Nicki Banks - Warwickshire’s Outdoor Fitness Camp and Personal Trainer is an inspirational sporting figure who has been passionate about fitness and well-being ever since childhood. (How many times have we heard this?) Well Nicki’s journey through life so far will undoubtedly inspire the most dedicated ‘couch potato’ to lace up their trainer and get active.
Originally from Sheffield , Nicki was one of three children brought up by her father, a very sporting personality himself. He found love at the school playground with a lady who had three children; also a single parent. Eventually all living together ‘like the Walton’s’ life was what you would call ‘busy’ only to be shattered by her Stepmom being taken away in a devastating car accident. Nicki’s father was left to nurture six children alone. This became the crux of her energy and motivation for sporting achievement, a common ground between herself and her father. Nicki’s ultimate goal was to strive for something so great to make her father proud of what he had achieved being such a fantastic parent. In 1996 Nicki was chosen from amongst 23,000 applicants to be a contender in the ITV Gladiators series. But Nicki’s hopes of winning the ultimate fitness challenge were shattered when an accident on one of the games left her with a severe spinal injury. After intensive physiotherapy and spinal surgery, learning to walk again was a huge challenge to overcome. Nicki was told she would never be able to take part in active sports again though with her inner strength and determination, by channelling goals into weeks, months, and quartiles, it had taken two years of intensive rehabilitation to reach a level of fitness she never dreamed possible. Her drive then brought a new dimension and focus; to embrace every day, live for the here and now, but most importantly help others with their health and fitness goals. The years that followed brought thrill and adventure on a personal level taking part in many long distance cycle rides for charities, Skydiving, Wing walking, Triathlon’s, and many breath taking fitness challenges. Nicki trained as a Studio Instructor, Personal Trainer and Adventure Bootcamp proprietor working with Gladiator’s Zodiac aka Kate Staples and Olympic champion Daley Thompson and began to really make a difference to other people’s lives.
Then!! Along came another obstacle (And not one that she sets up on the sports grounds with ladders, cones and hurdles!)
October 2010 Nicki began to experience pain at the sight of injury, only to find a nasty infection in and amongst the metal cage in her spine. Back in hospital for spinal surgery to remove the metal work that had supported the fracture for fourteen years wasn’t so straight forward and has left Nicki with loss of sensation and numbness down the left side of her body (which should return once nerves have found a new route). Has this prevented her from doing what she loves and lives for? certainly not. The courage and focus has returned even stronger than before and Nicki is back teaching and striving towards her personal goals alongside the people she trains. Nicki say’s “The greatest motivational concept is social support. Witnessing me gain strength and stamina and reaching my fitness goals alongside themselves has really driven them to strive to achieve their goals.”
Nicki’s Positivity and Zest for life is so infectious that she ensures that everyone manages to have great fun whilst they exercise, encouraging and supporting each and every person whether it be in her Studio classes, one to one clients or Outdoor Fitness camp sessions.
By definition General fitness training means working towards broad goals of overall health and well-being, rather than more specific goals of sport competition.
The most important thing is that you take part in an activity that you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it you simply will not continue for a sustainable time whether it be the new ‘Zumba’ craze that has hit the nation to, Pilates or Nicki’s passion for exercising in the great outdoors. A regular moderate workout regime and a healthy diet can significantly improve the general appearance of muscle tone, healthy skin, hair and nails, while preventing and reducing age or lifestyle-related health problems from inactivity and poor diet.
Each month Nicki will be sharing with us her events and experiences, her expertise and thoughts about different exercise regimes and giving helpful hints and tips to help readers with any specific health and fitness goals.
Motivational quote of the Month:-
‘You gain strength, courage and confidence by every life experience. Say to yourself ‘I lived through this tough time; I can take the next thing that comes along’. You must do the things you think you cannot do. Eleanor Roosevelt
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