From Client to Coach: How One Trainer Changed Everything for me.

Why I joined the gym in the first place

Like many people during the social distancing era, I was looking for a place to move, to feel normal, and to push myself. They gym was accessible without restrictions, close to home, and honestly I really wanted to get jacked.

When I first joined, I was so excited that there was a kickoff session with a trainer - not a workout, just a conversation to set goals and develop a plan. That's when I met Austin, a young, jacked trainer who listened to my goal: " I just want to look good naked." (Honest right?)

I signed up for personal training sessions with him, and we trained together once a week for almost 4 months. Everything was going great - until he got fired. (This is not uncommon in commercial gym settings)

The Trainer Breakup Cycle

Trainer # 2 Sammy- She put me through workouts and challenged me, A month later, she told me that she will no longer be training, because she was going to take the general manager position at the gym. ( A position that has a higher turnover rate than trainers)

Trainer #3 Tara- She had a lot of great knowledge and taught me new principles and techniques, but ... same story, a month in and she was no longer going to be training because she was going to step into the regional manager position.

I was so mad. It felt like I was constantly getting dumped. (I know differently now) but i felt like a client nobody wanted. At that point, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I walked straight up to Dan, a trainer I had seen around the gym, and said: " hey can you train me? I'm used to being broken up with, so it won't hurt my feelings if you leave too" (so dramatic)

The Trainer who changed everything

That turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.

Dan and I clicked instantly. We laughed, joked and had discussions that were challenging. He pushed me harder than I had ever pushed myself and helped me to feel confident in my abilities by providing safety in moments of struggle. It wasn't just the physical side of training that made him different- he changed my mindset.

He taught me how to break big goals into smaller ones, making progress feel achievable.

He called me out when I spoke negatively about myself and made me rewrite my self-talk

He believed in me before i believed in myself.

More than once, he told me: "You'd make a great trainer." He saw my background in canine rehab and health and knew I had the instincts to help people move and feel better.

At first, I resisted. Humans are harder than dogs, I thought. But deep down, I knew I was made for more than bartending. (long story of how I got from veterinary medicine to bartending)

Becoming a trainer and seeing fitness differently

After six months of self studying, I finally felt confident enough to take my certification exam. I passed and started working at the same gym where I had trained.

But once I stepped into the trainer role, my perspective started to shift.

I spent most of my days in the gym, and while I loved helping people, I also started to feel uneasy.

The endless line of men wanting to chat with me got exhausting. I was there to help people, not to be their entertainment.

I wasn't getting paid for all these conversations, even though my social skills seem to be part of the draw.

I wanted to do more than just add weight to someone's squat or build a big butt - I wanted to help people move better, feel better, and live healthier lives. That's when I knew I needed more.

Taking the Next Step: Active Life & Building Something Different

I joined Active Life Professional to gain the skills I felt were missing- how to find clients, work with people beyond just aesthetics, and truly help them solve problems. I didn't just want to train people - I wanted to change lives.

Looking back, if I had never been "dumped" by multiple trainers, if I had never gotten frustrated with the gym system, If i had never met Dan... I might never have become a trainer.

Sometimes, the things that frustrate us the most are what push us toward something better.

Now, I get to train people the way I wish I had been trained. I get to help clients beyond the superficial stuff- not just looking good, but feeling strong, being active, and living healthier lives.

I had experienced firsthand what it was like to train in an environment full of distractions, objectification, and surface-level fitness goals.

I wanted to create a different kind of training space.

I didn't just want a gym. I wanted a place where:

You can focus without feeling like you're on display

The goal isn't just aesthetics- it's about function, longevity, and true well-being (aesthetics come along for the ride)

You don't have to compete with loud music, slamming weights, or distractions.

Faith, movement, and personal growth are all valued.

If you've ever felt frustrated with the gym, confused about your fitness journey, or like no one really understands what you need- I get it! I've been there. That's why I built something different. My journey from trainee to trainer taught me that fitness should be accessible, not overwhelming. Encouraging, not intimidating. Empowering, not objectifying.

If you've ever felt like the gym wasn't for you but you still want to get stronger, feel better, and move well- I'd love to help.

Curious about what that looks like? Schedule a call- I'd love to chat!