Interview with Glen Cunningham
The founder of C.O.R.F.I.T. visited Bulgaria for the first time to personally conduct a course for personal trainers and fitness instructors.
by: Ironman Bulgaria
(translated and re-published with the permission of Ironman Bulgaria)
Language:
English |
БългаринIron Man:
What gave you the idea of creating courses for personal trainers?
Glen Cunningham:
After teaching for many years in the academic systems (college, university), I felt it would be interesting to create my own school. I wanted to branch out on my own so that I would be able to work with a wide range of students. With my own school, I could avoid the problem of being relegated to working with neophytes only. The private enterprise approach would allow for me to challenge myself more definitively by working at a more advanced level. As well, I would be given the opportunity to take my school on the road as opposed to always being limited to working within the same boundary.
I.M.:You are now in Bulgaria to teach the C.O.R.F.I.T. program to aspiring instructors for the first time. What do you think about the Bulgarian students?
G.C.:There are so many positive things I could mention. I'm not saying that because I'm in Bulgaria (laughing). I've been teaching in the C.O.R.F.I.T. classroom for almost 20 years. My work has taken me to many of the major cities in North America, from New York to Los Angeles, from Miami to San Diego, and all the major centers across Canada. I don't know if all Bulgarian students will be the same, but I hope so. This group was fantastic. The students showed incredible energy as they asked a lot of questions and worked diligently to apply the concepts. There were long lectures and extensive on-the-floor training session everyday, from 9 am to 4:30 pm and the students never showed any signs of fatigue. They possessed a seemingly unyielding thirst for knowledge. I was highly impressed with the Bulgarian students’ ability to constantly challenge themselves. They were extremely active learners, with respect to the students’ academic prowess, it was clear that they came to the class with a strong educational background. In addition, the students possessed a unique open-mindedness and, combined with their unrelenting will to succeed, proved to be a most inspiring group!
I.M.:This is wonderful. So, the results from the exam at the end were very high, is that right?
G.C.:Yes, especially considering the fact that the class consisted of over 40 students which meant within the constraints of our high intensity two-week program, the students had to demonstrate an ability to work in harmony. In fact, one of the most impressive attributes of our class was the willingness to work as a team. The teamwork paid off as manifested by the evaluation process. The marks were extremely high "across-the-board". Several students scored in the ninety percent range with one of our graduates garnering that most elusive high-water mark of 100%! It has happened before, but as you can well imagine, it is very rare. While I am most proud of the students for their academic prowess, as I touched on earlier, there was much more to this special group than mere grades. The personal training business is not just about science, it is about the willingness to work hard, to adjust to situations and to nurture the ultimate success of our clients.
Glen Cunningham (left) congratulates Bulgarian student Ivan on achieving a perfect score on the exam (right).
I.M.:Do you think that these students could find a good job as trainers in Canada?
G.C.:Absolutely. Every member of our graduating class would do extremely well across North America. As you may know, we conduct C.O.R.F.I.T. classes in many cities through the United States and Canada and I can irrevocably tell you that every single member of team C.O.R.F.I.T. Bulgaria would be considered among the elite of the personal trainer industry. With their consistent illustration of a most unique hard-work ethic, both in the classroom and on the gym floor, this group would quickly soar to the top of their chosen profession!
I.M.:There were many girls in the course too. How did they do? What is the attitude between men and women? Which ones do better or is there no difference?
G.C.:I was pleased to see that there were some women who chose to take the class. If there is one disappointing aspect, it was the fact that the women representation was restricted to half-a-dozen students. We shall endeavor to provide encouragement for other female "pioneers" to embark on what has proven be a most exciting field-of-endeavor. In our North America classes, the women representation approximates about half of our student body. The women who did choose to take our course in Bulgaria, however, brought with them the most highly-regarded attributes for any personal training aspirant. They were energetic and fully prepared for the task at hand. It is hoped that this small contingent will prove to be a catalyst for other women to follow. After all, it is now well known that many of the fitness industry's greatest leaders are women.
I.M.:What do you think of Bulgaria?
G.C.:I think the members of our class exhibited the attitude of the entire Bulgarian population. During my short stay in Sofia, I was treated better than anyone could have imagined. I look different, I talk different, but at no time was I ever made to feel that way. Everywhere I went, the people went out of their way to embrace me... both figuratively and literary (smiles broadly). I can honestly stay that the extended hospitality of the Bulgarian populous was beyond my expectations.
I.M.:How did you find the Bulgarian food? Was this a problem for you?
