What Came Natural
I spent most of my life as an athlete. I dabbled in the gymnastics and dance world as a small child (as most girls do) and decided around the age of 10 that I preferred headbands over hair gel, and dirt to chalk. I then spent the rest of my childhood specializing in softball. I worked REALLY hard, but was, for the most part, athletic enough to maintain a spot at the top of the pack and graduate high school with a scholarship to a college in the top Division II athletic conference in the country.
Once I got to college, I realized that I was no longer naturally one of the top athletes on the team. I had to find new ways to set myself apart. It was through team lifts and group practices that I realized how well I was able to connect my mind to my body and manipulate it to move in different ways based off of someone else’s instruction or a visual demonstration. For me, mind-muscle connection was easy. And the longer I was on that team not only performing, but leading and teaching those beside me, I realized that what came naturally to me was not only one of the hardest, but one of the most frustrating things for others to figure out. Being a college athlete and captain of a team challenged me as a leader, a performer, and a friend. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and minors in Physics and Criminology, but knew throughout my entire career that my passion was in moving my body, getting sweaty, and motivating other people to WANT to excel at the physical challenges set in front of them.
In my pursuit of a post-college career (avoiding the chemical field like the plague), I quickly realized that sitting at a desk was not something that I wanted - or mentally could handle - for the rest of my life. I also realized that pursuing a career as a Personal Trainer would be one of the scariest chances I might ever take. I had always lived my life on guarantees and thrived off of feeling comfortable where I knew I would excel - the fitness industry provides the EXACT opposite.
Once certified, NASM led me to Precision Training for an 8-week internship. I had low expectations in terms of my first experience leading to a full-time position, but knew it would give me exposure at the very least to programming, cueing, and working efficiently in a commission-based industry. What I encountered at Precision was something I never could have imagined. I have been challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally, far beyond my wildest dreams. I have met and formed relationships with members that I never would have otherwise met on the street. I have learned from some of the best and most qualified coaches in the Midwest. I have learned not only how to help people move their body, but how to control their mind. I have not only witnessed, but fueled the incredible relief, excitement, and overwhelming joy that comes from a client overcoming an obstacle that they may have been dealing for their ENTIRE LIFE. My career may have just begun, but I can say that without a doubt, becoming certified as a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach was the best decision I could have made, and I have never been more excited to share my passion, excitement, and knowledge with new people in hopes that this world will become a little happier, a little healthier, and a little more inclined to get up and get moving....
