Q&A with Reebok Sports Club’s Tanya Camilleri

We caught up with Reebok Sports Club’s group exercise manager Tanya Camilleri to chat lifting weights, munching macaroons and deadlifting 90kg!

Q. How did you get into fitness?
A. I have always been sporty and loved dance. I used to attend aerobics classes at least four times a week and thought, I want to do this. I worked in an office and just got restless. I booked myself on an exercise-to-music course and I have never looked back.
I went on to teach classes full time, then qualified as a personal trainer and as a sports therapist. I freelanced for 15 years before taking the role at Reebok as group exercise manager.

Q. Tell us a bit about this role…
A. I create, manage, monitor, teach and direct the whole group exercise programme. It is full-on and challenging in every way – no day is the same. My role is mainly to give the members an extensive programme. I was a freelance instructor for over 10 years, running from gym to gym and it’s nice to now feel I belong somewhere.

Q. What’s the best bit of your job?
A. Seeing the members happy. It is very rewarding to change and improve someone’s lifestyle. My job is very creative and energetic – I do not know what being bored feels like!

Q. What do you do to stay fit?
A. I train every morning doing a variety of workouts, but mainly weights. I absolutely love weight training!

Q. What do you think makes a great workout?
A. You have to enjoy it so you will keep going back for more. A variety of cardio and weights is the best way to have an all-round workout.  Always push yourself that little further – training with a friend helps, but no talking!

Q. What are your favourite current fitness trends?
A. I’d say weights, Aerolates and Groove Cycle

Q. What’s your favourite healthy meal?
A. All kinds of Japanese food, particularly sushi.

Q. What’s your favourite cheat treat?
A. Macaroons.

Q. What’s your favourite way to chill out?
A. Watching a movie, going for long walks around London (when the sun is out) or chilling at home, cooking.

Q. What’s your fitness goal this year?
A. I have just recently recovered from a broken leg so I’m currently working on returning to my normal fitness level. I want to be able to deadlift 90kg!

Tanya is the Group Exercise Manager at Reebok Sports Club.