Our latest student story features Robyn Etherington, a coach at The Physical Training Company in Dubai, a freelance personal trainer, and a current student on the BSc in Strength & Conditioning.
In this article, Robyn shares her journey from international rugby to coaching, her experiences studying with Setanta, and her aspirations to inspire the next generation of fitness professionals.
A Life Shaped by Sport
From a young age, sport has played a pivotal role in Robyn’s life.
“I’ve always thrown myself into any sports team school had to offer, alongside playing rugby and football outside of school. As cringe as it might sound, sport has genuinely shaped me into who I am today. It’s taught me discipline, social awareness, consistency, and pushed me to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she shared.
Whether in the gym, taking on fitness challenges, or being part of a team, Robyn credits sport as a constant that has grounded and motivated her throughout life. “Sport has been the one constant in my life, it keeps me grounded and motivated to keep growing, not just in fitness, but in work, studies, and everyday life.”
Her move to Dubai marked a turning point in her sporting journey, with rugby becoming a central focus.
“I really got into rugby and worked my way up to now representing the UAE in both the Asia Rugby Series and Arab League. Honestly, that’s up there with my proudest achievements.
Now six months into recovering from a knee operation, her approach to training has evolved.
I’m currently 6 months out of a knee operation, and my whole perspective of movement and training has changed this has really shown me that there was more to learn than just go go go,” she said.
Adaptable, Individualised Coaching
Robyn’s approach to coaching is shaped by her own diverse experiences in sport. Rather than following a rigid methodology, she believes in adapting to the individual in front of her.
“I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all answer or a strict ‘right or wrong’ approach when it comes to coaching. I base my coaching style on the scenario and the individual in front of me. I’d say my overall philosophy is built around adaptability, communication, and trust,” she explained.
“I want the people I coach to feel heard, supported, and challenged in the right way. The end goal is always growth. I want to create an environment where clients feel, supported, and pushed just outside their comfort zone.“
A Dual Role in Dubai’s Fitness Scene
At The Physical Training Company in Dubai, Robyn plays a leading role in both coaching and behind-the-scenes operations.
“The Physical Training Company is really where I’ve grown and learnt so much about coaching and the business side of the fitness industry,” she said. “We run both studio classes, semi-private, and private sessions. I do all the programming for all the studios and the classes that we run, and manage a lot of the behind-the-scenes coaching side of things.”
Alongside her role at The Physical Training Company, Robyn is a freelance personal trainer working with a diverse range of clients, from pre- and postnatal women to youth athletes training for specific sports.
“I typically do a lot of pre and postnatal clients, supporting them through and keeping them moving.
I’ve recently started a few younger kids who have their sports where they are just wanting to incorporate more S&C. I find I’m really enjoying this as I can go away and research their sports or if I already know it just allows a lot more creativity,” she shared.
Robyn’s days start early and end late, balancing a full coaching schedule with her own training, rugby sessions, and study.
“Early mornings almost all mornings, run a couple morning sessions which are a mixture of classes, semi-private, and PT. I then try to get my training in around lunchtime, then admin time until afternoon sessions,” she explained. “Most evenings finish up around 8:30 if I have my own Rugby sessions I block out those evenings and will spend it on the pitch. Lots of coffee is involved!”
Studying with Setanta College
After nearly a decade of hands-on experience in the fitness industry, Robyn decided it was the right time to pursue the BSc in Strength & Conditioning with Setanta College — a course she had considered since leaving school. The flexible structure of the programme has made it possible for her to study while continuing her busy coaching schedule.
“Funnily enough, when I finished school I was already looking at Setanta. The programme wasn’t fully online at the time and timings just hadn’t worked out. I went straight into work, jumping on loads of courses, and time just got away and growing in the hands on experience. I figured now was the perfect time. I’ve learnt so much working and found a new motivation to learn even more and see where it can take me.”
Robyn now blocks out two dedicated study days per week, which has helped her establish a strong routine. So far, the experience has been a rewarding one.
“I’ve absolutely loved re-learning. You think ‘oh it’s the basics, I know this’, but really it’s so good to get a refresh and remind myself to re-incorporate a lot of it. It’s giving me a whole new confidence as well in my knowledge I’ve learnt over the years.”
Robyn is also working towards a PGCE and sees this combination of coaching and teaching as a way to open more doors.
“I think it will just open up a few opportunities, maybe take me to other countries, and hopefully create a bit more of a niche for myself and my coaching.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Robyn is passionate about inspiring the next generation of fitness professionals.
“For me, inspiring the next generation of fitness professionals starts with leading by example, showing that I can be relatable, and still constantly learning. Right now, that looks like sharing my experiences openly, helping others wherever I can, and creating a space where people challenge themselves and grow.Whether it’s mentoring or just showing up consistently with energy and passion.“
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead Robyn is keeping an open mind and looking forward to where her dual paths of coaching and education might lead.
“I’m really just wanting to see what doors open up next. I’d love to get more involved in sport-specific stuff and potentially teams. As I say, just growing in the whole industry and creating a niche is the main aim at the minute.”
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