Welcome!
General Questions
Q. I'm not sure if I want to get started yet. Can I have a trial session? A. Yes! I always offer a free fitness assessment before working with a client. This helps me get to know you, understand your goals, and assess your abilities and current fitness level. Our first session will also give you a glimpse into how a session will flow in the future.
Q. What information do I need to provide you with before we get started? A. You will receive a welcome email after our first appointment is scheduled. I will ask you about your goals and any current restrictions or limitations you may have. This helps me think about your goals and exercise program before we even get started.
Q. Where do you provide services? Depending on your needs and goals, I provide training in-home, at a local school or park, or remotely. In-person services are provided to individuals in the surrounding Tacoma, Washington area (i.e., Federal Way, Fife, Fircrest, University Place). There is an additional facility rental fee per session if renting a space to train is required. This is a portion of what it costs to rent an indoor or outdoor space to train.
Pre and Postnatal Fitness Coaching
Q. I'm newly pregnant. Is it too early for me to start working with you? A. Congratulations! No, not at all! The first trimester is a wonderful time to get started!
Q. I am 4 weeks postpartum. When can I return to exercise? A. This timeline is unique to you. I recommend consulting with your healthcare provider about your timeline. It's typically 6 - 8 weeks, at least. However, healing time is usually 12 weeks or longer from your delivery. Your exercise programming would have this timeline in mind to ensure you continue to recover and progress.
Q. My body has changed so much after delivery. Will you help me bounce back? A. First, congratulations on the arrival of your new little one! What an exciting time. I understand how different things can feel after your delivery - in your body, in your mind, and in your life! Your body has changed and it may not return to the same body you had before your pregnancy. And that is OK. From my experience, it took about 18 months for me to start feeling like myself again and my body looks different than before but it is still as strong as ever. With that said, your experience will be unique to you. What's important is that you give yourself the time to gradually become "you" again. As your personal trainer, I aim to help you recover from your delivery, improve your fitness, and help you gain strength as your baby grows and with a long-term view of fitness and strength. I believe having a long-term view will help you sustain an exercise program and help us adjust your program as your fitness goals change.
Q. I'm feeling really tired during my pregnancy. Should I work with a personal trainer? A. It's great that you are paying attention to your body! Keep doing that, and when you feel ready to exercise then follow that feeling too. Fatigue can occur during pregnancy. Make sure to speak with your healthcare team about your fatigue and any concerns you may have about exercising during your pregnancy.
Running Coaching
Q. I already have a good training plan. Why should I engage a Coach? A. Engaging a Coach can help by:
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identifying potential gaps in your training,
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helping you think long-term, beyond your next race,
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being your voice of reason and help you rein it back before injury strikes,
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being your cheerleader,
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discussing different pacing and racing strategies,
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providing you with a strength training program, which is often overlooked by runners.
Q. I am happy with my current mileage and training plan. Do you provide personal training, only? A. Yes! Any personal training I provide would complement your training and be running-specific.
Q. I have never participated in a running program. Do I need any prior experience to work with you? A. No prior running experience is required. I'm here to support your goals and help you get started!
Youth Running Coaching
Q. I am not familiar with the training required for running. What would a running session entail? A. Workouts consist of a dynamic warm-up, agility movements (e.g., agility ladder, cones), endurance (e.g., running games, relays, continuous running), and strength and stretching appropriate to the age group. Workouts aim to assist a new runner in preparing for middle school cross country or track and to run 2 miles continuously.
Q. Where are the running sessions located? A. Space is typically rented out at a field, track, or park in Tacoma and Federal Way. The location is variable based on availability.
Q. Do you allow your runners to be dropped off by parents? Sessions are not intended for drop-off care. Parents should remain close by and are welcome to watch the session or go for a walk in the area.