NRHS’s new Fitness Suite containing a state-of-the-art gym, music studio, full size boxing ring and showering facilities opened at the start of this academic year.
Pupils’ gym inductions have been conducted by Keegan Hargreaves. Continuing our Black History Month celebrations and theme of ‘reclaiming narratives’, Keegan talks about his personal and professional career.
Keegan studied a degree in Sports & Exercise Science at the University of Hertfordshire whilst also being an amateur boxer. As part of his degree, he had a placement at a gym in Essex. During his experience at the gym he learnt many skills, including communication with clients, building positive relationships, the fundamentals of running a business and how to provide different training regimes to suit the needs of the client. Unfortunately the establishment closed down, but to Keegan’s surprise a once in a lifetime opportunity was presented to him by a friend who owned commercial properties. His friend suggested that Keegan that he use one of these properties to begin his own gym. So KGN Training, in Buckhurst Hill, was founded! Keegan decided not to return to university to finish his degree and he has had no regrets!
Keegan had already completed a Level 2 and 3 Personal Training course, had acquired a fair amount of experience and during his placement at the gym had built a very substantial client base. Keegan is the CEO and Head Coach of KGN Training, which has been open for 9 years. The business now employs four other coaches. Keegan believe that his fitness studio can help people achieve their health and fitness goals but also establish a healthy mindset for overall positive mental health.
KGN also provides a different experience, an experience which Keegan believes is unique to his gym. The gym provides fitness training packages that include hiking excursions to famous world locations such as Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (the highest point in Africa), Mount Toubkal in Morocco to name but a few. Keegan’s personal favourite trip was his hike/climb to the base camp on Mount Everest, which is approx. 5,364m above sea level. Very high up indeed!
NRHS pupils benefit from Keegan’s knowledge and experience as he gives some of our pupils 1-1 sessions in the gym. He has found that he has been able to relate to our pupils and can share his positive personal experiences with them.
The purpose of the Fitness Suite aids our pupils improve their self-confidence and mental health and in turn have a positive impact on their engagement in their learning. The pupils have been thoroughly engaged and are enjoying spending time in the suite with a positive role model. The Fitness Suite has been equipped with a variety of training machines such as a step masters, treadmills, weights, cycling, and a squat rack. This ensures that each pupil is able to have a unique personal training schedule to improve health, fitness, stamina and resilience.