Meet the Trainers | Pauline

1. My name is…

Pauline! Originally, I am from Eindhoven, but I have lived in Amsterdam for over 12 years now. Not that long ago, I started out at USC as fitness trainer and group fitness instructor. You can find me at Amstelcampus, Universum or ASC. In my free time, I really like to try out new food, travel and read novels (not as many as I’d like at the moment).

2. Tell us about your sports career in highs and lows.

Luckily, I haven’t experienced too many lows. In the beginning, some classes didn’t go as planned but I’m getting better at dealing with these unforeseen circumstances on the spot.

My highlight was when two USC members brought me a present for my birthday with a card that said: “Thank you for being the best, coolest, most sweet trainer”. That kind gesture almost brought me to tears 😄.

3. How did you end up at Amstelcampus?

I have to admit that I’ve checked the USC website for job offers multiple times before I finally started working here. A colleague of mine at another fitness studio also works at USC. When I told her I would really like to work there as well, she contacted her supervisor and asked if it was possible. I was REALLY nervous for my USC job interview, but luckily everything worked out and now I’m here.

4. What do you get satisfaction from at work?

My work is really fun! I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing people get better, faster and stronger in their movements. Some time ago for example, there was a girl who struggled doing push ups. In the beginning, she constantly felt like quitting. But after two months of training she can now do quite a decent series of push ups in a row.

5. What can we wake you up for at any given time?

For a plate of sushi, a box of chocolates, or the Spice Girls.

6. What are your best – and worst ;-) – characteristics?

Ooh… A strong characteristic of mine is that I’m curious and always want to keep learning. Something I’m not that good at is making choices. I often want to do 100 things at the same time, which makes my life a little chaotic.

7. Do you have a personal message for all USC members?

Don’t be afraid to ask. Are you not sure how to perform a certain exercise, what to do to reach your sports goal, or just feel like hearing a silly joke? Then speak to one of the fitness instructors ;-). Also, try out a new sport every once in a while to figure out what it is that you like most. Having fun and working out safely are the two most important things.