Where did you grow up? Independence, MO
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Fashion Designer– loved to sketch, Pro Basketball Player, and yes- a Personal Trainer.
Favorite class or activity in high school? PE of course! And basketball.
In high school, what were you known for? I was known for being athletic and aggressive on the basketball court.
Most interesting part time job? In eighth grade I worked at a teachers house helping the build a retaining wall, mowing, and cooking.
Share a movie or show you can quote and/or list songs you can rap/know all the words to etc.. I am the worst at quoting anything, but I could probably manage getting through a Jack Johnson song- “Better together” or “Breakdown”.
Got any hidden talents? I love to sketch, dabble on the ukulele and guitar, and I can salsa dance.
What do you like about KC? I like that it’s affordable, you can get anywhere in about 25 minutes, and all my favorite people are here.
Coaching:
How did you get connected to The Hill? I was looking for a place that I could do Olympic lifting on platforms and saw that The Hill had the best open gym hours and rates, and well of course I knew Bri worked there so I reached out to her and got started!
How long have you been coaching? Well if you add in internships and grad assistant, then its around 7 years. I have been coaching at The Hill since March 2016.
Why Coach? – what motivates you personally? I am motivated by each ah-ha moment an athlete has. To be honest, I am motivated more and get way more excited seeing an athlete do something right the first, second, third, and then every time, then hitting heavier weight. Don’t get me wrong a PR is still very exciting, but when I see someone struggle day after day to achieve a skill and finally something clicks and they do it, then their face lights up. That is what motivates me. I want people to push themselves and see what they are really capable of. Not just how hard can someone push through a workout, but how hard can they push while maintaining virtuosity in a movement. Achieving virtuosity in a skill takes dedication, patience, pristine focus, and drive.To me that is beautiful, and creates longevity for our daily movements and activities.
What do you love about your job? The people! I love the people I work with and work for.
I love that as a business we are constantly growing and striving for excellence.
I love that we have a positive atmosphere.
I love that I have the possibility of changing someone’s life in a positive manner.
I love that I have opportunity to teach others how to do cool things!
I love that I constantly have to learn and grow. There will never be a time that I will know everything.
What certifications do you hold and which are you most proud of? CF- L1, USAW 1, USAW2, CSCS, Gymnastic training course. I’m proud of all of them. However, I really enjoyed my gymnastic course the most and feel like that has had the biggest impact on me and the people I train.
What continuing ed are you planning? My next CEU I will either be advance gymnastics, or CF-L2.
How would you describe your coaching style? Straight to the point, but goofy. I try to keep things simple and explore different coaching techniques that best fits each athlete.
What’s something you wish everyone knew about health and fitness? That it’s a journey and you will never reach the end. The journey is full of challenges and bumps, and maybe some bruises, but it is also full of joy, success, and confidence. The journey is also way more fun and successful if you have loyal travel buddies.
What is something you are working on improving as an athlete personally? Mental toughness.
What are you looking forward to in 2018? Find new things (hobbies/places) to experience and fall in love with.
Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family? You all are amazing people! As individuals you all have helped create such a friendly environment that works hard. This can be taken for granted on a daily basis, but it shines bright as new people join the gym or as we have drop-ins. You all receive and welcome everybody with bright smiles, encouragement, and positivity that overflows. Keep it up!!!
