I have been a certified personal trainer since 2003 and a certified health coach since 2017. However, I did not always love exercise. In fact, I hated it when I was a kid! I was the type who was the last to be chosen for teams in PE class. On top of that, I did not have stellar eating habits either as a kid and young adult. I struggled with those same pesky 10 to 15 extra pounds in high school and early adulthood. I also have a family history of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. So, all of that to say, I get it. I have definitely not always been into health and fitness, that’s for sure.

However, that all changed right around my 30th birthday when I took the time to really learn how to lift weights. I was so intrigued, and it was something I had never really learned or tried before. I decided to give it a shot! It turned out that strength training was the key that unlocked my metabolism. At that time, I dropped 20 pounds and 2 sizes in clothes with that one simple change! I have been strength training ever since that day and still haven’t stopped. Since that time, I have gained and lost 40 pounds with each of my three late-in-life pregnancies (all by C-section) and have maintained my training business, while also staying at home to raise the kids (who are now in their teens).  I am now in my mid-50’s, and I look and feel so much better than I did in my 20’s! I have also continued on with my education to earn specializations in weight management, youth fitness, senior fitness, brain health, and nutrition coaching. My current interest is in active aging with a goal of helping other women increase both their lifespan and their healthspan via a comprehensive program that includes well-balanced nutrition, exercise (resistance training, cardiovascular, and mobility training), and wellness practices for stress reduction, sleep, and cognitive/emotional health.

Before I was a trainer, I earned my Master’s in Social Work and worked as a therapist in the mental health field. I recognize that mental, emotional, and physical health are intertwined; all aspects of health affect the other ones for good or for bad. My approach to coaching and training is that I view each client as an expert on her own body and her own health. Each client is unique in terms of her interests, food and activities she enjoys, fitness level, physical issues that may need exercise modifications, etc. So, I take the time to really get to know each client and then tailor her program to suit her needs and interests to maximize both enjoyment and exercise adherence. My ultimate goal is that as she succeeds with her fitness goals, this will spill over into other areas of her life creating more confidence and overall life satisfaction, meaning, and purpose. When she succeeds, I get the joy of knowing I had a small part to play in that. This is what drives me.  It’s truly a win-win!

My certifications include:

• Health Coach Certification (ACE)

• Nutrition Certification (Precision Nutrition)

• Brain and Senior Specialist Certification (ACE)

• Personal Training Certification (ISSA)

• Weight Management Specialist Certification (ACE)

• Youth Fitness Specialist (ACE)

Taking the first step towards better health is easy with me in a safe one on one environment. Schedule your appointment today and I will ensure you receive the care you deserve.