Goalkeeper Roddy grabs chance to be success in the fitness business

Apr 2 2008

A former SPL footballer forced out of the game because of injury has set himself a new goal.

Goalkeeper, Roddy McKenzie, from Hamilton, wants to carve out a career as a successful personal trainer.

Roddy (32) suffered a fractured pelvis in December while playing for First Division team Dunfermline. He is fit again after an operation and also physiotherapy at Hampden Park and focussing on his new business venture.

He said: "As a professional footballer for over 15 years and working alongside some of the game’s top fitness coaches and sports scientists, I felt that the natural progression for me was to become a personal trainer.

"I have now decided to launch my personal training company RKM Fitness. It has been two years in the planning and finally I felt it was the right time to make the move full-time and dedicate my time to helping others with their own health and fitness battles.

"With the high standards and discipline that I have had to live by over the years to remain at the top level of Scottish Football I know these will help others in their training."

Roddy, who was brought up in Burnbank, started his soccer career at 17 with Hearts. The former Hamilton Grammar pupil played with the SPL club for almost 10 years before moving to Livingston where he stayed for three seasons.

He was in goal when the Almondvale Club defeated Hibs 2-0 in 2004 in the final of the CIS Cup at Hampden.

He made his next and final move to play for Dunfermline but was then injured.

Roddy explained: "My fractured pelvis went undiagnosed for four months. This has set me back with my footballing career. However, I should be back to full fitness soon.

"I didn’t want to rush back too soon, so becoming a personal trainer has enabled me to ease myself back into things.

"It also gives me the option to go into football part-time and hopefully be ready for next sea son. I haven’t retired from football."

Roddy, who now lives with wife Karen and their two boys Lewis (8) and Harrison (2) in Silvertonhill, also has plans to join up with chef and owner Tino from Petruccianos in Hamilton.

Clients could be given the chance to join in healthy eating cookery classes at the restaurant.

Roddy added: "It just gives people a bit more guidance and the food is excellent at the restaur ant and wouldn’t it be great to recreate those recipes and give yourself a healthy boost.

"I also do a lot of work with those who use Esporta in Hamilton, but many of my clients choose to have me come round to their home.

"Lifestyles have changed so much and many people just don’t have the time to go to a gym. I bring most of the equipment, like weights but to be honest you don’t need to have too much stuff to exercise. Hamilton has such great facilities like Strathclyde Park. It’s a great place to go out and run."