Q: What inspired you to be come a Fitness Professional?
A: While working as a Swim Instructor at a fitness center, I began taking group exercise classes - especially strength training classes. I loved the workouts and the way I felt after taking them. One day, the Instructor could not make it to class last minute and I offered to teach the class as I felt I had a good idea of what to do. I was stopped by fitness staff after a couple of minutes because I lacked the proper certification to teach, but decided to sign up for a course that very night. This led to my first certification in Total Body Strength which I applied to teaching Body Shaping, Boot Camp, and Abs classes. Soon after, I left a full-time job at a buying office to work at the fitness center. The new role was exciting and challenging and I felt immediately that I was helping people with their health and fitness goals. It was so rewarding!
Q: What certifications do you have currently?
A: In addition to Total Body Strength, I also have a certification in Barre Above - a ballet-inspired toning class. I was drawn to the class because it is completely different than weight training or cardio and is great for those who need a low impact exercise option. Following that, I received certifications in Personal Trainer I and very recently Personal Trainer II and have worked with a variety of clients through in-person training as well as virtual training. In 2019, I completed a course to become a Sports Nutrition Consultant, which provided proficiency on supplements and food components and how our bodies use these things. I have a deep interest in Nutrition and feel I have just scratched the surface of knowledge in that field.
Q: How would you guide a client in getting started with a fitness plan after a few months or years without a health routine?
A: The biggest mistake that people make when returning to a healthy lifestyle is too much; too fast. They set unattainable goals then many quit when those goals aren't met. I am a huge proponent of starting small and adding when you can. For instance, my online fitness plans - which are composed of videos, instructions, and charts - have clients working out 4 days a weeks and doing the same exercises for 4 weeks. I encourage them to increase repetitions and weight (when applicable) as they move through the plan. The other important component is not giving up. They should strive for consistency, but if they have a day, week, or even a month where they don't meet their goals in fitness and/or nutrition they should not quit - keep moving forward! Nobody's perfect!
Q: Have you had any physical setbacks or injuries that you had to overcome? What is your advice to clients recovering from injuries?
A: Yes - during the time that I've been a Fitness Professional, I have had surgery on a tendon in my wrist, two pregnancies, and ongoing back and knee issues. For all of these, I've followed these rules: 1.) Ask specific questions of your doctor and follow the guidelines they give you; 2.) Don't be afraid to start back slowly or unconventionally...it doesn't have to be "all or nothing." After my wrist surgery, I used no weight or lighter weight on my recovering side than on my unaffected side. I also avoided planks for a period of time following surgery; 3.) Be proactive...do everything you can to recover from or help with an injury or condition - this can include supplements, stretches, and even specific foods. Do research—there is so much information out there! I see a chiropractor regularly and perform the exercises he advises for me. I also drink turmeric tea and take fish oil to assist with joint health and reduce inflammation. 4.) Be patient with yourself and don't do anything that causes you pain that is more than the usual muscle strain attributed to a workout.
Q: If you could only do three exercises for the rest of your life, what would they be?
A: I'm going to cheat a little and pick three exercises that have lots of variations. 1.) Planks and plank variations that could include rows, leg lifts, and many other options. 2.) Crunches...but not just the regular kind. There's also reverse crunch, standing crunch, twisting crunch, and lots more. 3.) Some kind of cardio: I find that I value and even enjoy cardio more and more as I get older. It's so important to keep your heart and lungs healthy, burn calories, and maintain a strong metabolism. My favorite forms of cardio are HIIT workouts, walking, and the elliptical.
Q: What is your ultimate vision for your personal training career?
A: Fitness/exercise is an intriguing field because new developments and ideas are constantly emerging. My goal is to stay on top of the latest news in my field and to use that to build a strong client base. I feel that I am unique as a personal trainer because I have a background in exercise but also swimming, dance, and cheerleading and also because I am comfortable working with both adults and children. It is important for me to draw on all of my life experiences and knowledge to best train and help my clients. As I mentioned earlier, Nutrition is a fairly untapped part of the industry for me. Earning a degree in Nutrition and/or Food Science would greatly improve the services I could provide to clients (building meal plans, etc.) and help me to improve their overall health.
Q: How has the pandemic impacted your ability to work as a Group Exercise Instructor/Personal Trainer?
A: It has definitely been challenging at times to find a way to reach people and help them meet their fitness goals. The fitness center where I work was shut down almost 8 months of 2020, eliminating the possibilities of teaching classes in their studio and training clients in the facility. We quickly regrouped and started broadcasting live workouts through Facebook. I was flattered to be asked to be a part of this, but also very nervous about the aspects of the live classes such as technical issues and noise/distractions from others living in my home. However, teaching this way has improved my classes and allowed me to reach many more people than I have ever reached. The online classes as well as outdoor fitness groups I offered during the pandemic have allowed me to build my client base and grow as a Fitness Professional. It is so crucial to keep up with fitness goals at this time to maintain overall health physically, mentally, and emotionally.
