Jamie Baird is one of the UK’s leading fitness professionals. His impressive fifteen-year career has included TV appearances, regular press columns and two published books on fitness alongside his hugely successful personal training business.

Seasonal Berries asked Jamie for his top tips on keeping fit and how best to include berries into a healthy diet.

You have been a top fitness trainer for over ten years. What inspired you to get into this business and how did you become a personal trainer?

Ever since I can remember I have always played sport and being fit was just a by-product of running around a football or rugby pitch. The natural progression after school was to follow my passion by studying Sports Science at Loughborough University. While I was there I worked part time in a health club and from there I ended up in London working full time in health clubs.

What is your fitness philosophy?

To be consistent and persistent.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

I really enjoy the flexibility of choosing my own hours, as well as the variety of work that I do. I also enjoy the clients that I train who come from all walks of life and who have great stories to tell. The industry is forever changing so you need to be on your toes and move with the times.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

Having my first two books published; “Running Fit” and “Cycling Fit”, and deciding to go it alone and set up my own business.

What are your plans for the future?

I have developed a program called the “The Quick Fix Fat Loss Program”. It’s a four week training program designed to radically change someone’s body shape in a short space of time. There will also be a DVD so people can follow the programme at home.

What tips do you have for Seasonal Berries readers to keep themselves in shape?

Choose an activity that you really enjoy and then you are more likely to stick with it in the long term. Make time to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air of the countryside. Also add variety by taking part in different sports or activities to reduce boredom.

Do you believe good nutrition is important as part of an all round fitness programme?

Nutrition plays such an important part of any fitness program, be that getting fit or losing fat. You can’t get into good shape without eating well. A good balanced eating program is the corner stone of any good fitness workout.

What foods would you recommend?

I always tell my clients to eat “lean and clean”, in other words any food that has not been processed or had additives added. So any fresh produce, such as fruit, vegetables, lean meat and fish.

Do you eat berries and if so, why?

I eat berries on a regular basis. I love the taste and texture as well as the thousand and one things you can do with them.

Do you have any favourite berry serving suggestions?

I eat berries in smoothies, sprinkled over porridge, with ice cream as a treat or just straight from the punnet as they are the ultimate snack food.

What is your favourite berry and why?

I think I would have to say raspberries. I like the softness, texture and taste of them. And of course, they are really good for you.

Are there any particular times of day when people should eat berries i.e. before or after training?

Berries are good any time of the day. They are good before training to give an immediate energy burst, or after training to replenish carbohydrate stores. A handful is plentiful.

For more information about Jamie Baird, visit www.thefitnesscoach.com