I am from a small town north of Houston, Texas. I currently live in Dallas, Texas and work as Fitness Director and Professional Trainer at the Cooper Fitness Center. I am happily married to another fitness enthusiast!

Precor has more than 50 Master Coaches in 20 countries around the world. These Master Coaches deliver workshops on Precor equipment, develop curriculum for new onsite training courses, contribute to our blogs, and provide premier coaching at tradeshows and events. Our “Meet the Precor Master Coaches” blog series highlights different members of our global team, giving you the chance to get to know them. Enjoy!

What got you into fitness?

I have always loved sports – and have always been active. The fitness industry seemed like a natural fit when choosing a degree plan and career. My desire to work with individuals through exercise and lifestyle change was solidified during my internship experience at the Cooper Fitness Center in summer 2011. I remember attending a lecture by a Cooper member that summer. He had lost 300 lbs through exercise and proper nutrition and was absolutely pumped about his new life and lifestyle! I was sold! I wanted to help people through fitness and knew personal training could provide that opportunity.

How many years have you been involved in the fitness industry?

I have approximately 13 years of experience in the fitness industry. I worked as a Personal Trainer in graduate school and as Wellness Program Coordinator in undergraduate school. I have been a Professional Trainer at the Cooper Fitness Center since January 2006. During this time, I also have served as Intern Director and now Fitness Director.

What fitness certifications do you hold?

• American College of Sports Medicine: Health Fitness Instructor
• National Strength and Conditioning Association: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• The Cooper Institute: Coaching Healthy Behaviors
• Functional Movement Screen: Level I & II
• Acceleration Training, Power Plate: Level I & II
• TRX Suspension Training: Level I
• Athletes’ Performance: Mentorship Phase I and II
• Trigger Point Therapy
• Gray Institute: Lumbar & Thoracic Function
• MAT Jumpstart
• CPR & First Aid Instructor

Why did you want to be a Precor Master Coach?

I greatly respect the mission and values of Precor, and thus, am honored to represent the company. I also really like the AMT and Queenax and value the opportunity to engage in and disperse education for these two products.

What is your favorite piece of Precor equipment and why?

Hands down – the AMT! I appreciate its versatility both in design and (mental and physical) stimulation it provides the user. I was shocked when I first learned all you could do on that one machine. 

What is your favorite move to do on Queenax equipment?

Monkey bars. I consider them a free pass to return to childhood.

What’s your favorite personal fitness story or memory?

I am proud that I qualified for and competed in the NCAA Division III National Cross Country Championships in 1999 – my first year of collegiate competition and only two years after beginning the sport. I worked very hard in prep for that season and was rewarded by the experience of representing myself and my university at Nationals.

Tell us about a time you were able to help a client reach and/or exceed his or her fitness goals.

I had the privilege of training Paul, a professional water skier, in 2009. He sought my training help to win first place in the National Water Ski Championship in August of that year. I evaluated his current program, as well as learned more about his body positioning during his primary competition, jumping. I completely revised his current program and implemented a linear program design to build his strength and explosiveness. Paul not only came in first place, but beat the second place competitor by 8 feet!

This was a very gratifying experience for me both professionally and personally. I was reminded again of the power of periodization and change (movements, load, and volume), as well as the beauty in helping someone achieve a lifelong goal. I have continued to work with Paul each season since then.   

What’s your favorite fitness mantra?

Courtesy of Dr. Kenneth Cooper, “Fitness is a journey, not a destination.” Though seemingly cliché, this is ever true and unfortunately, it’s difficult to convince our society of the importance of consistently living well. Fitness is not about perfection or even results, but a commitment to a lifestyle.

What’s your favorite movie (fitness-related or not)?

My husband regrets that I stink at movie-going. However, I really liked Blindside and all of the Ms. Congeniality movies. I like good story lines and humor!  

Give us a random fun fact about yourself!

I love to cook! However, the recipe has to meet certain criteria for me to try and keep in my repertoire… easy, tasty, and healthy. Due to the schedule I keep, I have to operate in this realm. I hope to branch out my chef skills as my future allows.