How has personal training improved your life?

Personal training has had a huge impact on my mental health, especially after experiencing a family tragedy. The workouts helped me manage my grief by reducing stress and giving me an outlet for my anxiety. At first, lifting weights felt intimidating but with time I gained strength and became empowered. Setting goals based on lifting heavier weights has improved my confidence rather than focusing on a number on the scale. Working out has taught me to take care of myself so I can help others.

Profession / Job / Title:

Behavior Analyst Specializing in Autism, Founder of Pounce Behavioral Health

Website address: 

www.pouncebehavior.com

Years at Good Bodies: Since 2017

What do you like best about Good Bodies?

Everything has a place! You never see trainers or clients searching for things because the entire gym is neat and tidy. Also, Good Bodies has pretty much every weight in every pound you could need. All of the trainers and clients are friendly, and no one is shamed for where they are at on their fitness journey. Good Bodies fosters an inclusive environment for all ages and abilities. The gym is not intimidating and perfect for someone who has never been into fitness. However, it is also a great place to grow and learn new workout routines.

Do you have a special word or comment about your trainer?

Heidi knows when to challenge me or offer compassion in the moments I need it the most. She has a gift for counting reps and talking at the same time – an amazing multi-tasker!

What has been your biggest obstacle to success?  How did you and your trainer overcome it?

I used to be scared of everything at the gym-the machines, the weights clanging around, kettle bells falling, jumping on boxes. I would sit at the leg press and imagine it collapsing on me. My trainer worked to build trust so I knew she would never ask me to do something I couldn’t handle. Also, once I experienced the cohesive environment at Good Bodies, I realized that, in a sense, each person there was my trainer. Everyone looks out for one another and that helped me face my fears.

Favorite Exercise:

Push-ups because they are simple, don’t involve a lot of machinery, and you can always improve! 

Least Favorite Exercise:

Jumping Rope because I can’t do it! 

Favorite phrase/ expression you or your trainer uses when working together: (we may have to censor!)

Whenever there is a tough exercise coming up, I look down at my (imaginary) watch and say “Look at the time, I forgot to mention I have to leave early today”