WILLOW

What sparked your desire to become a personal trainer?
I saw how intimidating the gym can feel for beginners—especially for women. I wanted to be the person I wish more people had when they were starting out: someone knowledgeable, supportive, and non‑judgmental. Helping people feel confident in their bodies and capable in the gym is what truly sparked my passion for training.

What is your fitness background?
I began my career in fitness in 2011 and became ISSA certified in 2013. Since then, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients with different goals, abilities, and experience levels. Over the years, I’ve learned that long‑term success isn’t about extremes—it’s about consistency, education, and creating a plan that fits real life.

What is the best or most valuable exercise in the gym?
The most valuable exercise is the one you’ll do consistently. From a training perspective, compound movements like squats, hinges, presses, and pulls have my heart—but no exercise matters if it doesn’t feel approachable or sustainable for the person doing it.

What is your favorite movie?
I’ve never been great at choosing just one favorite—it really depends on my mood. What I enjoy most about movies is the experience of seeing new releases in the theater with my son. He’s grown now, and it’s something special we still get to share.

What is the most important book you’ve read?
Honestly, my education textbooks have been the most important—they built the foundation for how I understand the body, behavior, and long‑term change through fitness, biology, and psychology. Outside of that, I love reading as a mental escape. Even fiction is powerful, it engages the brain and helps us see the world from new perspectives.

What is your top hobby or passion outside of the gym?
My biggest passion is my family. I live for time with my husband and kids. Playing volleyball is my current favorite hobby. At 42, it’s a great reminder that movement really matters—because if you don’t use it, you lose it. I truly believe that finding movement you enjoy is what keeps you active long‑term, and it’s okay for that to change as your interests evolve. I’m also back in college at this stage of life and genuinely enjoying the process of learning again—absorbing new information and feeding my curiosity has become an equally addictive hobby.