Some truths about me.
Some facts about me that have nothing to do with fitness...
- In 1985, we got my moms dream dog- a toy poodle named Monique- and she was a wild first dog experience. My dad didn't like her and my mom treated her like a baby- she regularly painted her nails and played with different haircuts on her (my haircut here is also courtesy of my mother). Monique was far from a good fit for our family; she's wearing a cast in this pic because my brother would chase her around our small house and she broke her leg on our brick fireplace. Somehow, she lived a long life and died while my brother and I were in college (and she was living with an elderly lady who was a much better fit for her, but that's a whole other story).
- I had brain surgery a few years after this pic to remove a large benign tumor from the base of my brain. My surgery date was set for the next week and they sent me home. The day before my surgery the tumor slipped while I was blow drying my hair, preventing me from moving my neck. I’d never been more scared, and memories from that entire year of pain and recovery helped define who I am today.
- I graduated high school in 3.5 years- not because I was smart (I applied to colleges but didn’t plan on going), but because I showed financial need- and I got no joy from high school. I immediately started a full time job at a contact lens company taking orders from doctors offices. After a couple months of doing that, I decided going to college was a better option.
- I went to college for 4 years and spent all of that time dealing with family trauma, my eating disorders, and trying to figure out who the hell I was. I did not graduate that time, but went back to school later in life, taking night classes while working as a full time nanny, and got a degree in Early Childhood Education.
- In my early 20’s I left my small New England town and drove to LA with 2 grand and no plan. I showed up at my Aunts door- who I saw every other summer growing up and didn’t really know- and asked if I could stay for a little bit while I figured things out. I slept on her living room floor for a total of 2 years while I worked, payed off major debt, and got the love and support I so desperately needed. One of the best and most profound times of my life.
- During all of my teen years and before, I struggled with both Anorexia and Bulimia. All of my struggles and my recovery has greatly influenced the type of coach I am. When I started my career in fitness, I was still heavily influenced by the fitness industry that blames individuals for their health outcomes, conflates weight with health and how much value a person has, and doesn't consider factors outside of food and fitness when talking about wellness. I can’t change the fact that I started my career in fitness selling weight loss, but I’m doing my damndest to make up for it now.
- I’ve been a trainer for over 18 years and super proud of the work I do, and grateful for the people I get to meet because of it.
You can work with me in 3 ways:
- My Self-Paced Kettlebell course The Blueprint (you can try the first week FREE!)
- One on One coaching (spots open up through the year, email me for inquiries
- My monthly membership, The Kettlebell Collaborative, doors open various times through the year.
Author
Gretchen
Coach
Growing up I was a half-hearted athlete who struggled with my relationship with both food and exercise. I smoked for over a decade and spent much of my youth either binging or not eating at all. But after breaking my leg in a car accident, months of physical rehab and years of psychological counseling lead me to a renewed appreciation for my health and my ability to just move-something I'll never take for granted again. I overcame a lot and have spent much of my life sharing what I've learned. I became a NASM personal trainer over 16 years ago. The type of clients I've trained and my own personal interests lead me to attain many other certifications. These include Sports Specific and Orthopedic exercise specializations, Pre and Post Natal exercise, MMA conditioning, and ACE Mind Body Specializations. I've taken 2 TRX qualifying courses in general and functional fitness. I am Kettlebell certified through both NETA and Kettlebell Kings, also completing an independent study facilitated by Steve Cotter, founder of the International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation. I am also a certified Animal Flow Instructor. In the fall of 2021, I became a Certified Intuitive Eating Facilitator, as IE was integral to my own ability to divest from diet culture. I think this was the missing piece to be able to put together a holistic, meaningful training program for all my clients.
