Liam Thiru’s journey to personal training excellence
The story of a UTM student with a passion for sport and rehabilitation.
Liam Thiru is in his final year as a CCIT major and has made a name for himself as a personal trainer, coach, and leader in the world of sports and athletics at UTM. As an athlete and Learn To Play (LTP) coach, Thiru has made his mark as a leader in his field and has gained respect for his unique approach to fostering a community around fitness.
A strong passion for sports and athletics can only come with certain experiences. Thiru’s passion was born out of adversity and the pursuit of optimal recovery. After facing a series of injuries, he found himself delving into the depths of rehabilitative exercises, seeking solace and solutions in the healing movements. This research led to a profound interest in the world of fitness and a heartfelt desire to help others on their fitness and wellness journeys. “The first time I was able to help one of my friends with their injury really solidified my passion,” Thiru told The Medium.
These experiences also motivated Thiru to start his fitness Instagram page, @liam_training. This page seeks to educate others on how to optimize their fitness and recovery and to debunk some of the fitness community’s popular misconceptions. As the account continues to grow, Thiru hopes to expand his platform to multiple countries and implement bilingual content in both English and French.
Thiru has also cultivated an inclusive environment for sports by pioneering programs like LTP Volleyball and LTP Basketball. Through these experiences, Thiru fostered each individual’s athletic skills and realized that personal training was a viable career option for him.
Thiru’s leadership and innovative thinking are now seen in his approach to personal training. His strategy of explaining routines and exercises in terms that anyone can understand, implementing exercises his clients enjoy, and being accessible to everyone sets him apart from other personal trainers and is the reason many individuals trust him with their programs. Amro Matti, a UTM student and basketball player whom Thiru has trained, says of Thiru: “Liam has helped me in more than just my sport. He has taught me timeless workouts and exercises. The movements that he explains to me are not only beneficial but also tailored to my interests. Liam has time and time again proven his knowledge in the personal training field by providing timely and adequate strategies that will stay with me forever.”
In the competitive landscape of sports and athletics, Thiru’s growth has been bolstered by the unwavering support of key figures. At the forefront is Todd Erskine, the Director of Athletics at UTM and Thiru’s mentor who first placed trust in his capabilities, setting him on a path of leadership and growth. Collaborating closely with Matti, Thiru not only co-coached LTP Basketball but also forged a lasting training partnership. The journey of building a social media presence comes with its challenges, yet with the encouragement of his friends, the faith in @liam_training’s mission never wavered. However, the cornerstone of Thiru’s support system has been the steadfast presence of his mother. Her guidance and belief have been the bedrock of his confidence, propelling him toward his highest aspirations.
As Thiru nears the end of his time at UTM, his influence in the athletic community is remarkable. His efforts with @liam_training are set to expand beyond campus, aspiring to transform fitness for a wider audience. His journey, marked by resilience and a deep commitment to helping others, exemplifies the impact of turning personal hurdles into widespread inspiration. With the groundwork laid and a supportive community behind him, Thiru’s future in personal training and beyond is poised to be as impactful as his time at UTM.
Sports & Health Editor (Volume 50); Locked on Leafs Columnist (Volume 48 & 49) — Omar is in his final year at UTM, working towards completing a major in CCIT and double minors in Political Science and Anthropology. Omar loves to keep up with various sports teams, his favourite being the Toronto Maple Leafs. When he isn’t stressing over exams or the Leafs, you can find him watching movies, looking at shoes he can only hope to afford, and trying his best to avoid parking tickets on campus.