Sprinting, Injuries, Personal Training & Becoming a Nike Trainer : Interview With Courtney Fearon

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Courtney Fearon

Courtney Fearon is a Nike Trainer, personal trainer and group exercise instructor based at London gym, BXR.

Courtney’s coaching style stems from his love of the Strength & Athleticism in Track & Field and having previously competed in the 200m & 400m he uses his experience as inspiration. His main focus is bringing out the best, both mentally and physically, in those he shares time with whether it be in a one to one sessions or group classes.

We sat down with Courtney and spoke about his influences growing up, his pursuit for success, what his sport means to him, his personal training & his hobbies away from sport.

Who were you inspired by growing up?

My Dad & Michael Johnson

Did you always want to get involved in fitness or did you have other passions growing up?

I’ve always been interested in sport but had other paths too. I worked as a Finance Assistant
whilst pursuing a career as a stuntman in film & TV, so I guess getting into fitness wasn’t a shock
for anyone.

When did you decide to start sprinting and what were your best and worst memories?

I started sprinting aged 12 after getting spotted at my school sports day by a coach. My best
memory was one of my first…My dad came to watch me and I didn’t have a clue what I was doing,
where to go, all the terminology and I was so so nervous… I also competed in the Kent Champs
and beat the favourite in the 100m and 200m in a pair of borrowed spikes.

My worst memory is when I got injured playing football, I went to the hospital thinking it wouldn’t
be too bad but finding out it was a ruptured knee ligament and it would take a year of rehab to
get back on the track.

When did you decide to move away from sprinting and focus on becoming a personal trainer?

After the injury and below par discipline with the rehab whilst I was at uni, I pursued other
avenues and just enjoyed sport more recreationally.

Can you explain the transition from sportsman to personal trainer and did you always have one
eye on becoming a personal trainer whilst competing?

My injury caused a sudden stop and that coupled with uni distractions put the competing side
on a big pause! I didn’t think I’d become a coach at such a young age, I thought I would be well
into my 50s haha

We’d love to hear about how you then became a Nike Trainer and what you like most about the
role?

I did a few events with Nike and have always loved the brand and its values. Some of the team
started to come and take part in my sessions and I think that behind the scenes they thought we
could have a strong working relationship. I feel privileged to work with such an iconic sport brand
that want to get the world moving. The team of staff and coaches are so inspiring and just amazing
at what they do.

Who are your main clients? And do they vary? (Celebs/ Normal clients)

I have a wide range of clients, from first timers to elite athletes and actually everything in
between. This is why I love the “personal” aspect of being a trainer because everyone is different.
Understanding each client’s nuances and needs makes it all so rewarding.

How have the disciplines needed in sprinting helped you in everyday life?

When you’ve done a lactic threshold session on the track and survived, nothing in life should
phase you!

What are your hobbies outside of training?

I am guilty of being a Netflix watcher. I love watching live music and chilling in the shade on a
sunny beach…Oh I almost forgot FOOD!!!

What are the three pieces of advice you would give to the young Courtney?

Do what makes you happy.
Don’t let shyness/self-consciousness steal your opportunities.
Don’t let injuries stop you, aim to come back stronger.

What is your go-to playlist whilst training?
It depends what style of workout, but I have a running one called ‘The Long Run’ and a gym one
called ‘Lift’ that I listen to pretty often.

How do you manage to stay level headed & calm in such a competitive environment?

I just try to be myself. Maybe I’m naive, but I don’t think the environment is that competitive.
There are enough people needing GOOD coaches, and I think if you do it all for the right reasons
it’ll somehow resonate, and all will be good. You’ll always find the environment and the tribe that
suits you.

What motto you live by?

My dad always tells me “Everything is for a season”

What is your best piece of fitness advice?

Do it for the ability, then for the feeling and the look will just happen!

Credit : Nike Training Club Pro. The premier network for fitness professionals.