Meet Your Coach: My Journey, My Philosophy, and My Commitment to You
You've probably seen my posts about strength training for life and staying motivated on your fitness journey. But who am I, really? Beyond the tips and the workouts, there’s a story and a deeply held philosophy that drives everything I do with Psyres. So, let me pull back the curtain a bit and introduce myself.
My Journey: From Personal Struggle to Passionate Purpose
My path into coaching wasn't a straight line. For years, like many people, I navigated my own fitness challenges. I tried different routines, got caught up in the cycle of quick fixes, and definitely hit my share of plateaus and motivational slumps. I remember the frustration of feeling strong in some areas but completely lost in others, or the self-doubt that crept in after missing a few days at the gym.
My pivotal moment came during the COVID-19 pandemic. My husband and I joined CrossFit Hyde Park, and it was there that I truly discovered the profound importance of physical wellness. This experience sparked a profound shift within me, turning a personal pursuit into a burning passion to help others experience the same transformation. When I moved to Germany and became a CrossFit Coach, apprenticing under Andrew Martz, my understanding of functional fitness deepened even further. I wanted to demystify fitness, make it accessible, and show people that true strength is about so much more than just lifting heavy weights.
Elements of my Philosophy: Resilience, Functionality, and Sustainable Strength
This brings me to some of the critical elements of my coaching philosophy, which are deeply rooted in resilience training. For me, fitness isn't about chasing fleeting trends or punishing your body. It's about building a robust foundation that allows you to navigate life's inevitable and physical demands with confidence and ease.
Functionality First: My primary focus is on helping you build strength that translates directly into your daily life. Whether it’s effortlessly carrying groceries, confidently lifting your kids, maintaining balance, or simply enjoying your favorite activities without pain, we train for real-world application.
Sustainable Progress: I believe in long-term, consistent progress over quick, unsustainable bursts. We work together to create habits that stick, finding joy in the process, and making fitness an integrated part of your lifestyle, not just a temporary phase.
Empowerment Through Education: I want you to understand the why behind what we do. My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to listen to your body, make informed decisions, and ultimately become your own best coach.
Mind-Body Connection: True resilience isn't just physical. It’s about cultivating mental fortitude, managing stress, and fostering a positive relationship with your body. My approach addresses both the physical and mental aspects of your well-being, leveraging insights from the psychology behind behavior changes. I focus on cultivating longevity and preparing individuals to adapt and persevere through life's challenges.
My Credibility: Expertise Rooted in Experience
You deserve a coach who not only understands the journey but also possesses the expertise to guide you safely and effectively. My commitment to continuous learning is unwavering. Outside of my academic pursuits, my B.S. and M.S. in Criminology from the University of Tampa, and being a PhD candidate in Forensic Psychology with a specialization in Crisis Response, I am a Level 2 CrossFit Coach, Level 1 CrossFit Gymnastics Coach, i99Fit Level 1 Gymnastics Coach, I have 1400+ hours of group coaching experience, and 65+ hours of direct one-on-one coaching experience. These accomplishments offer a unique perspective on the psychology, proven methodology, and physical requirements behind health and behavior changes.
My approach to functional fitness coaching, custom mobility protocols, and resilience assessments is always evidence-based, drawing from the latest research in exercise science, physiology, and psychology. However, my most valuable education has often come from the real-world application… adapting programs for individual needs, celebrating breakthroughs, and collaboratively navigating challenges with my athletes at both individual and group levels.
My Commitment to You: Your Partner in Progress
When you work with me, you’re not just getting a set of exercises. You’re gaining a dedicated partner committed to your success. I promise to:
Listen Deeply: Your goals, your concerns, your lifestyle… they all matter. I’ll take the time to truly understand your unique situation.
Provide Customized Guidance: No cookie-cutter programs here. Every plan is designed with the science and facts in mind, and my custom programming adds the considerations of your individual needs, limitations, and aspirations.
Offer Unwavering Support: The journey has its tough days. I'll be there to celebrate your wins, help you navigate setbacks, and keep you accountable with compassion and encouragement.
Foster a Positive and Empowering Environment: My space (whether virtual or in-person) is one where you feel safe to challenge yourself, learn, and grow without judgment.
My purpose is to help you unlock your full potential and build a strong, resilient body and mind for life. If my philosophy resonates with you, I'd be honored to be your guide.