You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the girl.
That said, she loves the sand, surf and sun as much if not more than just about anyone we know...so you'd think she was a California girl since day one.
Megan has been a Personal Trainer and Instructor with Dynamic You Fitness from the beginning (and in case anyone is eager to mark their calendars for the big one year anniversary bash, we'll be celebrating in mid-May) and though our clients know and love her, we want everyone else to fall in love with her too. We recently sat down to chat with her about how she got her start in fitness, what brings her true happiness, and why going to the studio every day feels nothing like work.
What prompted you to decide to become a personal trainer?
I enjoy daily interaction with people and knew I wanted to help inspire them to be better. In mid-2011 I began to realize I wanted a career to sustain me through my older years, as well as one that carried importance.
What were you doing before you made the change?
Before embarking on a fitness career I was working behind a desk in title and escrow in the field of Real Estate going crazy and feeling depressed. So I did some soul-searching about what was most important to me - being around people, communicating and sharing a love for activity.
Tell us about your process of being certified
Becoming certified as a personal trainer required a ton of studying (it was gross,) a ton of reading, doing boot camps for free for my husband and his co-workers to practice. I ran two or three boot camps a week to practice language, correction and leadership. I began to realize my leadership experience with dance helped as well.
What inspires you
Dance is my soul, it makes me absolutely happy; it's been part of my life for 20 years and there's nothing like it.
I honestly do not have talent in any other type of artistic expression! Dance is an expression of life, I love to to perform and be in the spotlight. I'm a Leo. We like attention. Movement is critical for everyone, and for me the activity of movement (whether in fitness or dance) makes me feel good about myself and about others.
What makes the relationship between you and your clients so special
Personal Training is incredibly, well, personal; and sometimes things can be awkward but knowing everyone has awkward moments and we're all a little weird makes it very easy to let it go. I have had some moments myself. Once, while dancing for the Spurs, there was a time-out and we needed to grab frisbees for a promotional segment. I was running off the court and fell flat on my face. I wasn't even sure where I was as I got up. I had run into another girl, and I guess we knocked heads (from what little I remember.) I do remember we had just finished a dance to the "Car Wash" and instead of a cute outfit we were wearing mechanic jump suits!
Share with us one client you know you've made a difference with
Muriel, who is about to celebrate her 87th birthday, walked in to Dynamic You last June at a slow walking pace, really unsteady. It has been amazing and inspirational to watch someone her age go from having never worked out, to being in the studio with me three times a week. She is now using an agility ladder!
She's not just a client, but a friend and mentor; she tells wonderful stories and lives her life as fully as possible. Her progress from barely walking to being able to use every single piece of equipment in the studio has been incredible.
I feel really good knowing I'm not only teaching Muriel health and exercise, but she is teaching me about life. I feel fortunate to have a special relationship with all my clients; each client is different, each is special.
Every day it's important to adapt to each client and their mood. If they don't want to do something they have to be encouraged to do it; if they feel they can't do something it's my responsibility to show them they can or at least that they should try. It's a true gift to be in this role and I'm thankful for finding something I'm truly passionate about. I am smiling each time I come in to work and jam out to 93.5 - my favorite station.
When are you happiest?
When I'm spending time with my husband of nearly seven years, Scotty. Being around people is what brings me immense joy. Being alone is never better than being with people. Except when I'm catching a nap.
You can find Megan teaching TRX + Kettlebells, with her gracious style and southern charm, every Wednesday at both 8:00 am and 6:00 pm (book your 6:00 pm class early - there's always a wait list) and on Saturdays at 11:00 am. We promise you'll work hard, be sore the following day and be running back for more.
