Course turned my life around

When homecare worker Lynn Greenlees decided to start going to her local gym, she never imagined it would reignite her passion for exercise, and help kickstart a new career.

After completing an HNC, then an HND in Sports Coaching, mum-of-two Lynn was able to enter the third year of our BSc Sports Development course at our Lanarkshire campus.

Lynn, who is dyslexic, faced up to the challenges of studying with the same determination that she puts into her own training routines at the gym.

She says: “It was daunting enough returning to education as a mature student, but I thought my dyslexia would hold me back. It hasn’t. The UWS course, and my tutors and lecturers have been brilliantly supportive, and now I love studying.

“My dyslexia hasn’t held me back; if I need it, I’m allowed extra time to complete assessments or exams.

“The course offers a unique mix of practice and theory – looking at everything from sports psychology, to sociology, nutrition and fitness - and all that helps inform and shape my own training regime.

Lynn is also passing on her love of fitness and exercise to others, after a part-time university placement at a local gym led to the offer of a full-time position.

She said: “I love encouraging women, of all ages and shapes, to get into the gym. I run regular fitness and circuit classes, as well as advising on training and nutrition. I love seeing the difference I can make to people’s lives, and their self-confidence.

“My classes cater for everyone, from older ladies to teenage girls. Getting fit is really empowering. So many women, especially young girls, see unattainable body images on social media. A well-structured programme of diet and exercise can help anyone achieve their personal goals.

“I also love taking the fitness message into local schools, giving girls the confidence to take up and enjoy exercise.

“Running classes and visiting schools also helps with my own studies, allowing me to re-examine and re-evaluate what I have learned in class.”

Lynn also practices what she preaches at home, where, thanks to training together, her fiancé has managed to shed four and a half stone.

She says: “Before I started at UWS, I was training for myself. Now I’m training to help others, and that is really satisfying. I love seeing my students’ ‘before and after’ pictures, seeing how I have helped them become fitter, healthier and happier.

“The course has changed my life for the better.

“Once I complete my Masters, I want to go into sports education, either as a teacher or lecturer, and help others enjoy the health benefits that I’ve enjoyed.”

Find out more

Find out more about our BSc Sports Development 

Learn more about other Undergraduate Courses