What are your personal training qualifications? Credentials? Experience?
I joined the BodySmith Training team in October 2015. I graduated in May 2014 with a Master’s degree in Higher Education with an emphasis in Sports Administration and Exercise Science from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).
I also competed as a full scholarship track and field student-athlete at UMKC, where I was team captain and achieved Summit League Academic All-American status. I gained years of experience working for the City of Kansas City Missouri Parks and Recreation and UMKC Swinney Recreation Center.
I have designed and implemented a variety of group exercise classes as a certified group instructor from youth to adult programs. I have a Silver Sneaker and YogaFit Certification. I also received an exclusive certification at Nike World headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon for the Applied performance enhancement coach training.
Is there a story behind how fitness came to be such an important aspect of your life?
I have always been involved with a variety of sports since a young age. Once I began my collegiate career as a scholarship track and field athlete, training and fitness became a HUGE part of my life. I started to become more aware of myself mentally, physically and emotionally.
Why did you get into personal training?
After college is where I started to figure out what I am passionate about. Many people would encourage me to look into coaching. I wasn’t to sure at the time if I wanted to become a coach but I did know that I wanted to motivate and help people become a better version of themselves.
Personal Training helps people transform their lives through expert coaching, ongoing support, and guided mentorship. I quickly realized that teaching fitness satisfied my craving for making a positive impact in peoples’ lives, which is why I continue to educate myself in various fitness degrees and certifications.
How would you describe your personal training style and/or philosophy?
I approach personal training by listening to my clients’ needs and what they want to accomplish, learning how they live, discovering what’s really important to them, and working together to create the right nutrition and exercise approach based on their goals and lifestyle.
Do you have a specialty or anything that makes you unique?
I am a professional bikini athlete within the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB). I became a professional after only competing for a year as an amateur in the National Physique Committee (NPC). I have finished in the top five of my professional class while competing in several major cities.
What is your personal favorite exercise or workout?
Being a former sprinter and field events jumper, I love performing explosive strength training movements, such as plyometrics, squats, step ups, lunges, sprints and agility drills. They are fundamental to building power.
Is there anything you would like to tell a prospective client before they take the leap to sign up for workouts with you?
Deep down you know exactly what you are capable of. There’s even moments where you get a glimpse of all the potential you have. You can get there! You just have to be willing to sacrifice the habits, things, and situations that are standing in the way of your success.