FAQs
Paul Lawrence
Health and Fitness officer
SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (SPA) SERVICE
What does your job at SPA entail?
I look after the day-to-day operations and future developments of the SPA facilities at Cromer Terrace, the Strength and Conditioning Centre, Clarence Dock and Oxley Hall residences as well as our new site, The Edge. That means organising all the ActiveClass timetables, staff rotas, maintenance and cleaning programmes, and staff development, as well as monitoring use of the facilities and making sure we give customers a valued service.
I also work closely with the counselling service in our Lifestyle and Wellbeing programme; they refer clients to me who may benefit from advice about how to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
How did you come to work at SPA?
Between 2004-7 I studied Sports Science and Physiology at the University, and started working part-time at the SPA as a fitness instructor. Before I graduated I was offered a job as fitness co-ordinator. I knew it was a really vibrant, lively place to work, so I was more than happy to join the team.
What are the most rewarding things about your job?
Helping people to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seeing how a few simple changes can really enhance people’s wellbeing. It’s proven that regular exercise is a great way of building confidence and increasing energy, and I can see that happening as I work with people.
I also really enjoy being part of such a great team – everyone in SPA, whatever their role, is encouraged to voice opinions and suggest ideas, and you know that others in the team will listen and consider what you say.
And the most challenging?
Obviously with The Edge opening in spring, this has created some challenges! It’s been a real effort to make sure SPA has been able to continue to offer people the facilities and classes they want, whilst preparing for the new building at the same time. At such an exciting time, though, it’s a great challenge to face.
The new sports centre is called The Edge. How did you come up with the name?
We had workshop sessions over a six-month period with staff and students to develop the name and the brand. The name is distinctive, it reflects our cutting-edge facilities and we’re situated on the edge of campus, so The Edge seemed to fit the bill.
How’s the building work on The Edge progressing?
It’s all going according to plan. Even the recent bad weather didn’t affect the timetable too much. The builders – Willmott Dixon and their sub-contractors – have been fantastic.
What’s planned for the official opening ceremony of The Edge?
I can’t give too much away, but the opening is set for 4 May and there’ll be a full
programme of events leading up to it.
What are you most looking forward to about The Edge?
The whole building is going to be fantastic. It will be one of the largest fitness facilities in the higher education sector and it’s a massive opportunity for our students and staff, and for us to attract more people to get fitter and healthier.
How will job responsibilities change as a result of The Edge?
All staff – new and established – will go through a training programme so that everyone is starting from the same place. We’ll also be having training in maintaining the pool and pool safety, plus a new focus on customer service.
What’s your most frequently asked question?
It used to be ‘When’s the new building opening?’, now it’s ‘How much is it to be a
member?’. I can’t tell people yet about prices as they’re currently being finalised but I do know that new memberships will be available to buy from 10 March. Details will be available on our website very soon – that’s www.leeds.ac.uk/sport
What advice would you give people struggling to keep to their fitness resolutions?
Have a goal. Choose a target to work towards and tell people what you aim to do – that way
you’ve already made a verbal commitment. Then commit your time; put aside slots in
your diary and stick to them. Getting into a routine is key, both for your lifestyle and
fitness. If you get stuck, give me a call!
What are your own goals for 2010?
I used to do a lot of cross-country running and now I’m beginning to train for a triathlon; I’d like to complete one this year. Then, my next aim is to do an Ironman triathlon– that’s
a 2.4 miles (3.86 km) swim, a 112 miles (180.25 km) bike and a marathon (26.2
miles, 42.195 km) run, raced in that order and without a break!
For more information go to www.leeds.ac.uk/sport
Garry Lyons was talking to Sarah Ward
