SARAH GROCUTT
Founder of Fitness Excel
Hi, I’m Sarah Grocutt, founder of Fitness Excel, based in the Malvern Hills, Worcester. I can generally be found hiking the hills, training for a marathon, other running event, or embarking on long distance walks. I am a Master’s student studying for an MA Outdoor Education at the University of Worcester with special interests in pilates, health psychology and well-being outdoors, adventure and physical education in outdoor recreation.
My fitness journey began with teaching over 12 high impact aerobics classes a week, which led to frequent back, neck and knee pain. After consulting with many osteopaths and physiotherapists the treatment only offered temporary relief. An opportunity arose to participate in Pilates classes, and this became a turning point for me as I discovered amazing results with Pilates exercises and it continues today to be a large part of my life.
I later trained as a Science Teacher, studied as a Pilates instructor in London with well known trainers connected to the London School of Contemporary Dance and went on to develop FitnessExcel, delivering teacher training courses in Pilates to include ballet students, sports people and many people with a range of health conditions, and have seen incredible results in clients who regularly attend workshops and classes.
Pilates offers a mind-body integrated approach to exercise and is excellent for relaxation. My Pilates journey continues today where I found both exercising and being mindful in nature a refuge, which led me to studying for an MA Outdoor Education at the University of Worcester where I have been fortunate to study topics of interest including health and wellbeing.
As a Science Teacher, specialising in human biology and social science, personal trainer and Pilates instructor, my teaching methodology is person-centred, solution focused approach where I encourage students and clients to lead healthy, active lifestyles and use up-to-date research in the field of exercise, nutrition and wellbeing by incorporating new methods and strategies into well-being programmes and incorporating knowledge from years of running my own business and through life experience.
Author of my new Pilates book which incorporates both indoor and outdoor Pilates which will be released June summer 2023. Check out my research and projects page for more information.
Education:
MA Outdoor Education (expected 2025) University of Worcester, Worcester
BSc (Hons) Science Degree – 2011 The Open University
Postgraduate Diploma in Education – University of Worcester.
Postgraduate Certificate in Designing an On-line Exercise Course – The Open University
Certificate in Education
QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning & Skills) Society of Education & Training
Certificate in NLP Coaching
Certificate in Mental Health Awareness.
Certificate in Outdoor Therapy
ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) Exercise Leader
Certificate in Pilates
Certificate in Internal Quality Assurance Standards
Certificate in Assessing
Experience:
Over 35 years business owner running a training academy delivering YMCA/OCR vocational qualifications in Personal Fitness Instruction Level 3, Pilates Instruction Level 3, Exercise for Children Level 2 as well as running professional practice in Pilates, wellbeing and coaching.
Teacher training at Elmhurst School for Dance.
Pilates teacher training with Michael King and Stott Pilates, London.
Consultancy health & wellbeing coach for numerous companies, leisure and tourism to include; lifestyle consultant for P&O Cruises, Nuffield Hospital, NHS, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, West Bromwich Football Club. Working in collaboration with teams of physiotherapists, coaches, osteopaths, GP’s and consultants.
Quality Assurance Assessor for other YMCA Centres – Birmingham, Manchester, London.
Academic: A health and wellbeing lecturer and physical educationalist, having taught Osteopathy Foundation Degree students at the University of Stafford and A level/Foundation Pre Med Biology students.
Interests:
*Health Psychology
* Wellbeing & Health
*Physiology and Exercise Science
* Hiking, long distance walking
*Running
Professional Membership:
*European Institute of Outdoor Education
* Fitness Professionals
*Society of Education & Training
*England Athletics.
fitness-excel.com 