SH1FT STAR: Connor Fleming
Meet this month's SH1FT STAR, Connor Fleming. Although he is relatively new to SH1FT, we have loved seeing his enthusiasm and drive for the SH1FT Fitness formats. He is not only making them his own, but has also quickly become an active member of the SH1FT SQUAD. Connor has persevered through a great deal of adversity to get to this point. We hope you are inspired by his story as much as we were!
Without further ado, meet Connor:
1. Tell us about yourself:
My name's Connor and I've been a Group Fitness Instructor since December 2021. I'm originally from Auckland, grew up in Tauranga for 20 years and am now based in Napier, New Zealand as of 2020.
My fitness journey began back in 2016. I was overweight and struggling with my fat loss efforts. Rediscovering my love and passion for HIIT changed that! I also got onto the Atkins diet and the weight eventually started dropping just like that. Over the course of a year, I lost close to 40kg. This weight loss journey inspired me to pursue a role within the fitness industry. I went on to study and receive my Level 4 Certificate in Fitness in 2018, but it wasn't until last year that I nabbed my first role in the industry.
2. Where/how do you teach?
I teach at Ocean Spa Napier. We opened back up after the last lockdown around mid-2021, initially with limits on numbers in classes and mandates to adhere to. In addition to teaching live classes at Ocean Spa, I have plans to launch pre-recorded sessions this year.
3. What’s your favourite SH1FT workout?
That's a tough one, there are so many to choose from!! For me, I'd have to say either L1FT 19: Metabolic or R1ZE 9: Low Impact Strength.
4. What's your favourite thing about SH1FT?
My favourite thing about SH1FT is the freedom and flexibility for instructors to teach classes however, wherever and whenever they want. I love being able to use my own playlists to let the creativity flow, teaching mashups of SH1FT's various formats.
5. What does 'fitness for life' mean to you?
For me, 'fitness for life' isn't about being the fittest or strongest person in the room. It's not about trying to keep up with athletes and bodybuilders. For me, the concept of fitness for life is about being consistent in order to stay fit. It means keeping on track and making it through each workout without giving up, improving one's level of fitness over time.
6. How has SH1FT improved your life and teaching?
SH1FT has done so much to improve my life and teaching. I have Autism Spectrum Disorder, which makes it hard for me to communicate or understand what people are saying sometimes. This has made it difficult for me to hold down a job and I have been unemployed most of my life. I have been a SQUAD member for 3 months now, and I can honestly say that it has made a huge difference to my life. I started pursuing training and certification in SH1FT's class formats in order to get into teaching fitness classes, but with support from the former gym manager, my current PT, former PT, another instructor, as well as my own determination, I have since found casual employment at my local gym.
7. What does diversity mean to you, and why is it important in fitness?
Fitness can be defined as a goal and a state of being, not just something you do to your body. Everyone should be able to reach that goal, regardless of age, gender, race or religious affiliation. Within the fitness industry, it is important for participants to see others like themselves in the training environment. The fitness industry should focus on creating an inclusive environment where all types of people are able to participate.
Find Connor on Instagram here.
