Alison Storey
Alison Storey
Please give us a snapshot of your background that helps us understand who you are.
I have been an athlete all my life, rhythmical gymnastics then rowing (both for NZ), now volleyball. I won a Commonwealth Gold Medal for rowing in 2002. Both of my parents are NZ representatives and my father has won two Olympic medals, one gold, and one silver, in rowing. I took an avid interest in how the human body adapts to physical stimuli after contracting glandular fever and this sparked a passion that led me down the path to becoming a personal trainer.I have my own physical training business, STOREY SPORT, the core of which lies with mobile personal training.
What's the most important thing people should know about your approach to your professional work?
I believe that everyone is thoroughly individual and that no one training programme can suit everyone. I pride myself on helping people to create positive lifestyle changes through regular exercise that is uniquely suited to them and understanding the machine that is their body! I make it my business to stay at the forefront of information applicable to physical exercise, activity and sports training
Why are you involved in the " Help Me to Heal" programme?
It is the most exciting opportunity I have had yet to really make a difference with my knowledge and passion. I believe the inclusion of physical activity in everyone's life, no matter what challenges they may be facing creates enormous benefits both physiologically and psychologically and I am looking forward to being a part of creating this positive energy
What do you hope people will gain from your involvement in the programme?
Strategies, new knowledge, physical and functional strength, the path to increased energy and some fun!
Is there anything you expect of people in the programme?
Absolutely. With all of my clients, it always works best when people share my belief in them and their ability to make changes to their health and lifestyle choices. It must be a shared commitment to create the benefits. I also expect and love it when people ask me questions and want to learn! I love to pass on what I know for the benefit of others.
Please list your relevant qualifications and roles.
- Exercise Science qualifications from AUT in Auckland
- Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Sport Business) from Massey University
- Registered Personal Trainer with the NZ Register of Exercise Professionals
- Manager of Les Mills gym in Auckland for 3 years
- Have run my own Personal Training and Sport management business STOREY SPORT since 2004
- Contracted exercise professional to Fertility Associates Hamilton
- Volunteer coach to Cambridge High School Rowing
- Events co-ordinator for Waikato Recreation Charitable Trust
- President of Business Network International Cambridge
- Past trustee on Maungatautari Primary School Board
What do you do for fun?
Play Beach Volleyball! And I love the movies. I also really enjoy reading about the latest developments in exercise science, sports, the Olympics, elite athletes autobiographies - isn't that a bit sad! I adore having dinner with friends and/or family and just talking.
What's your funniest experience in your healing role?
When a perfectly proper and well mannered person that I never expected to even have the words in her vocabulary, used expletives when I suggested that she try some push ups! Took me totally by surprise! And made it even more the rewarding when she achieved what she didn't think she could do!
What makes you laugh?
Really infantile humour in movies - I'm easily amused! ; A really good joke told really well ; people enjoying themselves completely without worrying about what anyone else thinks and just doing it anyway - I laugh with joy at their sense of freedom that I think everyone should enjoy!
