Trainer at The Kroc Center, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and Gold’s Gym 

FAV WAY TO WORKOUT: 

My sister invited me to an aerobics class in my 20s. I fell in love with group fitness and have been doing it ever since. I love the camaraderie, having friends who miss you when you are not there, and achieving new things together. I could work out at home, but why would I want to when I get so much more from group fitness? 

BIGGEST FITNESS MYTH: 

That fitness must be aggressive to get results. Yoga, Pilates, and Barre are beautiful, improve balance, and reshape the body. They also help you feel more comfortable in your body, move better, and positively impact your mind and spirit. 

MY TYPICAL WORKOUT DAY: 

I work full time, am pursuing a doctoral degree, and teach up to nine weekly classes. 

MY ADVICE: 

Listen to your body. So many people push themselves to do the trendy workout and do not stick with it. Your body will tell you what is right for you. Just take that first step. 

MY FITNESS TIP: 

Find what you love, do it as often as possible, and never stop. 

IF I COULD ONLY HAVE ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT: 

A good yoga mat. 

MY FITNESS IDOL: 

Denise Austin. She has seen and done it all in fitness, from high-impact aerobics to mind-body exercise. She is an excellent example of what I believe: Fitness is for life. 

DREAM WORKOUT PARTNER: 

The people who come to my classes. We’re friends. 

MY DIET: 

I do not consider myself a nutrition expert, so I eat for fuel. I rarely eat red meat and try to eat a fruit-and-vegetable-rich diet. I’ve also recently added more eggs to my diet for protein. 

MY GO-TO SNACK: 

Bananas and non-fat Greek yogurt, separately or together. 

WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED: 

Staying healthy and strong to do what I want to do. 

SETBACKS: 

In 2012, I was laid off after over 25 years as a reporter and editor at The Commercial Appeal. I spent about a year as a freelance writer and took every fitness class I could. Those classes not only brought in money, but they helped me keep my sense of self intact. Fitness was my lifeline. It made me stronger, more resilient, and ready for my next chapter. 

GOALS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD: 

Keep doing what I am doing and add advanced Pilates reformer training and advanced Ayurveda training to my resume. I am also considering renewing my personal training certification. 

Photo by Tindall Stephens