Working Women: Caroline Bragg

I always really love sharing amazing women that I meet with everyone. From friends of mine that have become successful entrepreneurs, talented artists, florists, the list goes on of the wonderful women I have been able to feature over here on the blog for my Working Women feature. I have been lucky to connect with such inspiring ladies and if they have been able to encourage me in small and big ways, I always think it is great to share them with the world! 

Today I am excited to feature the fabulous Caroline Bragg. Caroline is a fitness and pilates personal trainer here in London. I have been able to get to know Caroline over the past few months and have discovered that she is so much more then a personal trainer. Caroline begin as an actress, has years of experience with children from working in a nursery and has been able to turn her love of fitness into her business over the past few years. I was lucky to meet her during her amazing pre natal fitness classes at FRAME and decided to invest in myself post pregnancy and have had her along my side encouraging me to get back to my healthy prenatal self since having Fleur. Caroline is always smiling, full of spunk and is one heck of a motivator. I am glad to introduce her to my Working Women series.  

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business: 

I actually started off as an actress. I went to stage school and loved it but always kept active ( my mum was really into aerobics in the 90's - think leotards). I trained to teach classes first as a side line in between acting jobs but enjoyed it so much that I decided to take the plunge and went head first into the fitness industry about four years ago full time. I'm now a personal trainer and Pilates instructor. I mainly work with pre and post natal clients, which I love. I work closely with Mumhood which is the love child (excuse the pun) of Frame founders Pip and Joan. I also teach on postnatal retreats in France with &breathe postnatal. For someone who hasn't had children yet, I spend a large amount of time with under one year olds! 

When did you start your business of personal training ?

Full time, four years ago. It took awhile for me to go for it as I still enjoyed acting but it wasn't enough. My job has to be a passion for me and I think I wasn't OK with passions changing but I'm glad I did go for it! 

What advice do you have for younger women looking to start in the industry?

When I first started I thought I needed to be a certain way in looks and manner but actually your uniqueness is your selling point. As long as you are a good communicator, you being your best is what will work! 

The fitness industry has exploded over the last few years and especially with the use of Instagram there are a lot of people who aren't qualified posting workouts etc. My advice is to do as many courses, take as many classes, read articles - knowledge is power.

How would you describe the ideal client?

Someone who gives 100% and is willing. Willing to make the changes not just in the hour you see them but outside with their lifestyle. Luckily most of my clients are like this! 

Do you have a trademark style of training and teaching?

I do do a lot of whooping and jazz hands but I blame stage school! But honestly I want it to be fun and light hearted. It's exercise not rocket science. It has to be enjoyable and you leave with a smile! 

What is your favourite part about working freelance? What is your LEAST favourite part?

Favourite part is seeing people become happier, healthier versions of themselves. And wearing leggings everyday

Least is the the unsociable hours (4:45 alarms) and getting wet on my bike on the way to clients!

Best moment of your career so far?

Selling out the retreats last year. It was our first full year so that was ace. 

What are your favorite brand for fab leggings? {important! question!}

Lulu Lemon, Sweaty Betty and Nike. All high waisted and thick material! 

What is your favorite workout? 

Just one?? I can't! Kettlebells, rebounding and boxing! 

If working mums have 15 minutes throughout the day to squeeze in some exercise, what would you recommend?

Squats - good for butts and thighs and pelvic floors! 

Tricep dips of the back of coach- toned triceps =winning at life

HIIT training- really effective in short burst of time. Choose two exercises that bring heart rate up and do 30 secs of each move with a 10 secs rest in between and repeat 4 times. 

Caroline was so encouraging and full of energy during the months I took her prenatal aerobics classes that it made me want to work her even afterwards. Six months postnatal here I am, still training with Caroline! I think that has a lot to say about a person if they are positive, smiling and fun to be around, that they truly love what they are doing! It is always motivating to see how successful and happy a person is when they really change career up; from an actress to a trainer. Thank you Caroline for being so encouraging and one fab working lady! 

Follow Caroline on Instagram | Find out more about Mumhood and &Breathe Post Natal 

If you enjoyed this post, head over to the other Working Women features to read about these ladies: 

Jay Archer Floral Design | Lucy with Quill London| Erin of Berinmade | Chiara of Lamplighter London