I developed Functional Fitness to meet a need in the fitness community which I felt was being sadly neglected. A member of two gyms, and a long-time recreational athlete, I realized that most “personal trainers” at gyms are sadly lacking both in specialized technical knowledge, and in an understanding of the uniqueness of each client’s needs.

On another day, I observed a different trainer “working” with a client. She was talking to the client the entire time about non-training-related issues, was staring off into space, counting repetitions for the client, and seemed to be just marking time. She was not watching the client’s form, or helping her concentrate on the very necessary mind-muscle connection that so increases the benefits of every repetition. She did not appear to be engaged in the process of her client’s fitness in any way, shape or form.

I was very disappointed in this level of knowledge and professionalism, so when the time came that I felt I needed a personal trainer, I also felt I would be better served to become one myself, rather than to pay good money and spend good time on the level of so-called instruction I had seen delivered.

I’m sad to say that these types of scenarios occur in gyms all across the country, and you have probably seen it yourself.

I’m just a normal person when it comes to fitness. I’ve had a history of being overweight in my youth. I’ve gone through years at a time of being predominantly a couch potato. I have incurred injuries that happen to regular, everyday people and have struggled with their impact on my ability to enjoy my hobbies. Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and being overweight run in my family, so I feel a need to stay fit in order to avoid the consequences of that genetic component.

The reason I share these things is that I want to make sure you’re comfortable with my outlook and know that I’m not one of those always-athletic, slim, dynamite competitors that never had a physical problem in the world. I know that I find those kinds of people intimidating, and I wouldn’t want to be judged by them. Looking at them is good motivation, but I don’t really relate to them, and I can’t imagine them relating to me, or understanding the challenges of becoming fit.

If you’ve ever felt like being fit was beyond your grasp, the good news is that it’s not. It is very much within your capabilities. I know that when I’m able to follow my own fitness regimen consistently, I appear to be an awful lot like one of those naturally athletic people and this can be true for you, too, if you want it to be. Or, you can choose a fitness goal anywhere along the continuum from couch potato to athlete. As long as the fitness level you want is farther along the continuum than the one you currently enjoy, Functional Fitness, LLC, is able to help you achieve that goal.

Due to my background in riding horses, dance, and running, I am aware of the unique needs of those three pursuits and offer specialized training for equestrians, dancers and runners.

In addition to the “normal” fitness training methodologies, I also believe strongly in the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection. There are large bodies of theory and some research that indicate that many, if not all, illnesses, disease, and dysfunction occur not only in the body, but in the mind and spirit. We know that fitness is good for emotional wellbeing and mental sharpness. What people frequently forget is that mental and spiritual soundness help maintain physical wellness.

Please know that when I refer to spiritual soundness, I am not referring to any particular religious affiliation or belief system. I am referring to the universal connection with all things and all beings, and the energies derived from and flowing through that connection.