Get to know Rachel McGuinness

How did you get started in the business of fitness and wellness?
By complete accident! I had one of those ’Eureka’ moments when chatting to a friend about how I was helping all my colleagues at work with their health and fitness issues.

What do you love about your job?
Helping people change their lives in a positive way either physically or mentally.

What’s been your best result with an organisation or individual?
Helping someone change from being on the verge of a nervous breakdown to being inspired about their life.

What’s the secret to balance in your life?
Being grateful for what I have instead of what I haven’t, eating healthily, exercising and making time for myself and my relationship.

Healthy living is great — do you have any vices?
Pork crackling, whipped cream and really expensive chocolate (not together though!).

What’s your favourite time of the day/week?
Having dinner with my husband in the evening and reflecting on the positive things that have happened during the day.

Favourite film
Anything funny or romantic I don’t do horror or thriller it gives me bad dreams!

My music
Too difficult to choose, it depends on my mood or I put my iPod on shuffle and let it choose for me, I’ve got 3500 songs on my iPod!

My books
Again, too difficult to choose, my favourite authors are Bill Bryson, Amy Tan and a favourite at the moment is Guy Browning who writes funny stuff on everyday observations.

How would you describe yourself?
Passionate about life, curvy, vivacious, inspired, compassionate, wicked sense of humour!

Favourite food/drink
I am a gastronome — I love good food, and will try most things. I don’t do junk food! Drink would be Australian sparkling wine, or a mojito.

Favourite season
Spring and early summer — everything is becoming alive again, and is so fresh. However, I love autumn for the colours, but mourn the disappearing warmth and sunshine of summer.

Favourite saying/motto
If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got!

Pet hates/what would you like to live without?
• Sticky labels on fruit.
• Goats cheese and tripe.
• Ice cream van tunes — gggggrrrrrrrrr!
• Irritating mobile ring tones.

What makes time fly for you?
Being busy with clients, however the internet is a terrible time waster for me when I am in ’research’ mode.

Favourite TV programme?
I love travelling, comedy and cooking programmes — my current favourites are Gordon Ramsay’s F Word and Kitchen Nightmares — having had a background in the hospitality industry and being married to a chef, there is a lot empathy there! However, I don’t use Gordon’s coaching techniques!

What pearls of wisdom can you offer to others that you hope will make a difference?
Life is for a limited period only — make the most of it and enjoy it!