Trainer spotlight

3.) What certifications, degrees, or qualifications do you hold?
Bachelors Degree (Exercise Sports Science), NASM, ACE, CSCS, ACE Nutrition, Precision Nutrition, Mental Performance Coach

4.) What is your fitness philosophy or approach to training clients?

5.) Can you share a memorable success story from your time as a trainer?
A client was referred to me by a hair stylist I was training. She had noticed a difference in about a month and said go see susan I promise you won’t be sorry. This lady was terrified of even walking into the gym to get to the spa. She came up and I put her through the first workout that gives me an assessment of strengths, weaknesses, fears etc. it is the connection you make with people that gives them the confidence they need to believe in themselves. Halfway through she told me she will bring her husband next time because she loved this already. She started walking in the gym with confidence and happiness; a release of stress even. I moved out of that state and still train her to this day!

6.) What types of training or fitness modalities do you specialize in?
Strength training, weight loss, nutrition

7.) What is one positive thing clients should expect when they are working with you?
Come in having a bad day or a tough time, but leave with a smile on their face! 🙂 

8.) How do you tailor training programs to meet the individual needs of clients in both a 1 on 1 and group setting?
Every single exercise can always be altered, just have to remember that a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. I will always be poking or touching to get the correct positions mastered and if that is not an ability or comfortable then the exercise will be modified to fit you personally. All of my 1 on 1 clients have programs created for them personally including weaknesses and range of motion issues.

9.) How do you stay motivated/disciplined and continue your own fitness journey?
I’m a single mama of 2 kids and I will do everything under my control to survive as long as possible with the controllable factors to give my kids the best life possible. I was a pro athlete and this is also a huge release and time to myself when I workout. There are good days and bad days but showing up and getting through it is sometimes what has to happen. You will come in worse than when you leave.

10.) What advice do you give to those who are just starting their fitness journey?
Just come the first time and force yourself to sign up and break the mental barrier. It isn’t as terrible and you won’t be miserable or horridly sore the next day. We as trainers work on what is best for you and start there. It is the biggest benefit you could ever give your body when done right and consistently.

11.) What activities or hobbies do you enjoy doing outside of training?
Fishing, hiking, camping, shooting, kayaking, cooking, traveling, snowboarding, anything outdoors really!

12.) What is your favorite workout or exercise, and why do you love it?
RDL (Romanian deadlift). The amount of bracing and engaging the entire body is unreal, but the power it gives you is a whole other positive ball game!