33, Personal Trainer at the Kroc Center of Memphis 

FAV WAY TO WORKOUT: 

Yoga – any kind, but primarily a powerful Vinyasa flow. I also like cardio kickboxing (BodyCombat) or stand-up paddleboarding. 

BIGGEST FITNESS MYTH: 

That one training style will work for everyone. You might meet your fitness goals, but it must also fit within your passions and life goals to be a sustained habit. So find what you love to do! 

BIGGEST NUTRITION MYTH: 

Fats are bad for you. Fats are great, in balance. 

MY TYPICAL WORKOUT DAY: 

I enjoy stretching and moving when I wake up. I do dynamic stretches at my desk throughout the day and typically workout after work, whether practicing or teaching a class or visiting another gym like Panorama Movement or Delta Groove Yoga. I enjoy switching it up! 

WHAT IS THE MOST OVERLOOKED BODY PART: 

For women, it’s their shoulders or pelvic floor, and for men, their hips. 

IF I COULD ONLY HAVE ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT: 

If space or money wasn’t an issue, pilates reformer. If space is a factor, then a yoga mat and rower for cardio. 

ALWAYS IN MY GYM BAG: 

A lint roller. As a pet owner who primarily wears all black when working out, I have to ensure I’m not too linty! 

MY FITNESS IDOL: 

I’m inspired by so many, but I’ll say Ms. Jean. She’s a Kroc member that passed recently, but she motivated many. I trained her once to run in the Senior Olympics in her 80s, and she would always take backward free-throw shots and make them. She may not have been a fitness icon, but she was an icon of life and kept moving into her 90s. 

DREAM WORKOUT PARTNER: 

Either Jess Sims or Chelsey Korus. They both have fun workouts and positive energy! It would be a fabulous time. 

MY GO-TO SNACK: 

It changes often, but right now, it’s an Alaskan salmon salad with Mary’s seaweed & black sesame crackers or wasabi peas. 

MY DIET: 

I like to eat what I feel suits my body, primarily a balanced diet or intuitive eating. My indulgences tend to be savory or fatty rather than sweet, and my diet choices are more about feeling good than looking good because I think when you feel good, it shows. 

ONE FOOD I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: 

Eggs. They’re nutritious, not as expensive as other proteins, and can be cooked in various ways. 

SETBACKS: 

I once tried out to be a master trainer for a group fitness program I formerly taught, but I wasn’t accepted, and the rejection hurt. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t get the role, as I don’t feel I matched the program’s energy, and it opened opportunities to be on my current fitness journey, which is more me! 

The Kroc Center is a safe, caring, and exciting place in our community where residents of all ages, races, educational backgrounds, and economic means can come together to learn, grow, explore their potential, and experience God’s love in the process. I love the mission of the Kroc Center – something for everyone! It is a 100,000 sq. ft. world-class facility with state-of-the-art equipment and passionate teachers of various programs for a wide range of audiences. I want everyone to feel they belong and find a place that empowers and teaches them to be the best they can and want to be, whether in fitness, sports, arts, education, worship, or more. That’s why I was drawn to group exercise and, eventually, the Kroc. 

I started at the Kroc Center in group fitness and personal training, which led to Fitness Manager, Health & Recreation Director, Program Director, and now Kroc Director. I’ve seen how the Kroc has adapted to meet community and member needs over the past 10 years, staying true to The Salvation Army and Kroc Center mission. My desire to help and empower others and provide opportunities for those around me has pushed me along the way, and I still keep my hand in group fitness classes as much as I can. 

The Kroc Center has a fitness center, basketball court, indoor turf court, outdoor rec fields, aquatics center, youth development center, theater, rental hall, church, art gallery, classrooms, and coffee bar that offers group fitness, camps, after-school care, child watch, swim lessons, sports training, and much much more. Check it out at krocmemphis.org. 

GOALS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD: 

I want to be able to keep up with my nieces who run cross country so that I can train with them. 

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: [email protected]. 

Photo by Tindall Stephens