41, Kroc Center Memphis, Les Mills Body Balance (Yoga), Les Mills Tone 

FAV WAY TO WORKOUT: 

Group exercise 

BIGGEST FITNESS MYTH: 

You must be skinny to be healthy. 

MY FITNESS IDOL: 

Nathalie Mooney! She was my Body Balance instructor. She motivated and encouraged me to become a group fitness instructor. She trained me and allowed me to shadow her in class by teaching tracks to build my confidence while I was working on my teaching certification. 

MY TYPICAL WORKOUT DAY: 

A typical workout day consists of two group exercise classes for about two hours. 

IF I COULD ONLY HAVE ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT: 

Yoga mat 

ALWAYS IN MY GYM BAG: 

A half gallon of water, workout gloves, a resistant band for squats, clothing, and deodorant. 

DREAM WORKOUT PARTNER: 

Bully Juice! He is a fitness coach I followed on YouTube and Instagram during the pandemic. He had all of these creative workouts that suited everyone, and they challenged me to stay motivated on my fitness journey when gyms were closed. 

MY GO-TO SNACK: 

OWYN Plant-Based Cookies and Creamless Protein Shakes. I also enjoy Tate’s Bake Shop Vegan Vanilla Maple Cookies. 

MY DIET: 

I am somewhere between a vegan and a pescatarian. I haven’t eaten beef or pork in over 13 years, chicken in three years, and I haven’t eaten fast food in four years. Eliminating fast food holds me accountable for cooking weekly to maintain my healthy lifestyle, and I feel amazing! 

ONE FOOD I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: 

Vegan cookies 

WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED: 

My balance! How I feel mentally, physically, and spiritually keeps me motivated. Also, being able to show up to pour into my students the way someone took time out for me sets the standard. 

SETBACKS: 

Overcoming depression in 2018 taught me who I am. I had to accept that I’m gifted in many areas of my life and that I was chosen for a greater purpose here on earth. It also taught me how to create healthy boundaries and to stop trying to pour from an empty cup. My peace is my top priority, and anyone that cannot accept that is not my issue; it’s theirs. 

Are you a fitness trainer, workout instructor, or influencer in the industry and would love to share your knowledge with our readers? Send a brief bio and picture to: Amy@memphishealthandfitness.com.