Chrissy – Fitness Team Leader

Tell us about your journey at Ragdale

My career at Ragdale Hall Spa began when I was 17 years of age and a freshly qualified Beauty Therapist. I was selected by the Beauty Management team who visited by college to start at Ragdale as soon as I passed by level 3 qualification. I really enjoyed my years in the salon and whilst working there I gained many other qualifications which lead me to setting up as mobile beauty therapist away from the hall.

A few years later, I returned to Ragdale as Treatment Advisor working on the Treatments Reception Desk and in the office scheduling treatments and activities for guests. I worked in this department until I went on maternity leave and whilst I was away from work, I gained by fitness instructor qualification so upon returning to work I had an interview with the fitness team, and I have been here ever since. I was, and I still am, in my element!

What is your average day like?

My average day can vary so much, I usually have three sweaty, high intensity classes in the morning followed by a well-deserved lunch break! Then I will take one or two further classes in the afternoon or evening. Sometimes, my day works the other way around – more sedate mornings and busier afternoons.

My job is very people centred from booking in classes and organising staff schedules to creating new choreography for everyone to enjoy. I really enjoy taking care of our guests and country club members and making sure they have a memorable experience.

Why did you choose to work at Ragdale Hall?

I have touched on this in one of my previous answers, but the Beauty Management team came to my college to talk about careers at Ragdale and I decided I was interested in the opportunity, so I had an interview and was selected to join the team.

What do you love about working at Ragdale?

For me, Ragdale has been the best employment. I love the people I work with across all departments in the hall and I am part of an amazing team that I am with every day. We work hard, we laugh together, and we sweat so much together! I am incredibly grateful for the free staff lunches; they really are fantastic! I am lucky that Ragdale is not far to travel from where I live, however if needed, I know I can also hop on the staff van with our friendly drivers.

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at work? 

There have been so many funny things happen while I have been working at Ragdale! Most of it is just far too rude and very inappropriate to disclose here ha-ha!! I can tell you about one thing I remember clearly – how could I forget?! Years ago, I went out on a Country Walk with just one guest. I tried to convince her there was other things we could do instead, but she was desperate to go, and I was not going to let her down. Of course, we got absolutely soaked right through to our knickers. My hair looked like a mop and my mascara was running down my cheeks. I had to ring my clothes out in the sink and my socks were unsalvageable! I walked into the gym looking like a drowned rat and the team were all in fits of laughter. I went into my next class looking a real mess.