THRIVE Coach | Fairmount
What brought you into coaching?
I originally started working out to support my mental health, but I didn’t really know what I was doing. Working with a personal trainer introduced me to weight training, and I quickly fell in love with it. At the same time, I was unhappy in my previous career and felt drawn to the opportunity to help others. Now, I love being able to support people as they work toward their fitness goals and watching them grow in ways that extend beyond the gym.
How do you help someone feel less intimidated on day one?
It starts with making people feel comfortable, and that begins with us as coaches. A friendly face and someone who truly listens can make a huge difference. People new to the gym often feel like they’re the only ones in that position, so I share my own experience—that I’ve worked with a coach myself and didn’t build a consistent exercise routine until adulthood. The most important step is simply starting.
What’s one myth about training you wish you could erase?
That lifting weights will make you bulky. Muscle mass is directly tied to your metabolic rate, or how many calories you burn throughout the day. Muscle is essential for functionality, especially as we age, and it’s also what gives the body shape. People often underestimate how much intensity—and how much food—is actually required to build significant muscle mass.
What’s your proudest coaching moment?
I have a senior client who experienced a mild stroke, and her doctors and physical therapist praised her for continuing to strength train—even at 83—and for how much it supported her recovery. When we were able to work together again, she was incredibly grateful for the progress she had made and how quickly she was able to bounce back. Many people start training for aesthetic reasons, but seeing someone’s quality of life improve is incredibly rewarding.
What do you recommend for someone just getting started, and why?
THRIVE is a great place to begin. Our philosophy starts with “do no harm,” and having a coach tailor workouts to your individual needs and goals makes a huge difference. For anyone new to the gym, it can be overwhelming to know where to start—there’s so much information out there, and not all of it applies to everyone. We believe in leading with education and support, so why not take that same approach with your fitness goals?