I graduated from college in 2009 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Marketing and Communication. I, like many 22 year olds, had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and graduating with a ton of student loans during a recession doesn’t make your “dream” job all that feasible. So I scoured every job search site possible until finally landing my first job as a Project Manager. That was my first step in a long line of various positions and industries I stumbled upon trying to find something I actually had a passion for. I won’t go into all the nitty gritty details but basically I spent 5 years working as a Project Manager in the higher education and healthcare industries. I liked my jobs but never really felt truly satisfied with the path I was leading down towards. I then found a position as an Operations and Retail Studio Manager for SoulCycle. I had never taken a cycle class before and was not much of a group fitness fan (my gym routine included running outside, cardio machines at the gym and very, VERY minimal strength training) To be perfectly honest with you, I applied to the position without knowing anything about what SoulCycle was so I was quite shocked and blown away when I discovered their intense cult following. A perk of my job was that I not only got to ride for free (classes are usually $30/class!!) but I also got to take class during my scheduled work day. So, needless to say, SoulCycle quickly became my main exercise routine and I too began to understand why there was such a craze. The workout was challenging, the room was dark, the instructors were motivating and fun and the music was uplifting…what isn’t there to like? I loved it and honestly felt like I gained cool points by working there and becoming part of their culture…I know, I know, so lame!
Regardless of the cool factor, it was in that role where I truly developed my passion for group fitness and health and wellness. I realized I did not want to be on the manager side of things though but wanted to BE the instructor, coach, motivator, expert, etc. I wanted to help people hands on and establish meaningful relationships with clients.
When we learned we were moving from Boston to WI, Drew and I decided it was the perfect time for me to take the leap. I researched the most reputable Personal Training Certifications and decided to move forward with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
I studied non stop learning everything from anatomy and physiology to structuring training plans and establishing relationships with clients. If I’m being honest, it was a lot more work and much more difficult than I was anticipating!
I also totally revamped my own fitness routine. Although I love running outside and cycle classes, I learned the importance of strength training and always challenging your body in different ways so you never plateau.
After 5 months of studying and practicing I anxiously signed up for my exam and thankfully, PASSED! I started to train my first clients and teach my first Bootcamp classes and knew right away I made the right decision and this is what I was meant to do.
After about 6 months into training, I was offered another opportunity to teach cycle at a boutique fitness studio. I then passed my Cycle Fusion Indoor Cycle Instructor certification and started teaching there on top of training my clients.
I absolutely love the balance of training clients and teaching classes. I’ve been lucky enough to meet some truly wonderful people in the last 3+ years and I can honestly say that they have helped me just as much as I have helped them. Not only have I grown as a trainer and instructor but also as an individual. I’ve become more confident and secure with who I am and what I want to accomplish in life and for that, I will be forever grateful.