I’m a mother of 5 (mostly grown) children and a grandmother of 1. I was obese for a good portion of my life. In 2010, I started strength training and in about 9 months; I lost 80 pounds. I became a trainer and wellness coach as I figured that if I could do it, anyone can. I became an athlete at the age of 36. I’m passionate about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. Overcoming bad habits was very difficult. It is for everyone.
Age:
47
City, State/Province:
Pasco, WA
Country:
USA
Occupation?
Personal Trainer, Health & Wellness Coach.
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why?
Nutrition determines size. Exercise determines shape.
If you have 100 tokens in total and you could apply them to the following categories, how many would you apply to each?
- Fitness level:25
- Health level:75
Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, and others?
Everything has its place.
Share your unique training/coaching methods?
I teach lifestyle. Balance in all things.
Trainer Philosophy:
Whatever it takes to get you there, you have to keep doing it to stay there.
Training Plan:
I train for strength and aesthetics. I also teach quality form.
Nutritional Plan:
I teach the truth about nutrition. Eat whole, clean food.
Supplement Plan:
You can’t out supplement a bad diet.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavours and sweeteners? And Why?
Balance. Most people can’t or won’t eat optimally. In the beginning, my goal is to get them from bad nutrition to good. Optimal is too big of a jump.
Please describe the importance of mental health?
Health includes physical, mental, and emotional health. You don’t fix your body to fix your head. If you fix your head first, the body will follow.
Take us through a typical day in your life for you?
I get up at 5 am and work on meal plans and communicate with online clients. Then I train from 7 or 8 am to noon and 3 to 7 pm. I come home to my youngest son and my significant other. I also read a ton. I love to educate myself. Travelling is also my passion.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
Interested in local athletes for inspiration.
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor-in-Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
What is the best way to inspire the most people?
Status Fitness Magazine runs model searches across North America, including the largest one at the Arnold Classic for the Status cover. As part of the Status family, you will receive a special participation invite. How excited are you about this opportunity?
That would be incredible!
Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you?
I’ve learned so much from all my former coaches and trainers. So much of what to do, but also what NOT to do.
Do you have a sponsor? List them and what they mean to you?
I have before. I no longer compete and, therefore, focus on promoting my brand.
Can you share with us your goals for fitness and life?
To stay healthy myself (my genetics have several issues, including diabetes) and help change the world, one person at a time.
5 things people don’t know about you?
- I’m an introvert.
- I am not gym loyal.
- I am a client and purpose loyal.
- I care more about my clients’ goals than my own.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
That you have to make yourself a priority before you help anyone else.
5 most important attributes you see in a person?
- Respect
- Truthfulness
- Humility
- Personal growth
- Confidence
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why?
That person who has lost all faith in her ability. Honestly, that’s why I do what I do. I want to inspire people to not give up.
Who inspires you? And why?
Anyone who doesn’t give up. ANYONE.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey?
Be patient and consistent and be prepared.
What does success look like for you?
Help as many people as possible to believe in themselves. Hoping eventually to do public speaking.
What is your favourite quote to live by?
“You will remain the same until the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change.”
Connect with Melissa: IG | Website
Cover Photo By: Robbie Snider
1 Comment
I must thank you for the efforts youve put in writing this blog. I am hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own, personal website now 😉