'Here I can really help people, that's what I want.'

Nigel Groeneveld has been a fixture at Happy Bodies for almost ten years. He's one of the longest-standing employees at our locations, and we're incredibly proud of that. He started as a coach at Happy Bodies in Amstelveen, but he's now been a club manager in Overveen for five years. What drives him, and why is the Happy Bodies concept such a good fit? He'll tell you all in this blog post.

Helping people

I started my career with a game design degree, but I quickly discovered that sitting behind a laptop all day wasn't for me. At 21, I started thinking: what do I truly enjoy? I concluded that I love helping people. That's when I realized becoming a physiotherapist might be the perfect fit. So, I enrolled in Sports and Exercise, followed by Movement Education. In 2015, I started my physiotherapy studies but simultaneously found a job as a coach at Happy Bodies in Amstelveen. Working and studying proved to be a bit too demanding a combination. I had to choose: do I pursue my studies full-time, or focus on my work? I chose Happy Bodies because the concept resonated so strongly with me. Here, I can truly help people, and that's what I've always wanted.

From coach to club manager

During his time as a coach in Amstelveen, I was given the opportunity to temporarily become a club manager there. It went so well that I became an interim club manager and was promoted to club manager after just two months. When my old club manager returned, we noticed that having two captains on one ship wasn't always easy. Fortunately, an opportunity arose to become a club manager at Happy Bodies in Overveen. I grabbed it with both hands, and now Overveen has become my club.

Why I believe in Happy Bodies

Why does the Happy Bodies concept appeal to me so much? I think the gym or fitness industry primarily caters to people who are already highly motivated. People who genuinely enjoy working out, who enjoy standing in front of the mirror, who thrive on loud music and environments with high testosterone levels. In short: athletes who want to express themselves. At Happy Bodies, it's completely different. People come here who want to work on their health, but in a safe way, in an environment where they feel comfortable and at ease. Happy Bodies creates exactly that environment, and I fully support that.

Training accessible to everyone

A unique aspect of the Happy Bodies concept is the Milon Circle. It consists of twelve computer-controlled devices that automatically adjust to the athlete's body measurements. Resistance is determined by a strength test, allowing us to create a highly accurate personalized program. A Milon Circle workout takes only 35 minutes, twice every ten days. During the workout, the athletes are constantly monitored. We also evaluate progress and review results monthly. Another unique feature is that the return movement is made more challenging. This ensures you achieve optimal results faster. In my opinion, this is an incredibly easy and effective way to train.

Guidance that really works

I've been working at Happy Bodies for ten years now, and in that time, I've seen a huge variety of athletes, all at their own level. They often tell me that this is the first time they've stuck with their workouts for so long. Our coaching program also contributes to this. We start with two sixty-minute personal training sessions. During these sessions, we fully support them. Afterward, there's a monthly evaluation. We also schedule fifteen motivational sessions. This way, we stay on top of things to ensure they build a good workout routine. Because once it's going well, it becomes a habit. And then training becomes second nature, a regular part of your week.

Balance is everything

I do strength training four times a week. I like to challenge myself with more difficult exercises. And even though I didn't finish my game design degree, I still love a good game. My favorite is League of Legends. In the summer, I occasionally go to a festival, and I enjoy having a drink with friends at a pub every now and then. For me, it's all about balance, which is also something we regularly talk about at Happy Bodies. communicate.

A look into the future

Looking to the future, I see myself as a Happy Bodies franchisee. Right now, I'm a club manager, but I'd love to own my own club someday. That's what I'm working towards. Who knows what the future holds!