G.C.:I'm glad this topic came up because when I was about to leave Canada, people told me: "Glen, you'll never survive... you never like to change your eating habits!" While I did have reservations about maintaining my diet before arriving in Bulgaria, my concerns were quickly eradicated when I discovered that not only was I able to maintain my normal dietary approaches, but I was actually able to add some very tasty dishes to my menu. I found throughout my travels I was able to rely on great food everywhere I went. I would like to make special reference to the incredible staff of the "Tennis Court Restaurant" on the campus of the National Sports Academy who provided us with great meals on a most demanding schedule that proved to be the lifeblood of the trip for me.
I.M.:How long have you known Boris Chimev?
G.C.:I've known Boris for 12 years. I met him when he knew English as much as I know Bulgarian now. For the last decade, Boris has been one of the most successful trainers in our city. He has clients virtually around-the-clock. If there is one comment I would offer to Boris, is that he is too accommodating. Boris finds it impossible to say "No" as he is a genuine helper. The problem rests with the fact that there are only so many hours in the day and, after all, we are not machines. Despite his long hours, Boris is known wherever he goes for his unique personality. He has a strong will to do the job right and always carries with him a sense of humor. It is the Boris package that has allowed him to emerge as charismatic and caring trainer who never fails to achieve results for his clients.
I.M.:You're known to have trained many famous bodybuilders; can you tell us about that experience? Is it hard to create champions?
Glen Cunningham (center) explains an exercise to Bulgarian champion Dimitar Dimitrov (left) through a translator (right).
G.C.:To be honest, most of the champions that I trained were either already champions when they came to me or well on their way to becoming champions. I always try to remember that it is the athlete who experiences the greatest hardships. They are the ones would spill their blood, sweat, and tears to raise their game to the highest level. The trainer or coach serves in a support role. Everyone who raised their level did so as a result of their own effort and that, I believe, is the crucial point that should always be remembered. My input into their success should not be over-emphasized.
My introduction to the professional bodybuilding ranks came about as a result of a vacation in California. At the gym I trained, I met former Mr. America, Mr. World, Mr. Pro-Universe, Mike "The Zipper" Sable. The interesting thing is, Mike was my first client and that opened the door for my work with other elite athletes from a wide range of sports. To make a long story short, I was able to work with Mike and his bodybuilding team. I accepted the challenge of working at this level as a manner of evaluation of how effective my concepts would prove to be in training the elite. It was my fortunate experience that Mike kept an open mind throughout our training as this allowed me to test the (at the time) many pioneer approaches that I had entertained. Mike was the perfect subject, as he possessed both a champion's heart and an unwavering dimension of trust. I say all of this because it was this trust that provided me with confidence to write the textbooks that later developed into the C.O.R.F.I.T. certification program. I should also make note that it was the students of Marianopolis College whose relentless pressure to write them some books that provided the incentive to embark on the year-long writing project. With all respect to your question, I really don't feel comfortable in discussing my work with some of the big names in the sport at this time. I am honored by your interest in printing my views, and I would to reserve space for our star pupils.
I.M.:Julian Karibiberov told me that you met of National Champion Dimitar Dimitrov.
Glen Cunningham (center) with Bulgarian champion Dimitar Dimitrov (left) and Dr. Julian Karibiberov (right).
G.C.:Yes, I was honored to have the opportunity to share some training concepts with Mr. Dimitrov ("Mitko") and it was amazing that despite a "small" problem of a language difference, we were able to communicate smoothly. It was clear from the outset that we were on the same page. Mitko really impressed me with not only his world-class physique, but with his deep knowledge of the crucial component of the mind/muscle connection in bodybuilding. His workouts were distinguished by his intense concentration that separated him from many of the champions that I have worked with. I was taken aback how quickly this champion conceptualized what I was saying and immediately incorporated it into his movements. This suggested to me that he takes a very analytical approach to his training. I really enjoyed working with him in the short time that we were together. It was nice to travel to a new place and to meet a true gentleman of the game. I look forward to meeting my new friend again in October.
I.M.:What other lasting impressions of Bulgaria will you take back home to Canada?
G.C.:Before answering, I would like to express to you my sincere appreciation for your interest in my views of your wonderful country. I am humbled that my thoughts would be of interest to you. There were so many exciting things that happened to me during my all-too-brief stay in Bulgaria. The most inspiring memory I will take back with me is the unique psyche of the Bulgarian citizens. I was impacted most significantly by the intangible qualities of the Bulgarian people. The most outstanding attribute was that they were truly genuine. The Bulgarians have found a way to somehow slow the spinning earth. In so doing, they have uncovered the secret to the discovery of life’s most precious gifts, most of which so often prove elusive for most of us. What also struck me most about the people that I met here was their unbridled enthusiasm and willingness to work hard, coupled with an almost contradictory sense of calm. I watched the young couples as they for me depicted the carrying of the torch of this continuous "spirit-gift" of true sharing. When the people of Bulgaria opened their hearts to me, they reopened my eyes as to what life is truly about. For this, I shall always be indebted to your great country and its truly marvelous people.