TGtS Meets... Jerel Ifil

We’ve been speaking to ex Swindon Town player Jerel Ifil about his passion for fitness, and his personal training and lifestyle coaching company, Ifil Fit.

Tell us a little bit about Ifil Fit?

I’m a personal trainer and lifestyle coach specialising in fat loss, fitness and nutrition.  My main aim is to teach my clients that whatever their goal maybe, a positive, motivated, disciplined mind-set, and the ability to turn being healthy into a lifestyle can help achieve and maintain your goals. We may only spend a few hours a week in the gym but the real hard work starts when we are out of the gym, when we wake up, when we are at work, when we are tired and when we are busy… Basically when life gets in the way.

How do you stay fit and healthy?

Nutrition is important so I maintain a balanced diet. At the moment my goal is to lose fat whilst maintaining muscle so I’m in the gym as often as my time will allow - and I adjust my nutrition accordingly.

How did you turn your passion for fitness into a career?

Being a professional athlete for 16 years, I’ve picked up a lot of knowledge on nutrition for performance and how to maintain that. I wanted to pass this knowledge on but did not want to go down the predictable football coaching route. Personal training and lifestyle coaching puts me in a position to help those who want help changing lifestyle. I also own a company with my business partner called Iprovefit. Which mentors and teaches disadvantaged young adults.

Do you have a motto or favourite motivational quote?

There are so many good quotes out there but one I like applies in fitness and all aspects of life. “Don’t say you want to achieve it, show you want to achieve it”. I like this one as too many talk the talk but don’t back it up with effort to achieve what they talk about.

What are your tips for people looking to get into shape?

• Know your goal.
• Enjoy what you do and do it safely.
• Stick to it.
• Eat according to your goals

What are some mistakes people make when working out?

Each work out should have a purpose so always have direction if working out on your own. If joining group sessions make sure they line up with the goals you have set yourself.

Another mistake is not having correct form when exercising. This is the cause of many injuries so make sure you learn the correct form for the exercises you do.

Are there any exercises you advise against?

Not really just make sure as I said above you learn the correct form for the exercise you do. Also do not attempt to lift heavy weights without being spotted by a workout partner or gym instructor.

What music do you listen to when you work out?

Depends on my mood really but my mix consists of Gospel, funky house, afro beats and hip-hop. I need music to work out as it helps keep me focused. I’m a sucker for meaningful lyrics or a heavy bassline!

What foods are always in your fridge?

I make fruit and veg smoothies most mornings for my wife and kids to have with their breakfast so I always need spinach and various fruits to combine to make them.

What's been the most rewarding part of your job?

Most rewarding for me is knowing that when my clients achieve their goals it doesn’t stop there. They continue to live a lifestyle which should help give them a better quality of life or make them healthy enough to deal with life’s ups and downs.