Sara McLay
Stirlingshire
Summary
Dedicated fitness professional with expertise in customer service and member experience, client coaching, and behaviour support. Proven ability to design programmes for all fitness levels, conduct fitness assessments, and track performance. Skilled in group fitness instruction and public speaking, with a strong focus on motivation and client retention. Adept at cross-cultural communication in gyms and team collaboration with trainers and staff. Committed to enhancing client experiences through effective session planning, time management, and task prioritisation in fast-paced settings.
Offering strong interpersonal and motivational skills, with background in fitness and keen understanding of health and wellness principles. Knowledgeable about creating personalised workout plans, supporting client goals, and fostering positive environment. Ready to use and develop communication, adaptability, and organisational skills in a new career.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Personal Trainer & Class Instructor
Freelance
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2018.02 - 2026.03
- Facilitate high-intensity functional training sessions and group classes for various fitness levels.
- Adapt programmes to ensure safety and correct technique during workouts.
- Support clients in building confidence and improving their technique.
- Maintained high safety standards during all training sessions, ensuring client welfare at all times.
- Emphasised correct form during workouts, reducing risk of injury amongst clientele.
- Encouraged clients, resulting in improved commitment to health goals.
Member Experience Coordinator
Discovery Dunes Golf Club
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2025.02 - 2025.11
- Supported delivery of luxury services as primary point of contact for members.
- Assisted in coordinating events, private functions, and lifestyle activities with attention to detail.
- Facilitated bespoke concierge services, including reservations and tailored solutions.
- Engaged with golf, wellness, dining, and operations teams to enhance member experience.
- Managed multiple projects, ensuring organisation and efficiency.
- Liaised with external parties to ensure seamless project execution.
- Troubleshot potential problems before escalation, preventing major disruptions.
- Enhanced team productivity with efficient delegation of tasks.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, securing favourable terms.
- Oversaw daily operations ensuring consistency in quality and service delivery.
- Answered phone calls and responded to emails from clients.
Cabin Crew & Business Promotion Ambassador
Emirates Airline
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2022.11 - 2024.10
- Supported delivery of world-class customer service in fast-paced international airline environment.
- Assisted Emirates representation at high-profile global events at Hong Kong Tennis Open, FA Cup Finals, and Wimbledon.
- Adhered to strict safety protocols while contributing to operational excellence.
- Promoted cultural exchange for improved mutual understanding and respect.
- Adapted presentation style to engage audiences of varied backgrounds ages.
- Acted as a role model to provide professional, positive brand representation.
- Inspired people through personal success stories to increase motivation.
- Presented at industry events to promote activity and increase partner and customer engagement.
Personal Trainer & Class Instructor
The Peak, Stirling, Scotland
Stirling
2020.01 - 2022.01
- Delivered 1:1 personal training and group fitness sessions for mixed-ability clients.
- Focused on technique, movement quality, and performance to maximise results.
- Built strong client rapport, fostering long-term engagement and consistency.
Freelance Spin Class Instructor
Exercise4Less Falkirk & JD Gym Cumbernauld, Scotland | Warehouse Gym Jumeirah Park, Dubai
Stirling, Scotland
2019.05 - 2022.01
- Facilitated high energy music driven spin classes for diverse groups, promoting inclusive and motivating training environments.
- Assisted in designing ride formats focused on endurance, power, cadence, and interval training, adapting sessions to participants’ fitness levels.
- Guided clients on correct bike setup and riding techniques to improve performance, comfort, and prevent injuries.
- Utilised clear cueing and rhythm based coaching to enhance participant engagement and retention.
- Developed strong rapport with clients and collaborated with fitness teams to support class scheduling and studio standards.
Personal Trainer & Class Instructor
East Dunbartonshire Council, Scotland
Glasgow, Scotland
2018.01 - 2022.01
- Facilitated community-based fitness sessions for diverse age groups and abilities.
- Assisted in creating an inclusive environment through participation and collaboration.
- Supported operations at leisure centre, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
- Assisted clients in achieving their weight loss targets through strategic exercise planning.
- Utilised advanced equipment to enhance client strength and conditioning sessions.
- Designed bespoke training programmes to improve client fitness levels.
Telephone Researcher
NHS COVID, Scotland
Glasgow, Scotland
2019.03 - 2020.01
- Conducted structured telephone interviews, collecting accurate data under strict research and confidentiality protocols.
- Communicated empathetically on sensitive health topics while maintaining professionalism and neutrality.
- Met daily call targets independently, demonstrating reliability and attention to detail.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Displayed energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by proactively listening to concerns and answering questions.
Skills
- Customer service and member experience
- Client coaching and behaviour support
- Session planning and time management
- Motivation and client retention
- Fitness assessments and performance tracking
- Program design for all fitness levels
- Group fitness instruction and public speaking
- Cross-cultural communication in gyms
- Team collaboration with trainers and staff
- Task prioritization in fast-paced settings
Certification
- Higher English
- National 4 Maths
- National 4 Applications of Mathematics
- Higher Health and Food Technology
- National 5 Art and Design
- Higher PE
- HNC Dance Artists
- Active IQ Diploma in Level 3 Personal Training
- Active IQ Level 2 Award in Indoor Studio Cycling
- CF-L1 Trainer
- Heart Saver First Aid CPR
- Sports Coaching : Basketball (UKCC Level 1)
Affiliations
- Horse Riding Reading Munro Climbing Baking
- Reading
- Baking
- Munro Climbing
Languages
English
Native
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Member Experience Coordinator
Discovery Dunes Golf Club
2025.02 - 2025.11
Cabin Crew & Business Promotion Ambassador
Emirates Airline
2022.11 - 2024.10
Personal Trainer & Class Instructor
The Peak, Stirling, Scotland
2020.01 - 2022.01
Freelance Spin Class Instructor
Exercise4Less Falkirk & JD Gym Cumbernauld, Scotland | Warehouse Gym Jumeirah Park, Dubai
2019.05 - 2022.01
Telephone Researcher
NHS COVID, Scotland
2019.03 - 2020.01
Personal Trainer & Class Instructor
Freelance
2018.02 - 2026.03
Personal Trainer & Class Instructor
East Dunbartonshire Council, Scotland
2018.01 - 2022.01