Staff Spotlight - Mandy MacDonald
As we look to the future after COVID-19, we spoke to Mandy MacDonald, Academy of Sport and Wellbeing (ASW) Gym and Fitness Manager.
Mandy is always happy to share some motivational advice, suggesting: It’s so important to be doing something that you enjoy. When you enjoy something, it won’t always feel like work. Try things out, find out what activities make you happy and you feel good doing.
Here, she gives us an insight as to how the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing will work in the “new normal”.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Mandy MacDonald. I am from Oban, and now live in Bridge of Allan, Stirling.
What is your role at Perth College UHI?
I work in the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing, at Perth College UHI, as the Gym and Fitness Manager. My job involves organising and providing a safe, enjoyable environment for staff, students and the wider public to exercise safely. I teach a wide range of classes, and deliver personal training - which is a huge part of my job too.
What’s the best part of your job?
The people. Customers, staff, students and the wider public. My colleagues and the customers play a huge part in making the ASW environment a great place to work. Seeing the progress people make, both physically and mentally, is definitely one of the best parts of my job.
How have you had to adapt your job during lockdown?
Make coffee for myself from a kettle, to replace my lovely morning coffee from the Webster Costa!
The lockdown situation evolved very quickly. We recognised the potential impact that the closure of the ASW could have on the physical and mental wellbeing of our staff, students and customers. We developed an online programme for customers to get involved in from their own home as an alternative. Delivering fitness classes from my living room and local park seems to have turned into the new normal, but nowhere near the same! We definitely miss the 1-1 engagement, and can see more clearly how important the social side of fitness is. All of the ASW instructors have adapted so well, and have done an amazing job.
Anyone can join in on the wide range of live fitness classes, for free and from the comfort of your own home, via the ASW Facebook page.
Can you talk us through how the ASW will look in the “new normal”?
Very spaced out, organised and extremely clean! We have been exploring lots of solutions, and preparing the best we can. We don’t want to give away too much at this stage, but we are very excited as to how the “new normal” is shaping up - and really look forward to being able to welcome everyone back - when it is safe to do so.
Favourite type of food?
Good, fresh, simple seafood. You can’t beat a west coast scallop!
Have you been cooking or baking anything nice during lockdown?
I love empire biscuits. There have definitely been a few batches of those over the last few months. Homemade hummus is another top lockdown discovery, as well as several other cakes and bakes!
Where would you like to go when lockdown is over, and it is safe to travel again?
I was lucky to go on holiday just before lockdown. Once lockdown has lifted a bit more here in Scotland, I am looking forward to going home to spend some time with my family - who I have not seen properly since Christmas.
What else have you been doing during lockdown to keep busy?
I have been working from home full-time, but around work, I’ve spent my free time going on nice long walks - something I didn’t do much before lockdown, and keeping in touch with friends and family.
