Meet Trainer Alexa!

Here are some fun facts and advice from Trainer Alexa-

How did you know you wanted to become a personal trainer?

I did an internship in college where I got to teach exercise to the same client each week. I loved getting to know my client, getting to see her every week, and watching her progress and get excited about exercise. I wanted to help other people who might be nervous about getting started, or anxious about working out in a gym, and get to play a role in their fitness journey. 

What is one exercise you can’t live without?

KB turkish get-ups. I love this exercise for shoulder stability, core control, and full body strength. 

What’s your favorite thing to coach a client through?

Deadlifts! I hear a lot about people being afraid to do deadlifts because they don’t want to hurt their backs. That is a fair thought, but when done correctly the deadlift is a great exercise for building functional strength and keeping the back healthy. I love teaching this exercise and seeing people feel confident in the movement once they get the hang of it. Once people get the hip hinge down, it opens up a lot of training possibilities and translates to many other exercises as well as everyday life. 

What is your best advice for someone just starting their fitness journey?

Start out slow, use bodyweight training before you just jump straight into using weights, especially if you are brand new to it. You don’t need to start out really hard and fast for your efforts to be effective. A slower approach where intensity and volume increases gradually over time is safer and much more likely to lead to positive results and greater odds of long-term adherence to a fitness program. I know that we get excited to start something new, but there really is value in the gradual progression, it is a process that takes time and patients, but it will pay off! 

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of the gym?

I love most things outdoors, hiking, camping, swimming, and just being outside in the sun. I also like to watch movies, sketch, and play games. Traveling around and finding new places to eat and drink is also a lot of fun, I love finding a new favorite restaurant/brewery. 

What would you be doing if you weren’t a personal trainer?

Probably being an athletic trainer at a small school, maybe also teaching PE and/or health.

What’s the main thing you miss about being in the gym during quarantine?

I miss getting to see my clients every week, I really value the relationships that I get to build with them, and all of the fun that we have while we are in class/individual sessions. I really look forward to seeing them every week and seeing all of the progress that they are making each week. 

What has been your favorite quarantine activity?

Variations of glute bridges and BW hip hinges. I have been sitting more than I am used to and those exercises always feel good and necessary for my body right now.