I'm not a naturally athletic person, nor did I possess the confidence needed for athletics when I was younger. Working out and being healthy just became a regular part of life at some point in my early twenties. I found that exercise made me stronger – mentally and physically. It made me happy. It made me a little tougher, a little harder to knock down. Most importantly it changed all the ideas I had about “me” and what I could and could not do. The more I did the better I felt, the better I became, the more I believed in myself and in the world around me.
I've been a trainer for six years, and have been a business owner for five. It has been the most challenging and rewarding endeavor I've ever taken on! As for my own workouts, strength training is truly what I enjoy the most. My favorite exercises are the pull-up, deadlift and just about anything with the kettlebell!
The approach for success at Dragonfly has always been and always will be - meet clients where they are. I truly enjoy helping others get stronger, reach their goals, believe in themselves and become more interested in living a healthy lifestyle by learning and doing. And as they do that the most amazing thing happens - they transform from the inside out!
• Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• Strongfirst SFG Level II Certified Kettlebell Instructor
• Precision Nutrition Certified, Level 2 Nutrition Coach
• Training for Warriors, Level 2
• TRX Suspension Training
• Athletes for Animals, Board Member
Specialties:
• Kettlebell Training
• Bodyweight Training
• Strength & Functional Movement Training
• Increasing Mobility
• Working with Beginners
• Nutrition Coaching & Weight Management
I spent 15 years working in retail management and while there were aspects of my job that I enjoyed, I no longer found it satisfying. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I “grew up” so I kept plugging along, mostly because it was easier to stay than to step outside my comfort zone and try anything new. I’ve always been pretty active but had never tried any sort of strength training or group classes until I (nervously!) joined Dragonfly as a client in January 2014 – I was looking for a new challenge and a way to de-stress. Not only did I find a great place to work out, but I found an amazing group of supportive women in a completely comfortable, fun environment (and it’s in my neighborhood – yay!).
Timing is everything – in October 2014 Renah put out a note that she needed some help managing/marketing the studio. I saw what a great place this was and the positive effect it and Renah had on all of the clients. I wanted to be a part of the great community that Dragonfly is – so I made the leap, left my retail job and haven’t looked back!
I understand what it feels like to be intimidated by strength training and lifting big weights, but with the proper coaching, it became one of my favorite things, and I hope to help other ladies feel that way, too!
• Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist Program
• StrongFirst Kettlebell Course
Specialties:
• Strength & Mobility Training
• Working with Beginners
• General Nutrition
I just love being at Dragonfly Fitness! I'm a little shy at first, but I really love being around people. I stay pretty busy monitoring the situation around here during the day, but I get lots of pets and treats and downtime too! I also enjoy going for walks, riding in the car and hanging around the house with my cat brother and sister. And I love summer vacations - I've been to Wisconsin and Colorado!
My mom's friend Kelly rescued me from animal control in 2011 and I was taken to Five Acres Animal Shelter. The nice lady at Five Acres thought my mom would be a good foster for me, but my parents ended up adopting me instead. (Probably because I'm such a good boy.) I'm happy I get to spend lots of time at Dragonfly Fitness and I hope to meet you!