Name
Josh Britton
Length of time at Innovative Fitness:
1 year, started May 2015
Personal Bio
From five generations in the farmlands of the Fraser Valley, I moved to Vancouver from Chilliwack in 2009 to attend UBC. I completed my Bachelors in Kinesiology while working as an athletic therapist with the Vancouver Whitecaps MLS team and the UBC varsity Women’s Rugby team. My academic background includes two summers of National Science research assistance scholarships with a motor control lab and a spinal cord injury lab. Soccer has always been a lifelong passion and I continue to play in a men’s league as well as running the fitness program for my club.
Q & A
What is your next big personal CHALLENGE?
This year I have challenged myself to a series of individual endurance events: A sub 40 minute 10km, my first 2 half marathons (1 down, 1 to go), and 4 triathlons, including my very first Half Ironman triathlon!
What personal ADVERSITY have you had to overcome to be successful?
I applied for the physiotherapy program in my last year of Kinesiology, very certain that I was going to be accepted, and when I didn’t get an interview, it crushed me. I spent some time being very mad and thinking about what I wanted to do. I was working with the Whitecaps and in a private physio clinic at the time, and after thinking it over and getting some very valuable guidance, I decided to go back to UBC and complete my prerequisites for medicine. In my first semester back, I failed first year calculus and thought the journey was over. A little dramatic, I know, but 2 years later I have completed everything I need and am applying for med schools across Canada.
What has been your biggest personal VICTORY at Innovative Fitness (or related to fitness)?
So far, I have a few big personal victories that I am proud to have achieved while at IF, like running my first half marathon, and completing my first Olympic distance triathlon. But I would say that I am most proud of the muscle and strength that I was able to gain last winter. I’ve always been an aerobic athlete, with soccer and running pretty much being my primary activities since I was young. That combo made for a fit, but slender young man who needed some quality time with the weights. Working here allowed me to focus time on myself to strength train and I am thrilled to have gained about 11 pounds of lean muscle.
What is your biggest member success story?
A lot of members have hit personal bests with runs and events, but the one that sticks out most is a member who wanted to run 5km pain free in less than 30 minutes. She tried once, didn’t make it, had some pain and had some setbacks. Then 2 weeks ago, after lots of hard work and determination she ran a 28:32. Her heart rate was through the roof the entire time, but she pushed on and pushed through it and made it. She is so proud of herself, and so am I. I know I didn’t run the race for her, but I like to think that some of the high intensity, high heart rate training that we did playing a small part it getting her to her goal.
Who is your inspiration in the fitness industry?
I work with a guy, his name is Phil. He delivers such quality to each and every members that he trains and he really gets people to new heights. He’s a fantastic trainer, and an even nicer person.
What is your must read book for other Personal Trainers?
Less specifically just for personal trainers, but I recommend checking out the Steve Jobs biography by Walters Isaacson. Jobs was quite the character, but the vast degree to which he has impacted the modern world is astounding. He was a very difficult person to work for and work with, so for trainers I think this might help provide some insight.
If you could only pick one workout song what would it be?
“Sleep Now in the Fire” by Rage Against the Machine.
The greatest pump-up, interval song ever!
What advice would you give anyone thinking of starting a career as a Personal Trainer?
Walk the talk! Be ready to get yourself in the best shape of your life and then see how much further you can push it. I think a lot of trainers underestimate how important it is for members to see how much hard work goes into being fit, and the results don’t come out of thin air. Keep pushing yourself to get better and try new fitness activities, and really set an example for those who need that extra push to start that change for themselves.
Josh Britton
Professional Training Coach
Innovative Fitness Kitsilano
www.InnovativeFitness.com
