A Chat with… Deane
(Gym Programme Manager)
Deane is the Programme Manager at the on-site Nuffield Health gym. He has been at Botanica now for almost 2 years, not only managing the gym but also offering Personal Training and advice to all members.
But something that you may not know about Deane is that he also has his own company where he coaches children and young people basketball.
So, while we are encouraging our members to sign up to the gym, we couldn’t resist speaking to him again and finding out more about his life away from Botanica.
What makes you so passionate about the gym and sports?
Sports is one of the few things that brings communities together, so I love that about it. It also allows us to compete and work with people from different cultures which is obviously great because you’re able to learn so much about and from people.
What’s one thing that members don’t see that is actually a big part of your day-to-day role?
I have to do a lot of fitness programs and calculate macros for people on what their calorie intake should be for their goals.
Since working at the gym at Botanica, have there been any moments that you are particularly proud of?
Honestly my proudest moments have been seeing people become consistent with their health and wellbeing. Life can get really busy at times, but we can’t be the best versions of ourselves if we don’t put our health and wellbeing first.
What is a common misconception of ‘Gym Managers’?
That everything we eat is healthy. I can tell you for free I’m a big foody and I work out because I love food.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what’s the unexpected job you’d secretly be good at?
A Wedding Planner for sure!
We know you have a passion for basketball – when did this begin? Was there a moment or person in particular who inspired you?
So, my older brother is probably the one who inspired me to start playing as I used to watch him play a lot. I basically just copied him and fell in love with it from when I was about 8 or 9. Plus playing football in the muddy, cold, wet weather wasn’t a vibe anymore so I needed an indoor sport.
You used to play basketball professionally, tell us a bit about that.
I was lucky enough to get accepted into an academy in France when I was 17 and then from there I played in Germany for a few years and also Italy. If I’m completely honest, I enjoyed aspects of it and I’m glad I got to experience it, but it was never really the end goal for me.
Do you miss competing at that level, or have you found new ways to channel that competitive energy?
Honestly, even though I miss the countries I lived in I don’t miss playing over there. I still play National League Basketball over here at a good level and it allows me to still see family/friends more frequently than before, so arguably I do enjoy this more.
Were there any lessons from professional sports that still influence how you work today?
Most definitely, the biggest lesson was probably that you never know who’s watching.
What was the biggest challenge transitioning from pro basketball to your career here/outside of basketball?
I would say probably the change in my sleeping pattern and having more time to actually see my friends and family. Time was really limited on what times in the year I was able to come back to visit, and it would always be for a short period of time.
What inspired you to start your own company?
So, I’ve always wanted to give back to my community in some way and growing up we used to be able to go to a lot of youth clubs/centres, but because of government cuts there was less and less for young people to do within a safe environment. So, by setting up our CIC company we have been able to provide a service that allows young people to express themselves through sport.
What’s the most rewarding part of teaching young players?
The trust you are able to build with them and their parents to help aid them become adults is probably the most rewarding thing.
Have the kids you coach ever surprised or inspired you in unexpected ways?
They inspire me daily. One of our young people recently managed to get a scholarship to do her Masters in University and competes on the Great Britain team now.
In one sentence – how would you describe your coaching and leadership style?
I don’t believe in one style fits all and it’s important to be able to adapt to the people you are working with.
What’s something you’ve learned recently that changed the way you work or train?
Wouldn’t say that it’s something I’ve learned recently but something I have really been able to change is my mindset towards training and remembering, over training always has a negative impact in the long run.
What’s tougher? Managing a gym if adults or coaching a class of kids?
This is actually a tough question lol I would say probably coaching kids just because different age groups have different levels of tantrums lol. Hardest group to coach would probably be teenagers though.
What’s you go to motivational line (or roast) when someone’s slacking?
“Them weights aren’t going to lift themselves”
What has been your biggest and proudest achievement this year?
I finally got married!!! 🙂 2025 has been a good year for me.
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