Nicki Waterman is one of the country's most high-profile and highly-respected fitness experts. She is a regular on television and in the national press, writing columns in The Sun and numerous magazines.
She is also the author of numerous best-selling books and fitness DVDs. She holds Fitness For Industry, ACE (American Council on Exercise) and Focus Training advanced certificates and is an accredited YMCA Personal Trainer. Her clients have included Rachel Hunter, Kelly Brook, Andy Gray, Robbie Williams; Mel C; All Saints Nicki & Natalie Appleton, Melanie Blatt and Shaznay Lewis; Alison Moyet and Denise Van Outen.
Nicki Waterman Q&A
Can you give us a brief career history?
I was a dental hygienist, put on a lot of weight, around 5 stone, lost it and from then on people kept asking me how I lost the weight so I became a personal trainer and ran David Lloyd gyms. I set up all the personal training in the David Lloyd gyms and that is how I started my celebrity clientele as well. I worked with the Spice Girls before they were famous, which I guess I got through reputation as I was one of the first celebrity personal trainers.
What is your favourite sport?
Tennis.
What is the longest run you have ever done?
I have completed the London Marathon 3 times.
How long have you been working in athletics?
Around twenty years now.
What is your favourite running discipline?
Cross-country.
How did you first get into personal training?
From being overweight. I got myself a trainer and managed to lose the weight through a mixture of cardiovascular exercise. In one and a half years I lost all my excess weight. I was doing well as a dental hygienist but sitting down all day didn’t help me shift those pounds. I was a pear shape, and people say that you can never manage to get rid of this - but I did so and I am very lucky. I still obviously have to work it to keep the weight off.
What are your accolades and achievements to date?
I have run the London marathon in 3 hours 36 minutes, which is my fastest time, and I came in the top 400 women, which was very good. I have some good qualifications to my name such as the ACSM and the ACE, which was good. I have two children so I know about that as well. I am married with a dog, which keeps me fit, and I think every day is an accolade, so you just need to enjoy life. I am very blessed.
What is your career highlight to date?
I think it would be getting people who never thought they could exercise and lose weight to achieve those goals. For instance, Natasha Cavey who came to me at 25 stone is now down to 10 stone and ran last year’s London marathon - that to me is when I know I have done my job well.
What is your most memorable sporting moment?
Finishing the London Marathon.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
You can never be too safe, that was the best piece of advice, listen to your body and you can never be too safe.
What’s the best piece of advice you have given?
Enjoy what you do and try and find the best exercise for you, so it could be boxercise or running - it doesn’t matter what you do just make sure that you enjoy it - that will help you to stick with it for life.
How does it feel to be part of the ASICS Pro Team?
Amazing. I am really proud to be a member of the Team because it is something that I absolutely live by. I feel that if you run it gives you a licence to do anything you want as you can eat what you want. It really does release the endorphins which gives you a great feeling. I am always in a good mood and rarely have a low moment and I think it’s because I run. I just want to convey this message to everyone in the UK and get the nation fit and healthy because if I can run then anyone can.
What advice would you give budding runners?
Start off slowly and get yourself an exercise buddy and make sure you get some good music, preferably something nice and upbeat.
How do you keep your personal training sessions diverse?
I am very fortunate in that I get to try all the new tools available on the market so my clients are guinea pigs. If there is a new power plate or a body bar we will try it out. We might try boxercise, skiing, inline skating I always try and vary it.
