Selamat Hari Raya & A Happy Hari Merdeka FIT readers !!!
We hope you had a great time with the long holidays, lemang and rendang.
Back to the world of fitness, we are happy to announce the start of a series of interviews with some of our FIT students who are making waves in the local fitness industry.
We start the series of interviews with Veronica Schokman who manages Westin Workout at The Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
Veronica ( ACE certified Personal Trainer & Dip Holistic Massage – ITEC, UK from UKM Malaysia ) has been in the fitness industry for a record 29 years !!! Read more to find out how she stays passionate in what she does …
So how did you get started in the fitness industry ?
While waiting for my high school results, and being a person who could not keep still, I looked up jobs in the local newspaper and took up my first role as an aerobic instructor at an all ladies health and beauty centre. I have always been active as a kid and could not see myself in a desk bound job so when I started teaching classes there, I just got so hooked and have never looked back since. While I worked there, I did my first basic certification under ACHPER, Australia.
What have you worked as ( experience in the fitness industry ) ?
Let’s see… aerobic instructor, gym instructor, marketing manager for fitness centre, fitness centre manager, and now, Westin Workout Manager, Personal Trainer, Run Concierge and Well Ambassador.
With such a hectic work schedule, how do you relax ?
Hahahha!! Relax is such a precious word. I treasure every moment I get of it. I try as much to catch up on lost rest, or I would join my group on morning runs, catch up with friends or just chill at home over some good movies. 
You are an avid runner … do you still incorporate weight training into your workout sessions ? Do you think its important ?
Absolute yes to both questions. Your whole body is in motion when you are running and strengthening the muscles are an important component. Hey don’t forget about flexibility too! I purposely join yoga classes and that helps a lot. (never knew how tight my hamstrings were until my first yoga class lol!!) Of course after a workout or a run, I do a stretch to cool down too.
Why did you take up the ACE certification ?
I have been in the fitness industry for along time and its been obvious to me that my passion is indeed teaching, training, educating and helping individuals to reach their fitness goals. ACE is my “passport” to that and the good thing about ACE is the many little courses that we can take after the certification to keep ourselves abreast with the latest in fitness.
You do many courses … why is that ? Is it a passion to know whats happening in the fitness industry ? And do you think its important to stay updated ?
As mentioned earlier, it is indeed my passion. And being updated gives you the edge. Gives us new ideas, better insights, keeps us in “the know”.
Any words of wisdom from someone with so much experience, for those who are just starting out their careers in fitness …
If you have chosen fitness as your career, Congratulations!! You have made an awesome choice. Getting certified IS essential. Create or get into a pool of instructors where all of you can share ideas and thoughts. Put your knowledge to practice and not let it dwindle as practice only makes perfect. Even if you don’t have clients initially, you will eventually. Why not use your family or close friends as your test bunnies first? It’s a win win situation. Lastly, a quote … He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything” – Thomas Carlyle
Related Course Information
Personal Trainer Development Programme (PTDP)
This is the perfect blend of all that are essential to make you a competent personal trainer. Leave this 54-hour course feeling confident and ready to bring the best out of your client(s)
Upcoming: Price:
