From an early age she loved sport and turned it into her profession. Having gone through almost all stages of fitness , Varvara Solomonidou talks about the field she loved and continues to “serve”, the developments and trends and of course AthensTrainers®. A personal training company, belonging to the pioneers of the genre, which was founded due to a tragic event in her life.
Q: How long have you been involved in fitness;
My life in gymnastics spans 35 years . I started as a 200m track athlete. I then studied Physical Education and Sport Science at the University of Athens, I became an Aerobic and Fitness Instructor in gyms, often reaching first place in national aerobics competitions, presentations of aerobic and step choreographies with my own teams; I further participated in major aerobic events for television. I designed, organised and owned «BodyMaster Gym»; I also achieved 2nd place in National Bodybuilding Competition in 2000. Today I continue my fitness career as founder and CEO of “AthensTrainers®” (a wellness and sport service company). This year I’ll be counting 26 years in Personal Training.
Q: How did fitness evolve over the years, what changes did you notice?
“Everything flows” and gymnastics evolved over the years. Today the internet has brought and brings everything in our house; knowledge from many diverse sources is directly available to everyone. Everything is simpler. We can choose an objective , the type of training we require, online seminars and manuals. We can even download pre recorded programs with training material and music. We can advertise our work on social media. Today everything is easy, but competition has also increased tremendously.
Q: Does the field of fitness suffer?
Like every other professions fitness is also in crisis. Gyms and other training rooms has sprung up everywhere, whether legally or illegally, or even as non-profit organizations, “alternative” spaces and so forth.
Q: Are the services provided satisfactory?
One is what one declares in Greece! Many call themselves “personal trainers” by simply having an athletic body yet have little or no knowledge. The lack of respect to the sport is disrespect to the trainee.
Q: What does a trainer, a gym owner or a personal trainer have to do nowadays to stand out?
Specialization, training and constant re-education are essential in order to stand out. Virtues and moral values are necessary as well . As to gym owners, I have strong views, which I developed ever since I was a gym owner with my husband. We believed that gyms should operate at two speeds in order to compete with “large gyms” or “chain-gyms” who lowered their prices drastically:
- The use of the equipment area should be priced very competitively (annually or six monthly) without any trainer supervision. There could be a small additional charge for those members needing special programs or individual trainer support.
- Group programs should be paid per course or as a course package. Participation in each class could be used by the gym owners to evaluate each individual trainer, rewarding success and still be competitively priced for the trainees. The ensuing dynamics are indisputable.
Q: How did AthensTrainers® come up?
It was an idea which some years ago was novel and unknown…which was eventually realised. I remember consulting an accountant who advised, “Give it up, don t even start.” I did not have a «plan b». The sudden loss of my husband and a wrong decision he made place me before a nightmare scenario . AthensTrainers® was my only option. I had to use all my knowledge and my experience in the field.
Q: What are AthensTrainers® services ?
AthensTrainers® is a fitness and wellness company . We are a team of experienced personal trainers who cooperates with doctors, physiotherapists and dieticians / nutriotionists to guarantee the best possible results. Our company has developed its own pilates & yoga systems under trademarks AthensTrainers® Ultimate Pilates System®, Aerial Pilates® & Yoga Line®. It also created, organized and developed the Speed Power Intensity Training System®, which is an advanced form of Bootcamp. Equally important is our “Fit Smiling Kids” program which aims to reduce childhood obesity and introduce our little friends to exercise through play.
Q: Is personal training expensive?
We offer our services to all socio-economic levels providing different packages depending on a person’s financial ability so that everyone is able to include exercise in his/her daily routine and reach his/her goals.
Q: What is the philosophy of AthensTrainers®?
We focus on improving our trainees physical condition as well as their mental and spiritual health. We support them not only in training , but also in their lives. We train them and… we listen to them! We offer them the exercise which expresses them best, at a place they choose, with equipment they have or by simply using their body weight, furniture, stairs, balls, bands etc.
Q: What are the latest trends in fitness?
The return to Classical gymnastics (functional training)is obvious. The aim is to train all body on all axes and movement levels. Personally, it remains important to exercise by using body weight whilst including elements from other forms of exercise .
Q: What are your future plans?
It is very important for me to remain faithful to the profession I chose many years ago. AthensTrainers® is already a pioneer in its field. I try to give the profession I chose and I love the importance it deserves in people’s lives and in society.
Tips to remain in shape
- No more excuses … there is always time you can dedicate to yourself.
- Remember that to keep your body in shape 80% relates to nutrition and only 20% to exercise .
- Keep the balance of five meals per day and drink plenty of water.
- Remember that when “times get tough” you are thirsty, not hungry!
- Exercise 2-3 times per week with a circuit-interval training program and walk, run, ride a bike, swim, dance … move!
- Include one hour of pilates and stretching and one hour of yoga during the week.
- Pay attention to alcohol. A glass of wine and sparkling water with ice and lemon is enough to keep you in shape.
- Reward yourself when achieving your goals … and of course, work out with our team. Consult us!
Interview Rania Bitzileki
Photo Eleanna Kourkoulopoulou