lockdowns, and not having my children 100% of the time, and in receipt of an insurance payout that aided hugely towards courses, I looked into gaining my qualifications.
Four years later, and while still spinning motherhood, full-time employment and life's other plates, I became fully qualified and with the amount of quality time I was spending with my daughters being at the forefront of every decision I was making, as well as being a role model for them in every way possible, I leapt away from my teaching career, setting up my Personal Training and Sports Massage business.....
Four years later, and while still spinning motherhood, full-time employment and life's other plates, I became fully qualified and with the amount of quality time I was spending with my daughters being at the forefront of every decision I was making, as well as being a role model for them in every way possible, I leapt away from my teaching career, setting up my Personal Training and Sports Massage business.....
Purple BodyBalance was born!
Purple BodyBalance was born!
Why Purple BodyBalance?
The name Purple BodyBalance was born from my own journey toward finding harmony and healing.
I’ve always been drawn to the colour purple; a colour that feels both calming and uplifting, symbolising wisdom, transformation, and spiritual connection. It represents transformation and balance, blending the peaceful energy of blue with the vitality of red.
To me, it represents that beautiful balance between strength and softness, energy and stillness. When I began this work, I wanted a name that reflected not only the physical side of wellbeing but also the emotional and energetic layers that shape how we feel each day.
BodyBalance came to me as a reminder that true wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about listening to your body, honouring its needs, and finding your own unique rhythm.
Purple BodyBalance is about supporting women on that same journey: to feel empowered in their bodies, peaceful in their minds, and connected to their sense of self.
If I'm not with a client or in the gym, you will find me . . . .
Bodyboarding on the North Devon waves . . . Croyde is one of favourite places on Earth
Paddle-boarding on the River Hamble or Stour
On the driving range trying to perfect my swing.....and on the course hoping my putting will get getter at some point!!
Training for, judging, volunteering and competing at various fitness challenges such as:
ATHX....looking forward to competing in 2026 on the continent
Hyrox .... my goal is to complete a Single's event in the next 3 years!
Deadly Dozen
5km up to half marathon distance runs
Duathlons
Cycling sportives
Walking in the forest or on a sandy beach
Out running on trails, which was something I said I would never do before 2020 because I was a stubborn road-runner!
Trying to get the ball in the back of the net on the hockey pitch!
At various network events between Southampton and Bournemouth, building those essential relationships with other amazing business folk. (ps - I highly recommend The Womenpreneur Collective in Southbourne, every first Friday of the month https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-womenpreneur-collective-southbourne-tickets-1312155475349?aff=ebdssbdestsearch )
Indulging in some good coffee....and yes, with cake; I very much judge a cafe by the cake-stand on offer!
Who am I?
A woman in her mid-forties that is definitely starting to experience some perimenopause symptoms.....the COLD flushes are not my friend!!
A Mum to two amazing girls who make my heart smile every single day.
They love being involved in what I do and want to hear about what "Purple BodyBalance is doing today?
They design their own fitness circuits for me to complete at home when I can't get to the gym
We love doing the Junior ParkRun in various locations, earning our "distance" bands
A daughter with the "sandwich generation" responsibility for the care and welfare of aging parents
A middle child with two brothers, each with their own families so I try and wear my Aunty RARA hat as and when I can.
Someone who is always up for socialising with friends, old and new, although this has become more about the coffee than the wine in recent years!
Love being active.....kind of a given!! I have completed the London Marathon, a 100km Cycling Sportive and Climbed Snowdon twice!
Loves a Spa day and finding time to unwind with a book by the pool and dipping in and out of the sauna and steam-rooms!
Someone who really wants to get into the cold water craze. However, 30 years of going in the British sea wearing a wetsuit means I am a bit of a "chicken" without one.
Loves cheesecake! Hate mushrooms!! Oh and no coffee after 3pm!!!
Mainly vegetarian! Although do like fish from time to time and I haven't quite been able to give up the "pigs in blankets" with a Xmas dinner!
An early riser....up at 5am for meditation, yoga, exercise, some learning (usually listening to a book or podcast!) and a cold shower, all before the kids wake up and the school run manicness begins!!
And when I do relax, you will find me happiest watching a superhero film (Marvel films are great, Superman will always be my absolute fav though!!), trashy (usually American) hospital or police based dramas, although I love a good old British comedy too, or dare I say it.....I love fly on the wall docuseries too, especially if they are sport based!
Qualifications:
Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction (Origym)
Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training (Origym)
Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage (Origym)
CPD Certificate in Sports Science and Therapy (New Skills Academy)
CPD Certificate in Nutrition and Hydration (New Skills Academy)
CPD Diploma in Fitness (New Skills Academy)
Girls Gone Strong Women's Coaching Specialist certification (Pending)
Level 3 GP Referral (Origym - Pending)
BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Coaching
PGCE (with QTS) in Secondary Physical Education (KS2 - KS5)
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