Pathway to Fitness, Health and Exercise student Samuel Smillie is proving to be a hit with staff by setting up and running the Wednesday HIT training session in the Forth Valley College Falkirk Gym
Samuel (25) from Stenhousemuir has taken on the responsibility to help improve his personal training skills and he has shown he has what it takes to make a career for himself in the fitness industry, by taking on the High Intensity Training (HIT) sessions for staff on a Wednesday.
He said: “The best part for me has been the opportunity to run a class at lunchtime in the gym and show my knowledge and understanding of fitness to people. Even now I am understanding more of what it means to work in the fitness industry, and how to best adapt to people's needs. It has been a great educational experience, all helped by my department – and the Gym Team Wai Mun Lee and Steve Fleming - supporting and pushing me to be more.
“My lecturers have been supportive too and have helped me a great deal in pushing me through my course. Despite the fact I have been training for years, I know now how much there is to learn in this industry.
“Never before at any job or studying for a college course, have I felt like the college has had my back. I've received a big boost in my confidence in my abilities, and have been doing my best to apply my learned knowledge and understanding to my waking life.
“My long term goal is to own a gym of my own, but simply having the qualifications I will gain here, along with finding consistent work in the industry, will make my dream even more attainable. I never saw myself doing this for a living, and it has felt very life changing for it to even be an option for me.”
FVC’s Leisure Facilities Coordinator Wai Mun Lee, said: “Samuel is a credit to our Sport Department, the enthusiasm and commitment he has shown these past few months, in delivering this class in his own time is just amazing. So glad he has taken this opportunity to not only enhance his learning, but to prepare himself for the HNC Fitness, Health & Exercise course for session 2025-2026. A big shout out to Samuel, thank you for your time and effort in running this extra lunchtime class for our Falkirk Campus gym users. I am looking forward to witnessing and to be part of your sports journey at FVC.”
Steve Fleming, FVC Gym Assistant, added: “Samuel has been an absolute pleasure to work with and have him shadow me on delivering lunchtime classes. Samuel has volunteered in his own time to take the responsibility to run these lunchtime classes on his own and that is what he is now doing. Samuel shows great enthusiasm in everything he does and has shown to be a great motivator too when he is running his class. With all his dedication and determination, I hope Samuel pursues his passion for fitness and I wish him all the very best on his journey in Fitness, Health & Exercise at FVC. Proud of you Samuel!”
Anyone looking for more information on how to start using the FVC gyms should contact waimun.lee@forthvalley.ac.uk or steve.fleming@forthvalley.ac.uk
