Mike Poole

One in ten people in the UK has dyslexia. This statistic makes Mike Poole's story a truly inspirational one, as he demonstrates that having a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) needn't be a barrier to achievement. Mike, 29, radically changed his career in just ten months - from sales Manager to successful personal trainer. Not only that, he has set up his own personal training business 'MP Fitness' in Scotland four months after gaining his Lifetime Diploma in Personal Training.

Mike explains: "I've been in sales since I was 17 years old but it wasn't a lifelong ambition of mine. It was a tough decision to leave work and study at home for a new career, especially when my dyslexia restricts me from following some career paths. However, I have no regrets as my passion has always been for sport. When I was younger, I competed on a national level as a water polo goalkeeper so I knew working in the fitness industry was something I'd enjoy."

Mike embarked on Lifetime's Diploma in Personal Training course in January this year. With four years' experience in coaching, Mike took his knowledge further and learned more about the aspects of health and fitness. Lifetime helped Mike to become a personal trainer and have the confidence to lead a successful career.

Mike says: "Lifetime stood out from all the other training providers. Being dyslexic, it is very important for me that learning isn't all about reading and writing. Lifetime offered the variety I needed and the CD-ROM materials were particularly helpful and user friendly. The tutors were amazing and it was the personal touch that helped me stay motivated."

"I loved every bit of the diploma. It was great to take my previous knowledge further and explore why we have to do certain exercises and eat certain things. The course was challenging but I've never used my dyslexia as an excuse - it just spurred me on even further to gain the qualification."

Despite going through some trails and tribulations of setting up a business, the hard work has paid off. Mike believes he has the perfect job combining both his management skills and new knowledge in gym instructing and nutrition.

Being a personal trainer has allowed him to stay fit, still finding time to run 15 miles a day. Achieving the work and home life balance has never been so important since the birth of his baby girl. He adds: "I've managed to put the passion back into my work-life. My job is so diverse that I never get bored. There's nothing better than seeing a client recover from a long term injury. Plus, I can continue Playing and coaching water polo so my job is more like a hobby.

"I would definitely recommend anyone to undertake a Lifetime course. My advice for those who have dyslexia would be to take your time and look for a course that can provide you with the learning support you need - for me, Lifetime was perfect and provided exactly what I needed and more. It's important to remember that having dyslexia or another SPLD doesn't have to be a barrier to reaching your goals."

For more information on 'MP Fitness', visit www.mpfitness.co.uk.

For more information or photographs contact Clare Taylor at Promote PR on 01753 740074 or email clare@promotepr.com