Tell us a little bit about you and your own fitness journey.
I’ve been active and into fitness for most of my life. I did dance and competitive baton twirling in my youth and became more serious about the importance of diet and exercise as a teenager as I watched my parents struggle with their weight and the effects of prioritizing everything else above their health. I decided then that I wanted to take a different path, and over time I became passionate about helping others to do the same and to take control of their health. I also had some of my own health struggles that I was able to overcome by making some dietary changes, and it was just natural for me to want to teach others what I had learned.
Do you have a philosophy or approach to how you train your clients?
I am always seeking ways to bring a client’s body into better balance. My background in movement analysis and corrective exercise allows me to assess which muscles are tight, overly dominant, or weak and to bring those things into better balance to reduce risk of injury. I also believe in strengthening the body from the inside out, so I make sure my client’s core is strong before I spend a lot of time on other things.
How have you seen personal training improve the lives of your clients?
I’ve seen it affect every aspect of their health and happiness while making them feel empowered and accomplished. It is a true joy to help people on this journey.
What advice would you give to someone who is discouraged with their fitness journey?
I would encourage them to reach out and ask for help and tell them that putting in the effort is worth it. Progress is never a straight line upward. We all have setbacks. It’s ok to fall down; just don’t stay down. There isn’t any aspect of your life or how you feel that diet and exercise won’t impact. Being healthy and fit is going to make a positive impact on whatever it is that you want to do in life.
What is your favorite part about being a personal trainer?
I love making a difference in people’s lives and helping them accomplish their goals.
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I grow a lot of food on our aeroponic gardens which is fun. I love making healthy plant-based foods and meal prepping on weekends. My daughters are involved in a lot of performing arts activities, so I spend quite a few weekends at dance competitions, concerts, musical theater shows that they are in, etc. I still love working out. I am a nature lover, and I love to dance and travel. I have always enjoyed learning new things about fitness, wellness, and nutrition.
Tell us something that most people don’t know about you!
I was a professional clarinetist in my 20s and early 30s. I performed in quite a few professional orchestras, including the Cincinnati Symphony, which is where I met my husband, who is a violinist there. I enjoyed it at the time, but I transitioned out of that career because I wanted to do something that was making more of a difference in people’s lives in a more tangible way. I’ve done some other fun things as well. I had a dance fitness business for seven years; I’ve had a partnership with a health food company for over 20 years; and I spent a number of years as a homeschooling mom.
Anything else you’d like to share with the BRF community?
I’ve been in the fitness industry for about 25 years doing personal training and teaching group fitness classes at various locations and have had some really great experiences. I’ve also had my share of gym memberships and classes that I’ve taken as a client, so I feel like I have a really good idea of what is out there. While I haven’t been at BRF for long, I can say that it has been my FAVORITE place to be and to work. I can’t believe that it has taken me so long to find this place! The facility is as good as it gets and the community is amazing. I truly love it here.