Fitness: How PT Katy McLarnon is getting Cambridge folk on the move

Passionate about making her clients feel fitter, happier, stronger and more positive, personal trainer Katy McLarnon runs Move Cambridge, specialising in outdoor exercise

My fitness story
Movement has been a constant throughout my life in various ways. I danced for many years, took to running in my 20s and after children, in my 30s, I found outdoor bootcamps. I loved the mixture of cardio and strength and working out in a group outside, whatever the weather! I trained as a PT in 2020, while still working in education and quickly started to work with clients after work. Pretty soon the balance tipped, and I left my job to be a PT full time. I honestly haven't looked back.

What I do
I work one to one with clients and with small groups. They are typically groups of friends, work colleagues or couples who want to work out together and have fun! I am based in central Cambridge and I travel to my clients (most often on my bike!). I put a big emphasis on being outside, hence the name @movecambridge! Most of my sessions are run in my clients’ gardens, their nearest local park or close to their workplace. Wherever is most convenient for them.

I also run a monthly Friday morning weights class on Jesus Green for @zoneoutdoortraining which is open to anyone. It’s a friendly group; just bring your dumbbells and join in!

Why I love my job
Every day is varied and full. I absolutely love working with and connecting to such a wide range of people. The age range of my clients goes from 20s to 80s and some are completely new to exercise whilst others are really experienced and perhaps just want to improve their running times or fine tune their strength.

I love helping people on their journey to health and fitness. I cycle between clients (often with my panniers full of weights!) and love being outside. We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful city and I really feel I make the most of that.

My go-to quick workout
A quick HIIT workout always does the job! It is such an efficient and effective way to exercise and easy to squeeze into the day. I make sure I get to the gym a couple of times a week too, where I concentrate on weights with a little bit of cardio thrown in too. Headphones on, playlist running and I’m off!

Sometimes a short run feels good, especially if I want to get out in the fresh air. I love the freedom of being able to just get out and go. Running along by the river in Cambridge is just beautiful.

My favourite feel-good long workout
I try to get to Lisa’s @zoneoutdoorfitness Saturday morning class on Jesus Green. It’s such fun! A non-stop hour of cardio but with a lot of chat and laughs too. It’s so good working outside in a group, I love it.

Whenever it’s on, usually once a month, I go to @karma.klubuk. Led by Amy @barrecambridge, this is a full-on hour of dancing, music and sweat. Live DJ, lights, a smoke machine. . .you can’t beat it! I leave feeling feel fully alive and energised.

The energy-boosting snack I swear by
@allyouneedsuperfoods is fantastic; I have it every day in smoothies, breakfast bowls or just by itself in water. It is 100 per cent plant based, full of essential nutrients, vitamins and superfoods. Super tasty and really makes me feel good!

My indulgent treat food
Luckily, I find it easy to avoid sugar, but I’ll never say no to a crisp!

How I kick back and relax
Walking with friends, going for coffee and reading. I am an enthusiastic, but very amateur gardener. I love growing things that my family and I can eat. There are a lot of failures, but the successes make it worth it!

My top tip for anyone who needs motivating to start exercising
Find something that fits into your life. Make realistic goals. Start by getting outside, even just for a walk or short run with a friend. Outside is always best!

Get in touch on Instagram @movecambridge or email katy@movecambridge.com Quote VELVET10 to get 10 per cent off a block of sessions