Gals We Admire: Kathleen Trotter

Kathleen Trotter loves that her work allows her to be active every day. Find out how the personal trainer spends her days, and why she says she never gets bored.

Name: Kathleen Trotter

Profession: Personal Trainer, Pilates Equipment Specialist, Freelance Fitness Writer and Columnist for The Globe and Mail

Website: Kathleentrotter.com

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

My days vary depending which "hat" I am wearing that day. I work full time and I am completing a master's degree at the University of Toronto. If it's a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday I train clients. On those days I am usually up at around 5am because I see my first client between 6 and 7am. I see clients all day and during down time I train myself, return emails and work on any writing work I have due. On Wednesdays I go to school and spend my day in class, at the library and doing my big workouts. I race marathons and Ironmans, so Wednesdays and Sundays are when I do my longer runs and bike rides. On Sundays I do school work at home and do my biggest workout of the week.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

I watched Street Legal when I was growing up, so I always thought I would be a lawyer. I don’t think when I was growing up I even thought "personal trainer" was an option. I always wanted to be a lawyer, so I could help people. In a way, having become a personal trainer feels like I am doing what I always dreamed of. I feel I make a difference in my clients' lives on a daily basis. The best feeling in the world is when someone starts out the session feeling like crap and by the time they are finished they feel like they can conquer the world!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the fact I never get bored. I am always doing something different—school, clients, writing, working out. Plus I love talking to different people every hour. The variety makes me feel excited to get up every morning. Also, I love all of my clients. I feel each and every client teaches me something. Lastly, I love that I get to be active every day. I don’t think I could sit at a desk for eight hours every day.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

Being self-employed can be challenging. Being my own boss is one of the best things about my life, but it is also stressful. I have to stay on top of constantly educating myself, marketing myself and putting out a monthly newsletter so that I keep my current clients and attract new ones.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

I am not sure if I believe in a "calling", but I am sure happy I managed to find this profession. I feel extremely lucky as fitness has made a huge difference in my life—it has given me self-confidence and helped me grow as a person. I love that I can help others find the same confidence in their body.

What are the most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

Find a job that you love—something that inspires you!

Never stop educating yourself. Even if it is just reading an interesting book—keep your mind active.