BLOG 46 WHY DID I BECOME A PERSONAL TRAINER??

BLOG 46 WHY DID I BECOME A PERSONAL TRAINER??

So I fit that stereotype in which I turned my passion into a career. I grew up an athlete, starting with Biddy Ball in first grade playing on an all-boys basketball team at Brengle Terrace Park in Vista. My parents were the type that kept us involved and active. I tried everything… dance, horseback riding, gymnastics, and piano. What stuck was softball, soccer, and basketball. So from the time I was in the first grade until high school I played all three sports. Then in high school I was turned onto running and became a four year Varsity member of the basketball, cross county, and track teams. I played travel soccer from about third grade until high school and travel basketball from about seventh grade and all throughout high school. I was busy, but I do think that busy children become successful people.

Let’s make it clear I was somewhat gifted athletically, but I always wanted to be the best. So I practiced, and practiced, and practiced, and practiced some more. My neighbors would tell you that basketball bounced from sunrise until sunset every summer. If you wanted to be my friend you had to rebound for me haha. I didn’t want to just participate, I wanted to rise above the rest. Yes my dad is the “winningest” basketball coach in California history, but guess what?? By the time he had practice with his teams and work all day, he wasn’t the one telling me to go practice or chasing after my shots. I asked him to write me a plan and then I would go outside and do it myself even if it took three times longer because I had to rebound for myself. I went to the gym before school and stayed in the evening too. I did receive a full ride scholarship so it did all pay off. Truthfully, “hard working” summarizes my personality.

Then after college I wondered a little bit trying to coach girls’ basketball and see what career path I would take. I took the LSAT and was accepted to a few law schools because I wanted to be a sports agent. But then losing my mother threw me for a spin and I just didn’t know what path in life I was ready for. About this same time my relationship with Carl was fresh and evolving so I wasn’t sure where to turn. I decided to get my Masters in Education with an emphasis in Physical Education and Health. I received my California Teaching Credential while doing this. I was then hired at the local gym to be a personal trainer and I started to substitute teach P.E. at various levels.  Either field offered the opportunity to help others become more active and both involved fitness. As you know, I’m not really the type to just stand on the sideline. I like to be active with those I’m working with. So even when teaching, I always took a turn at bat or ran a few laps with the students.

Fitness and exercise have been my escape, source of sanity, and distraction. I am never bored and was never restless growing up because activity can always be done, anytime, anywhere. I had an outlet when home life wasn’t ideal, when both parents were working, when I was the youngest child and didn’t have anyone to play with, and when socially I preferred to be alone. I have always felt the power of endorphins and that I’m doing something good for myself. The commitment to being fit has kept me away from late nights, poor choices like drugs or alcohol, and I keep my eating in line knowing I need to fuel my body. I love taking care of my body and have taken on the mission to pass this was of thinking onto others.

Teaching in schools didn’t work out due to budgeting and the districts, but personal training has always been my line of work. That one hour with someone or when teaching a class means a lot to me. The fact that someone has entrusted me and is coming to ME, lights a fire under me to help them succeed. I have found that training isn’t just about physical tasks, but involves forming lasting, caring, and respectful relationships with others who are trying to make improvements in their lives. Strong bonds are formed and I’ve found that the attention during that hour can be the most meaningful part of someone’s day. For the mom who’s constantly trying to run a household, that hour is her escape. For the business man working the corporate ladder, that hour is a meeting with themselves to release stress and feel the blood moving. For the person who never played sports or exercised, it feels really good to wake up the body and accomplish feats you never thought possible.

Fitness is a way of life for me. My childhood mindset of being the best at what I do is certainly how I run the studio. I may only be able to control what goes on within my four walls, but I can provide the tools and encourage activity. Each person’s fitness journey is unique, but that’s what keeps the job interesting. You are your own worst enemy, your own greatest cheerleader, and the person in control of every choice. Your health is priceless and if I can make any positive changes whatsoever to help you become the best version of yourself, then I know made the right choice by becoming a personal trainer.