In those final moments of a circuit workout, it’s common to see people puffing, exhausted, and maybe even struggling to complete the last few exercises.
But not Deena Katawazi.
With a broad smile on her face, Deena charges ahead of the pack in short sprints, and holds a ‘wall-sit’ position even longer than instructed. It’s instantly clear that she loves exercise and fitness – and she has a firm career goal in this industry in mind.
“I want to be a Personal Trainer”, she says confidently. “And I want to work here.”
Hands-on SLES Work Experience
Deena has recently started regular work experience and familiarisation at Velocity Fitness and Health at Capalaba, as part of her NDIS-funded School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) with Blue Tongue Pathways. Taking part in circuit workouts helps her to learn about different exercises and the areas they target.
“My favourite is the wall-sit,” she says. “It really works your leg muscles.”
Deena’s work experience has also included helping to keep the gym clean and tidy, as well as shadowing other trainers as they lead high-intensity classes – and she can’t hide her enthusiasm to learn and do more.
“She’s been a great team player, and is always keen to take on new tasks and learn to use all the equipment,” says Blue Tongue Pathways coordinator, Mitch Brennan.
“We’ve received great feedback from Deena’s supervisor, and they rave about her positive, give-it-a-go attitude when helping to facilitate and participate in sessions.”
A Big SLES Step
For Deena, this work experience is a milestone step in her SLES journey with Blue Tongue Pathways, which supports young adults with disabilities to develop their job readiness skills. Her involvement in small group workshops has helped build towards this work experience by:
- developing independence skills, including numeracy and literacy to lay the groundwork for workplace skills
- learning about workplace skills in general, such as presentation, professionalism and work ethic
- studying the skills and requirements she’ll need to become a personal trainer.
To hone her knowledge in fitness, health and wellness, Deena took online classes, and created workout and stretch routines, which she guided fellow participants and coordinators through.
“Those workouts always got the blood pumping!” says Mitch.
“And for Deena they required planning, practice, and leadership skills to deliver challenging but accessible classes to her peers.”
To witness Deena in action in the gym, it’s clear she’s up for the challenge. She’s excited to get back to the gym each week for her work experience, and to constantly learn, grow, and go far in this industry.
“It’s hard work,” she says, breaking into another huge smile. “But it’s so much fun!”
